Heat Unleashed: A Reverse Harem Omegaverse Romance, page 23
Lily felt like the luckiest woman in the world. And she was so excited to marry the alphas, to belong to them in every possible way.
But telling Paige about it? That filled her with dread.
How would her friend react? She wasn’t sure. When Lucian told her that Paige was coming to the club that night, Lily decided it was time to tell her everything. She could have called her, of course—now that she was with the alphas, she’d been able to use her phone again—but she decided this was a conversation she needed to have with Paige in person.
Her heat had just stopped, and the alphas had helped her through it with such tenderness and care. When they asked her to marry them, they had said they purposefully waited until it was over because they didn’t want hormones to cloud her judgment. She thought it was sweet but also a bit amusing, because she couldn’t even imagine a world where she would have said no.
Lily stood before the full-length mirror in her bedroom, critical eyes assessing her appearance. She wore a simple emerald green dress that hugged her curves before flaring gently at the hips. The color made her copper hair seem more vibrant, her hazel eyes shifting to match the green of the fabric. Delicate heels added three inches to her height, and her hair was twisted into an elegant updo with a few strategically placed tendrils framing her face.
Vincent had insisted they call up one of the club’s assistants who was also a professional makeup artist. “She works for you now too, sweetheart,” he’d said when Lily protested that it wasn’t necessary. “And she can do your hair and makeup any time you want. Everyone here works for you. So if there’s anything you need, just tell them.”
The concept still felt foreign—that she, who had spent her life trying to remain invisible, now had people working for her. That she could ask for things and receive them without question. That she was no longer just a kitchen assistant but the future mate of the three most powerful alphas in the city.
She checked her reflection one last time, nervous about seeing Paige but also excited. Her friend’s opinion mattered to her, even if nothing could change her mind about the alphas.
“You ready, sweetheart?” Knox’s deep voice came from the doorway.
Lily turned to find him leaning against the frame, a picture of masculine beauty in his tailored charcoal suit, his emerald eyes softening as they took her in. He crossed the room to stand behind her, his large hands settling on her waist as he pulled her back against his chest.
“You look beautiful,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to her cheek as they both gazed at their reflection. His size made her appear even more delicate in comparison, his hands nearly spanning her waist, his shoulders broad enough to completely shield her from view if he chose.
Lily placed her hand over his, leaning into his embrace and drawing strength from his solid presence. “I’m a bit nervous,” she admitted.
“I’ll be right there. Waiting outside.” His eyes met hers in the mirror, serious and supportive. “You sure you don’t want us to come with you when you talk to her?”
She shook her head, copper tendrils brushing against her cheeks with the movement. “No, I think this is a conversation I need to have with her just the two of us.”
Knox nodded, understanding without needing further explanation. It was one of the things she loved about him—and about all of them, really. They respected her decisions, trusted her judgment, even while their alpha instincts pushed them to protect her at every turn.
They left the penthouse together, taking the private elevator down to the club level. As they approached the main lounge, Knox handed her a mask—a delicate creation of emerald lace that matched her dress perfectly. She smiled at his thoughtfulness as she fastened it in place, checking the effect in the mirrored wall of the elevator.
“Here goes,” she whispered, more to herself than to Knox.
He slipped his own mask on—a simple black domino that did little to disguise his identity but satisfied the club’s requirements. Together, they entered the main lounge, Knox guiding her with a hand at the small of her back.
The club was different from this perspective—not as an unwilling intruder stumbling into forbidden territory, but as someone who belonged, who held power here. Lily glimpsed some guests scattered throughout the luxurious space, but there weren’t many yet since it was still early. The music was low and sensual, the lighting dim and flattering, creating an atmosphere of intimacy despite the size of the room.
Knox led her toward the back, through a door that required a code to access. The room beyond was even more luxurious than the main lounge—plush velvet seating in deep jewel tones, crystal decanters filled with amber liquor, art pieces that suggested sensuality without being explicit.
Just as they entered, Knox’s phone buzzed. He checked the message, then looked up. “She’s almost here, sweetheart. I’ll wait outside.” He squeezed her hand once, a gesture of reassurance, before slipping back through the door.
Lily’s heart pounded against her ribs, sudden nerves making her palms damp. She wiped them surreptitiously against the fabric of her dress, taking deep breaths to calm herself. This was Paige—her best friend, the one person who had stood by her through everything. Surely she would understand. Wouldn’t she?
Before she could even reach to remove her mask, the door opened again. Paige entered, escorted by Cynthia, one of the club’s receptionists. Paige wore a pink mask embellished with glitter and rhinestones, perfectly matching her form-fitting dress of the same color. Her blonde hair fell in waves down her back, and her stiletto heels made her tower over both Lily and the receptionist.
Cynthia closed the door behind her with a discreet nod, leaving the two women alone.
Paige scanned the room, her gaze landing on Lily with visible confusion. “Lily?” she asked, her voice uncertain.
Lily immediately reached up to remove her mask. “We’re alone here. You can take it off.”
Paige pulled off her mask and crossed the room in three long strides, engulfing Lily in a hug that smelled of her familiar perfume—something floral and sweet that had always reminded Lily of summer.
“Oh my god, Lily! When they said someone important wanted to meet me, I never imagined it would be you!”
Lily returned the embrace, clutching her friend tightly. “I’m so happy to see you.”
Paige pulled back, holding Lily at arm’s length to look her over. Her eyes widened as she took in the elegant dress, the professional styling, the healthy glow to Lily’s skin.
“Lily, you look... different. And that dress! You’re literally glowing.”
“Thanks,” Lily said with a small smile, gesturing for Paige to sit on one of the plush sofas.
Paige settled onto the velvet cushions, crossing her long legs and leaning forward eagerly. “So? How’s it been working here? I was surprised when Richard said the club was closed for a week—that never happens.” She tilted her head, studying Lily with growing curiosity. “And what’s with the private meeting and fancy clothes? Are you management now or something?”
Lily perched on the edge of the couch across from her, fingers fidgeting with the hem of her dress. “Paige, so much has happened since I arrived here.”
“Tell me about it,” Paige said. “The last time we spoke, you were just heading to your new kitchen job. Now you look like you own the place!”
The comment hit closer to home than Paige could possibly realize, and Lily couldn’t suppress a small smile. She decided to start with the biggest revelation.
“Do you remember all those treatments at the facility? The ones that turned me into a beta?”
Paige nodded, her brow furrowing slightly. “Of course.”
Lily leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. “They’re not working anymore, Paige.” She hesitated, watching the way her friend’s eyes searched her face. “I’m an omega again.”
Paige’s jaw dropped. Her eyes widened comically as she blinked, then sniffed the air more deliberately. A beat passed.
“Holy shit, you do smell different!” she blurted. “Like... really different. You actually smell like an omega now!”
Lily nodded, her expression calm, introspective. “It started happening gradually after I came to work here. At first, it was just small things—being able to detect scents I couldn’t before, feeling more sensitive to touch and temperature.”
“But how?” Paige asked. “I thought those treatments were permanent.”
“So did I,” Lily said. She took a breath, steadying herself. “Lucian, Vincent, Knox... they’re my fated mates, Paige.”
Paige’s expression shifted from confusion to shock. “Fated mates? What? Who?” She stared at Lily as if she’d grown a second head. “Are you talking about Pack Cross? The owners of the club?”
“I know it sounds crazy,” Lily said. “But being around them... it triggered something. My body fought the suppression. It’s like my biology knew, even when I couldn’t consciously scent them.”
“Oh my god, Lily!” Paige gaped. “So you’re telling me that not only are you an omega again, but your fated mates are the most powerful alphas in the city?”
When she put it like that, it sounded almost unreal. Lily laughed softly. “I know how it sounds. But it’s true. And Paige...” She hesitated, then added, “There was an incident. They helped me. Protected me.”
Paige’s amusement faded. “Protected you from what?”
Lily hesitated. “I was... taken.”
“Taken?” Paige’s voice sharpened. “What do you mean, taken?”
“Abducted,” Lily said, a shiver running through her. “Some people with a grudge against the club grabbed me when I was out shopping with Vincent.”
Paige’s hand flew to her mouth. “Oh my god, Lily! Were you hurt?”
“I wasn’t—nothing serious,” Lily reassured her. “They wanted information, blackmail stuff. But Lucian, Knox, and Vincent found me. They came charging in like something out of an action movie.”
“I can’t tell you who was behind it,” she added. “There’s an investigation. The less you know, the safer you are.”
Paige reached over to squeeze her hand. “I’m just glad you’re okay.” She searched Lily’s face. “So these alphas rescued you, turned out to be your fated mates, and now you’re what—living happily ever after?”
Lily laughed. “Something like that.”
“Wait—if you’re an omega again... did your heat come back?” Paige asked, her voice rising. “Did you go through heat with them?”
Lily nodded, a blush creeping up her neck. “Last week. It was... intense. But they took care of me.”
“I bet they did,” Paige said, waggling her eyebrows.
“Holy shit, that’s the biggest diamond I’ve ever seen,” she added, spotting the ring. She grabbed Lily’s hand. “Is this what I think it is?”
Lily smiled, shy but certain. “They asked me to bond with them.”
“Oh my god, Lily. That’s incredible.” She hugged her again.
“Thank you,” Lily said, hugging her back.
Paige pulled back, holding her hands. “You really do. The irony is perfect. You—the girl who used to hide in baggy sweaters and said alphas didn’t affect her—are now bonding with the most eligible pack in the city.”
“When you put it like that, it does sound a bit unbelievable,” Lily said, laughing.
“Unbelievable doesn’t begin to cover it,” Paige said, still staring at the ring. Then she sobered. “Are you happy, Lily? Really happy?”
The question surprised her. But the answer came easily.
“I’ve never been happier,” she said softly. “It’s like I spent my whole life feeling like something was missing—and now, I’m finally whole. They understand me, Paige. They see me—the real me.” She twisted the ring on her finger, a small smile playing on her lips. “They love me for who I am, whether I’m a beta or an omega. They love me for me.”
Paige’s expression softened. “Well, damn. It’s hard to argue with that.” She squeezed Lily’s hand. “I can’t tell you how happy I am for you, Lily. You deserve this more than anyone I know.”
Relief flooded through Lily’s system. She’d been so worried about Paige’s reaction, afraid her friend might think she’d lost her mind or was making a terrible mistake. Having her support meant more than she could express.
Paige leaned forward, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. “So now that you’re officially going to be part of their pack, will you still be working at the club? Or do you have other plans?”
Lily smiled, excitement lighting up her face. “Actually, I’m going back to school. I’m finally going to take that design course I’ve always dreamed of.”
“Oh my god, Lily!” Paige squealed, grabbing her hands. “That’s amazing! You’ve been talking about that forever.”
“I know,” Lily said, her voice soft with wonder. “They encouraged me to go for it. Said there was no reason I should be working in a kitchen when I could be following my passion.”
“Not that you need to work at all now,” Paige teased, waggling her eyebrows.
Lily laughed. “I like working. And I need something that’s just mine.”
Paige nodded in understanding, then added, “So… everyone at the club knows now, right? After that whole abduction drama?”
“Yeah,” Lily said. “It made keeping things private impossible. There was no way to explain why three alphas went full rampage mode to rescue a kitchen assistant without the truth coming out.”
“Well, I am officially the best friend ever,” Paige declared, “because I’ve just found out my bestie is bonding with three of the most powerful alphas in the city, and I’m only mildly jealous instead of seething with envy.”
Lily burst out laughing. “You are the best friend ever. Which is why I want you to be my maid of honor.”
Paige’s eyes widened. “Really?”
“Of course,” Lily said. “Who else would it be? You’re the only one who’s been there for me through everything.”
Paige’s eyes glistened with emotion—so uncharacteristic that Lily blinked in surprise. “Are you… crying?”
“No,” Paige said unconvincingly, blinking rapidly. “I got glitter in my eye from this stupid mask.”
They both knew it was a lie, but Lily let it slide.
Twenty minutes later, they were all settled in the spacious living room of the penthouse, the floor-to-ceiling windows offering a spectacular view of the city lights beginning to twinkle in the early evening. Lily had kicked off her heels and curled up comfortably on the sectional sofa, feeling much more at ease in her own space. Paige sat beside her, openly admiring the luxurious surroundings.
“This place is incredible,” Paige said, accepting a glass of wine from Vincent, who had been waiting for them and immediately assumed the role of perfect host. “I mean, I knew you guys were loaded, but damn.”
Lily laughed at her friend’s typical bluntness while Lucian emerged from the kitchen with a tray of appetizers. Knox settled into an armchair nearby, his posture relaxed in a way Lily rarely saw him in more formal settings.
“So,” Paige said, swirling her wine with a mischievous glint in her eyes, “what exactly did each of you notice about Lily? Because this one”—she nudged Lily gently—”used to wear the world’s baggiest sweaters just to avoid attention.”
Lily groaned. “Paige, please don’t.”
Knox chuckled, glancing at Lily with a soft smile. “She was completely unaffected by us at first. It was... unexpected. And kind of refreshing, honestly.”
“I noticed she had no scent,” Vincent added, his expression thoughtful. “As a doctor, I found it fascinating. Most betas have some subtle scent, but Lily had nothing.”
“For me, it was her eyes,” Lucian added, his gaze meeting Lily’s across the room. “There was a defiance there, a strength that caught my attention immediately.”
“And her complete lack of submission,” Knox contributed with a smile. “Even when I first met her in the hallway and practically towered over her, she didn’t flinch or lower her eyes like most people do.”
Lily felt warmth spreading through her chest at their words. Even before her omega nature had resurfaced, they’d seen something in her, something worth noticing.
“When did you realize she was actually an omega?” Paige asked, clearly fascinated.
The alphas exchanged looks, a silent communication passing between them.
“It took us a while,” Vincent said carefully. “But it wasn’t until she fell ill that we were certain.”
At Paige’s concerned look, Lily quickly added, “It only lasted a few days. It was just my body fighting off the last of the suppression.”
Paige nodded, her shoulders easing. “Well, I’m just glad they found you in time. The fact that you were actually kidnapped still still sounds completely insane.”
Lucian’s expression darkened at the mention of the abduction. “It won’t happen again,” he said, his tone leaving no room for doubt. “We’ve increased security and eliminated the threat.”
The way he said “eliminated” sent a small shiver down Lily’s spine. She knew her alphas had made sure that Lucas and his accomplices would never threaten her again, though she’d deliberately avoided asking for details.
“Good,” Paige said firmly. “Because if anyone tries to hurt Lily again, they’ll have to go through me first.” Despite her smaller stature, she looked like she genuinely believed it—which made Lily smile.
“I like her,” Knox said to Lily, though loud enough for everyone to hear.
“You should,” Paige replied with a grin. “I’m the one who told Lily about the job here in the first place. Without me, she never would have met any of you.”
“Point taken,” Vincent said with a smile. “We owe you a debt of gratitude.”
“Speaking of which,” Lucian said, reaching into his pocket, “we have something for you, Paige.”
