Page 6 of Bonds of Hate

I swallow back the protest and Logan’s grip eases. His thumb gently traces my jugular, which jumps in response.

“Easy there,” Logan croons. “You don’t want to push too hard with him.”

“Let her try me,” Poe responds. “I haven’t hurt anyone in hours.”

“We’re avoiding violence, at least for today.” Logan’s hand slips away, though the weight of his gaze never leaves my face. “Show us.”

I swallow past the hard lump in my throat. “Show you what?”

He lounges on the upholstered chair, looking every inch the indolent prince as he smirks down at me.“Let’s start with those pretty titties.”

Frozen on my knees, I feel like anything but a properly submissive Omega. Even if I have mimicked the pose perfectly. Logan’s words ricochet through my head.

Show us.

Show us.

Show us.

Everyone knows that Alphas travel in packs. They’re biologically compelled to seek each other out and prove whichever one of them is dominant. Once the dust settles, they have a tendency to stick together and the packs they form then compete against each other, if just to increase their collective chances of attracting an Omega.

I’d known that Logan’s pack would eventually become a part of our bond, but I wasn’t expecting any group action this soon.

Before a mating contract has even been signed.

“Remember, you can walk out that door whenever you like,” Logan reminds me with a mocking smile. “No one is going to compel you to do anything.”

Nausea barrel rolls in my belly. The thought of it makes me want to dig a hole in the floor and crawl into it to die of shame.

“Poor Omega, so confused,” Logan’s tone is mocking, as if I’m responding exactly like he thought I would, but there is no trace of command in his voice. “What is she going to do?”

Poe snorts derisively, but his stare practically bores into me. “She won’t perform until you offer her something. Jewelry, maybe. Omegas don’t submit for free unless you force them.”

“Let’s give her a chance,” Ares drawls. When I risk a glance at him, he meets my gaze with a lecherous smile. “It will take weeks for the Enclave to get us another one. You have any idea how long it’s been since I had pussy that could take a knot?”

“Personally, I prefer a desperate beta any day of the week. When they try to manipulate you, at least you see it coming.” Logan pushes his chair back with an ear-piercing shriek against the hardwood floor. The expression of boredom on his face is cringe-inducing as he waves toward the door. “I think we’re done here.”

My hands rise of their own volition, fingers catching on the seed pearls that I had done up so painstakingly only hours ago. This dress is handmade and custom-fitted, perfect for the future mate of a royal prince. The Enclave has already added its value to the balance of my debt.

Silence descends as I undo the buttons one-by-one. I don’t exactly mean for it to be a striptease, but going faster might tear the delicate threads connecting each pearl to the peach silk bodice.

I refuse to meet their gazes as the fabric pools around my waist. Chilled air washes over my skin, making me shiver. Even without looking down, I know my nipples are harder than chips of diamond.

My attention stays trained on the gilded portrait hanging above Logan’s head for an entire minute. The eyes of some royal Alpha ancestor glares down at me in judgment until I finally force myself to look at the very real Alphas in front of me.

Logan takes a single breath and lets it out on a long exhale.

Poe shifts from one foot to another but says nothing.

Cillian pointedly looks away, bright color high on his cheeks.

Ares is the one who finally breaks the silence by releasing a low whistle of appreciation.

“Shit, those might be the most perfect tits that I’ve ever seen.” He sidles closer, moving silently despite his massive size. A glance at Logan and he stops just out of arm’s reach. “How many other Alphas have you let see these before, baby girl?”

Even though he isn’t touching me, Ares is close enough that the heat of his body feels like an inferno at my back, alleviating some of the chill in my skin. I squeeze my eyes shut in an effort not to lean closer.

“He asked you a question,” Logan prompts. His gaze flicks to Ares, as if in some unspoken agreement. “We expect an answer.”

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