Page 16 of Bubblegum Pop
“It doesn’t work like that,” Apollo said quietly.
“But we’re scent matches.” I pouted. “We should be together.”
“Let’s just go to the office,” he said.
And they didn’t say anything else after that.
It wasn’t a long walk to Michael’s office but, the more I tried to talk to them, the more closed off they grew, until all I could do was look at them in confusion when we reached his door.
By the time we sat in front of Michael’s desk, they had totally clammed up, and I couldn’t even sense their auras.
Michael had decorated the room to appeal to the richer guests, with a deep copper carpet, hardwood bookcases lined with classics, tall windows to let the light filter through, and a large desk that dominated the space.
Despite its size, and despite being tucked away in the corner, the desk was somehow the main feature of the room, even though a giant tapestry covered the entire wall behind us—fourteenth century, according to Michael—as well as large paintings I assumed were of his family, but you could never tell with him.
“Thank you for coming,” Michael said with his familiar smile.
Back straight, elbows on the desk, hands clasped together in front of him, it could have been any normal business meeting if the topic wasn’t who would fuck me for three days straight.
“So…” Michael nodded. “I believe Geno has gone over the basics with you, and I’m sure you’ve had plenty of conversations with the other omegas about the process, but it’s necessary to reiterate what will happen.”
There was a sheet of paper by his elbow, and he released his hands to push it forward. “This is a basic outline, though I’d like to expand on some of the finer details.”
I picked up the paper, scanning the contents. Even though I could feel the weight of Apollo, Zeus, and Odin’s auras behind me, sinking further into the floor, I still thought they were being pessimistic.
The list was short, but I expected it. It was just a heat. How hard could it really be?
“We’ll put your heat up for bidding first,” he continued. “There’s an auction in two days, so it lines up nicely. Geno has already done your bloodwork, and it seems you’re due within the next month.”
There was a sharp inhale from Zeus, and Michael flicked his eyes to him, the corners of his lips twitching before he returned his attention to me.
“There are seven other omegas with heats due, so you’ll all show on stage, perform however you wish, and then we’ll confirm various details with the highest bidders. We’ll send them a packet with a sample of your scent, measurements, experience, and expertise. After that you’ll—”
“Wait a second.” I held up my hand, cutting him off, and he paused, his open mouth quickly taking on a sly smile as he leaned back in his seat, watching me curiously. “I’ve thought about it already. I want to have my heat with the Deus pack,” I said bluntly, meeting his passive gaze.
“Candy!” Odin snapped as Apollo sighed deeply. I didn’t need to turn around, because the sudden shift in the temperature of the room was enough to say how pissed off they were. But I had to take a chance.
Though, weirdly, Michael didn’t look surprised. He simply tilted his head before he spoke. “That may be, but you are not in a position to make that kind of decision.”
“Why not?” I bit back quickly. “It’s my heat.” Even though I knew I was pushing it, I wanted to see how much I could get away with. I’d already earned more money in three weeks than I’d ever had in my life, and the more regulars I had, the bigger my payouts would be, even though there were three alphas right there who were worth more than anything in the world.
“You’ve signed a contract, my dear. So, technically, your heat belongs to me, and I may do with it as I wish.”
“Isn’t it—”
“Pardon me,” he said, his smile dimming. “But I believe I made the conditions within the contract very clear, and one of them was no relationships, whether inside or outside the club.”
“Well, can’t they buy me for my heat?”
Michael pressed his lips together. He gave a slow breath and, like he was blowing cement onto us, I was plastered to the chair, a whimper falling from my lips, my body shaking as the force of his aura pinned me down. I couldn’t tell if it was annoyance, frustration, or anger, but it was like sludge seeping into my veins, clogging them, choking me so I couldn’t escape.
I only just gathered my aura and managed to put up the barrier I’d learnt to perfect after years on the streets. It was easy to pretend to be affected, coughing as my fists clenched, crushing the paper. I let out a whine at the pressure, my body squeezed tight against his force.
And, when it felt like I was moments from being crushed to dust, his aura suddenly withdrew.
Gasps echoed out behind me, and I knew my alphas were affected, too. But who wouldn’t be by something like that?
Michael watched me closely, and I had a stab of fear that he knew what I’d done. I’d never told anyone how I could use my aura, and I didn’t know if there would be consequences if I was discovered.