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Maybe it’s because of the contrast between my pack and a pack that’s… well, not my pack.

It’s also probably because these guys are incredibly pushy.

None of their touches are super inappropriate, it’s just they seem to have an inability to take “no” for an answer, and actually let me go. I actually had to yank my hand away from one of the alphas after we shook hands. He seriously would not let go.

I don’t know what gave them the impression they could do that, but I hate it.

I guess they could’ve seen how I was with my pack and assumed that I was okay with that kind of behavior? Either way, I breathe such a strong sigh of relief when they’re gone.

Unfortunately for me, things don’t get much better during the rest of the evening. As the night progresses, the different combinations of alpha scents start to give me a headache. It’s honestly really overwhelming just having to talk to that many people. Add having to smell them too, and it’s a nightmare.

The last pack is guided away by Amelia, and I relax into mychair for a split second. I’m so glad that’s over. If I never had to go through that again, it would be too soon.

I don’t think I feel very well. For some reason, my face feels flushed and the room feels a bit too warm.

When I finally build up the energy to stand from my chair, I notice that a lot of the alpha packs around me are eyeing me up like I’m some sort of prey. It makes me want to shrink into myself.

What are the rules for after the meetings with all the packs? Do they think they can touch me now? Am I allowed to refuse to spend time with them if they come up and ask me to join them?

All of the uncertainty and the growing feelings of fear building in my chest have me seeking out my pack.

I meet Chase’s twinkling gaze and can’t look away. He’s already moving towards me. The way his body looks in that suit, with the casual, confident sort of swagger he has, is mesmerizing.

He makes it to me before any other alphas can. I guess all of them were taking a bit more time to see if I’d do anything. To be completely honest, I don’t really care. All I care about is Chase standing in front of me.

He extends his arm. “Would you do me the honor of dancing with me?”

“Of course,” I say, smiling up at him, my relief probably obvious in my expression.

Even though he’s the smallest of the four guys, I can still feel the strength in his muscles underneath my fingers, despite the layers of fabric.

He flexes his arm, drawing my attention up to his face, where he winks.

“Enjoying feeling me up, Moonlight?”

Even though my face already feels super warm, I swear I feel my blush up to my ears.

“Oh—I—I wasn’t, well, I?—”

“Shhh, it’s okay. You can feel me up anytime.”

I bite my bottom lip and don’t miss how Chase’s gaze is drawn to the motion.

Would it be wrong to kiss him here? Now that I’m surrounded by the cloud of his ocean breeze scent, I don’t care that we’re in a room full of other potentially dangerous alphas. I just want Chase.

I don’t know what it is about his scent, but I want to climb him like a tree right now.

Maybe it’s just how refreshing and reassuring a comforting, familiar scent is after having to deal with all of those alphas earlier.

We make our way to the edge of the dance floor right when a song has ended, giving the two of us the time we need for Chase to guide me onto it before the next one starts.

I’m starting to get a bit nervous.

I’ve taken a dance class here, but I wasn’t particularly good, and it was a little awkward. Or at least, I felt a little awkward doing it. Maybe it’ll feel different dancing with someone like Chase. From what I’ve gathered, he’s been to a lot of these sorts of events. With lots of other omegas… lots of other omegas who’re probably better at dancing than I am.

I can also practically feel the entire room’s eyes on me right now.

Actually, now that I think about it, I’m starting to getreallynervous.