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But I can’t help but feel guilty. I’m the reason why all the stuff Chase got me is in the dumpster. I barely had a chance to use very much of what he got me. It all went to waste because of me.

“I—I don’t want new things,” I whisper. “Is there any way to save the things that were thrown away?”

“Why would you want clothes that’ve been thrown in the dumpster? It’s easy to just get you new ones.”

I shake my head.

“I don’t want new ones.” I look up at him through the curtain of my hair. “I want the ones the pack gave to me.”

He nods slowly, as if deep in thought.

“Alright, I’ll have someone grab them and see what’s salvageable. Once everything that can be saved is washed, I’ll have them send it to you in your more permanent residence.”

“More—more permanent residence?”

“Ah, yes, forgive me,” he says, scrubbing a hand down his face. “The chaos of this evening seems to have gotten to me more than I originally thought. I forget that the systems we have in place that seem so normal to me must be completely foreign to you.”

That’s a lot of talking just to say that I have no clue what’s going on, but I don’t say anything in case that sends him down on a different tangent. I need to know what’s going to happen to me.

“These rooms are temporary, usually just for overnight stays for any omega who may need it. We have fully furnished apartments on the property for omegas who require more permanent housing. That’ll be where you stay, after tonight. Do you have any questions?”

“What—what’s going to happen to me while I stay here?” My fists clench into the fabric of the robe. “I—I heard something from the receptionist about an auction.”

The Director’s scowl makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

“I apologize, I’m not upset at you. I’ve just heard a lot more talk about auctions than I care for today,” He says, his jaw clenched so hard I’m surprised he hasn’t broken a tooth. “You won’t be auctioned off. You will have full control over whatever pack you choose to bond with or be with during your heats.”

“I want the Ward pack.” The words come out before I even realize what I’m saying. They’re instinctual. They come straight from my soul.

“I’m sorry.” He winces.

Didn’t he just say I’ll have full control over whatever pack I want to choose?

Insecurity swirls in my gut. Maybe the reason why I can’t be with the Ward pack is because they don’t want me. Not after hearing all the details about what happened to me.

It’s become obvious to me they could have any omega they wanted. Why would they want an omega like me?

The Director coughs, clearing his throat of my bitter perfume. I guess I’m not very good at hiding my emotions.

“The selection process happens after you make your public debut and start meeting packs. Unfortunately, you can’t choose your pack before this.” He pauses. “If it’s any consolation, my son’s pack has expressed a similar sort of sentiment that you have.”

The relief I feel at hearing that the pack hasn’t given up on me is short-lived when I realize what the director is saying to me.

“But—but what if I don’t want to spend time with any other packs?”

“I’m sorry, but there’s nothing I can do. My hands are tied. There are already others that are interested in you. That’s not to say you have to choose anyone else other than my son’s pack, but you must go through the process.”

“Can—can I still see them? Could they visit me here?” I whisper, my voice thick with the effort of fighting back tears.

“I can allow a supervised visit,” he says, his voice soft with pity.

I’ll take it. I just want to see my guys again.

CHAPTER 27

Chase

“Igot a text,” Madden says, staring down at his phone, his chest heaving.