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The driver hits a button, opening the divider. “Yes, miss?”
I grip the wall separating us. “Are you sure we’re at the right place? I thought Mayor Clearwater—”
Barking a laugh, the driver glances at me in the rearview mirror. “The reigning pack of Pack Clearwater hasn’t lived here in two decades. The university required the estate name remain unchanged.”
“Oh.” I guess that would make sense. I never really paid attention to the history of the university. All I knew was that it was as far as I could get from my mom without having to leave the state. I love it here, and it’s in this moment I realize how grateful I am. This pack must’ve chosen me because I lived nearby, and maybe they’re kind enough to realize just how life-changing this kind of bond is for an omega. It’s life-changing for them too. My mom would never let me forget how lucky I am. Because of her fame of being such a fertile omega, we get to reap the benefits by getting selected and married off to the best of the best. We’re royalty without the responsibility of running a nation yet obligated to produce heirs for our people. What an honor...fucking and breeding. At least, I might get to enjoy the luxuries of life and get more than I would otherwise.
Be grateful. It’s what Mom would say.
It could be worse. I could end up as a rejected omega, teaching how to be perfect to the next generation, all while being reminded how imperfect I am. This way, I’ll be well taken care of. A perfect bride for wealthy men and a gift to our people by bearing children to help the diminishing population.
It is my duty to make my parents proud. I need to set an example for my sisters, making sure I don’t embarrass our pack. I was never really a rule breaker like some of my other sisters. I was also not as careless as my older sister Violet.
And for the whole breeding expectation? It sounds really fucking fun to me. I’ve seen how connected my mom is with all of my dads. I know that even though things have been arranged for me, they would never put me with a pack I can’t stand. Alphas don’t propose to just anyone. They want an omega to love their life. It’s in their expectation to take care of us. It’s in their deep-seated nature.
I also can’t wait to discover what it is truly like to be with an alpha who knows exactly what I need as an omega. The few uneventful times I had sex, when I was enrolled at Omega Prep of San Francisco, was nothing to shout to the world about. One, it was forbidden. My best friend Emma unintentionally got into my head, freaking me out about my first time so much that I just went for it. Meaningless sex to help get over my fear. It was with a beta from a neighboring school that I had a crush on, but he turned out to be...less than appealing, awkward, and quick. A two-pump chump with an ugly attitude after to match his smug, now unattractive face. It’s what I get for falling for sweet talk. Emma still teases me about it. So do my sisters. But, whatever. It doesn’t matter now. I don’t even think it really counts. He couldn’t knot with me being a beta, and I couldn’t orgasm because he sucked and just stuck his unimpressive cock in.
I shiver at the memory. My vibrator was always the superstar.
What counts now is what happens moving forward. I’ll get to learn and bond with alphas who want the same. Premarital sex is one of those things that is frowned upon, especially by Mom, but many omegas do it. Alphas too. It’s completely different when we finally pair up. We are made for each other, and it’s an alpha who can fulfill my nature and desire that arises with my heat.
I look forward to it. Because I was not bonded when I hit my first heat just after my twenty-first birthday. It was so awful, and using a knotting toy to help simulate an alpha? Completely unsatisfying. All it helped with was the annoying cramping pain. I wasn’t going to risk going through what happened to Violet with her spontaneous, super-early heat, so I was prepared. Then I skipped my second one altogether with drugs.
A toy just couldn’t do it, but I didn’t have a choice with my first heat. No one wanted me until now. The thought has been wearing on me for months. Mom blamed the fact that I didn’t look great on paper, nor was I photogenic. I was an A minus student, but I didn’t participate in many extracurricular activities. My interests are more personal with art, and that’s not something she had ever listed. I always felt that maybe I wasn’t pretty enough or smart enough. I met all expectations at Omega Prep, but it wasn’t like alphas were swarming to ask for my hand in marriage.
I shake my head, pushing the thoughts away. That doesn’t matter. I have to keep reminding myself. I’ve been betrothed, and everything I achieved will no longer affect my life. What counts now is being the perfect mate for my alphas.
“Miss? Do you need assistance? You’ll have to scoot closer to the door.” I jerk my attention to the driver, standing at the opened door, peering into the back of the limo. “We’re a bit late, so please hurry. I don’t want to upset Mr. Adrian.”
I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn’t even realize we had pulled up the wraparound drive and stopped under the covered driveway or that he had gotten out.
“Oh, no. I’m sorry. I’m just...” I let my voice trail off as I slide across the seat. I don’t need to explain anything to the driver. I don’t even know his name.
“Out you go.” The driver offers his hand, which I don’t take. “Mr. Adrian is surely—”
“Excited to meet my lovely Scarlett.” A deep, sultry voice catches my attention. Striding from the double doors of the grand entrance, a man captures my gaze, his sky-blue eyes penetrating my soul. “Thank you for your service and concern about me, Daniel. Next time, please alert me of your arrival. I’d have greeted Scarlett immediately.”
“My apologies, Mr. Adrian,” the driver says, tightening his jaw.
The driver steps away, giving Adrian the space he needs to fill the door, his over six-foot frame what I’d expect from a voice as demanding as his. He holds out his hand, and I gingerly rest my fingers on his, letting him help me to my feet.
Adrian dips his chin, acknowledging the driver without taking his gaze from mine. “You’re excused for the rest of the evening.”
“Yes, sir. Thank you, Mr. Adrian.” The driver returns to his seat behind the wheel and closes the door softly.
Starting the engine, the driver pulls away, leaving me standing with an unfamiliar handsome man in the soft glow of the porch light. I finally take a moment to really drink Adrian in. Apart from his towering frame, he carries an air of sophistication with his tailored suit. His angular jaw gives him a godly attractiveness, his gaze wise with curiosity. Silver streaks through his blond hair, and small crow’s feet pinch the corners of his piercing light blue eyes. A trimmed beard covers his cheeks and chin, and I can’t tell exactly how old he is, but there’s no way he’s even near my age.
I don’t know what I was expecting from one of my new alphas, but I thought for certain he’d be at least in his twenties. If I’m not mistaken, he could probably be around my parents’ age.
Everything happens so fast that I don’t even have a chance to think. Adrian offers me his elbow with a warm smile. “I’m sure you are a bit nervous, so why don’t we go inside, and I can show you to your room. It was my understanding that Pack Steele would be shipping your belongings here. Am I correct?”
I nod my head without verbally answering. My mouth dries as my feet automatically follow along beside Adrian as he guides me into the enormous university manor. A medley of fragrances—fresh and light with a hint of velvety warmth—wafts from the vestibule, the grand entrance screaming with luxury. The nervousness I felt before compares to nothing in this moment. This isn’t just a mansion. It’s a well-loved home of what can only be a pack as sophisticated and mature as Adrian. Dark woods with gold accents fill the entryway. Vases of blooming white flowers line short, decorative tables with leather books. The glass wall of the vestibule separates the entrance from what almost looks like a lobby—something from the commons area of the building housing the university’s staff. It’s too formal to be a living room, but I have no other way to explain it. There are chairs and coffee tables, bookshelves filled with colorful spines and different statues, and more vases for floral arrangements.
“Please don’t mind the in-house museum. It was a requirement of Clearwater University to keep the manor in a certain condition that the public could visit. We sometimes house staff meetings along with hosting our authoritative pack when they come into town from the city.” Adrian stops and peers around the museum as if it’s the first time he has seen it. “I’m sure you understand that with Pack Steele being a part of the prestigious Pack Carlisle. It was a nice surprise to see your profile come up on Knotty.net. My pack has just decided to finally settle down and bond, and it was incredible to see someone of your age available. Most omegas are so young. We weren’t really interested in someone who embodied the purity forced upon them by societal expectations. It’s a shame that most packs don’t see things the way we do. We wanted to establish great careers and build our home in a way that we would be ready for a mate and be able to supply for all her needs. And you, Scarlett, were quite impressive on paper. Was there a reason you waited so long?”
My body cools at his question. What he just said doesn’t exactly make sense. I’m not even that old. Sure, I’ve already had my first heat, and I need to be married as soon as possible, but I’m only twenty-one.
“I apologize for being so blunt, but it’s important that we’re upfront with each other from the beginning. Were you arranged to marry another pack, and it didn’t work out? Nothing was mentioned in your paperwork or profile. Your pack shrugged off my questions without reason, and your mother sounded a bit...nonchalant. It’s hard to explain. I hope I’m not being too crass. If you don’t want to talk about it, that is also fine. I’m just curious. It won’t affect anything. Pack Hart knew that someone your age would have...life experience. We can get to know each other better first. I just want you to know that it will not change our offer. You’re exactly the omega my pack desires.” Adrian touches my chin, guiding my face away from the floor. “Like I said, we don’t have the same expectations as some of the younger alphas searching for a beloved. Your age and background suit our pack.”
