Page 32 of Wolf It Down, Knot Me Up

He writes some more, then turns to me. “And how comfortable are you as an Omega in close vicinity to three unmated Alphas out of prison?”

“Sorry, but you can’t ask me that?”

His shoulders square. “It’s a standard question for your own safety.”

“I grew up in this lodge and have been around this program before. I have never been harmed or felt as though I was in danger. The only person who’s laid a finger on me in years is a man who was not in your program but pretended to be one of your men.” I pick the mug, curling my fingers around its warmth, tempted to hurl it at this prick. “That’s the part you should be writing down.”

Ethan nudges me gently.

I just huff and keep my mouth shut.

“Everything is fine,” Ethan explains to Mr. Colby. “As I said, Eve has run this program for years without a single incident. And it’s why your team keeps sending her more men to participate in the program.”

Mr. Colby writes for what feels like a week, and I sit there with the scratch of that pen going through my back teeth, watching his wrist move. I would give a year of my life to reach across that coffee table, take the notebook out of his tidy hands, and shove it down his throat.

I glance sideways instead. Ethan’s tipped back against the cushions, drinking his coffee. So maybe this is normal, exactly how it goes, and I’m the only one in this room whose fury is rising.

Finally, he caps the pen and lays it down parallel to the notebook again. “Ms. Rose, I’m going to be candid.”

“Sure.”

“I’ve been advised that the injury on your hand might be a mark, and Mr. Alvec has, accidentally or otherwise, instigated a bond with you.”

My heart’s thumping in my ears while Ethan rubs my back because he clearly heard this discussion with Mr. Colby and Roman while I slept.

“That places you in an unfortunate situation. I raised the concern with my supervisor this morning, and we would like to make you an offer.” He opens the briefcase, pulls out a thin folder, and sets it on the table between us. “There’s a new brand of Omega suppressant, not yet on the market. It’s reserved for unusual circumstances, and it manages the pain of an unresolved bond. It’s not guaranteed to remove all pain, but well enough.”

I stare at the folder, my stomach twisting in on itself.

“We will cover the cost of the full course,” he details. “What this means is that you’re not forced into a bond you didn’t consent to. It’s, frankly, your way out of this mess. We are doing this because we have placed men in proximity to a lone Omega. Of course, this means the incident stays between us. Is that clear?”

“It’s a fair offer,” Ethan answers.

I’m gnawing at my inner cheek, hating to agree with Mr. Colby, except it might be worth taking. I like Roman, and I want to get to know him slowly, not at two in the morning with my hormones out of control and all I can think about is clawing my way toward him.

I’m opening my mouth to say yes.

“Of course,” Mr. Colby interrupts, “the suppressant is only authorized once fault is established. Your statement must show that Mr. Alvec bit you deliberately. Then, he would be returned to custody to serve out the remainder of his term.”

My mouth drops open.

He dusts a speck off his knee. “Most likely, we’d collect all three since they are a pack, after all. Remove one, and there’s a credible risk of retribution toward you from the other two. We can’t take any risks.”

I huff. “He didn’t bite me on purpose.” The words rush out, my back stiffening.

“Lucy.” Ethan leans his elbows onto his thighs, glancing my way. “Is it such a big price to pay so you don’t have to suffer?”

For a second, I don’t recognize his face because I’m angry, confused, hurt.

Every inch of me tightens. What’s being asked of me sounds simple. Except then, Roman loses his freedom. The whole pack most likely will.

And me. He’d lose me too, seeing as we’re scent matches, something I doubt this pencil pusher knows.

I lean forward in my seat. “Why does he need to return to prison at all?”

Mr. Colby exhales loudly. “You may not be seeing this as clearly as you think you are, and I’m not trying to insult you. But that’s how biology works.”

“Don’t,” I sneer. “Your condescending words are not appreciated.” My pulse is banging in my ears. “I’m in full control of my own thoughts and emotions. Right now, I’m still being polite, which, at this exact moment, I’m reconsidering.”