Page 60 of Violet

“So am I,” I say. “I’m hoping to find my mate by the end of the Season, an Alpha who’s a good man, who will do right by me and my family.”

“And a pack? Children?”

I nod. “I come from a large family. It’s all I know.”

“Excellent.” He takes my hand and kisses it again. Then there’s a soft ringing—his cell phone—which he takes out of his pocket and glances at the screen with a frown. “I’m sorry. I’m going to have to take a rain check on the dance. Work is calling, and they know not to unless it’s an emergency.”

“Oh. That’s okay,” I say. “Hopefully it’s nothing too serious.”

“But I’d love to see you again.” His phone continues to ring. “I’ll be in touch with your brother to set up something. Maybe dinner at Blackwood Chophouse?”

That’s the fanciest, most expensive steakhouse in all of Sabine.

“I look forward to it.”

“Until then, Miss Gardener.” He finally presses the answer button and walks away.

After he goes, Heath comes over and hands me a drink. “Apple juice.”

“I’m not a child.”

“Dom left?”

“He got an urgent work call. Or so he said.”

“Dom is the CEO of a huge pharmaceutical company,” he says. “I don’t remember the name, but they make most of the scent blockers on the market. He makes more money than he knows what to do with, travels a lot, but he’s looking to slow down. Start a family. Did you like him?”

“He was very polite, but we didn’t get to talk much before his phone rang.”

“Ah, well, he seems very interested in you. So let’s hope it leads somewhere.” He takes a gulp of his drink, which, by the sharp, bitter smell of it, definitely isn’t apple juice. “But first, we’re going to mingle. You and me.”

“I’m supposed?—”

“Stephan?” He leans in. “I already had a talk with him. Told him to stop keeping you all to himself and let you play the field. Now, you stay with me while we make our rounds. A whirlwind meet and greet.”

I don’t argue and let him guide me around the courtyard. Some of the men I know, some are older than Dom, some his age. They all seem nice enough with their stiff manners and boring weather conversation. Lawyers, doctors, professors… They all have noteworthy careers and wealth. They would be a fine choice for any Omega looking for a mate.

But they’re not Stephan. None of them make my stomach flip like he does.

Heath has an agenda. After each one, he glances at me to gauge my reaction.

“I’m sorry,” I say after we excuse ourselves from the last Alpha, a graying man named Fredrick who enjoys playing golf and talking about it even more. “He was too…”

“Chatty?” Heath answers.

I crinkle my nose. “Old.”

“Yeah, I figured forty-five was pushing it…”

“He was forty-five?” I gasp. “Heath!”

He laughs, and for a moment, it’s a glimpse of the old Heath. “He wasn’t actually on my list. I just wanted to see what you’d say.”

“I’d say I’m not letting you pick any more Alphas for me this Season.”

“Dom wasn’t bad,” he says.

“You get a D- for the night and that’s being generous.” I glance around for Stephan, but don’t see him anywhere. My stomach sinks.

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