Page 18 of Terror

She leans the bat against the wall. “Why do you care?”

“Because.”

“Because?”

“Yes.”

She snorts. There’re tears in her eyes, and her hands shake.

I press on. “Let me in, and I can make it all better.” I smile.

“Go away.”

If she doesn’t want me, I won’t force myself on her. I could release pheromones and purr my way inside the house, where she would have little choice but to submit. But I don’t. Though she puts up a brave front, something tells me this Omega is fragile, and she’s had enough.

I lean against the doorjamb. “I’m not leaving until you promise not to take those pills. They’re not gonna get delivered, you will not acquire them, and if you do come across them, the first thing you’ll think of is me. Then you’ll call me. In exchange, I’ll give you the venue.”

“You’ll move out of Melanie’s house?”

“No.”

She chuckles. “I can’t have an enjoyable party with Terror in attendance. I want people to have a good time.”

“I will be on my best behavior.”

She bites her lip. “Okay, Terror. You’ve got a deal.”

“Arkin,” I correct and wince. Shouldn’t have allowed her to call me by my given name. I regret it immediately but continue on now that I’ve dug the hole for myself. “That’s my name. You may use it.”

She swipes tears off her face, puts on a smile, and extends her hand. “Tabby. Welcome to the neighborhood.”

I shake her hand, wondering if she’ll hold up her end of the bargain. “I would stay if you let me,” I tell her.

“Will there be tech for the party? Lights, music, refrigerator?” She smiles, fidgeting with the hem of her robe.

“Maybe.”

“Travis lives in New York,” she blurts, a blush covering her cheeks. “He’s well connected, and I doubt you’ll find him now. He knows you’ve paid me a visit.”

“Would he attend your party?”

She nods. “Everyone would. I know they’re not coming for me, but still…”

“What do you think they’re coming for?”

“Business.”

This is better than I expected. “What kind of business?”

“The one you’re hunting.”

“Are you telling me Betaren people are coming to this party of yours?”

She nods. “They might cancel now that you’ve occupied the house.”

“My attendance is not negotiable. I told you I’d take care of you, and I will. I will see you through this.” This Omega has gotten herself mixed up with some very bad people. A college student who lives in a mansion. No parents, no siblings, and only one image of her when she was little in the entire house tells me she’s all alone. And yet, she knows all the people in all the places. There’s only one reason why any of those people would give her the time of day. She’s got something they want. Money. “I’ll extend the tech hours for however long is necessary.”

Her eyes light up, and it’s fucking worth it.

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