Page 53 of The Omega

“Is this okay?” I asked Opal as I held open the door, blocking them from getting a good shot of my girl until she was ready.

“I love to dance.” She smiled, timidly putting her hand in mine.

And I was a beast for taking it, for pulling her to her feet and pressing her close to my side, and soaking up the attention as the cameras flashed and cheers rang out. “I’ll always dance with you.”

If they weren’t sure yet, the world would be tonight. Opal Morganton was my mate and I intended to show her off properly.

The bass thumped and lights swirled overhead as the security helped clear the way to the VIP room. Ken had loved this idea, getting viewers involved and getting a real time glimpse into our date, so information might’ve been leaked as to where we were going.

I was glad he’d insisted on extra security tonight.

Being aware of my surroundings came naturally. I could extend that awareness to my entire troupe, being cautious of placement and safety protocol, while watchful for any ticketholders who got out of line. My Alpha abilities gave me an edge that had been lacking in Bailey Pack.

So I wasn’t expecting my heart to want to jump out of my chest as I led Opal through the crowd of horny clubbers all screaming her name.

Quit looking at her. He snarled.

The protective nature of my wolf took me by surprise and I responded by keeping my hand possessively on her hip as we marched up the stairs.

I’d wanted to show her off.

Now I wanted to keep her hidden.

It didn’t make sense.

It wasn’t until we were safely behind the roped off VIP section that I could fully relax.

“What are you drinking?” I whispered in her ear, still not letting her go as I walked us both to the mahogany bar counter.

“Brandy?” She said it more like a question.

“I usually like rum, but brandy sounds good tonight,” I answered in turn, signaling the bartender.

The taste of it suited her. Rich and sweet and smoky like me… Or she would be when I finally succeeded in removing the rest of Atlas’s smell.

Fucking cattlehide and sagebrush still lingered on her skin.

It shouldn’t have smelled like home.

I took a long pull from the glass, banishing that dumb thought, and inhaled the notes of Opal’s cotton candy scent.

Now she was home.

The music continued to thump around us as I leaned down to whisper in her ear. “I thought I wanted to show you off, but now I want to get you alone.”

She sipped her glass, smiling into it. “You were the one who chose the venue for the date.”

The camera crew regretted that now.

I could tell by their frustrated faces that sound recordings were a nightmare. We had a more romantic, and quiet, dinner planned after—if Opal decided she’d rather do that—but my plans were fluid. Like always.

“Besides, you promised me another dance.” My Omega slipped from her chair and out from under my arm, sashaying those sexy hips as she hurried away.

Catch her! My wolf growled.

Laughing, I threw back the shot of brandy, letting her get just to the edge of the ropes before I sidled up next to her.

Opal gave a little squeal of surprise as she jumped, breathing faster when I tried to corral her back to the black couches. “Or we could talk…”