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The second we were all in view, the cameramen began to shout.
“Bailey! Can you tell us what happened at the senator’s campaign office?”
“Was it a targeted attack against you?”
“Are you afraid?”
She smiled sweetly, a perfect mask in place, and held up a hand. “I’m sorry, no comment.” It was impressive how easily she switched back and forth between the fiery confident omega we saw in private to the sweet, innocent, and submissive one before us now. She played her part well, too well. Something had to have been motivating her, and it was adamngood reason. No one acted that well unless there was something on the line. Either that, or she was some kind of sociopath who enjoyed these games, but something in my core told me that wasn’t it.
No, our girl had a reason, and I just wanted to know what it was. How could I protect her if I didn’t know what I was up against?
The reporters bombarded her with questions the entire walk in, but she gave them nothing more than a smile and a wave. The commotion of her arrival must have drawn attention because the senator was already walking our way, spreading his hands out wide in greeting. He took hers, brushing a fake kiss over each cheek.
I wanted to kill him for it.
Sterling moved, probably wanting to tear her away, but Hayes stepped between them, stopping him from doing something stupid. My son was hardly impulsive, but someone touching your mate could easily ruin the best intentions.
One glance at Weston and Hayes said they were also fighting the urge. This was going to be more difficult than I thought. We were territorial even though we simply couldn’t be, not here, not yet. I’d seen enough bonded couples to know how this would play out, and I didn’t have high hopes that it would end well. For the senatororour identities.
“I’m so glad you made it. Are you faring well after last night’s little scare?” he asked with all the concern he could muster. His voice was loud enough that it could be heard by the crowd. He was shamelessly using her to advance his image, but she dutifully played along.
Her smile fell, and she looked at the ground, her voice wavering just enough when she answered him. “It was so strange. I was just working hard, and then there was shattering glass and smoke filled the place. It was so fast! If not for the security you gave me, I don’t know if I would have made it out.” When she looked up, her eyes were lined with tears.
The senator clapped me on the shoulder. “It seems we chose well.” I returned his nod of approval with a smile on my face as if his praise actually meant anything at all, and that was all he needed. He hooked Bailey’s arm in his and paraded her through the room while his wife glared at them. She sipped her wine, likely plotting our mate’s death.
To her credit, Bailey was magnificent. She smiled and said all the right words, charming each person she met. I’d never seen anyone adapt so easily; she was meek when necessary and charming if called for.
Despite being insanely protective of her and wanting to rip her away from their prying gazes, there was a part of me that loved their envy. They desired what I had already tasted, claimed, and owned. They would lust for her while we were the ones taking her home and fucking her senseless.
“Carlisle’s here,” Sterling muttered.
I would have realized it within seconds even if he hadn’t announced it. The commotion his entrance generated was similar to Bailey’s. Carlisle was a force to be reckoned with. He was well educated and well spoken, kind and dedicated. The passion that he showed was the kind that could make real change, and he knew it. He wielded it like a weapon, giving a voice to the omegas that Burke was trying to silence.
The two potential senators saw each other immediately, and it was as if the entire room held its breath as they approached one another.
It was strange to see them act so cordially, shaking hands and exchanging tense pleasantries before parting ways. They knew they couldn’t argue in the middle of an event that was meant to raise funds for sick children. It would damage them both. Both men were professional politicians who knew how to play the game.
“Save me,” Bailey hissed as he started to move her away again, but we were saved by the loudspeaker. Dinner was finally being served.
“Problem solved,” Sterling said as he let out a breath. “Come on.” He offered her his arm, relaxing when she actually took it.
“You’re with me, Bailey. Bring your security,” Burke insisted, calling over his shoulder so everyone knew he was staking his claim.
My jaw tensed, but I reminded myself our bond needed to remain secret. I wouldn’t put her in danger because of my ego and instincts.
Dinner was fairly uneventful. Drinks were served amidst awful long-winded speeches that nearly put me to sleep. Bailey sat next to Burke, with his wife on the senator’s other side. She had just placed her champagne glass down when the senator’s hand rested on her thigh. She pushed it away, smiling as someone passed, and continued picking at her meal.
She didn’t miss a beat, but my own hand was gripping the table. I was shocked it didn’t crack under the pressure of my grip when he tried again. Before I could stand, she pushed him away a second time.
“Not here,” she whispered, letting a bit of nerves enter her tone. She pointedly looked at his wife. “We’re here for the children.”
“Of course,” he said easily, but I could tell he was angry.
“We’ll have to keep an eye on him,” I said quietly to Sterling, who was positioned next to me. We all stood vigil over the table, so not one of us had missed his groping.
“I was thinking the same thing, Father,” he responded. Sterling was usually the quiet simmering type—unless he was bickering with Bailey. I’d never seen him so unnerved than he’d been when facing off against our omega.
“Remember why we’re here,” I reminded him. “There’s no acting on this, not yet.”
