Page 35 of Hunt

A knock at the door jolts us back into the present.

"Miss De Luca?" It's the same harried assistant from before. "Your presence is requested in the main hall. The auction organizers wish to go over some last-minute details with you."

I take a deep, steadying breath, squaring my shoulders and smoothing my features into an expressionless mask. "I'll be right there," I call out, my voice steady and calm despite the dread churning in my gut.

The stylists make a few final adjustments to my hair and makeup before stepping back, their eyes shining with a mixture of awe and envy. I barely spare them a glance as I strip out of the dress, change into a simple pair of jeans, sneakers and a white t-shirt, and stride towards the door.

As I emerge into the hallway, the assistant falls into step beside me, her tablet clutched tightly to her chest. She rattles off a list of names and titles, each one more pompous and self-important than the last. I tune her out, my mind already racing ahead to the upcoming meeting.

The main hall is a grand, sprawling space, all gleaming marble and soaring ceilings. Massive chandeliers drip fromthe rafters, casting a warm glow over the assembled crowd of organizers. The auction wont take place here, but the celebratory banquet afterwards will.

I spot Alessio and Alpha Marco immediately, their dark heads bent together in conversation with a group of well-dressed men I don't recognize. Marco rarely shows his face, always off on some errand or another. Liam sees us and heads over too, the trio finally together.

As if sensing my presence, Alessio looks up, his piercing gaze locking with mine across the room. A slow, predatory smile spreads across my father’s face and he murmurs something to the men before striding towards me, Alpha Liam and Marco trailing in his wake.

"Belladonna," Marco purrs, his eyes raking over my form with undisguised loathing. "You look glorious, my dear. The alphas won't know what hit them."

I force a smile, my skin crawling under his lascivious gaze. "Thank you, Alpha."

The heavy oak doors at the end of the hall swing open, revealing the imposing figures of the Carbone alphas. Dante strides in first, his tall frame exuding quiet power and confidence. Silas and Hector flank him on either side, their gazes sharp and assessing as they sweep over the assembled crowd.

The air in the room seems to thicken, crackling with a sudden tension as the two alpha packs size each other up. I can feel the weight of their stares on me, the intensity of it making my breath catch in my throat.

I pray to any god that is listening that the heavy sweat and perfume I’m wearing will mask our matching scents. After our mating the other night, we all smell the same, and it would send my fathers into a murderous fucking rage. The thought is almost worth it though.

Dante's eyes meet mine across the expanse of gleaming marble, a flicker of something deep and primal flaring to life in their amber depths. His nostrils flare slightly, no doubt catching the scent of my heady omega pheromones even from this distance. Beside him, Silas and Hector's gazes burn into me with equal intensity, their powerful alpha auras washing over my heightened senses.

The Carbones approach with predatory grace, their every movement exuding raw, barely leashed power. The air seems to part before them, the gathered organizers and staff scattering like leaves in an autumn wind.

"Alessio, Liam, Marco,” Dante greets coolly as he comes to a stop before my fathers, his voice a deep, resonant rumble. "I trust the preparations for the auction are going smoothly?"

Alessio plasters on a shark-like smile, his dark eyes glittering. "But of course, Dante. No expense has been spared to ensure this will be a night to remember."

Liam nods in agreement, his gaze sliding to me. "And as you can see, our Belladonna is the crown jewel of the event. She will make some lucky alpha very happy."

Silas's hands curl into fists at his sides, the only outward sign of his simmering fury. Hector remains stoic as ever, but I can see the muscle ticking in his jaw, his smokey gray eyes burning into me with an intensity that steals my breath.

Dante steps forward, his towering frame exuding a calm, lethal power. "Belladonna," he murmurs, his deep voice sending shivers racing down my spine. "You look stunning, as always."

He reaches out, brushing a lock of hair back from my face with a gentleness that belies the coiled strength in his muscular form. His fingertips graze the sensitive skin of my cheek, and I have to fight not to lean into his touch, my omega instincts yearning for more.

Alessio clears his throat pointedly, and Dante drops his hand, stepping back with a polite smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes. "Shall we retire to the study to go over the final contracts?" he suggests smoothly, gesturing towards the grand double doors at the far end of the hall.

Liam nods, his gaze still lingering on me in a way that makes my skin crawl. "Of course. Bella, be a good girl and fetch our guests some refreshments, will you? We have much to discuss."

I dip my head in a show of demure obedience, even as anger surges through my veins. "Yes, Alpha.”

I stride towards the elegantly appointed bar, my heels clicking sharply against the polished marble. The weight of multiple gazes burns into my back—the hungry stares of the Carbone alphas, the cold calculation of my fathers, and the searing intensity of Nic's emerald eyes.

As I reach for the crystal decanter of aged scotch, Nic appears at my side, his warm breath ghosting over the shell of my ear. "What game are you playing, Bella?" he murmurs, his voice low and rough with barely restrained emotion.

I tilt my head to meet his gaze, my lips curving into a razor-edged smile. "Who says I'm playing a game?" I retort, arching one perfectly groomed brow. "Maybe I'm just embracing my role as the dutiful omega daughter."

Nic's jaw clenches, his eyes flashing with a mix of anger and possessive heat. “If you’re planning something, I need to know.”

I laugh bitterly. “Oh do you? You’ve had a massive change of heart over the last week. I wonder why that is, Nic.”

Nic's eyes narrow, a muscle ticking in his jaw. "You know exactly why," he grits out, his voice low and rough with barely restrained emotion. "I can't just stand by and watch as they auction you off like a piece of meat. Not when I?—"

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