Page 113 of Tangled in Knots

“You okay?” Duncan asks, throwing his arm around my shoulders.

“Yes,” I say, leaning into his side as we walk past the bouncer. They glanced at the brothers and waved them in.

I guess they are here often enough to make an impression.

“Alright. You let me know when you’re not,” Duncan says. “We’re going to see a few people and then find our seats.”

“It looks like a free for all,” I murmur as the dull roar washes over me.

There are people everywhere, and I half wish I’d thought to use my alpha pheromone blocker gel. Instead, I move closer to Duncan to breathe in his familiar scent of rum and blackberries.

Being around this many people reminds me of the auction, a feeling I didn’t think about when I agreed to come.

“Is the crowd getting to you?” Callum asks, leaning toward me. They’re my bookends at the moment, and helping with the anxiety.

“It’s a lot,” I tell him with wide eyes. Callum’s green eyes darken with worry and he nods.

“Duncan, we’re going to make sure we’re seen and then take her upstairs to the box, where it’s not such close quarters,” he announces. “Look up there, in the middle of the stands, Adira. There’s a box, and while it’s open, there are fans that circulate the air out into the club.”

“Why do they have a box like that?” I ask, shocked by the need for it.

“You’re not the only one who is sensitive to the scents in the room,” Callum says. “Let’s get this over with, yeah?”

“Yeah,” I breathe, grateful my boots are comfortable as we walk. There are a lot of omegas curled up with alphas or talking to each other.

Alphas and betas talk in suits or dressed down, smoking cigars or sipping drinks.

“Short Stuff, I’m going to use your name a bit, introduce you,” Duncan says, his lips to my ear. “It’ll keep Rock happy if he’s monitoring our movements. It wasn’t the original purpose of this outing, but it’ll keep you safe.”

I barely have a chance to acknowledge his words before we’re spotted.

“Duncan, long time no see,” a man calls out from the stadium seating.

Walking over, Duncan grins as he looks up at him.

“Corbin, how is life treating you?” he asks, keeping me close.

The alpha has dark hair with the temples beginning to gray. He doesn’t have any facial hair, but his thick lips are prominent along with his bright, blue eyes.

“Can’t complain,” Corbin says. “It’s keeping me busy. I hear there is some new talent tonight, which is good. I need a little excitement.”

I’m not sure it’s a good thing that a mafia man is looking to liven things up. He has the look of a made man in his dark blue suit, his coat obviously hiding weapons. Corbin is also surrounded by enough people that others can’t get close, and it appears intentional.

“We’ll see what they’re capable of,” Callum says, easily picking up the conversation thread. “Have you met our omega? This is Adira Firestone.”

Corbin leans forward, eyes narrowing as he gazes at me. I have a feeling he’s looking further than skin deep and I stand taller as I stare back at him.

“How is your father, girl?” he asks, surprising me.

“Is that a joke?” I ask. “I would have thought a man such as yourself would know he’s dead.”

My mouth ran away from me, shit! Duncan doesn’t stiffen at all, simply shrugging as if to say that I’m right.

“I do,” he grunts. “I didn’t think you’d call me out on it, girlie. My condolences. I understand your house was blown up as well?”

“That would be correct,” I sigh. “It’s been an interesting time.”

“Eh, I may have some news to share if it’s quite alright with you,” he says.

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