Page 51 of Pack Choice

I knew it was only a matter of time before River showed up and made a play for the omega. It’s his style. The two of us are far too alike. We see something we want, something we’re told we can’t have, it makes us all the more determined to grab it with both hands. What I wasn’t expecting was for River to make his move quite so early on. I thought I had some breathing space. Time to formulate a plan. To deduce my best methods for cutting him off at the pass. As usual, he’s taken me by surprise.

The host is staring right at me, his hand outstretched in a way that signifies he just asked me a question. One I was paying no attention to. The audience is silent, waiting for my reply.

I force my scowl into what I know is my most charming smile and simply say:

“But of course.”

Fuck knows what that question was, but it does the trick, several ladies in the audience giggling.

The host nods with a smile. “Well we wouldn’t expect anything less from one of the city’s most eligible bachelors. Quite an opportunity here tonight, ladies, to grab your man.” He shuffles towards me, leaning in close as if he’s going to ask me a private question while keeping the microphone trained to his mouth so everyone can hear.

“Tell us, Colten, what type of lady is your type? What are you looking for?”

I should say something that will have all the rich ladies out there breaking into their check accounts. I should say something ambiguous that could apply to any woman out there. Something like a warm heart and winning smile. Something that will make them swoon.

I don’t. I stare straight at the omega, ignoring River’s amused smirk, and say,

“I’m looking for a firecracker. Someone with sparks on the end of her tongue and fire in her heart. Someone with a body to die for and a scent that has my senses tingling. Someone who’ll match me toe to toe.”

The host obviously wasn’t expecting that response. He looks a little taken aback.

He straightens up and twists back to the audience, sweeping his hand through the air.

“Well, there you have it ladies – Colten Turner. CEO of one of our city’s most successful companies. And if you hadn’t noticed, he’s six foot three, made purely of muscle and has all his own teeth and hair.”

I chuckle obligingly at the host’s joke, eyes still on the omega; she waves her bidding paddle at me, as if to confirm she’s ready.

“So,” the host says, waggling his eyebrows, “shall we start the bidding at $500, Colten? What do you think?”

“I think it’s all going to a very good cause, Mike.”

“Indeed, it is, children in care, ladies and gentlemen, without a family of their own.” He adopts a more serious expression for a moment, before he’s back to his broad smile. “So, $500, do we have $500?”

Several paddles shoot up into the air, including the omega’s. River leans in to whisper in her ear, his lips practically brushing the soft shell. Fucking creep.

“Looks like we have several offers, Colten. A great start.” He winks at me. “How about $1000, do we have $1000 for a date with Mr. Colten Turner?”

Several more paddles shoot up. Most men, I’m sure, would be curious to see who is willing to spend that kind of money on a date with them. They’d be peering around the ballroom. I only have eyes for the omega.

Her paddle is floating in the air, but she’s looking at River, chin tipped back and laughing. His eyes are locked on her too, clearly entranced.

She’s not even his type. He likes quiet redheads with huge tits and tiny brains. Molly Stormgate has far too many wits and a far too wicked tongue.

“We have lots of eager bidders out there so let’s jump this up a bit shall we. Will anyone give me $5000?”

One or two of the paddles descend from the air but the majority stay put.

I shouldn’t be surprised. We alphas have a reputation for being formidable in the bedroom. I’ve seen enough on the internet to know it’s on many women’s bucket list to sleep with one. Stupid betas who don’t know the kind of damage a knot could do to them. Only an omega – an omega like Molly – is designed to take a knot like mine.

The thought has me growling softly under my breath. She’d look amazing knotted to my cock. I bet she’d feel amazing too. I certainly know I could make her feel amazing.

“Let’s try even higher then ladies and gentlemen. $10,000? $15,000? $20,000?”

Three paddles remain in the air, one I can see from the corner of my eye, being clutched tightly by Deborah’s manicured hand. Molly’s paddle has drifted lower and lower towards the table. She’s too engrossed in whatever she’s telling River to even notice how the bidding is progressing.

I scowl at her. The bodyguard scowls back, his hard gaze drifting between me and River.

“Well, holy macaroni, I believe this is a new record for our annual auction, ladies and gentleman. Mr. Turner, you are obviously quite the catch.”