Page 45 of Knot Unwanted: Part Two

“Jesus Christ,” a male voice mutters. “Look at you. Gagging for it already.”

I turn slowly, still on my knees. A beta stands in the doorway, his expression a mixture of disgust and lust. The sight of him triggers another flash of memory—this same beta, watching dispassionately as I convulsed on the floor.

“She’s fully responsive to the heat induction,” he says clinically, speaking into a small recorder as he approaches. “Physically aroused, seeking relief.” His gaze flicks over me then to Ren. “No apparent recognition of former pack member.”

But I do recognize him. Don’t I? The name Ren feels important. Vital. But the connection keeps slipping through my grasp.

The beta approaches, wrinkling his nose at my scent. “Christ, you’re potent. Heath’s going to need to adjust the formula. Caldwell won’t last five minutes if you’re this ready.”

Caldwell. Another flash—a distinguished man, silver at his temples, his hand on my shoulder, possessive and wrong.

I met him at the gala… I remember him… from…

“No,” I whisper, though I’m not sure what I’m refusing.

The beta ignores me, continuing to dictate notes. “The omega remains verbal, but disoriented. Perfect for initial bonding.” He crouches beside me, using a finger to lift a strand of my hair away from my face. “Can you tell me your name?”

I stare at him blankly. My name? What is my name?

“Hailey,” I say finally, the word uncertain on my tongue.

“Good. And who is that?” He points at Ren.

I turn to look at the alpha behind the glass. His eyes plead with me, desperate and afraid. Why is he afraid?

I stare at him, the look in his eyes boring into mine. And it slowly dawns. He’s afraid…but not for himself. Forme.

“Alpha,” I answer.

The beta nods, satisfied. “Very good. Now, I need you to come with me. We need to clean you up before Mr. Caldwell returns.” He stands, offering his hand. “Come on.”

I don’t move. Something’s wrong. This is wrong. I shouldn’t go with him. I shouldn’t leave…Ren? Is that really his name?

“Now, omega,” the beta says, his tone hardening. He reaches down, grabbing my upper arm roughly. “Don’t make this difficult.”

The syringe is still in my hand, hidden against my thigh. I’m not sure why I’ve been holding it, but suddenly I’m very glad I am.

As he pulls me to my feet, another wave of heat washes over me, making my knees buckle. I fall against him, and he instinctively catches me, his face twisting with disgust.

“Disgusting bitch,” he mutters. “You’re getting your slick all over me.”

The words hit like a slap. Bitch. Disgusting. Familiar words. Words that have been thrown at me before, by him? By others? Anger flares, hot and sudden, cutting through the fog of heat and drugs.

“Let go of me,” I say. My voice comes out steady. Steadier than I expected.

The beta laughs. “Or what, omega? You can barely stand.” His grip tightens painfully. “Now move.”

Behind him, Ren thrashes against his restraints, muffled roars of rage coming from behind his gag. The beta glances over his shoulder, smirking.

“Your alpha’s getting quite the show, isn’t he? Wonder how he’ll feel watching Caldwell knot you. Think he’ll break before or after you start begging for it?”

Something snaps inside me. A dam breaking, memories and emotions flooding back in a chaotic rush.

The gala. Recognizing Veyra. Being taken. The drugs. The tests.

And Ren. My alpha. My pack.

Pack. Home. Mine.

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