Page 16 of Knot Forever

He's baiting me. Waiting for me to run.

Holding out my hand, I raise an eyebrow right back at him, satisfaction filling me as his eyes widen a touch. “Well? I can’t get down by myself.”

He purses his lips. “Fair point.”

Asher takes a step forward, ignoring my outstretched hand, and I yelp as he wraps a thick arm around the bottom of my legs.

“Over you go.” He yanks me forward, and I land with an oomph over his shoulder, my face against his back as the ground moves.

Slightly stunned, I crane my head, catching sight of Adam and Julian. Seth and the golden-haired alpha are blocking them from following, their anger coloring the air as Asher carries me away.

“Do you do this with all the omegas you buy?” I grumble into his back.

“Only the mouthy ones.”

Despite myself, the smallest tendril of excitement curls in my belly as Asher carries me away from the auction. We exit the building, the cool breeze whipping my hair around my face as I look around.

“You can put me down now, you know.”

“I could,” he agrees in a low voice. “But given how much money I’ve just paid, I’m inclined to keep you close, Nova Chevnik.”

My name rolls off his tongue with the softest inflection, deep and grumbling. His arm tightens around my legs, one hand flattening against my back as he turns us. I catch a glimpse of smart black dress shoes before Seth’s drawl breaks into the air.

“Tea party’s over. I suggest we leave, before Williams decides to cause a brawl in the middle of the street.”

My body stiffens at the idea of him following us out here. Would he fight them, to try and take me?

The hand on my back rubs absently against the silk of my dress, warm and huge in the cool night before it pauses. “Take her.”

I’m casually passed from one alpha to another like a sack of potatoes, and I glare grumpily at Seth’s golden face as he grins down at me. At least he’s carrying me bridal-style, rather than over the shoulder like a caveman with his prey.

And if I’m enjoying it – just atinybit - I’m certainly not going to admit that to them.

“Looks like we came to win after all, sweetheart.” His eyes gleam at me as we slide smoothly into the back of a limo. Seth rearranges me carefully, but he keeps me on his lap as Asher and Marcus slide in, taking seats opposite us. Asher taps his hand on the armrest. “There’s a seat for her, Seth.”

Seth’s arms tighten around me. “It’s cold. She doesn’t have a jacket.”

Okay. Kind of sweet.

And Seth smells phenomenal. His spicy scent fills my nose as I settle against him, my body softening into his. I can feel the warm huffs of his breath against my hair.

Casting a quick glance towards the others, I catch Asher staring at me before his eyes flick away. Marcus watches me, something like curiosity on his face.

The air fills with our mingled scents. I catch a note of sweet coffee, my head swiveling towards Asher as I try to sniff unobtrusively.

My little moment is broken as Asher straightens, his mouth tightening. “I’m sure you’re wondering why you’re here.”

Seth makes a noise in his throat. “Asher.”

“No lies.” Asher tilts his head towards Marcus. Confused, I look between them, but Seth only sighs.

“Is this where I get to find out why you paid five million dollars for me?” I ask boldly. Asher looks at me, and I shrug. “It’s not because you think I’m pretty, I’m sure.”

Although I wouldn’t be completely averse to that.

Seth makes a rumbling sound beneath me, and I jolt when his lips meet my ear. “I think you’re pretty,” he whispers, warm breath dampening my skin and making me shiver.

“Enough,” Asher snaps. His face is more considering as he turns back to me. “You are correct. This was a business decision. Adam Williams has been causing us some difficulties, and we saw an opportunity to make him sweat a little.”

---