Page 40 of The Violence of Love (The Black Market Omega #2)

Autry

This estate is breathtaking—set high above the city with wide stone steps that lead into a sprawling manor. It kind of reminds me of my old academy, at least until we step inside. Then it hits me how out of my depth I am.

The spacious ballroom feels like something pulled from a forgotten fairy tale.

It’s massive and echoing with a quiet refinement.

The arched ceilings are vaulted high above us like the ribs of a cathedral.

Stone walls stretch outward, warm under the glow of several heavy iron chandeliers.

The light dances across deep red curtains and the enormous oil paintings that line the walls—each one is faded and cracked with time, like they were painted a thousand years ago.

Yup. I am completely out of place.

But not Rhett or Myrick. They act like they’ve done this a thousand times.

My pack alpha, regal in a tailored midnight-blue tuxedo, moves through the crowd like he was born for this.

He’s confident and magnetic, exchanging firm handshakes and sleek smiles with board members and random alphas like they’re old friends.

Myrick is equally polished in a charcoal gray suit with a silk tie that matches his sharp silver cufflinks.

The beta effortlessly keeps stride with Rhett, chiming in with easy charm and a quiet wit that earns him warm laughter and approving nods.

Charlie and Oli, however, linger on the edges of the gathering, looking nervous.

Both are striking in their formalwear—Charlie in a deep maroon velvet jacket that sets off the warmth of his chestnut hair and soft eyes, and Oli in a sharp black suit that hugs his broad frame just right.

They stick close to one another, occasionally exchanging tense glances.

And I swear Oli has scanned the room at least a dozen times like he’s looking for an emergency exit.

“You good?” Oli murmurs to Charlie, low enough that no one else can hear.

“Yeah.” Charlie nods, but his fingers are still twitching. “You?”

Oli doesn’t answer right away. His jaw is tight. “These people make me feel like I’m wearing someone else’s skin.”

I stand behind them, trying to keep my posture perfect, my expression pleasant.

My black gown is gorgeous—floor-length and silky, with delicate beading that glitters when I move—but it feels more like armor than fashion.

But it’s the collar around my neck that’s really grating on me.

It’s the same one I wore when we went shopping. Hard, stiff, and annoying.

Oli was right. This is stressful.

And I was so silly to think it wouldn’t be.

While it’s true that I was educated by some of the best instructors in the country—groomed for events like this—nothing could have prepared me for the sharpness in these smiles, or the way their eyes cut over me. It feels like they’re measuring something. My worth, maybe. My breeding?

It makes me want to run all the way back home and hide in our bed. I want to wrap myself in Rhett’s comforter and soak up his rich, masculine scent—hazelnut and chocolate. Raw and sweet at the same time.

I want to burrow into the hollow I’ve carved in the center of his mattress, where the sheets are always tangled just right and where the light comes through the window soft and golden in the late afternoon.

I want to feel the worn cotton against my skin, nuzzle into my favorite pillow until all the sharp edges inside me go quiet.

But I can’t. I’m stuck here, in this packed ballroom, surrounded by strangers. Big, scary, looming strangers.

As my nerves begin to spiral, Rhett’s hand circles gently around my wrist. His touch is steady and warm, pulling me instantly back to the present. His thumb strokes once, slow and deliberate, and my jaw naturally unclenches.

“You’re doing great,” Rhett whispers, before releasing me to shake hands with the next random alpha.

Looking up at the sexy, silver-haired alpha, I admire him, wondering how I got so lucky.

I still can’t believe that Oli thinks Rhett could be violent with one of us. So silly.

Oli clearly doesn’t know him very well, despite them being old family friends. That is what Myrick said, right?

But Oli is wrong. Rhett is calm and measured. Sure, he’s protective, but he’s never even raised his voice at me, let alone a hand.

Yeah. Oli has no idea what he’s talking about.

“Hey, Rick?” Charlie leans toward the beta the second there’s a lull in the conversation. “When are they going to serve dinner?” His tone is laced with nerves. “My stomach is doing cartwheels.” He pats his belly.

“Yeah.” Oli frowns. “I’m afraid I’ll forget which fork goes with what.”

Myrick chuckles softly, the sound warm and unbothered. He pats Oli’s arm in reassurance, fingers briefly squeezing the muscle of his bicep. “Soon,” he says, scanning the crowded room. “They won’t let this mob of half-drunk heathens go hungry for long.”

Oli nods, but his posture doesn’t fully relax, especially when he looks at Charlie. The dark-haired beta looks tense, rubbing his stomach in slow, soft circles.

“Are you okay?” I reach for Charlie’s hand. He nods, despite his clammy hands. “You look pale,” I say.

“I’m good,” Charlie whispers, cutting a quick glance at Rhett and then Myrick. It’s clear he doesn’t want either one of them to overhear.

“Do you need me to get you anything?” Oli asks. “Bread? Or water? Or…” he shrugs like he’s not sure what else might help.

Charlie smiles as he releases my hand. “I promise. I’m fine. I’m just hot.” He pulls at his collar. “This jacket is heavy.”

“Can he take it off?” Oli asks Myrick for permission, but I already know the answer.

“It wouldn't look great,” Myrick grimaces. “How about we step outside?” He slips his hand up Charlie’s arm. “Get you some fresh air?”

“Oh no,” Charlie quickly holds up his hand. “I’m good. I promise.”

“It looks like there’s a door over there,” Oli points. Charlie and I both turn to look, but we’re too short to see anything other than the backs of everyone around us .

“Have you met my pack?” Rhett’s overly professional voice makes us snap to, and we quickly abandon our exit plan as he turns to us.

I smile, ready to greet yet another alpha. But this one looks somewhat familiar. His trim gray beard and piercing green eyes remind me of someone…but I can't place who.

“You, of course, know Myrick,” Rhett goes through all of us, introducing Oli and Charlie, then at last me. “And this is our omega, Autry.”

The older alpha puffs out his chest as he looks me over.

His gaze lingers on my chest before nodding like he likes what he sees.

“Congratulations, Rhett.” His voice is big and booming.

“She’s stunning.” He pats Rhett on the back, talking about me like I’m not standing right here. “Where did you get her?”

“She’s a graduate of Waverly Hall,” Rhett says, beaming with pride.

“Waverly Hall?” The alpha’s eyes go wide. “I’ve heard they’re a little rough on their omegas.” He leans in, and I fight the urge to back up. “Is that true?”

‘Oh, no, Sir.” I force a polite smile, trying to figure out what else I can say about a place I’ve never been.

“They’re just strict. But rules and boundaries help omegas learn and grow so that we’ll fit in much faster within the confines of a pack.

” They used to say that at Beechworth, and I’m sure Waverly Hall would agree.

“That’s so true.” The alpha looks at me like I’ve dropped some true wisdom. “You picked a good one, Rhett.” He smacks Rhett’s arm again.

“I couldn’t agree more.” My stiff alpha beams, but I can see the tension in his shoulders. He doesn’t like this guy any more than I do.

“Donall! ”

I jerk at the familiar voice.

“Donall!” Mr. Jannis pushes up into our little circle, a glass of wine in one hand and his cell phone in the other.

“Have you been to the bar yet?” His cheeks are very rosy, and his upper body sways as he leans in.

He’s definitely had too much to drink. “We have Veils on tap,” he says to the bearded alpha.

“I haven’t been there yet,” Donall says. “I was planning on making my way over after I chatted up Sesto’s pack.”

“Sesto?” Mr. Jannis squints at Rhett’s face like he’s struggling to place him.

Myrick and I share a worried look, but thankfully the older alpha lets out a hum of realization.

“Rhett!” Jannis slaps Rhett on the upper arm, and Rhett’s fists curl tight.

“I’m so glad you came. And you brought the whole pack.

” His eyes narrow, looking at each one of us, before finally landing on Oli. “What’s your name again, boy?”

“This is Oliver,” Rhett jumps in, answering for the young alpha. He holds his hand out, moving like he’s not sure if he should touch Oli or not. In the end, he decides to pat Oli’s upper arm. The motion is stiff but I doubt anyone else notices.

“Oliver?” Mr. Jannis stares at Oli so intensely I check to make sure there’s not something written on his face. But he looks the same as always—Handsome, sexy, and stoic. “What is it you do, again?”

“I stay at home with our mates,” Oli says, giving the answers he and Charlie prepared in the car. “Rhett is so committed to the company,” he smiles at Rhett right on cue, “we wanted to make sure our omega was well taken care of in his absence.”

Charlie beams up at Oli as he slips his hand around the young alpha’s arm. This was also planned. Little touches and glances make the pack look more real. I’m thankful Charlie doesn’t mind playing the part.

I’d volunteer to touch the sexy alpha, too—if I didn’t think it would send Rhett into a complete nuclear meltdown.

“That’s smart to have the young one stay at home,” Mr. Jannis says to Rhett.

“Omegas are emotional and unpredictable before being mated. Those bites really settle them.” He cuts a firm look at the collar wrapped around my neck.

“She’ll look lovely with a deep scar, right here.

” Mr. Jannis extends a single finger, reaching for my covered throat.

Fear grips me as he comes in closer, but right before he can touch me, Rhett pulls me behind him, shielding me from the alpha.

“We’re all looking forward to having our pack finalized.” Rhett gives Jannis and Donall an overly polite smile, but his big body is rigid. Protective and safe. “How about we head over to the bar and get you that drink?” he says to Donall.

Jannis lets out a pleased chuckle, then opens his mouth, but before he can speak, the gentle chime of a bell rings out through the ballroom, telling everyone that dinner is ready to be served.

“Come on,” Myrick says softly, already reaching for Charlie’s hand. “Let's get something in you to settle those nerves.”

Charlie gives a jittery laugh and nods, letting himself be led toward the dining room.

“Wait one second, omega,” Rhett’s tone is low but firm—making it clear that everyone else can leave.

But Oli lingers.

His eyes flicker to Rhett, then to me, hesitation written all over his face. The alpha’s jaw clenches slightly, and he shifts his weight like he’s not sure what to do .

“You can go,” Rhett says to Oli.

But the young alpha doesn't move right away. He looks at me again, longer this time—his brows drawn together with something that looks a lot like worry. Not for himself. For me .

Something tight curls in my chest, and I have to fight the urge to reach for Oli and ask if he’s okay.

“Oliver,” Rhett barks, and Oli’s dark eyes snap to the pack alpha’s face. “Go,” he mouths the single word.

Oli nods and walks away slowly, but his head turns back twice before he vanishes into the sea of evening wear and murmured conversations.

Rhett still hasn’t moved.

He waits until everyone else disappears behind a velvet-draped doorway before he finally turns to me.

His expression instantly shifts, his stern mask falling away, replaced with deep worry.

“Jannis didn’t touch you, did he?” His hand cups my cheek, tilting my face gently so he can see me better, like he’s checking for damage.

I blink, caught off guard by the sudden intensity. “I’m okay,” I say quickly, forcing a smile. “I am wearing my collar,” I point out, not wanting to give my alpha anything else to worry about. This evening is already stressful enough, and besides...nothing really happened.

Still, Rhett’s jaw remains tight.

I want to laugh at him to lighten the mood—after all, I was almost poked by some posturing alpha, not shot. But I can’t deny how deeply wrong it felt that someone I didn’t know might lay hands on me in public, in front of my pack alpha .

Rhett’s thumb brushes my cheek, slow and careful.

“You sure?” he asks, quieter now, the anger bleeding out of his voice, but none of the tension going with it .

“I promise. He just startled me a little.”

“Okay.” Rhett nods, a hint of relief softening his expression. “Are you feeling anything else?” His dark eyes sweep over the mostly empty ballroom, making sure we’re alone. “Any aches or pains?”

He doesn’t say the word heat , but I know what he means, and I shake my head gently.

“No, I feel fine, alpha,” I say, then step in close. I rest my cheek against the solid warmth of his chest. His arms circle my waist as he presses a kiss to the top of my head.

He smells so warm and sweet and familiar. For a second, I let myself sink into it, tired from all the smiling and small talk, content to be held.

But then Oli’s face pops into my head. The way he looked at Rhett…that flicker of something deeper. It wasn’t just concern. It was…wariness.

And Myrick told me they’re family friends. I assume Oli’s known Rhett for years. Maybe even his whole life?

My stomach knots, small and hard.

Oli clearly didn’t want to leave me alone with Rhett.

I wish I knew why.