Page 78 of In Deep

I lift my chin. “I can handle more than you could possibly imagine.”

Two alpha knots for starters.

He steps in again. He’s just an arm’s length away now. If I reached for him, my fingertips would brush the front of his shirt.

I can taste that electricity in the air again, the heaviness that comes before a storm.

“An omega of mine would never skip a lecture.”

“I know,” I croak.

“She’d want my pack for more than just our money.”

I nod, although I’m finding it hard to follow his words. His scent and his proximity have my gland buzzing. My heart thumps in my chest.

“If I told her to get down on her hands and knees, she’d get down on her hands and knees.”

My knees buckle. My lip trembles.

“Not here, Omega,” he says.

I stare up at him. He must be able to see the need in me, to smell it.

He inhales, his nostrils flaring, and his eyes rolling back in their sockets. Then his gaze flicks back to me, and he holds out his hand. “Come with me.”

I lift my arm, and he curls his fingers firmly around my hand. Then he’s tugging me, yanking me along behind him and back into the dark hallway. He stops beside the door under the staircase. I’ve never seen it open before. I’d assumed it was a cupboard. But when he snaps the lock and kicks the door, I see stairs disappearing down into darkness.

I have no time to think. To decide whether I want to be led down into the cellar. He’s already leading me down.

I try not to tremble. I don’t want him to think I’m afraid. What the hell is down here?

But if I’d been imagining chains and whips, I’m wrong.

The large cellar room is an omega’s paradise. A nest. With a low ceiling, pale colourings and dim lighting. I can see it’s been designed to please an omega, an omega in heat.

I bite the inside of my cheek so hard I taste blood in my mouth.

There are two large beds in the corners and the floor is scattered with cushions and blankets, beanbags and low chaises.

I sniff, wondering if I’ll find traces of the omega who came before me. Of any other omega. But I don’t. It smells fragrant, yet mellow. Nothing too offensive to a nose like mine.

“A nest?” I say, stating the obvious.

“Yes.” He’s still holding my hand.

“Did you make it for her?” I say, unable to disguise the hint of bitterness. He must know who I mean.

“No, we made it for us. After she left, we made our pact. And we made this nest. For our omega.” He swings around to face me. “You want to be our omega?”

“Yes.”

“And you want me?”

“Y-y-yes.” The effect he has on my body makes it difficult to form my words.

He scoffs at my answer as if he doesn’t believe it. I don’t know how to make him see it’s the truth.

“I’m not the gentle type, Omega. I’m not going to pander and spoil you. I’m not going to go easy on you.”