Pack Fever: Omegaverse Romance, page 8
“Alright, man. Just making sure. But remember, we’re in this together.”
I head out of the room, knowing full well he’s lying to himself, but he’s a stubborn enough bastard not to admit it until it hits him in the face.
“Jasper,” he calls, and I glance back over my shoulder. “Before you get your hopes high, make sure what you want is something she desires as well.”
Reed’s last words play on my thoughts and echo in my ears. He doesn’t want to claim Danica, yet I should check what she wants. The thought gnaws at me. Ever since I inhaled her scent, there’s been an irresistible pull to her, an instinct that demands she’s mine. No questions, no doubts.
I know as much as the next Alpha that in this world, we end up with either a random Omega from Nexus or one we find ourselves. But to meet someone who you share off-the-charts attraction with from the get-go is like winning the fucking lottery. It’s primal, animalistic, and starved… everything I’ve craved.
I’ll make her see she’s meant to be with us. Of course, she’s frightened, given her situation. It’s not every day someone bumps into a man who will become their forever Alpha.
Grinning to myself as I navigate the corridors of our hideout, I weave my way up to the main living area, knowing she’s in a lot more danger out in the world on her own.
I’ve put behind me memories of leaving home at sixteen, the sting of my father’s fists, the fights that left me scared. But I’m no fool. I know it’s shaped me in ways I can’t ignore.
My asshole father ripped away any chance of me experiencing a real family life. Maybe that’s why my interest in Danica feels so intense, so urgent.
I prefer to think it’s because we’re destined.
My phone buzzes in my pocket, pulling me from my thoughts. It’s the bartender who works at the bar in our building, saying there’s a delivery in the front for Seth.
Curious, I head to the main entrance to the building, past the main locked door that leads to our apartment, past the bar, and around to the front glass doors, where the sun pours inside.
I find half a dozen shopping bags from some of the biggest brands sitting there with a note. I check it, and it’s an order for Seth.
Grabbing the bags, I peek inside to find colored fabric, silks, which I assume are dresses and not for himself. Especially seeing there are two boxes of shoes from Jimmy Choo, and that’s not Seth’s brand.
He’s ordered clothes for Danica, huh? For the party tonight, no doubt.
Carrying the bags, I head back upstairs. As our lead singer, he knows as well as I do that if we leave her alone at our place tonight, she’ll slip away. And Seth doesn’t want her to leave, either. This much is obvious.
Back in our apartment, Seth’s on the phone in the main living room, and behind him is the wrap-around balcony from upstairs. So, not bothering him, I hightail it up the steps.
Knocking on Danica’s door, I call out, “Hey, it’s Jasper.”
“Come in,” she answers tenderly.
I push open the door to find her in the spare room, sitting on the bed, hugging her knees to her chest, appearing as if the world of worries sits heavily on her shoulders.
“I brought you some stuff,” I say as I strut inside, instantly bathed in the most beautiful scent of her Omega mandarin and lavender. It’s irresistible, already curling around my cock, my balls pulling in tight. I try to hold back and fight the desperate urges that we’re made to come together like a clash of adrenaline and sexual starvation.
What I wouldn’t give to strip her down, grab her hips, and slam her back against the wall as I fuck her. To release the tension swelling in me. I might end up doing a Reed and needing a cold shower soon.
And to think, she’s only just showing small signs of going into heat, but with how heavy and powerful her scent is, it might happen quicker than she realizes. Before going into heat, Omegas smell no different from Betas. Once she perfumes heavily and goes into pain, it’s all hands-on deck… or in our case, all cocks. I feel myself grinning internally.
Another reason we can’t let her out of our sight. What other Alphas would do if they found her in this state, alone and unprotected. They might completely destroy her. They’d go berserk on her, unable to control themselves, and completely devastate her.
As much as I hate Nexus for controlling so much of our society, I can’t fault them for trying to find matches for Omegas, who will go into unbearable pain if an Alpha doesn’t soothe their aches.
I set the shopping bags on the end of the bed near her feet.
“Is this some kind of peace offering?” she asks with a cheeky grin.
I can’t help but chuckle. “You’ve got a sharp sense of humor. It’s good to see you trying to find the bright light in all of this. It’s an admirable trait.”
“Gotta hide the darkness of my past somehow. What better way than to pretend?”
I plonk myself down on the end of the bed, keeping a distance between us, mostly because I’m already struggling with her scent engulfing me.
“That bad, huh?” I ask.
Shrugging, her green gaze flickers away for a moment as a blonde lock tumbles over her face. There’s something so precious about her, something so sorrowful.
“Yes and no,” she finally admits. “It’s complicated. Everything’s just so mixed up right now, and I’m worried about so many things.”
I nod. “If you need to talk about it, I’ve been told I’m a great listener.”
She half-grins. “Appreciate it, but you don’t need to be nice to me and pretend. I understand I’m an Omega, and with my scent starting, you think you’ve found a treasure in me. But it’s nothing more than physical-chemical reactions.”
I study her, not saying anything at first, especially with dozens of questions in my head about what she’s hiding.
“I really hope one day you’ll tell me who’s made you so sad, so numb to the good things in life.”
Her lips pinch, but when she lowers them to the shopping bags, I can tell she’s not going to open up.
“Well, good thing I’ve brought you some goodies to help distract you. The party tonight should also help. Things are always entertaining at Seth’s family events.”
“I really appreciate these clothes and being nice, but you don’t even know me.”
I twist around to face her better from across the bed, doing my best to ignore the way the hairs rise on my arms. My cock hardens at her scent, at the delicate features, full lips, and eyes that carry the world behind them, at the golden hair framing that beautiful face. I want to know more about her past, who she is, and what happened to her.
“And how do you think it works when Nexus matches you with a pack of Alphas? There’s no time to get to know the Alphas. You’re in heat, needing them. With the way society is set up, it’s you going into heat, and satisfying you takes priority over relationships and even love.”
She leans back on her hands. “So, you believe in love coming later in a relationship?”
“I believe if an Omega and Alpha have an instant bond, their love will blossom with time. But forcing a pair who have no connection will leave them miserable. I’ve seen what happens in a family that has no love. What I’m saying is that I don’t necessarily agree with Nexus’ methods.”
“That party tonight, I really….” Her gaze meets mine, and her lips pinch at the sides. “I don’t feel comfortable going to that,” she admits, and I can’t fault her. She barely knows us, and we’re dragging her to a family function. “Not to mention, my scent is going to trigger others, so I think it’s best I stay here.”
Before I can respond, Seth’s in the doorway, holding a small brown bottle.
“Not a problem,” he says, striding over to Danica. “I wouldn’t want you to attend with your scent growing stronger. I ordered these pills earlier, and the courier just delivered them. They aren’t heat suppressants—I don’t believe they’re good for your health—but these are natural and suppress your scent. You won’t be at the mercy of your scent. So, you will join us at the party. You’re not staying here alone.” His voice is final.
She frowns. “I don’t have to go to a stranger’s party if I don’t want to.”
Seth pauses, studying her. “You’re right, I can’t force you, but like Jasper said, you’re not safe out on the streets alone. And right now, I don’t trust that the moment we leave you alone, you won’t slip away. So, like it or not, we’re going to keep you safe.”
She eyes Seth, a strange conflict furrowing her brow, surprise in her gaze.
“So, I have no say, then?”
“I know it feels like that, but how about this? You tell me where you’re going to go, why the enforcers want you, and after checking the location to make sure it’s safe, I’ll let you leave.”
“I can’t do that.” She pauses, her demeanor hardening, yet the vulnerability in her voice is unmistakable.
Silence.
Part of me toys with the notion of offering to remain behind with her, but Seth’s made it clear we stick together when we head out, especially to family events, which can sometimes get out of control.
“Then it’s settled,” Seth says. “Take a pill now, so it’ll work for tonight.”
“How did you get this, anyway?” Danica turns the bottle over in her hands, examining it, her shoulder rigid. “I’ve heard they’re available on the black market but super pricey.”
Seth shrugs. “That doesn’t matter. I also ordered you a bunch of clothes I see you’ve received.” He glances at the bags, his words cut short by his phone ringing. Glancing at the screen, he rolls his eyes. “Fuck!” Then he answers as he swings away from us. “Look, I told you, I won’t do that gig.” Then he’s gone as quickly as he arrived.
“He’s always that busy?” she asks, staring at the doorway where he vanished.
“He operates as our manager after our last one embezzled money from us. Now, he won’t trust anyone else with the job.” If there are mistakes to make in this business, we’ve made every damn single one. We’ve learned the hard way that the only people we can truly rely on are the three of us.
“Ouch,” she responds, sympathy painted on her cute face.
“Come.” I get up, motioning for her to follow. “Let me show you the kitchen. I’ll get you some water to take the pills. Might be good to take them with some food.”
As we walk, Danica hesitates before speaking. “Why are you so nice to me? I mean, you’re a huge star, yet you’re wasting your time on me.”
I laugh softly. “No wasting time. Sometimes you meet someone and just know they need you.”
She studies me strangely, and I can’t pin down the expression. Is she surprised or shocked?
“Thanks. Sometimes, it’s hard to find even those who supposedly love you to help you. And you’re a stranger, but helping so much more,” she murmurs on our way to the kitchen. “But don’t get too attached. I’m not staying… This place is just temporary. I have somewhere else to be.”
The words hang heavy in the air between us. I shrug as if it doesn’t bother me, but it fucking guts me to hear her rejecting us.
Chapter
Seven
DANICA
Squeezed into the back of a sleek, black Porsche with tinted windows, I’m hyperaware of the space—or lack thereof—between Reed and me in the back seat. Seth’s driving is focused and silent, while Jasper’s in the front. With his height and broad size from his muscles, I doubt he’d be able to squeeze into the back if he tried.
The car’s spectacular, and it’s my first time in a sports car. Yet despite the leathery smell, the three Alphas’ scents are overwhelming. I might have taken the suppressant pill, but it does nothing to stop me from reacting to how indulgent these men smell.
I keep shifting in my seat, trying not to let the skirt split slide open and reveal my thighs. To be fair, it’s the tamest outfit in the collection, including the short-cropped shirt with long sleeves I’m wearing to cover my arms, though the buttons across my bust are in a tug-o-war with keeping the fabric from busting open. Better this than a silky dress made for a sophisticated dinner or my old clothes that make me look like a hobo.
“So, is there something I need to know about your family, Seth?” I ask, tugging on the skirt and holding it closed. “I mean, what’s my story?” I’m trying to sound casual when I’m freaking out. I’m in the car with Fever, and I don’t know when my full-on heat will hit. Nexus enforcers are in town, and I’m stuck with this pack of Alphas until I can work out what I’m going to do.
What happens if I go into heat now? Will they be unable to resist and pull over? Or will I be the one demanding it?
Fuck!
Yep, that’s what I’ll be saying.
And now, they’re taking me home to meet Seth’s family.
Isn’t this every girl’s dream? Being taken to meet the parents of the lead singer of one of the top rock bands in the world?
Yet I’m too busy worrying to the death about Nexus finding me, my friends being safe, and my mom and sister being harassed by the facility after our phone chat.
Seth’s deep-blue eyes meet mine in the mirror, and they’re crinkling at the edges from his grin. “We say you’re our Omega,” he answers without missing a beat.
“And we met at a concert.” Jasper nods from the seat in front of me while Reed is trying to pull as far away from me as possible, staring out the window.
Rude much!
“My family can be intense,” Seth says, catching my attention while navigating through the busy streets. “Just ignore most of what happens tonight and enjoy the food.”
I half-laugh. “Sounds ominous,” I mutter. “Wish I had a big family to enjoy these kinds of functions with.”
“Wouldn’t we all,” Jasper pips in, and something tightens in my chest at his words.
Alright, I’m trying to calm the jitters in my stomach. Despite the pill suppressing my scent, the inferno emanating from these Alphas is affecting me more than I care to admit.
Reed keeps his distance, and despite our small back seat, he’s managed to keep our knees and arms from touching.
By the time we finally pull up to what appears to be a gated community, I’m breathless and more turned on from our closeness than I should be from a simple car ride. I’m dying to get out of this freaking tiny car before I burst. My nipples are so sensitive and tight, if someone touches them, I’ll come completely undone.
I never understood the power of attraction between an Omega and an Alpha until now. Sure, I studied it at school, and we were told what happens, but theory and practise are very different beasts.
Glancing up, I gasp at the sight in front of us. It’s breathtaking. We pass through the gated community gates, then roll down to a sprawling mansion past the second open entrance. We drive through the parting gates as if it’s inhaling us into its embrace.
Immaculate gardens and modern luxury in the stone building with three floors await us. Coming down the driveway, I already spot the glittery lights against the darkening evening in the backyard, the canopy overhead for the function.
Nerves are biting into my skin, and every inch of me wants to leave. I can’t do this. I don’t want to. Especially with strangers who suddenly decide they are going to be good Samaritans and help me out. Except… are they the pack I want to end up with? My initial instinct is yes, but both parties have to want it. And do I want to drag them into my problems and baggage?
I remind myself they’re a band who can never lead a normal life, who are mostly on the road on tours. I almost laugh at the irony of my thoughts. How much I would have died for something like this growing up when I craved to sing, to make a name for myself.
But that’s in the past, and I’m no longer that person. Not after I got my dad killed by putting my dreams before his safety. I tremble, not wanting to think about the past, to not bring back the tears or the shattering ache that’s already ripped my heart in two. The longer I spend with the band Fever, the more I’m reminded of the chaos I caused for my family.
“Alright, party time,” Jasper says sarcastically, which only sets off nerves that nip at my flesh even more.
I glance outside at the sheer scale of the house, the towering columns that frame the front door, and the arched Tudor-style windows. The place screams wealth and status.
Somewhere I don’t belong.
Once we’re parked, Seth and Jasper are out of the car in record time, and as Reed reaches for his door handle, I stretch out my hand to him. My fingers tenderly brush his arm. He pauses and glances back at me, his brow pinched in tight lines.
I drop my hand.
“Hey, you don’t have to be so rude about not liking me,” I say, still hurt by his reaction to sitting in the back seat with me.
“Is that what you think is happening?” he mutters, his expression unreadable.
Part of me is still shocked that I’m speaking with Reed from Fever, and worse yet, he dislikes me. That stings badly. Yet if I learned anything growing up at home, it’s that I may be suppressed by order of Nexus, but I won’t let anyone walk over me.
“Did you see yourself?” I counter, stiffening my spine. “You’d ride in the trunk if it was big enough to get away from me.”
There’s a shift in his face, a darkness consuming his appearance.
“You have no idea.”
“Of course, I do. I can’t read your mind, but I’m good at judging body reactions and mannerisms.”
He sighs, staring at me… no, that’s too soft a word. It’s like he’s peering into my soul with daggers.
“You want to know what I’m struggling with?” He’s almost challenging me now.
“Go on, tell me,” I urge, even though my knees are bouncing. I notice the other guys have left us alone, as if sensing the tense conversation.
“I told myself long ago that I have no intention of settling down. No Omega, no damn anything romantic… then you come bursting into my life.”
