Page 3

THE WAITING ROOM

Breanna

It smells weird here. Like bleach and metal shavings.

The small lobby is decorated with obviously new rust-colored couches and the walls look freshly painted, but the wear on the carpet and light fixtures gives away how old this place actually is. I honestly thought this hotel was condemned, but it appears that it was renovated—maybe specifically for tonight.

Last year’s Game Night was a huge success—at least that’s what the news keeps saying. There were a few reports of omegas that were hurt and some that went missing, but the authorities say the number is minuscule. It makes sense that they’d have places like this pop up for this year’s Game Night. It somehow feels safer to agree to use a service and meet in a controlled space than to roam the streets praying I’m not snatched up. Plus, the money is good. So good that I’ve done everything I can to prepare for tonight.

I went through a few of my romance books, memorizing a few of the dirtier lines. I even watched some porn. It was more funny than sexy, and a few scenes were even kind of scary, but I’m confident I can put on a decent show.

Alphas love it when you whimper and squirm. They want to be told their knots hurt and their strength is too much. It’s all so stupid, but I’m going to do it all. After all, if my date likes how I perform, they can tip me extra, and every cent will help. I have no intention of spending the rest of my life tied to an Alpha who doesn’t love me. And the money I’m getting from this will set me up for life.

Nervous, I searched for my phone in my tattered purple backpack. It’s not as sexy as a small clutch or purse, but I needed something big enough for a change of clothes and my first aid kit.

I bring my phone up to my face to check the time.

Three hours until Game Night.

The heavy front door creaks open, and a young male omega steps inside. His dark hair is wild from the wind. He’s wearing a simple pair of jeans and a t-shirt with a bright yellow messenger bag slung across his body. It makes me wonder if my dress is too formal for tonight. The few omegas I’ve seen arrive and escorted off have all worn casual clothing, whereas I’m sitting here in a knee-length red dress with a fitted bodice and heels. I didn’t want to risk being underdressed and disappointing my paying customers. Clients? I have no idea what to call them.

All I know is that I’m meeting two Alphas. Two giant, rich, horny Alphas.

What the hell am I doing?

“You look nervous.” The male omega types his name onto the tablet at the front desk. “First time?” He smiles as he takes a seat a few chairs down from me.

I force a quick smile, nodding. My knees won’t quit shaking. I shove my phone back into my book bag, fumbling when my first aid kit almost falls out. I snatch it before it can fall, putting it back where it belongs.

“Did your doctor give you a medical kit, too?” The omega pulls out a similar rectangular tin from his bag. It’s the same color and size, but the label on the back looks slightly different. “I’m hoping I won’t need it, but better safe than sorry. Am I right?” He laughs, the sound so soft and genuine. It makes some of my nerves fall away.

“I was a little worried when my doctor insisted I have one,” I say, squeezing the tin in my hands. “I mean, the Alphas aren’t allowed to hurt us.” Uncertainty settles in my gut. “Right?”

The sweet omega pulls up his sleeve, showing me a long scar on his forearm. Fear pools in my belly. His mark is just a simple single line, but it’s long, running from his wrist down to his elbow. I can only imagine how painful it was.

“The Alpha got a little carried away last year,” the omega says with a half-hearted sigh. “I wasn’t scared I was going to die or anything like that, and the bonus for getting injured was nice. But I could have used some pain meds.” He pops open his kit, showing me the contents. All the bandages and tiny bottles are organized beautifully around two long needles in the center. One holds a yellow liquid, and the other is a milky white. “If you get hurt, use the yellow one,” he says, pointing at one of the needles. “It’s morphine. It’ll cut the pain until you can get to a hospital.” He leans toward me, his expression serious. “Just make sure you inject it into your muscle and not into a vein. It could kill you.”

“My muscle?” I listen carefully, wishing I had asked my doctor to go over the kit like she offered.

“Just pop it into the top of your thigh,” he says, as if it’s that easy.

“Do you know what the other one is?” I ask, pointing to the milky white liquid.

“It’s a sedative,” he says. “And my doctor told me it’s a pretty strong one. So don’t use it unless you have to.” He sits back up, smiling wide. “My name’s Ash.” He extends his hand.

“Breanna.” I shake his hand, loving how warm his skin is. My fingers are like ice. “So…” I lick my lips, hoping I’m not about to ask anything too forward, “Did you use this service last year?”

“I did.” Ash sits a little taller. It’s almost as if he’s proud to admit it. “Of course, the damn Alphas were sneaky about what we were signing up for, but it all worked out. Don’t worry,” he says, taking in the tension between my brows. “Now that everyone knows about Game Night, it’s got to be safer.”

A thousand thoughts rush through my head, and I lean toward him. “Was it worth it?” I whisper, as if someone is listening in. Even if they were, would it matter? “Did you regret it?”

“It was definitely worth it.” Ash’s eyes flash with excitement. “I got fifty thousand credits last year, and you have no idea how happy I am that that number went up.” He hitches his thumb toward the ceiling. “After tonight, I’ll be set, and I won’t have to do this again.”

A nervous laugh bubbles from my throat. “Two hundred and fifty thousand is a lot of money.”

“Oh!” Ash’s eyes go wide as if surprised at the amount. “You must be a virgin.” He gives me a knowing smirk.

My face burns red hot as I nod, the motion jerky. I don’t know why it embarrasses me so much.

“I’m getting a hundred thousand, but I’ll get a bonus if my heat starts,” Ash says as if he’s excited about the prospect. I had a shot to prevent my heat from starting, so I won’t have to worry about days on end of suffering once the night ends. “I signed up last year for a romantic dinner date with an Alpha,” Ash continues, rolling his eyes at the obvious lie. “I did it to help with my sister’s medical bills—she broke her leg, and it has caused all kinds of issues,” he adds as if making casual conversation. “The whole thing has been really stressful and expensive, but tonight should cover what’s left of the bills with a bit left over.” His voice drops as he says, “My parents are against me doing this again, but we don’t have any other options. They’re both betas, working in the service industry. They don’t make much.”

I nod again, not sure what to say. “I wish I had a noble reason like that.”

“Yeah?” Ash sits back in his chair, looking very relaxed. “What’s your reason?”

“I want to get away from my family.” I give him a sad look. “There’s an Alpha that’s approached them, interested in mating me. But there’s something about him that I just don’t care for.” Deep fear grips my chest as I think about his stern demeanor and lust-filled gaze. “They don’t care that I don’t like him.” I lower my lashes, staring at my lap. “They just like that he has a powerful job and will open a lot of doors for them.”

“Hey now….” Ash rests his warm hand on my forearm. I’m so cold. This building holds no warmth. “Helping yourself is just as noble as helping someone else.”

I lean into his friendly aroma, letting it settle my nerves. “I wish there was a service where you could pay an Alpha to give you a mating bite, then go away.” I let out a nervous laugh. It’s reckless to say something so bold out in the open, but thankfully, Ash giggles, quickly agreeing with me.

“Alphas are so ridiculous.” He rolls his eyes. “One little mark on your neck from another Alpha, and they suddenly don’t see you as mating material,” he says the last few words with a mocking tone, mimicking the articles and TV shows that advertise the best way to attract a good Alpha.

“As far as I’m concerned, the best Alpha is one that leaves me alone,” I say, feeling a little bold. “But I’m twenty-two and unmated. It’s only a matter of time before an Alpha snatches me up…whether I want it or not.”

Ash nods as if he understands.

“Breanna Clark?” A beta appears around the corner, and all the breath flies out of me in one whoosh. It’s the same middle-aged beta that has come to collect each omega one by one. He’s wearing a worn brown suit, and he’s got a shiny bald head with a cigar hanging out of his mouth. “Breanna?” He looks from the tablet in his hand to me.

“Yes.” I grab my book bag and force myself to stand. My knees shake as I walk, and for a moment, I honestly think about running.

“This way.” He wraps his hand around my upper arm, pulling me down the long hallway. His grip is firm, almost as if he knows I don’t want to be here anymore. “Do you have your paperwork?” He releases me right in front of the elevators, tucking the tablet under one arm.

Trying like hell to gather my courage, I pull my doctor’s note out of my book bag. It’s a bit crumpled.

The bald man takes his time looking over my paperwork which confirms I’m untouched. After what feels like an eternity, he finally nods, shoving it into his jacket’s breast pocket. Then he looks me up and down before grabbing the tablet and typing something out.

“Verify your account number.” He turns the screen to me.

I squint at the numbers along the top, then zero in on the deposited amount: 250,000 credits. My heart pounds, excitement and relief pumping hard in my veins. “That’s right.”

The bald beta nods once, then taps the screen. “Transferred.” He shows me the tablet once more, and there it is. That whole beautiful amount is sitting in my bank account. Freedom.

“Ready?” he asks, and just like that, all of my relief vanishes, and fear takes hold once again.

“Yes,” I force the word from my throat, then glance at the elevators. I try to remember all the sexy things I want to say and the flirty ways I need to move. “Where will I—” Something pinches my arm, making me yip.

The bald beta has a syringe in his hand, his dark eyes watching my face with so much intensity. “Don’t fight, omega. Just let it take you under.”

I take a step back.

I can’t do this. I need to get out of here!

But before I can take even a single step, my legs give out, and the floor rises. I’m face down on the rough carpet, my vision blurry.

“No,” I manage to mumble the single word before darkness consumes me.