Page 31 of The Comfort of Pain (The Black Market Omega #1)

Beth

“What the fuck?” Tristan barks.

Jeremy groans before his sleep voice drifts from somewhere in the dark. “What time is it?”

Killian shifts off of me and then curses. “The powers out.”

“I’m up.” Basil slowly sits. He places his hand on my hip and squeezes. “Are you okay, omega?”

“Yeah.” I tuck the blanket under my chin. “What was that horrible noise?”

“It sounded like something broke downstairs.” Basil rubs his face with the palms of his hands.

“I’ll go check.” Killian gets out of bed, taking all his warmth with him. “I think it might have been the oak tree coming in through a window.”

“Goddammit,” Tristan curses as he stumbles around in the dark. I squint, barely able to see the alpha’s outline as he pulls on a pair of sweatpants. They’re clearly not his, showing a solid three inches of ankle. “I meant to trim the branches back. I’m sorry, Kill.”

“It’s okay,” the pack alpha says. Lightning flashes and for one brief second, I can see all three alphas up and dressed. “I’m sure there’s not much we can do tonight if the window is broken, but we should probably check it out.”

“I’ll go and look at the breaker.” Basil pushes something into his pocket. Probably his phone. “I don’t want the air unit to flood.”

All three alphas leave the room, their heavy feet almost completely drowned out by the unyielding rain. I want to whine and beg them to come back. The pitch black, coupled with the raging storm, makes everything feel… dangerous ? Maybe that’s not the right word, but everything definitely feels off.

Jeremy rolls toward one side of the bed, making the bed gently rock. A drawer opens, and something clicks. A lighter. I watch as the beta clicks it again, creating tiny little sparks. The third time he does it, a flame bursts to life.

“This will help.” He lights two wicks inside a glass jar. “There we go.” He hands me the candle. I lean forward and sniff it. Artificial vanilla fills my nose and I grimace. “Yeah,” Jeremy says as if expecting my reaction. “It’s scented. I got rid of pretty much everything that had any kind of perfume before you arrived, but I didn’t think about replacing the candles. I know omegas aren’t a fan of fake scents.”

“I’m not complaining,” I say, leaning into the flame’s warmth. I’m not cold, but the heat feels good against my cheeks.

Loud pop cracks from somewhere downstairs, followed by the sound of glass shattering.

“What was that?” My voice rises, and Jeremy wraps his arm around my shoulders.

“Who knows.” He sounds completely unbothered, but I’m not as confident. “Can you feel anything in your bond? My connection is too weak,” he reminds me.

I stare at the flames flickering in my hands, concentrating hard. “Basil is worried and Tristan is annoyed.” I squint, trying to feel our pack alpha. “I think Killian is blocking me out.”

Jeremy rolls his eyes. “Figures.”

Heavy footsteps stomp up the stairs and my unease grows. “Is that Tristan?” I whisper to Jeremy, and he nods. The sound continues down the hall, and I turn to the door, waiting for our alpha to appear.

But the moment the door opens, a sharp crack splits the air, and something heavy hits the floor.

“What was that?” I scrabble up onto my knees, trying not to drop the candle.

“It’s fine,” Jeremy says as he squints at the crack in the door, but I can hear the uncertainty in his voice. He has no idea what it was either. “It’s only thunder.” He gives me a weak smile, clearly trying to reassure me.

“ Without lightning?” I point out, and a shiver of fear cuts through me. “There’s something out there.” I stare at the pitch-black doorway. “I can feel it.

“Okay.” Jeremy places his hands over mine, holding the candle with me. “I’m going to check on the boys.”

“No!” I yell, refusing to let him leave.

“There’s no need to worry,” he says, cupping my face. “There’s nothing out there.” He leans over the candle and kisses my cheek. The flames illuminate the bottom of his pale face, making him look almost menacing for a moment. “Go into your nest.” He pushes the blanket off of him. “I’ll be right—” His words are cut off as he’s sucked into the darknesses.

Trying to process what just happened, I blink repeatedly, unable to see anything other than the flames dancing directly in front of my face. “Jeremy?” I hold the candle out, trying to see around the room, but everything is so dark that I can’t even see the door. “Jeremy?” My voice rises and deep fear sets in.

Not sure what else to do, I slip off the bed, taking the candle with me. My toes touch something soft, and I bend to see what it is. It’s one of my mate’s T-shirts. I quickly pull it on, not wanting to stumble around in the dark, completely naked.

Lightning flashes, and I open my eyes wide, looking for Jeremy. For one quick second, I see the beta sprawled out on the floor in the middle of the room.

Then everything goes dark once again.

“Jeremy!” I rush to him, holding the candle up high. The flames cast long shadows, making it hard to see anything on the floor. “Where are you?” My feet finally touch his side and I drop to my knees. “Jeremy?” I set the candle next to his head, then turn his face toward me. He’s unconscious with something black coating the side of his face. I touch it, trying to figure out what it is. It’s slick like oil but turns sticky as I rub it between my fingers. “What the hell?” I whisper, then sniff it.

Copper.

It’s blood.

“F-fuck” I stutter as a knot of fear tightens in my stomach, spreading quickly through me. “It's okay.” I ghost my trembling hands over my mate’s face. “It’s okay. You’re gonna be okay.” My eyes dart around the dark room, not sure if I should scream for help or run and hide.

Lightning flashes again and thunder immediately claps.

I stare at the black hole that is the doorway. Someone is standing there. Their big body looks more like a shadow than an actual person, but I can see him. And it’s not Tristan.

“Beth,” Burke’s deep voice carries over the storm. “I’ve missed you, sweet child.” He takes a step toward me and I scramble onto my feet.

I grab Jeremy’s legs, then I pull hard, but the beta doesn’t move. I have no idea what I’m doing or where I’m trying to take him. My nest? The bathroom? All I know is, I can’t just stand here and wait for Burke to hurt him more.

“Did you really think you could get away from me?” Burke picks up the candle, bringing it to his face. The flames dance in his black eyes and I resist the urge to cower. “It’s time to go home, omega.” His voice is so calm, it sends a shiver right through me.

“Fuck off,” I snarl, then dig deep, trying to find strength I don't have. Finally, Jeremy’s limp body moves a fraction of an inch, but that’s it.

“That’s not a very nice thing to say.” Burke tsks like I’m a toddler. “I’ve yet to find a kind soul in this whole house.” He looks down, glaring at Jeremy’s face.

I hate that he’s looking at him.

Moving slowly, Burke tilts his head to one side, then lifts his foot. He presses the toe of his boot to Jeremy’s cheek, making his head turn.

“Don’t touch him!” I drop Jeremy’s legs and swipe out, trying to get the asshole away from my mate, but it just makes Burke smile.

He’s in a playful mood, wanting to taunt me before dishing out the real punishment.

“Is this really the pack you want?” Burke raises the candle, holding it out directly over Jeremy’s face. “Weak alphas and a pathetic beta?” He tips the candle to one side, playing with the wax, threatening to drip it onto Jeremy’s face. “Does he fuck you like all those betas back home? Or do those alphas only let him watch?”

“Stop it!” I cover Jeremy’s face with both my hands, desperate to protect him. “What do you want?” I snarl as I look up at the asshole.

“I want my things back,” Burke says as if it’s that simple. “You owe me.” He finally lowers the candle, but I don’t move. I know better. The second I do, he’ll hurt Jeremy.

“Things?” I screw up my face, not understanding.

“You took so much from me when you left,” Burke’s voice darkens, growing angrier. “Things that I fear I’ll never get back.”

“I didn’t take shit,” I snap, praying that one of my alphas will burst in here any second now.

“Yes, you did,” Burke growls, and it rolls, disappearing into the sounds of the pouring rain. “You took my respect and honor. You took your family's only chance at a decent life, and destroyed your mother’s happiness.”

And just like that, all the rage I've kept bottled up for the last twenty years shimmers then settles. And a rolling sense of calm washes over me.

I’m fucking done.

Moving slowly, I pull my hands off of Jeremy’s face. Then I stand tall, staring my father right in the eyes. “I took all that with me?” I ask, letting out a short snort.

"Watch it," Burke warns, already sensing my attitude, but I don't care what he does to me—as long as he leaves Jeremy alone.

I curl my fists and steady my feet. “You probably should have shown me a little more respect since I held all your fucking honor in my feet.”

Burke’s eyes flash and the candle’s flames flicker, but I still don’t see it coming. The glass jar hits me square in the face. My head pops back and I stumble. Stars consume my vision, but I don’t wait.

The second I regain my balance, I run into the dark.

Using muscle memory, I leap onto the bed, crawling around Burke, going straight to the bedroom door.

My vision is slowly returning as I reach the hallway, but I trip over something large on the floor and go flying. My hands and knees skid across the carpet, and I feel the skin burn away.

“Get back here!” Burke roars and I jump back up.

I barrel through the house, slamming into the walls as I round the corners too fast. Burke’s boots stomp not far behind me, making me pick up my pace as I race down the stairs. My feet slip halfway down, and I tumble the rest of the way, slamming my hip into the railing.

“Fuck,” I grunt when I hit the bottom floor.

“Don’t make this harder than it has to be, omega.” Burke glares down at me from the top of the staircase. “I don’t want to kill your pack, but I will.”

I force my feet under me, and my body screams with pain. A stabbing sensation cuts through my right ankle, but I ignore it the best I can. Limping and hopping, I wobble down the long hallway and past the front door.

“Killian!” I yell the second I reach the living room. “Basil! Tristan!”

But no one is here.

Everything is dark, but I can clearly see the shattered window next to the oak tree. A thick branch stabs into the house. Rain whips against the broken glass, soaking into the nearby furniture.

“Help!” My voice pitches high with fear as I grab the back of the couch, trying to steady myself.

Then I see him.

On the other side of the couch, Killian lies unconscious with his head dangerously close to a pile of broken glass. I rush to him as fast as my injured ankle will allow, then I fall to my knees. “Alpha!” I cradle his head, placing it on my lap. “Killian?” I tap his cheek, but he doesn't move.

“Here’s the thing, Beth.” Burke strolls into the living room like he owns the place. His temper has calmed once again, clearly wanting to play with my emotions once again. He’s so exhausting.

How did I live with this for so long?

“If you leave with me right now,” Burke continues, “I’ll let your alphas live. In the morning, they’ll all wake up with a few bumps and bruises, but still alive. However ,” he pauses, feasting on my fear, “If you fight me. I will gut every single one of them.”

I believe him.

“Killian.” I slap the alpha’s face as hard as I can, and finally, he stirs. “Wake up!” My voice is shrill, unable to hold it together any longer.

“What’s it going to be, omega?” Burke steps around the couch, coming closer and closer.

“Stop!” I hold out my hands, shocked when the vicious alpha does as I ask. “Please, don’t do this.”

“I have to.” Burke says simply. “You’ve left me no choice.”

“Please, Dad ,” I force the endearment from my mouth. It feels bitter on my tongue. “It’s too late. The Frolen’s are gone. Why not just leave me here? You wanted to be rid of me anyway.”

Burke’s expression shifts and rage flashes in his eyes. “I’m not giving you to a pack of weaklings. I will find another buyer,” he snarls, displaying his fangs. “Tomorrow, I’ll remove those ugly marks,” his gaze drops to my neck, “then I’ll get my money’s worth. It’s the least I deserve after everything you’ve put me through.”

Exhausted by his unrelenting hatred, I finally break, and defeat sets in. “I just don’t get it,” I whine high in my throat. “Why do you hate me so much?”

“Hate you?” Burke snorts like it’s a joke. “I don’t hate you. In fact, I was almost proud when you were born. I had wanted a boy, but your eyes and nose were clearly the product of my genes. You were mine. Not Tony’s or Scott’s. But then you presented as a fucking omega.” His face twitches with rage. “Your very presence made us a target for every passing rogue. Do you have any idea how exhausting it is to protect a virginal omega?” A bitter laugh rips from his throat. “But you weren’t virginal. Were you?” His ugly laugh grows louder before it suddenly dies, and he’s glaring at me once again. “Protecting you was so fucking exhausting.”

“Then why live in the middle of nowhere?” I ask, desperate to understand. “We could have lived in a village or a city. There are ways to protect?—”

A sudden growl bursts from Burke’s chest and he snarls, “Do you think I like living in the middle of the goddamn woods?” He tilts his head to one side, waiting for me to answer.

I don’t answer. I just hang my head, trying not to let my tears spill over, but it’s almost impossible. I feel like a little girl again, waiting to be whipped for not putting my toys away.

“No. I didn’t want to live here.” Burks shakes his head, making it clear that he wants me to do the same. And I do. I can’t help it. “I was forced to bring my family out to these shit mountains because of a debt I had no control over. A debt my father agreed to pay, then died before the fucker could actually do it.”

I just stare at him.

“But I was going to actually pay that debt off,” Burke’s voice rises. “The Frolen’s were going to pay me handsomely for you. But you fucked it up, just like you do everything.” His upper lip curls with disgust as he says, “Not selling you the second you presented as an omega was the biggest regret of my life. But your fucking mother wouldn’t let me.” He rocks on his feet, shifting from one side then the other. His rage quickly building.

I wrap my hands around Killian’s face, holding him a little tighter. “Do what you have to,” I say calmly, resolved to my fate. “Kill me if you want, but I’m not going anywhere.” I pull in a deep breath. “I’m not leaving my home.”

Burke he opens his mouth to speak, but before he can get a word out, light floods the living room. But this time it doesn’t flash. It stays on.

I look up, shocked to see the recessed light bulbs glowing bright.

The power’s back on.

“Excuse me?” Basil emerges out of the hallway, his eyes zeroed in on Burke. I scan the alpha head to toe, relieved to see that he isn’t hurt. “Can I help you with something?” Basil asks my father.

“What?” Burke turns to my mate, clearly confused by his overly polite tone.

“I don’t believe we invited you in.” Basil comes to a stop next to the couch.

“Are you fucking kidding me?” Burke puffs his chest out, looking Basil up and down as if he were a joke.

I turn my attention back to Killian, trying to wake him while Burke is distracted. “Alpha,” I whisper, smack his cheek. “Wake up.” I smack him again, and his eyes slowly peek open. Relief slams into me, but I try not to react. I don’t want Burke to know.

“Please, leave.” Basil sounds so calm, so sweet, but I can feel trickles of his unimaginable rage pounding in our bond. He’s pissed .

“I’m not going anywhere without my daughter,” Burke snarls, planting his feet and curling his fists.

“That’s not going to happen.” Basil gives him a tight smile. “Please, go.” He steps to one side as if waiting for Burke to obey.

“Listen here, you little shit,” Burke snarls, “I already took down the monster and your leader. I won’t hesitate to fucking gut?—”

I blink, and Basil moves. He’s on top of Burke, throwing his fists at the alpha’s face, neck, and throat. One blow after another, hitting the asshole repeatedly in a blur of brutal flurry.

I stare in disbelief, weirdly detached from what is happening right in front of me. It’s like I’m in a haze or a trance.

“Beth?” Killian stirs, then sits. There’s so much confusion in his dark eyes as he scans my face.

“Basil.” I point to the alpha beating the ever-living-fuck out of my father.

Is this really happening?

Killian squints as if he’s struggling to process what’s going on too. Then he moves. “Upstairs.” He stands as fast as he can, and I do the same. “Hold onto me.” He bends to pick me up, but he sways and I grab his side to steady him.

“I can walk,” I say, taking a quick step. A sharp pain cuts up from my ankle, but I ignore it, walking as normally as I can.

Killian wraps a protective arm around me, guiding me back down the hall. We’re almost to the front door when a large figure at the end of the hall stops me.

“Tristan?” I say, but I’m not sure.

“Here.” Killian flicks a light switch next to the door and light floods the hallway. Tristan moves toward us, carrying a dazed Jeremy in his arms.

“Beth!” the beta gasps, practically jumping out of our mate’s arms.

“Are you okay?” We both ask each other in a flurry of fear and relief. Jeremy examines my nose—which apparently is dripping blood—and I look at the cut along his hairline.

“Is he dead?” Tristan asks Killian.

“Not yet,” the pack alpha says, holding me a little tighter.

“I’m sorry, omega.” Tristan looks down at me. “He can’t leave this house alive.”

A tinge of sadness grips me, but I don’t cry or beg. I give the alpha a simple nod, understanding.

“Let’s get you two cleaned up.” Killian bends, lifting me into his arms.

I should protest, but I don’t. I let my packmates take me to our room, while I listen to my father beg for his life.