Page 3 of Knot Stepping Down
Deciding to focus on the auction, I move toward the entrance and peek through the curtain that leads into the gym. It looks more like a gala at this point, with expensive drapery, gold and white trim across tables and chairs, and the general clink of glasses filled with non-alcoholic champagne. If I didn’t know that this was an academy, I’d think this was some business function for the upper class.
My gaze scans the crowd, several students sitting up closer to the front, holding their bidding paddles as if preparing their nerves. It’s kind of adorable but also strange to know that so much of the student body wants the athletes that pass by in the halls every day. For one night, everyone gets to let out that side of them, the one that desires and lusts after other people with no shame.
Just as I’m about to step back into the locker room, my gaze falls on a familiar mop of dark brown curls near the front.Avery. My stepbrother. He’s clutching his paddle like it’s a lifeline, hazel eyes darting around nervously.
My stomach twists as a hot spike of anger hits me square in the chest. Who the fuck is he bidding for? The idea of him throwing cash at some random Alpha makes my blood boil. He’s too… I don’t know,Averyfor that.
All witty and precious, with those curls I can’t stop thinking about tugging on. I’ve been living with him for months, ever since Mom married his dad in that whirlwind summer wedding, and yeah, I’ve noticed him. More than I should. The way he blushes when I tease him, the way his scent, like warm vanillaand cupcakes, lingers in the kitchen. But he’s my stepbrother. Off-limits.
A growl starts up in my chest, white-hot flashes of anger pulsing inside of me. My Alpha is trying to break free and drag Avery out of the gym, berate him for wanting someone else but I have absolutely no claim to him. And we’re not actually related.
Jax places a firm hand on my shoulder just as one of the administration steps up onto the stage, announcing the beginning of the night.
“Welcome to the Winter Alpha Auction!”
“Yo, Dec, don’t hate me if your brother picks me, alright? He’s so fucking adorable.”
Jealousy flares right alongside the anger because that’s not fucking happening. Avery bidding on Jax? No way. Jax is all charm and muscle, but Avery’s got better taste. At least, I hope he does. I force a laugh, swallowing down the urge to snap. “Yeah, whatever. You’re not really his type.”
Jax raises an eyebrow, leaning closer as he adjusts his tie. “Oh? Then do share. I can mold for a night.” He wiggles his brows, trying to force my reaction but I have to keep it civil if I’m going to help my team.
So, I throw him the middle finger, keeping it playful. “Keep dreaming, man. Focus on the bids.”
I move toward the back of the locker room where there’s a door leading to the stage. There’s already a line of other Alphas, some in their branded Knotlocke uniforms, others in more formal wear.You got this, Dec.
This will be the first and last year I’m doing this auction. It’s too nerve wracking and I really don’t like the idea of giving myself over to someone—even if it’s for the team.
The announcer calls the first Alpha and the crowd roars. I adjust my jacket, smoothing it down as my mind drifts back to my stepbrother. I knew he was coming and even joked about himbidding but I didn’t think he’d do it. He’s never done it across any of the other months.
But I can’t shake the image of Avery’s wide eyes. If he’s bidding, I want it to be for me. And that thought? It’s trouble and I’m already neck-deep.
avery
Anxietyistakingovermy ability to think. Sweat is dripping down my spine as I wiggle in my seat, clutching my paddle like a lifeline. Tonight, Alphas are strutting across the stage, auctioning themselves off for a night of “fun” to fund their sports. And I’m here for one Alpha only: Declan Wolfe, the one Alpha I shouldn’t want. I’ve saved every cent for months to bid on him, even if it’s just for a dinner date. My heart’s got other ideas, though, ones that involve his pine scent and those big hands doing things step-siblings definitely shouldn’t think about.
I blow out a heavy breath as the announcer’s voice booms through the gym, introducing the next Alpha, a hockey player named Toren. He’s all broad shoulders and cocky grins, winking at the crowd as bids fly. I barely pay attention, my eyes darting tothe side where Sienna sits with her posse of Omegas a few seats over. She’s loud, laughing and tossing her sleek blonde hair, joking about how she’s got Declan in the bag. “His Alpha charm’s all mine tonight,” she giggles, loud enough for half the room to hear. “He thinks it’sjustdinner but I plan on showing him a good time tonight.”
No way is she getting him.
Another Alpha steps up, this one for some sport I’ve never heard of, something called “grav-ball.” He’s lean, with a smirk that screams trouble, and the crowd eats it up. Bids climb, but I’m too busy glaring at Sienna. She’s waving her paddle lazily, like she’s saving her cash for the main event. For Declan. I grip my paddle tighter, praying that the amount I have saved will be enough. It’s no secret Sienna lives for these nights and her pockets are way deeper than mine.
I could pull a little from my savings and itisgoing to a good cause.
Tuning everything else out, I wait as other Alphas pass across the stage, raking in a combined total of nearly $20,000 in bids. And then, the moment I’m waiting for comes.
“Next up, Declan Wolfe, Knotlocke’s esports superstar!” My heart leaps as Declan strides onto the stage, looking like a dream in his pinstripe suit. His short black hair catches the spotlight, and his dark brown eyes scan the crowd, that panty-dropping smile spreading wide. The room erupts, paddles shooting up before the announcer even starts the bid.
The esports team hasn’t been part of the auction before. They were going to last year but the face cards on the team weren’t exactly… catching. My scent spikes as I stare at him, slick gathering around my hole as I force myself to concentrate.
“Starting at five hundred!” the announcer calls. I hesitate for half a second, then thrust my paddle high, shouting, “Six hundred!” My voice cracks, but I don’t care. Declan’s eyes flick tome and his smile twitches, like he’s surprised. Or amused. I can’t tell, but it makes my cheeks burn.
Sienna’s paddle goes up. “One thousand!” Her friends giggle, and she shoots me a smug look, like she’s already won. My jealousy spikes as I glare over at her.Not today, Sienna.She beats me in grades and extracurriculars. She even has the administration eating out of her hand but I’m not letting her have Declan.
“Eleven hundred!” I shout, my pulse racing. The crowd murmurs, loving the drama between us and I know it’s because everyone thinks I’m just a jealous little Omega, controlling his stepbrother’s choices. But god, it’s so much more than that. Declan crosses his arms, leaning back on his heels, watching us like this is his personal entertainment.
“Fifteen hundred!” Sienna counters as she shoots out of her chair, her eyes locked on Declan. She blows him a kiss, the crowd cheering. She’s joking with her girls again, saying, “Declan’s mine, ladies. Get ready for a show.” My vision narrows because I’m not just bidding for a dinner anymore. I’m bidding for him. For me.
Someone else in the background yellstwo thousand.Fuck, we’re getting close to my limit.
