Page 16 of Seen Knot Heard

Muscles rigid, I refuse to yield even as his lips graze the corner of my mouth in a whisper of a kiss. A promise and a threat rolled into one.

“I only want what’s best for you, little Omega,” he murmurs against my skin. “I’ll make you so happy in time.”

I close my eyes, praying for the strength to endure until I can escape and return to the Alphas who hold my heart. They treated me with tender care, unlike this snake, intent on squeezing me into submission.

Steeling myself, I turn my head to meet his gaze. “I already have everything I need. Thank you for the generous offer, though.”

Something flashes across his face, too quick to catch, but enough to send a frisson of fear skittering down my spine. It’s there and gone in an instant, replaced by that smooth, genial mask.

“Of course.” He releases me with one last caress. “If you change your mind, you have only to ask for me.”

With that, he levers himself off the bed.

“Wait!” I scramble off after him before he can leave. “Do you have any news about Grady’s condition?”

Irritation flashes across Louie’s face. “I already told you, I’m your agent now. Grady is irrelevant.”

His scent takes on a bitter edge, his displeasure at this new topic making my head swim.

“I understand. It’s just that Grady is also my friend, and I’m worried about him.” I dare to get close enough to rest my hand on Louie’s arm. “Can you call the hospital for an update? It would mean so much to me.”

He studies me for a moment, considering. “If I do this for you, what will you do to make me happy in return, hmm?”

My breath catches, and I snatch my hand back as if burned.

“Think it over, darling.” Louie smirks at my discomfort and pats my head. “I’ve got a business meeting, so I won’t be able to have dinner with you tonight. I look forward to hearing what you come up with tomorrow.”

Not expecting a response, he strides out, slamming the door.

Alone again, anxiety sets in. I can’t stay here a minute more, waiting for Louie to force himself on me. Because that’s what this is leading to. I feel it in how often he touches me. His patience is wearing thin now that he has me cornered.

For the past week, I’ve been studying the layout of the penthouse every time I’m let out of my room to entertain Louie. I’ve noted the routines of the guards and servants, gathering intel while biding my time.

It’s now or never.

Chapter Six

Dominic

It took calling in a few favors, but I finally tracked Vivian Sinclair down.

The opulent racetrack stretches before me, a sea of designer outfits and sparkling champagne flutes. Expensive perfumes mingle with pheromones, creating a heady mixture that tickles my nose and sets my teeth on edge.

I breathe shallowly through my mouth as I scan the crowd.

The laughter and chatter of the wealthy elite grate on my nerves, their carefree attitudes a stark contrast to the work my pack puts in to get our dream off the ground.

I reach the outskirts of the track, my hands gripping the metal railing. The thunder of hoofbeats sounds in the distance, the racers on the opposite side of the field.

A gentle breeze carries the hint of a garden, catching on my tongue and curdling in my stomach. The pheromones are so close to Chloe’s, but soured by alcohol, both old and new.

Turning, my gaze lands on the private boxes where the crème de la crème sit above the heat and the earthy scent of the racehorses. In a center box, I spot Vivian Sinclair, her pink hair standing out against all the white, like a peacock in her roost.

Anger boils in my blood as I take in her immaculate appearance, not a strand out of place, her locks swept up in an expensive chignon that leaves the pink-diamond necklace around her neck on full display.

Images flash through my mind of a young Chloe, our last year in high school, cast out and alone as the popular kids sneered at her fall from grace. If only I’d stood by her side back then instead of giving in to my family’s pressure to distance myself.

Could I have changed her fate? Stopped Vivian from selling her off to Louie for a fat monthly allowance?

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