Page 12 of Consider The Lilies

Then she shoves me through the curtain, right into the center of a bright spotlight, and right into the view of a sea of hungry alphas.

The Auction

Bear

“Pay attention, gentlemen,” Walter smirks, teasing the crowd from the podium. His silver hair flashes in the bright lights. “Now, we’ve unfortunately reached the end of the night.” The beta’s measured voice slips over the crowd of restless alphas. “And, as always, we’ve saved the best for last.” He pauses for dramatic effect as two spotlights slip across the stage. It gives everything a magical glow, throwing a sheen off his yellow silk tie and making the golden buttons on his expensive navy suit flash. “Are you gentlemen ready?”

The crowd cheers and swells. Their excitement is electric, making the air tingle.

Walter smiles down at them, like a king, lording over peasants. But his smug expression is earned. He’s the best announcer we’ve ever had. He’s a complete professional with a silky voice, commanding presence, and an impressive ability to drive the cost up on even the most lackluster omega.

“Keep in mind,” Walter raises one long finger, “if you don’t snatch this last piece, you’ll have to wait until next month to find that perfect omega.” He smiles when several rousing growls hit the air.

Standing a little taller, I wonder if it’s that male omega I saw in the medical tent. His beautiful floral aroma still lingers in my nose, making my fingers flex and my spine tingle. There was something so alluring about him. Something that makes me want to touch and scent him. Deep down, I know it’s simply a twist of lust-filled biology. I don’t actually want the omega. In fact, no one in my pack wants an omega. We’re too busy running an empire and fucking whoever we want when we want. Sure, being a pack of all alphas does have its challenges, but we make it work, and an omega would complicate everything.

I definitely don’t want an omega.

But I can’t help but wonder what will happen to that little male. He was so weak. Obviously sick. I hope he’s not being auctioned tonight. Angelica would be a fool to place him in the catalog in his current state. He needs time to heal.

And then maybe he’ll still be here next month for the next auction. I’d like to see him again. Just to make sure he’s in better health.

“Now, I know you’re restless,” Walter’s dark eyes shimmer with excitement, “but this last piece is different.Special,” he whispers the word into the slim microphone jutting out of the podium.

“Get on with it!” an alpha in the crowd yells, making several others growl in agreement. I can’t help but smile at the obvious desperation radiating off them. Impatient alphas tend to pay big with little thought or remorse.

Awareness for my pack alpha prickles my back, and I turn. Stanley stands at the edge of the auction, watching everyone carefully. He looks so commanding in his black suit andmatching tie—tall and strong. His dark eyes sweep the crowd before turning away. I watch his strong form carefully, not taking my eyes off him until he disappears into the display room.

Walter’s voice swells over the crowd, and I look back at the stage right as the male omega stumbles through the black curtain and into the spotlight.

You’ve got to be kidding me.

Rage pumps hard in my veins as I stare up at the weak creature on the stage. He’s so pale, trembling under the bright lights. Walter urges him to step into the center of the stage, and he shuffles forward. I can visibly see his knees shake.

“Introducing our last omega.” Walter holds a hand out, gesturing to the boy. He ducks his head, and the slightest whimper hits the air.

My heart instantly jacks up at the sound, and I push forward. Even though I tower over the alphas around me, I need to be closer.I need to see his face.Furious, I shove around a massive alpha, desperate for a better vantage point. I push about halfway into the crowd, when the throng of alphas shifts.

And then the blond omega lifts his head.

His eyes are stunning. They look green in the bright light. They don’t have much sparkle, but I’m sure that’s the sedative. I take in the rest of his slight form. His soft body is hidden behind a thin, oversized dress shirt. His plump pink lips are shiny, and his blond hair hangs over his forehead in perfectly styled curls.

He looks like an angel.

“Is that amale?” someone barks out, disgust clear in his voice. The blond omega ducks his head, having obviously heard the insult. I snarl at the unknown fucker, wanting to rip his goddamn throat out.

“Heisa male,” Walter responds to the heckler with an excited lift in his voice.

There’s a mix of jeers and a few whistles. Someone yells out, “What a waste of fucking time,” while several others wander off, clearly having no interest in pursuing a male.

I’m both relieved and enraged. I can't believe they wouldn’t want him. He’s so timid and soft, and his scent…

I lick my lips, tasting the faint trace of his floral aroma in the air. But I’m also happy at the loss of competition. The stupid fuckers don’t know what they’re missing out on.

The young male shifts nervously on the stage, rocking on the balls of his feet. As if pulled by an invisible thread, I move, trying to get closer to the stage.I don’t know what's happening to me.

“Item number 4101,” Walter introduces the omega. “He’s five-foot-six with a slim build, green eyes, beautifully obedient,and,” he pauses, giving the crowd a playful smirk, “he’s certifiedpure.” The second the last word leaves his mouth, the crowd turns electric.

Murmurs shift from disappointment to wild anticipation.

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