Page 13 of Eclipse Sector

Taking another hefty sip, I listened as Kieran explained how the Alphas could enter the dating pool. They would be reviewed and vetted prior to being allowed to join. Then the Omega candidates—myself included—would be given files for review.

“The first official round of meet and greets will commence in a week,” King Kieran said. “Tonight is simply a celebration of the future. Behave. Enjoy. And be mindful of your actions.”

With that clear warning, he raised his hand to dismiss the crowd, then placed a palm on his mate’s lower back and escorted her down the stairs.

Murmurs broke out around the room, the scent of intrigue heavy in the air.

My arms prickled with awareness as the feeling of being studied and admired tickled my senses.

This is just the beginning, I thought, nearly finishing my drink.Just take a deep breath and enjoy the moment.

“You look beautiful,” Benz murmured against my ear.

“You clean up nicely, too,” I told him, my gaze going to his all-black tuxedo. “Thank you for escorting me tonight.”

His eyes crinkled. “It’s not a hardship, I assure you.” He glanced over my shoulder, then to the right. “Although, I do have a few Alphas taking my measure at the moment. And not in the way I’d like.”

“And what way would you prefer?” I teased him.

Except he didn’t appear to hear me because all he did was hum.

“Benz?” I prompted after an awkward moment of him ignoring me in favor of those around us.

“Well, this should be fun to watch,” Benz said suddenly, his arm leaving mine. “I’ll be right over there if you need me, darling.”

“What?” I asked.

But he was already walking away, my glass somehow going along with him.

Because he’d taken it from my hand.

It’d been nearly empty. However, I hadn’t expected him to take it. “Where are you?—”

Goose bumps pebbled down my arms, a familiar presence approaching at my back.

Oh.My teeth ground together, my gaze searching for Benz so I could glare at him. But he wasn’tright over thereat all. He’d disappeared entirely.Traitor.

I’d told him not to?—

“What the hell are you doing?”

—leave me alone in case Cillian found me.

Because I did not want to talk to him, see him, or even think about him.

And now he stood right behind me.

CHAPTER FOUR

IVANA

Taking a deep breath,I steeled my spine and drew my brows upward as I faced Cillian.

“Excuse me?” Becausewhat the hellwas his problem?

Demanding that I say what I’m doing…

Isn’t it obvious that I’m simply standing here in a ballroom, same as him?