Page 127 of The Bounty

Before I can speak, she steps into his space and stands on her black strappy heels to whisper in his ear.

Whatever she says has him nodding, and in moments, his phone is in her hand.

He just handed Hannah his phone as if it were nothing.

“Thank you, Alpha,” she purrs, and he nods eagerly, his eyes bright with excitement, following Hannah’s every moment.

She glances around before looking at the screen, then handing it back to him. A grin spreads across her face and she turns to me.

“The rumors are true,” she breathes, and I frown.

“What rumors?”

“Canada is shutting down their version ofEdenand offering asylum for Omegas.”

Oh my God.

“Oh, really?” The Alpha asks. “That’s great.”

Hannah and I both turn to gape at him and his cluelessness.

“You really don’t know what they do to us here, do you?” She sweetly asks, flashing him a brilliant smile.

He grows more confused. “I…”

“If you think it’s great that Omegas are being offered asylum, what on earth possessed you to come tonight?” I add, furious at his ignorance.

He remains silent, his brow furrowing.

“Ah,” Hannah says. “He really doesn’t get it, Olive. I’m not mad at this one.”

“Mad?” The officer parrots, and I want to slap him.

“You brought me here against my will. You understand that, right? Remember thehandcuffs?” I snarl at him, and a guard steps forward.

“Watch your tone, Omega. Are you alright, sir?”

“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine,” he looks to the guard, then back at us. “Just talking.”

“If they act up, let me know,” the guard says. “I’ll deal with them.”

The Alpha narrows his eyes and scowls at the guard, which confuses me even more.

Then I recall what he said to me in the patrol car.

“You don’t understand,” I say quietly.

“But I’m going to make you,” Hannah adds, taking his hand. “Show me to your room, and we’ll talk. Is that okay? I’ve had a really stressful day and could use a new nest.”

It’s almost comical how her words affect him.

“Um…okay,” he says, his eyes wide. “But are you sure?” He’s dazzled by her, and I’m blown away by her natural ability to read him.

Maybe in another life, they would have been mates.

Hannah laughs, and the Alpha gives her a shy smile back. “Yes, I’m sure. You’re my new favorite. Now take me upstairs.” She pulls at his hand, and he almost stumbles after her.

“See you tomorrow, Olive,” Hannah adds. “Nice to finally meet you.”

They leave, and I’m left with the knowledge thatEdenwon’t last forever.

It can’t.

And so, channeling Hannah, I swallow my fear and charm my way through the night.