Page 11 of Corrupt Me

I pull away from him, scrunching up my nose in confusion. “Why do you—she’s here. She’s here, isn’t she?”

“Yes,” Kolsen purrs, dragging me back against him. “Don’t scare her away, alright?”

He’s giving me full reign, permission to woo the Beta that captured my Alphas without even knowing it. I might only have tonight to catch this Beta’s attention and I will do everything in my power to make her say yes.

I’ve never truly leaned into my Omega instincts but today, I’m going to lean so fucking hard I’ll be irresistible.

Chapter seven

CAMILA

My phone buzzes for the fifth time and I snort, knowing that it’s Ethan’s impatient ass. After Violet and Sofie went through my entire wardrobe to find something suitable for tonight, I was left to my own devices so that they could run home and grab what they needed. I’ve been holed up in my room ever since, squirreling away and trying to avoid the inevitable conversation with my father. Violet already warned me that rumors are swirling as to why I wasn’t part of Teo’s announcement.

I move to stand in front of my mirror, smiling at the dress that used to be my mother’s. When she passed away, it became my task to clean out her closet and box up her personal effects. Instead of throwing them out, most of them are stashed away in the back of my closet, including her simple wardrobe that I’ve fallen in love with over the years.

The sparkly gown with thin straps flares out slightly before my hips and ends just past my knees, hiding the thick band around my belly. I’m not ashamed of my size but it’s one of many reasons I know Teo chose Penelope. I do look like an Omega—I’m a little taller than they usually are—but I’m not one. And just for one night, I want to look that way. I smooth down my dress before frowning. There’s no way to hide my full cheeks or round eyes.

Just embrace it, Camila.

So, I do. By rushing over to my purse and pulling out that damned list. I search for ‘kiss a stranger’ and draw a line through it. A sense of accomplishment spreads through me, a silly smile taking over my face. I make a mental note to cross off at least two more things tonight, to live a little, and to truly let myself have some fun for once. Teo made his choice. It’s time I start making mine.

Tonight might be the beginning of something new if Kolsen and Amiri’s Omega accepts me. My brows crease as I realize I’ve forgotten one crucial thing. Do they even want me? Not every established pack takes on another mate, regardless of the attraction. After all, I’m a pastor’s daughter and they are the embodiment of sin in every sense of what my father preaches.

Sin that I’m undoubtedly attracted to.

Heat bleeds through me as their faces take over my thoughts, a frustrated groan slipping through my lips. That is highly inconvenient.

My phone buzzes again and I pick it up, laughing at Ethan’s impatience.

What are you doing in there?

Is dad holding you hostage?

Do I need to send in Zana?

I can send in Jace. He’s with us.

MILA!

Camila?

The last one feels like a plea so I quickly text him back that I’m on my way. Temple is ten minutes away so we’ll only be a few minutes late if Dad doesn’t spend too long yelling at me. We haven’t spoken since the picnic behind the church. Gathering up my courage, I stuff my phone and the list back into my purse before descending the stairs.

And of course, at the bottom, Dad is standing there like a gatekeeper. His arms are folded tightly across his chest, a deep frown etched onto his lips. “I have heard a lot of things today, Camila. A lot of them. None of which sound like the daughter that lives in my household. Would you like to explain what’s going on?”

I sigh as I stay on the second to last step so I don’t have to look up to him. Dad thinks he’s doing what’s right but he should see that ship sailed when Ethan went no contact. “You’ll have to be more specific. I’ve been a lot of places today.” I don’t want to fight with my father but nearly every conversation with him turns into him telling me what I need to do and me saying that I’m not going to do it.

“Teo’s engagement. I thought you two were dating. At what point did Penelope come into the picture? Or are you their pack Beta? Is this-” Dad starts off on a tangent, more excited than I’ve seen him in months. However, his enthusiasm makes my stomach churn.

“You’re happy that I would accept to be their pack Beta? Why would you want that for me?” It dawns on me now that my father’s distaste for Ethan and his pack is more than just that there are three but that Reid isn’t a pack Beta. He’s part of the relationship. The fact that my father would want a life where I’m just on the sidelines pains me. “Dad?”

“You’re a Beta, Camila. It’s how the world works. You either settle for another Beta or become a pack Beta to lovingly serve your family. Did you really think Teo was going to choose just you? No Alpha would take on a Beta when they can have an Omega, Camila. I’m sure you know that.” My father’s demeanor softens, his arms dropping to his side as he tilts his head.

His words don’t soften the blow, though. They feel like spears. I never knew he felt this way about me and my designation. It answers a lot of questions and now I’m seeing all of his commands and rules in an entirely different light. One of his most popular phrases is to ‘Be good for the Alpha who chooses you’. It was never about romance or finding the one and everything to do with submission and keeping my head down.

I won’t be doing that.

“I’m glad we’ve figured that out but I’m not going to be anyone’s pack Beta. I’m sure some Betas thrive in that condition but it won’t be me. Anything else? I have an engagement to celebrate.” Snark never works with my father, case in point that he growls up at me.

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