“Once you’re done with those, can you iron my shirt for tomorrow, dove? I’ve got a big meeting with the district,” Alex calls, voice gentler than Tyler’s.
“Yes, ofcourse, Alpha,” I answer, not turning but making sure to speak up loud enough for them to hear me. They always hate it when I mumble.
“You’re the sweetest, dove. Thank you,” Alex says.
Another crumb of affection, a tiny flip of my stomach and a skipped heartbeat. More satisfying than the meager meal I just ate.
The massive spotlight over the bed shines down on me, the heat of it warming my clammy skin. Someone has their fingers in my hair, pulling it out of the way. Bones, judging by the scent. So gentle, so careful. Joker’s purr melts into my body, the other omega presence calming the raw edges of my mind for a moment. But when Bones pulls the hair tie tight, I suck in a sharp breath, closing my eyes.
A fist in my hair, holding me against the wall. An alpha growl in my ear, the dragon’s blood scent filling my nose. Hips meeting mine, pain between my thighs.
“You’re worthless, omega. Nothing more than a hole to put my cock in. You don’t deserve an alpha’s knot. Absolutely pathetic, waste of space.”
I choke back a sob, the rough wood of the cabin walls rubbing my cheek raw. “Yes, Alpha. I’m a worthless, pathetic omega.”
The words twist like a dagger in my gut, but saying anything else will only end with more pain. I’ve learned that lesson too many times.
A grunt from behind me, and then the thrusting stops, and I’m left painfully empty. A moment later, I feel the too-warm splash of his cum on my lower back and ass. I close my eyes, grateful it’s overfor now.
The cold brush of something wet on the back of my neck makes me shudder. Joker holds me close, keeping me still as something is draped across my head and shoulders.
“Just sanitizing the area, honey. I’ll give you a little numbing cream before I inject the anesthetic, okay?”
Cross’s voice is rock steady, full of his unique blend of professionalism and kindness that lets me relax a little more before nodding. A swab of something, and then gloved fingers massaging it in. I let out a little whimper, and Joker nuzzles my temple with his.
“You are safe, beautiful girl. I’m right here, and I’m never letting you go. I will keep you safe and loved until my last breath, Lilah.”
Joker’s soft words whispered into my ear under the cover of the surgical drape stroke something soul-deep. His scent is sweet, like honey filling my mouth and throat. But it’s not enough to chase away the stab of the needle into my skin or the memories breaking free in my mind.
“Delilah, please. Stop lying to us. We know something is wrong,” Roman pleads, his hands on my shoulders as he tries to duck down to look into my face.
But I keep my face down, holding back tears. My ribs ache, but I keep breathing normally, knowing what will happen if they find out.
“I just fell. You know how clumsy I am,” I say, trying for a chuckle to play it off like a joke.
“But you’re not. I know you’re not. Please, we can’t helpyou if you won’t tell us what’s going on,” Roman says, finally moving his hand to my jaw and forcing my head up.
In the semi-darkness of the garage, his blue-green eyes pierce through me. His scent, like pine trees and snow, overwhelms me, making my lower lip tremble.
“I…can’t,” I whisper, hoping he can read my fear in my eyes.
“It’s Tyler again, isn’t it? I told that piece of shit to stay away from you,” Roman snarls.
I flinch back and look away again. It’s all the confirmation he needs. Roman tries to turn and walk away, but I grab his arm, stopping him.
“Please, don’t. It’s okay. I’m okay, see? He didn’t—”
“Stop lying!” Roman shouts, turning back to me.
I yelp and let go, my shoulders curling inward as my arms go around my stomach, protecting my already bruised belly. Roman lets out a huff and runs his hands through his hair. There’s a few minutes of silence before he lets out a sigh.
“I’m sorry, princess. Can you go to your nest and stay there for me? Lock the door, and don’t come out until I come up, okay?” Roman asks, tone much gentler.
I nod once before scampering away, following his instructions before curling up in the beautiful nest my alphas made for me.
“Can you feel that?”
A slight bit of pressure on the back of my neck, something sharp but not painful.