AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I hope not.
I hope that I can find somewhere new and put the last two years behind me. Maybe my entire life behind me.
A phone chimes from Mr. Holt’s pocket, and he pulls it out and looks at the screen. He tightens his jaw and sighs. “There’s been a change of plans. Madame Tamsin’s client would like to meet you tonight. There won’t be an audition. If he likes you, he’ll let you stay. Madame Tamsin said that you better hope he does. She’s not keen on having to retrieve you.”
What? Already? I thought I would have the night to prepare myself. I thought I could better plan things.
This is happening too quickly.
Something inside me steals away my good senses, and I flick my gaze from the hallway to Mr. Holt.
Swinging my bag, I clock him over the head with it and break into a sprint. Mr. Holt yells my name, my sudden actions distracting him enough to give me a chance to beat him to the stairwell that will lead from the building. I know both of us will face punishment, but I don’t even care. It’s my life or his, and I choose mine.
I dash down the stairs, jumping the last four, and slam my shoulder into the exit door. Cool air engulfs me, and I search the area, making sure no one lingers around. There aren’t many alphas in this part of the Gutter District. I can’t blame them either. Why would they want to hang out here unless they were into some shady shit?
“Kinsey! Stop! Don’t do this to me!” Mr. Holt shouts, rushing from my apartment building.
Ignoring him, I pick up my pace, my heart racing and my body screaming at me to hurry the fuck up. No one will stop a chase like this, and it’s up to me to find someone willing to give me a ride or somewhere I can hide until I can manage to get on a bus. All I need to do is get out of Madam Tamsin’s domain. She has several establishments in this part of the city, but she won’t go into the next neighborhood and risk getting questioned by another alpha.
Run. Run, and don’t stop. It’s what the sweet neighbor of my uncle said to me when I chose to leave him because of his idea of my place in life, considering that I was the only thing left for him to use. My mother was gone, and the pack that was supposed to bond with me got caught in the crossfire of my uncle’s business.
My heels click on the sidewalk, and I keep flicking my gaze from the concrete to the world in front of me. I’m so afraid of breaking my ankle, but I refuse to slow down. Just another block. If I can reach the alley next to the Townsend Market, I can cut across to the next street and take cover in the old diner that doesn’t allow male betas inside. That will give me enough time to get away.
A shadow pops out from one of the closed businesses, and I can’t dodge out of the way fast enough before a heavy body crashes into me. I scream and cling to the man as he takes the brunt of our fall with me on top of him. His arms lock tightly around me, and I gasp for breath, recognizing Mr. Clive’s familiar cologne. He is one of the Gorgeous Girls’ security guards and Madame Tamsin’s brother.
“Tammy thought you were going to pull this shit, sweetheart, and you proved her right.” Mr. Clive holds me with one arm as he pushes himself up and carries me to my feet. “I don’t understand why you just couldn’t mind your manners. You know how volatile she gets when someone tries to fuck with her business. Now we’re going to have to do this the hard way.”
“Please—” I gasp as Mr. Clive jabs a syringe into my arm, surprising me.
My stomach twists and my eyes roll to the back of my head. Fog clouds my vision.
I try to fight. To scream. But I can’t resist the intoxicating sedation.
The world turns black.
Chapter 3
Kinsey
Kidnapped
Theworldjostlesmeawake, and I clutch my throbbing head and stare at the crowded room around me. No, not a room. I smell the familiar scent of gasoline and leather. The world shakes again, and the sensation of moving helps me recognize that I’m in a vehicle. Maybe one of the utility vans Madame Tamsin uses to transport supplies.
I stare at the roof, trying to get my head to stop spinning, but it doesn’t work. I feel like hell. The last time I felt like this was after unintentionally drinking too much alcohol. I was young and unaware that just because I couldn’t taste the tequila didn’t mean it wasn’t there. If only that was the case. The memory snaps me to the present. I was drugged. Fucking drugged. I should’ve expected something so awful, knowing Madame Tamsin.
A whistle echoes through the air, cutting over the recognizable hum of an engine. Every passing second helps clear my foggy mind. “Hey, Kinsey. You’re awake just in time. Come sit up front, sweetheart. I want you to take a good look around and see how generous Tammy is. The city here is beautiful.” Mr. Clive smacks the headrest of the front seat, and I blink my eyes and meet his gaze in the rearview mirror. “Don’t be shy. You know I won’t touch you. Tammy would kick my ass, though I’m sure the Platinum Shores Pack will insist you bathe immediately. Get the stench of the Gutter District off you.”
The Platinum Shores Pack? I run every client I’ve ever met through my mind and try to visualize who he refers to. I’ve only really known most clients by their formal names because no one likes to divulge where they’re from. They don’t ever leave receipts behind either. The Vixen Lounge isn’t a place you want to get caught at. Not if you’re someone of power. There are too many businessmen and politicians who could tarnish their spotless reputations.
“No one wants that lingering. The reminder will make them aggressive, so you better behave during your stay. Give them what they want,” he continues, bouncing in his seat as if he imagines being on the Platinum Shores Pack.
“What they want?” I swallow with the words, the lump in my throat refusing to go down.
“You know, some entertainment. Offer to let them watch or help you clean off. Take advantage of the attention and use that sweet ass of yours to get what you want in return. It’s not often you’ll get the perk of a pack without all the other shit. The more compliant you are, the better. Make things fun for them. Get them all riled up by showing off that you’re an unbonded omega. Maybe they’ll ask to keep you.” He chuckles and smacks his hands against the steering wheel. “Shit. I still can’t believe you passed as a beta in front of Tammy for so long. It was truly fucked up, pretending. Pissed her the hell off. You should’ve just come in and announced your order. She would’ve taken you in and protected you. You’re attractive enough to be a Gorgeous Girl, but now she doesn’t even want to look at you. Such a shame.”
“Such bullshit,” I mutter under my breath.
“But maybe things will change, and she’ll get over it. Now, come up here, sweetheart. I mean it. This view is astounding. You don’t want to miss it.” Again, Mr. Clive smacks the headrest.
