Page 30 of Storm

"It's too late for that," Jonathan replies, his voice tight as he watches Storm from where he sits beside her. "The moment she pulled our name on live television, it became a political nightmare. If I deny the claim now, it looks like weakness. If I admit it was a mistake, it undermines the entire omega system."

"So you're just going to pretend you wanted this?" I can't keep the disbelief from my voice.

Jonathan's jaw tightens. "I'm going to do what's necessary to maintain control of the situation. The damage is done—all we can do now is contain it."

In the rear-view mirror, I catch glimpses of her watching me. Jonathan’s larger frame easily swallows the smaller omega. His expression is stone, but his scent gives him away the black pepper, spiking with something else. Something I've never smelled on him before.

"Where are you taking me?" Storm demands, trying to wriggle away from Jonathan's dominating glare.

"Home," he answers, his voice flat.

She laughs, the sound sharp and humorless. "That's not my home."

"It is now."

I turn onto the main road leading away from the theater and towards our apartment, only a block away. My mind drifts back to the underground fight club. To Rook's face when I knocked him down. I recall the words I spoke in his ear before leaving him bleeding on the concrete floor.

"Stay away from Choosing Day. She's not yours anymore."

Jonathan had been clear about the assignment. "Find Holloway. Make sure he understands that showing up at Choosing Day would be... unwise." A simple warning, delivered with my fists. I didn't question why—I never do. Jonathan's orders come with reasons, but rarely explanations.

What I hadn't expected was the raw fury in Holloway's eyes, the desperate way he fought, even when it was clear he couldn't win. Or the way he spat blood onto the concrete and swore he'd kill me if I ever hurt her. I had no intention of hurting her. She was meant to choose a pack and leave. Not chooseourpack.

"Reed." Jonathan's voice cuts through my thoughts. "Take us to the penthouse. We need to avoid the crowds."

I nod, making a sharp turn down a narrow side street. The protests are spreading beyond the theater. News travels fast in Crescent City, especially when it involves the Kingsley’s. By morning, everyone will know that Jonathan claimed an omega through a lottery we should never have been part of.

The car falls into silence, broken only by Storm's unsuccessful attempt to break free. Her fight is admirable but futile. Jonathan's grip is unbreakable, his determination set in stone. This is happening, whether any of us like it or not.

And I don't like it. Not one bit.

Jonathan is compromising everything we've worked for. Years of carefully managing the Omega House from the inside, me controlling security and outside access while he handled the omegas directly. All for what? For an omega who clearly hates him, who tried to publicly humiliate him? Who is in love with another alpha?

"You're making a mistake," I say, the words escaping before I can stop them.

Jonathan's eyes meet mine in the rear-view mirror, a warning flash of green. "I don't recall asking for your opinion, Reed."

"She pulled your name," I continue, ignoring the threat in his gaze. "Someone rigged the lottery to embarrass you."

"I'm aware." His voice is clipped.

"And you're still claiming her?" I can't keep the disbelief from my tone. "She's in love with Holloway. She won't ever submit to you."

Storm goes still at the mention of Rook's name, her gray eyes widening as they lock onto mine in the mirror. "Where is he? Where’s Rook?"

I don't answer her. She just made my point. Keeping my attention on Jonathan, whose expression has darkened dangerously at the other alphas name.

"That's enough," he says, the command in his voice unmistakable. "This isn't up for discussion."

I fall silent, turning my attention back to the road. The sleek high-rise that houses our penthouse comes into view, its reflective glass surface gleaming against the night sky. Not many know we have a residence here. It’s away from the city center and closer to the Omega House. Usually, the alphas who run the Omega House move into the apartment on the top floor. But we never did.

I pull into the private underground garage, using the security code to access the reserved area for residents.

The tires crunch over concrete as I pull into our designated space. I cut the engine, the sudden silence amplifying the tension filling the car.

Jonathan nods once to me, then turns to Storm, who has gone suspiciously quiet. "We're going inside now. If you run, I’ll catch you. If you fight, you’ll lose. Understand?"

She stares back at him, defiance blazing in her eyes. "Fuck you."