Page 8 of The Comfort of Pain (The Black Market Omega #1)

Beth

Did this asshole just ask me if I want to be his pet?

I’m honestly not sure. My thoughts are too foggy. Too thick. But I’m pretty sure that’s what I heard him say. Staring at the alpha with dirty-blond hair, I want to snarl, but my face won’t move. Nothing will. It’s like my body is lost in a deep sleep, and my mind desperately wants to follow.

I don’t think I’ve ever been this sleepy.

“Killian?” The dark-skinned alpha says to the blond one. He has a nice voice. Kind. But Kent had kind eyes and that jerkwad kidnapped and sold me, so who knows? “We can’t leave her,” he whispers, turning his bright eyes back to me. The pale green color is so striking in contrast with his dark skin. “She needs us.” There’s so much sadness in his soft expression. It’s clear he feels bad for me .

I must look awful.

But apparently not bad enough for these alphas to leave me alone.

The blond alpha—Killian—nods once, then he stands up. He’s tall and lean, his jeans hugging his muscular thighs in a way that makes me want to squirm… thank goodness I can’t move. I hate that my body is reacting this way, but I have no defenses. Those drugs have stripped away my desire to fight, leaving me desperate and stupid.

“Let’s talk.” Killian pushes his long hair out of his face, showing off his trim beard and prominent Adam's apple. “Can my men stay with her?”

Angelica’s bright blue eyes narrow as she looks the other alphas up and down. She’s actually considering it . I’m dumbfounded. She can’t possibly be stupid enough to let two feral alphas stay with me all alone.

“Fine,” Angelica finally says and fear squeezes my throat. “But don’t touch the cage.”

The dark-skinned alpha immediately releases the bars, leaning away from me. His swift movement surprises me. I didn’t think alphas were capable of doing what they were told without a fight.

“There’s a very loud alarm on it.” Angelica points to one side of the cage. “And if it goes off, my men will shoot first and ask questions later.” Her bright blue eyes flash with excitement as she threatens the pair.

“They won’t touch her until I return,” Killian says like he’s sure of that fact. “Basil?” He looks down at the dark-skinned alpha, making his long hair fall into his face. “Don’t text Jeremy until I get back.”

Basil gives him a boyish smile and says, “Yes, alpha.” He lets out a soft laugh and my body begins to tingle.

Stop it, I silently command myself. You don’t want this alpha. You hate him. You hate all of them. Even Jeremy. Whoever he is….

How many more alphas could there be in their pack?

How many more violent men will I be forced to suffer?

A frightened breath slips from between my lips as Angelica escorts Killian away from my cage. Leaving me all alone with the two alphas. I half expect them to pry the metal bars apart and crawl over me, but neither one of them moves a muscle—at least not until the footsteps fade.

Once silence settles over us, Basil’s hands slowly slide back around the bars. Leaning down, he brings his face as close to mine as he can. “Tristan?” he says to the larger alpha, keeping his eyes on me. “Have you ever seen anything so small?”

Tristan?

I look up at the big alpha, wishing I could laugh. The name doesn’t fit him at all. He looks like the kind of alpha that rips trees out by their roots for the fun of it. His name should be Brutus or Tank. Anything but Tristan.

“She really is little.” Tristan moves a little closer, still looking down at me. His chest is unbelievably broad with bulging biceps that pull at his too-tight shirt. His hair is buzzed very short like the patch of hair on his chin.

Basil, on the other hand, is smaller in comparison, but he’s still at least ten times bigger than me. But there’s something pleasing about the way he looks. His textured black hair is twisted at the ends, similar to the chest hair dusted across his dark pecs. But it’s his kind eyes that capture my attention. They’re so pale with long, dark lashes. He looks stunning. Sinful.

My fingers twitch, wanting so badly to touch him.

I fucking hate these drugs.

“She smells good,” Tristan says, pushing up his sleeves. He has a tattoo around one of his forearms. It’s a few lines and dots, reminding me of old pictures of tribal alphas. “I’ve never seen an omega in person before,” he says and Basil’s head snaps up.

“Really?” The alpha’s eyes go wide like it's hard to believe.

“Have you?” Tristan asks, his voice lifting as if shocked.

“Once.” Basil slowly turns back to me. I blink but my eyes refuse to open back up. I’m so sleepy. “When I was a kid,” the alpha continues. “We were celebrating my mom’s birthday at a very nice restaurant. A pack came in. All the alphas were wearing designer suits and flashing expensive watches. And they had an omega with them. She was stunning. Short and curvy with long, curly red hair. I still remember what she smelled like.” He hums as if savoring the memory.

Tristan shifts, and I force my eyelids to lift. The big alpha kneels next to Basil, staring right at my face. But the look in his brown eyes isn't violent or lust-filled. It’s sad. Just like Basil.

I don’t like it.

I’m not an object to be pitied.

“It’s okay, omega,” Tristan whispers, trying to soothe me, but the tender words sound so strange coming from such a beastly-looking man. “No one will ever hurt you again.” He places his hand on Basil’s back, caressing his packmate in long, soft strokes. It’s a sweet touch, but weird at the same time. I mean, the alpha looks like a weapon, meant to destroy and kill. Not someone capable of affection.

Especially , with another alpha.

Their kind are hard and dangerous, not known to give embraces or gentle words. Hell, my fathers didn’t even touch one another. In fact, I’m convinced they actually hate each other.

“I’m sorry to interrupt.” A nurse with dark brown hair comes into view and Tristan shoots up, taking a step away from Basil. “I need to give your omega a shot.”

“More medicine?” Tristan’s eyes narrow at the object in the nurse’s hand. He looks angry. Or maybe he’s just frustrated. I’m not sure.

“Yes, sir.” The nurse edges around my cage, slipping her thin arms between the bars. She rubs a stinky alcohol wipe over my upper arm. I can’t help but picture my whole body covered in blood, dirt, and grime, except for this one teeny spot. “A small pinch,” she says before pushing a needle into my arm.

It burns, forcing a soft whimper from my throat. Both alphas tense at the sound, and Basil lets out a rolling purr. It instantly relaxes me. One by one, my vertebrae relax and my abs soften. I didn't even know they were clenched.

When was the last time an alpha purred to settle me?

I can’t remember. My mind is too groggy.

“What did you give her?” Tristan asks as a Band-Aid is stuck on my arm. Even in my drugged state, I know how stupid that is. I’m still covered in bruises, scrapes, and cuts. Who cares about hiding one small mark?

“It’s a vaccine.” The nurse puts the cap back on the needle before pushing it into the front pocket of her scrubs. “It’s standard procedure and required. The last thing we want is another plague killing off what few omegas we have left.”

Basil says something, but I can’t hear him. I can’t hear anything other than the rhythmic beating of my heart. It thump, thump, thumps, urging me to close my eyes. To let go and sleep.

To let the darkness take me far away from here.

And before I know it, I take a deep breath and slip into a deep sleep.

My body sways as if rocking on a gentle ocean wave. Except I’m not on a boat. I can feel arms cuddling my back and under my knees. And warmth. So much warmth.

Awareness settles over me and I realize I’m being carried. I try to lift my arms, but they’re still too heavy. Opening my eyes, I’m greeted by the full moon. It hangs large and round in the dark night sky, casting an electric silver-blue light over everything.

“It’s okay,” the man carrying me whispers, and my eyes snap to his face. It’s the alpha with the long blond hair. He did it. He bought me. “You’re safe now,” he says and his dark eyes sparkle.

“No,” I manage to whisper the single word. I don’t want this. I don’t want to be carried off into the mountains and forced to mate these strange men.

I want to go home.

“Is she awake?” Basil asks, but I can't see him. I’m sure he and the other alpha—Tristan? I think that was his name —I’m sure all three of them are thrilled at the thought of having me, but I can’t think about that right now. I need to figure out how to get out of this, and I’m willing to do whatever I have to.

I killed one alpha already. What’s three more?

If only I could lift my head.

“There’s a stream not far from the cave,” Basil says.

“That’s a good idea.” Killian picks up his pace. “I can’t believe they didn’t clean her up before throwing clothes on her.”

Someone growls in agreement. It’s a deep and angry noise, making me shiver. Killian holds me a little tighter, pressing me to his big body. He radiates so much wonderful heat that I can’t help but lean into him. And he smells good too. Like cherries and whiskey. Not the homemade stuff that my fathers drink. But the expensive stuff that Linden’s parents would bring to our dinners.

“It took the bastards twenty fucking minutes just to find her a shitty shirt that doesn’t even fit,” Tristan says, ruining my peaceful moment. His voice is so loud with barely controlled anger. He’s clearly the most unhinged of all three of them. I hope he won’t hit me in the face. Those kinds of bruises take forever to heal.

“Tristan. Go get things ready,” Killian says. “Basil. This way.” The alpha carries me down a steep hill, his movements bumping me around, but he still manages to hold me gently.

Careful hands remove my shirt and a pair of cheap, gray sweatpants. I didn’t realize how uncomfortable the waistband was until it was pulled off of my body. But the second the cool night air hits my exposed skin, panic sets in, and I want those horrible pants back.

“No,” I whine, turning my head one way then the other. But no one listens to me.

There’s an awkward moment as Killian and Basil pass me back and forth so they can both strip down naked. I hate the waiting. They’re obviously going to hurt me, but the way they're holding me, prolonging the inevitable, makes my fear twist and churn, squeezing my throat so tight I’m scared I won't be able to breathe anymore.

“It’s actually not that cold,” Basil says. “There must be a spring nearby.”

“That’s good. I don’t want to shock her system.” Killian holds me tight as he walks forward. Water kicks up with each step, spraying cool droplets against my exposed backside. But it’s not soothing. It’s scary. I’m completely naked and trapped with three horrible alphas.

I have to get out of here.

“Stop.” I manage to lift my head, and everything spins. The stars overhead somersault, and the ground pitches up, then down. A wave of nausea rushes over me and I brace myself to get sick. I hope I throw up all over this asshole.

“It’s okay,” Killian dips my lower half into the stream as he purrs. The sound is rough like he’s not used to doing it. “Just breathe. You’re safe.”

The cool water crawls across my bottom and up my spine as I’m slowly lowered inch by inch. It settles my stomach and I pull in a deep, calming breath.

“That’s a good girl,” Killian whispers as he settles in the water. He rests my butt on his knees, keeping one arm around my shoulders. Then he drips water over my chest and arms. This stream isn’t connected to the river near my home. The water isn’t cold enough. How far away from my family am I?

“Relax,” Basil says, moving a little closer. “It’s all going to be okay.” He smells weird. Fresh. Maybe even soapy. Alphas don’t smell like that. They smell hard, like cut steel and raging fires. Right?

I think about his strange aroma as both alphas begin to wash me.

Basil holds a wet rag, skimming it over my sensitive skin, while Killian uses his free hand. He rubs the dirt off my knees and feet, before focusing on my hands.

I think about wiggling away from them, but my body holds no strength. Instead, I loll my head to the side, resting against Killian’s firm chest. His sleek muscles are more subtle than his packmates. He’s more lean. Toned.

My eyes begin to drift shut, as I fall into the comfortable sensation of water washing over me. It laps gently at my skin, pulling me into a dream-like haze. But then, fingers curve around my inner thigh, and panic rips through me.

“Stop!” I manage to force the word from my mouth as my whole body locks up.

Stunned at my outburst, both alphas stare down at me, their eyes comically wide. I brace myself, expecting one of them to snap or snarl, or maybe even hit me. But neither one does.

Finally, Basil lets out a short laugh and says, “Shit.”

Killian smiles, and deep lines settle around his eyes. It’s clear he smiles often. “We’re almost done, omega.” He smooths his hand over my upper arm. “Be patient, sweetheart.”

I want to snap and snarl and tell him to screw off. But my mind is too slow, and by the time I can find the words Basil has his hands in my hair, purring softly.

The rumbling sound radiates from his chest while nails scratch softly at my scalp. They tug gently at my roots before slipping through the wet strands. The alpha works quietly, making sure to get every inch of my head. It feels so good and vaguely familiar.

My eyes float closed and memories of my mother wash over me.

When I was little, she’d sit on the edge of the washbasin, humming little songs while she washed the dirt off my face. I’d play with the soap, making beards and puffy hats out of soap. Now that I’m grown, she and I would sit side-by-side while we wash the little ones after dinner. Or we did….

I wonder what happened today when she woke up and found me gone. Was she sad? Devastated? Angry?

Did Burke beat her for crying?

Did the Frolen pack hurt them when Burke told them I was gone?

Intense emotion grips me, and tears burn the back of my eyes. I swallow hard, trying to force down my growing sadness, but I can’t stop it. My tears are a rolling boulder, threatening to crush me if I don’t let them out. So I let them.

A bubble leaps from my throat, and hot tears fall down my face.

It almost feels good to cry.

“She must be exhausted,” Killian murmurs. I can hear the pity in his deep voice, but I don’t care anymore. I just want my mom.

“Let me wash her face and we can get out of here,” Basil says. The wet cloth brushes over my mouth and cheeks, wiping away the dried blood and salty tears. He’s shockingly gentle, touching me with so much care.

“Good girl,” Killian praises me when I take a deep breath. “We’re almost done.”

Basil purrs as he washes my forehead and cheeks. He moves down and around my ears, pausing before touching the spot where my gland is. The second the warm rag presses against my throat, electricity shoots through me. The confusing sensation mixes with my grief, making my stomach ache and I whimper.

“I think that’s good,” Killian says, then he moves. Water splashes as I’m carried back to the shoreline, but I keep my eyes shut tight. I don’t want to see their faces. I don’t want to see their pity for the pathetic omega that can’t even have a bath without falling apart.

“I checked the cave,” Tristan whispers softly, probably assuming I’m asleep. “Everything is still there.”

“Good.” Killian adjusts me in his hold, and I realize that we’re all still naked. I wish he’d let me put those horrible sweatpants back on. I’m chilly. “Come on,” Killian says. “We need to get this omega in bed.”

And just like that, panic slams into me once again.

What do they plan to do to me in bed?