Page 72 of The Packaged Deal
The three of us start moving. It should be hard, it should be difficult, but it’s effortless.
I glance around and find Kandi pacing the dance floor, her eyes on us, and her hand on the weapon she’s got concealed. Kandi hates dancing, but it’s a relief and deeply satisfying to know that she’s still protecting us.
I refocus my gaze on Sven. He swallows hard, looking down at Jade.
“She’s beautiful, isn’t she?” I mouth at him.
He nods shortly and shifts so his body is pressed up against hers. “You’re lovely tonight, Jade.”
Sven’s voice has that softness that he reserves for when we’re alone. My fingers grip his hip harder. In that moment, I can see my future without them, alone, empty. I don’t want it.
I want this omega. This alpha. This pack. A fire ignites inside me.
The song ends, and we stop dancing. I look around and find that the entire party has stopped and is watching us. I lift my gaze, glare around at the crowd of colourful dresses and pristine suits. People suddenly jump and get busy talking, averting their eyes, not wanting my glare upon them. The soft golden glow of the chandeliers bounces light on the hardwood floor, and it feels like a dream.
Jade twists slowly, looking up at me. “That was…”
“Really nice?”
“Yeah, it was so nice.”
Kandi snags the omega in a tight hug. “You looked beautiful.”
I put a hand around their backs and guide them to the dining room. People are starting to funnel in. Twenty large tables are covered in black tablecloths and gold cutlery, with shimmering crystal glasses beside each setting. At the front of the room is a small stage, with a sign saying Silver Fall’s Heroes. The lights are dim and intimate.
I find our seats and help Jade with her chair. Sven pulls Kandi’s chair out and hands her into it. He then sits on the outside, switching his seat so the beta and omega are together. Protecting them.
I lace my fingers together and watch as the guests come in and take their places. Kandi and Jade talk quietly, while I survey the room for threats and contemplate how to make our future happen. Taylor Knight gives me a nod from the other side of the table. We’re amicable, if not friendly.
The Alpha of Pack Knight and his alpha Scarlet are in attendance tonight. The two of them make a striking couple, but I notice the way he pauses as he studies Jade.
Long enough to make me snap out a warning growl.
Taylor lifts his eyes to me and shrugs. “I heard a story.”
“What kind of story?” I ask with deep warning.
“The kind that starts with shopping for a suit,” Taylor says, not at all intimidated.
I glance at Kandi, who gets busy with her napkin. Jade lifts her eyes to me and smiles.
“You can know or you can enjoy it.” She bites her lower lip, her eyes twinkling. Temptation herself.
“I’ll enjoy it.”
“Good alpha.”
I wince at the words but shake my head in amusement.
The dinner was exquisite, but I couldn’t tell you what I ate. I was so focused on the omega beside me.
The speeches start, commending people for their contribution to the Silver Falls City. But I can’t hear a word.
Half way through, my name is called, and I get up and walk up to the stage. I don’t care about these things, but as soon as I get up, Jade stands up, cheering. Affection and warmth steals my brain for a moment. Kandi has joined her, then Sven. My pack, support. I inhale deeply, seeing clearly how we could be.
I stand there as the applause spreads to people I don’t know. To strangers. To people I do know. It feels weird but humbling, and it spreads a warmth in my chest because Jade gave it to me.
She keeps doing that. Offering me new experiences and making me feel good. Warm instead of cold.