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We were on our own.
Iwas on my own.
A guard accompanied every woman as they each chose a cage. A smug blonde sauntered up to mine with the guard who’d winked at me.
He dropped into a squat before the bars and cocked his head, catching my attention. “Let’s get you outta here, dollface,” he practically cooed.
Padlocks rattled throughout the room as the guards unlocked our prisons and pulled us out. A hand shackled my arm in a imprisoning grip. I wanted to fight back, but just standing took considerable effort. Tingles shot through my limbs and I swayed on my feet. Each step felt slow and heavy, as though I were walking through molasses.
“Easy now,” my guard murmured. His scent hit me then, a citrusy chemical tang that seemed… off.
The Beta woman assigned to me rolled her eyes at the weak, stumbling mess I’d become. “Omegas.” She spat the designation like it was a curse, purposely bumping into me as she blazed past. “Can’t do a damn thing to help themselves. It’s unbelievable that Alphas fall for this helpless crap.”
I thought about snapping back at her, but it wasn’t worth the energy. Walking proved challenging enough as they herded us like cattle out of the holding area and into yet another hallway filled with doors. They steered me through one into a small, empty office, effectively separating us.
“It’s not the Ritz, but it’s better than the cage, yeah?” my guard said as he helped me inside and finally released me.
“She doesn’t deserve the Ritz,” the blonde muttered, and, with a wave of her hand, dismissed the guard with the scent that tickled my nose. “You can go.”
“I’ll be right outside if you need anything.” He said it to her, but his eyes remained on mine.
He stepped into the hall and my gaze slid past him to the Omega I’d momentarily befriended earlier. We shared a frightened look before the doors were shut and I was alone with the angry blonde.
“Gods, your scent is even worse in a confined space.” She wrinkled her nose, looking absolutely pissed that she had to be here with me.
The feeling is fucking mutual.
Waving a hand to fan away my stench, she laughed dryly. “I don’t know what the Alphas find so appealing. You smell like sour jam and rotten flowers.”
I didn’t dignify her rude comments with a retort. What was the point?
“You have a name?” she questioned.
I stayed silent.
Sneering at my lack of conversation, she spat, “Well, you’re a friendly one, aren’t you?”
She glared.
I glared back.
With an exaggerated sigh, she shoved my shoulder and directed my attention towards a make-shift, portable shower that someone had set up in the corner. “That way. Let’s get this over with. The sooner we get you cleaned up, the sooner I won’t have to be stuck in here with you. The event starts in an hour. Let’s get moving.”
Without my consent, she prodded me into the tiny stall. There was hardly enough space to turn around, let alone hold two full-grown people, but the woman shoved her way in behind me and demanded I strip.
Embarrassment scalded my cheeks as she forced me to undress, helping me along when I refused. Clothes shed, I covered my nudity while she stepped out and turned the shower on. Cold water sluiced over my head as she barked orders to bathe. I did my best with limbs that didn’t want to cooperate, afraid she’d try to help again if I didn’t comply.
No way in hell.
I scrubbed my hair and skin until I felt cleaner than I had in weeks— a small, silver lining, even if the water was freezing.
After toweling off, the Beta dragged me into a chair where she dried and curled my hair into pretty waves. My head lulled on my shoulders. Smooshing my cheeks with a hand cupped beneath my chin, she held me still while she did my makeup; applying foundation, painting my eyes, and coating my lips in a dusky shade of pink that highlighted the curves of my mouth.
The entire time, I fought off the sleep that wanted to claim me. It would be so,soeasy to fall into the blanket of exhaustion that lured me back toward the brink of peacefulness I’d succumbed to earlier.
Stay awake, Demi. Pay attention!Those clear thoughts were scattered amongst the distracted ones. Why was it so hard to focus?
“There,” the Beta cooed proudly. “Now you look somewhat presentable. You’ll have a new pack in no time, though may the gods help you with the turnout we’re having tonight. The Romano Mafia is here, as well as a few of the gangs from the lower west side. They’re absolutely ruthless. You’d have to be insane to let them stick their dicks in you, not like you get a choice.”
