Dancer in the waves, p.36
Dancer In The Waves, page 36
“This is insane,” Matts fumed, pacing up and down his office. “They can’t take Alice from her bonded mate like that. It doesn’t work that way. And the other alphas mated to omegas would revolt.”
“I know, and I did emphasize their folly to them.” Jerome sniffed. “Matts, this is an offer for now, but it can become a command later on. They want a bookkeeper mated to an omega to safeguard themselves from the strays’ rising threat, and you are the strongest one.”
“They can order me to die searching for Sophie, but they can’t order me to take Alice from Gabriel,” Matts replied.
“Can’t they?” Jerome asked sadly, before hanging up.
Matts put down the phone, lit another cigarette, and walked to his office window. It was so dark outside that he could see nothing but his own reflection. The Potentia ad Opus were supposed to be working for the greater good, not for their own selfish needs. He knew and understood more about them than any other alpha in the world, apart from the High Court. They were branched in their ideologies and ideas of what a perfect society was. But he had never thought he’d see them divided or desperate. This offer smelled of both.
And he knew omegas too. What the Potentia ad Opus were threatening to do to Alice would be worse than what they did to Sophie.
He put out his cigarette in the dirt of the fake potted plant by the window.
Alice…
She had chosen Gabriel over him. He’d been aware he was always at a disadvantage in this deal, but he had hoped—he had even dared—to dream about her coming to Norway with him. Why had he fallen so fucking much in love with her? He wanted to fly straight to Lisbon and ask why he wasn’t enough.
No—now he wasn’t being fair to himself. Deep down, he realized it wasn’t a matter of him not being enough, but Gabriel being more what she needed. Matts was not what she needed, and every situation where he could become what she needed the most would be a fucked-up one. And he had to live with that.
The Man in the Black Mask
He opened his eyes slowly, disturbed as the light in the room created strange halos in his vision. Taking a few minutes to gather his surroundings, he fought the disorienting contrast between reaching for a mind and reality.
An anxious voice cut through his attempt to focus. “Well?” He raised a hand and asked for time.
He got up and took deep breaths, keeping both hands on the makeshift bookkeeper’s desk in front of him for balance. Rafael, whose mind he had just disconnected from, was taking longer to wake up. A natural side effect of his particular skills.
A worried tension filled the room—every one of his people anxiously waiting to know.
He told them the truth. “There is a new bond. I can’t use the old one anymore. At least, not at this distance.”
Several hisses and groans chorused through the room, along with a lot of swear words.
“What now? We can’t just let him have her.” Archie started pacing the room. The rest of his pack had similar worried looks.
“We will find a way. We knew this could happen at any time,” he reminded them. He spoke in a calm voice so as not to dishearten them. The last thing he needed was for them to see his anger.
It was not her fault. He knew she couldn’t fight Gabriel’s web of seduction. The man had a playboy reputation for a reason. But still, he couldn’t help feeling rejected. Again. He had manipulated the broken bond Alice had with Bruno to keep Gabriel’s greedy hands away from her. It had maintained her safety these three years, kept her out of Gabriel’s bed. But Gabriel had won, nonetheless.
Rafael sat up and rubbed his eyes. He accepted a cup of water and drank it all in one go before turning to him with a resigned sigh. “We are too far away. Maybe if we get closer, we can hook the bond again?”
“Maybe, but we would need to touch her again, without her bodyguard’s supervision. It’s been a long time since you were last with her.”
“We should have interrupted Sophie’s integration to reinforce the hook,” Rafael complained.
“No.” He put a reassuring hand on the man’s shoulder. “That was a priority, and the benefits made it very worthwhile.”
“Maybe this is a sign that the time has come to retrieve her,” Rafael offered.
“Maybe.” He scanned the room. “But the security around her is only second to the Opus. It will take a lot of planning and time to set up.”
“Felix’s hacking skills have improved tenfold since he bonded with Sophie,” Archie argued. “He should be able to break through the network around her.”
“Maybe…” he conceded. “If we do this, we have to be ready to lose. That means we may suffer quite a few casualties.”
A flash of anticipation came from his people, everyone ready to risk their lives for the chance to retrieve another omega.
“No other masters but us!” they chorused.
No other masters but us…
23
A Tense Dinner Date
Alice
Alice perused the dresses in her closet. It had been a month since she and Gabriel had bonded, and they were going to have dinner with Jerome in a fancy restaurant. Unhappy with the idea of Jerome needing to confirm the bond, Alice felt like she had to really dress up for the occasion. The moment reminded her of the second hearing, and wanting to be as formal as possible in an attempt to appear intimidating. That had not gone well.
No suit tonight, though. Tonight Alice wanted to be as inconspicuous as possible—just an elegant dress and sensible shoes. She selected a beige dress from the rack and turned to the mirror.
“No, not that one.” Gabriel took the dress from her hands and put it back on the rack. “You need something sexier tonight.”
“Sexy?” She turned to him, confused. “It’s dinner with Jerome and Matts. Why would I need to look sexy?”
Gabriel quickly browsed her dresses, picking one, then another, up and then putting them back on the rack with a grunt, until he found a black leather dress. The corner of his mouth rose when he placed it in front of her.
“This one. This one is perfect.”
She took the dress from his hands and replaced it on the rack.
“Not this one. I don’t want to wear it,” she told him and went back to choose something else. Gabriel picked the dress up again.
“This one is very sexy, and I never saw you wear it before. Why don’t you like it?”
“I love the dress…” Alice hesitated. She didn’t like to talk about Bruno with Gabriel, much less now that they were bonded.
“Is it because Bruno gifted it to you?”
“Yes. How did you know?”
“I chose the dress for him,” he confessed. “Bruno had no idea what would look good on you, and, let’s be honest, he had no taste for clothes at all. So he asked me for help, and I chose this dress because of how hot you would look.”
Alice blushed. She had been surprised that Bruno had chosen such a sexy dress, but she’d figured Naomi might have helped him.
“I would love to see you wear it,” he told her, holding it in front of her. She felt the request also come through their bond.
“All right.” She hesitated. “I’ll put it on and see how I feel about it.”
She took the dress to the mirror and slipped it on. The lace of her bra was showing, so she removed it. And she would need some stockings to wear; it was too cold for just a leather dress. Gabriel came up behind her and zipped the back. The soft leather hugged her figure perfectly, from the swell of her breasts, around the curve of her hips to the top of her knees.
“I told you so. Fucking sexy,” Gabriel said in a rough voice. He kissed her neck, and slowly dragged his hand up her body until it cupped one breast. She could feel his arousal through the bond.
Alice sighed. She did look nice, and she really loved the dress. But, at the same time, it was one more thing that Gabriel was taking from Bruno and making his.
“Why do you want me to look sexy tonight, anyway?” she asked him.
“Because Matts will be there.”
“I don’t understand.” She turned to him and looped her arms around his neck.
“Last time Matts was here, he was practically drooling when he saw you in leather pants.” Gabriel smirked. “I want you to look sexy so I can rub it in his face.”
She couldn’t help rolling her eyes at him. “That’s extremely petty.”
“I’m a petty man,” he told her, grabbing her ass and kissing her. “Let’s go to the beach house after dinner.”
“Running away from Jerome?” she teased.
“You bet.” He chuckled and smacked her butt, eliciting a laugh from her.
Gabriel went back to his own closet to get ready, so she turned back to the mirror and smoothed the dress over her hips. Was she okay wearing this? It was a gift from Bruno, but maybe it was fate that Gabriel had been the one to choose it. A little push of reassurance came through their bond and she smiled. That man had gotten too good at using their connection. Well, two could play that game, she thought as she changed her underwear to a thong and put on a sheer pair of stockings.
Gabriel drove them to the restaurant in his brand-new Aston Martin, a gift from another alpha, while Elijah and Lemos drove in a discreet car behind them. They were meeting Matts and Jerome at the highest-elevation restaurant in Lisbon, in the Vasco da Gama tower. She had never eaten there before and was dreading the experience. It was one of those fancy-food restaurants that served art instead of a meal. But Jerome chose the place and Gabriel didn’t want to make any waves with him. At least, not yet.
Elijah talked on the phone for a few minutes before allowing them to go up in the elevator.
When they reached the top floor, the dread over the food evaporated at the first sight of the view. The restaurant had one continuous window all around it that offered a panoramic view of Lisbon and its river. The lights of the bridge over the Tejo River reflected softly on the water, and it lazily shimmered in the night. It was breathtaking.
“Are you ready?” Gabriel asked as he offered her his arm. She took it and they both made their way to the table. Several patrons stopped their dinner and conversations to greet them. Gabriel nodded to them politely, but didn’t stop walking until they reached the table where Jerome and Matts were sitting with their heads together, talking in hushed voices.
When they approached, both men rose to greet them. Jerome had a delighted smile on his lips, but Matts… Matts looked guilty, as if Alice had caught him doing something he shouldn’t.
“How wonderful to see you again, my dear.” Jerome greeted her with open arms, surprising her with a warm hug.
“How are you, darling?” Matts gave her a kiss on the cheek that took too long for Gabriel’s liking. She could feel his jealousy through the bond. Matts shook Gabriel’s hand, and both men looked at each other with such open animosity, she half expected them to start fist-fighting right then and there. Alice decided to end the hostility before it truly began.
“Well, I’m starving,” she announced to the men, who quickly decided feeding her was more important than measuring dicks. Gabriel offered her the chair nearest the window and sat next to her. Jerome sat across from her, and Matts had to sit across from Gabriel.
The conversation was awkward. The emotions coming from Jerome and Matts were confusing her for what was supposed to be a simple dinner to confirm Alice and Gabriel were mates. Jerome was tense, Matts was seething with resentment, and both had something to hide. She blocked her emotions from Gabriel. Last thing he needed was to get up in arms with the other men.
When their orders arrived, Alice had to suppress a sigh of disappointment. The menu had made the meat sound delicious, but it didn’t say it would be such a small portion. She felt a hint of amusement in the air and looked up at Matts, who was trying to contain a smile as he watched her. They both shared the same love of food, so he was well aware this was not her type of restaurant. When the waiter put a plate in front of Matts, his steady smile remained but he winked at her.
“I have received news that you and the Spanish First Chair are negotiating some sort of agreement over leadership in the Peninsula,” Jerome stated to Gabriel. He had made it sound like a fact, but looked expectantly at Gabriel, as if he had asked a question.
“It would be more of a tight-knit alliance than a leadership agreement,” Gabriel admitted. “Although I have been asked by several alphas in Europe about a possible European Union return. Or some other kind of union, at least.”
“Do all alphas in Europe agree with that?” Matts asked.
“No,” Gabriel said bluntly. “Some are fiercely protective of their independence. Most alphas don’t like other alphas trying to take what’s theirs.” He put an arm around Alice’s back.
A wave of annoyance came from Matts.
“Division among the countries is not something we want to see,” Jerome said between bites of his beautiful shrimp plate. “This is delicious.”
“I understand. I’m not planning on going against the High Court’s orders, if that’s your concern,” Gabriel replied. “At least, orders that I can stomach.”
“Good.” Jerome nodded at him. “That’s what we expect for now.”
Any hopes Alice had for dessert to save the meal quickly evaporated when she saw the tiny little ice-cream ball next to crunched-up cake.
“Maybe you should order two?” Matts teased.
“Maybe she can make her own choice,” Gabriel said to Matts.
“Maybe Alice would like to join me upstairs for a cocktail while both of you try to have a civil conversation?” Jerome cut them off. He got up and offered his hand to Alice. “Would you kindly join me, my dear?”
Alice took his hand and followed Jerome obediently. Both men’s stares burned a hole in her back.
When reaching the top of the stairs, she was met with an even better view of the city. Unlike the floor below, the lighting here was subtle and low to the ground, letting the city sparkle in all its glory.
Jerome retrieved two drinks from the bar and offered her one. Then he walked her to a more secluded corner.
“That is quite beautiful,” Jerome said as he sat down, indicating the view.
Alice settled beside him and tried to get a feel for what he wanted. “Are you going to ask me if the bond was forced?” she finally asked.
“No, of course not, my dear. You can’t force an omega bond,” he told her with a chuckle.
“Then what do you want to talk about?” Alice insisted. Jerome’s emotions were quite restrained.
“I wanted to give those two the opportunity to talk things out,” Jerome confirmed. “Matts insists on staying as second on your list, so I thought it better for him to tell Gabriel. Let them come to an understanding.”
“He will stay as second?” Alice was surprised. “But he won’t be able to sign up for anyone else, right?”
“Let’s be honest, my dear.” Jerome put a hand on her shoulder. “Do you really think he would want anyone else?”
Alice hesitated, not sure what to say.
“I do hope you will let him be part of your life. You made your choice, and I respect it. But you can’t tell an alpha to look somewhere else after an omega, can you?”
“I didn’t mean for things to be like this.” Alice blushed. “I hope he was not too disappointed.”
“It’s not your fault, my dear.” Jerome spared her the embarrassment. “It’s the new nature of things.”
Alice reached for her bond with Gabriel, but he’d shut it tight, stopping most emotions from coming through.
“So, now that I have a bond, does that mean I can travel?” Alice asked Jerome, trying to distract herself.
“Absolutely not.” He huffed. “Of all the omegas, you are the one in most danger right now. With the exception, of course, of Sophie Arnaud. The High Court insisted with all omega mates that their security comes first, and I believe Gabriel is also quite aware of that. Another omega in the strays’ hands would be a disaster.”
Alice sighed. She was really hoping for more freedom, now that she had a bond.
“I think those two have had enough time to clear the air,” Jerome said after a few minutes of lighter conversation. “If you don’t mind, dear, I would also like to have a word with Gabriel. I will send Matts to you for company.”
Alice held back a chuckle. Jerome was very restrained with his emotions, but some things were quite clear. He wanted to give Matts some alone time with her, more than he wanted to talk with Gabriel.
She enjoyed the view by herself while she waited for Matts. A wave of lustful interest wafted to her, and she saw an alpha trying to decide if he should approach her or not. He took a few steps toward her with a smug smile, but suddenly pretended to be interested in the bar instead.
“Hello, darling.” Matts voice came from behind her.
He sat down beside her, a drink in his hand, and gazed at the view. He was trying very hard to contain his emotions, but she could feel a taste of his desire.
“That’s a nice dress,” he told her casually.
The dress was definitely torturing Matts. “Have you talked things out with Gabriel?”
“We had a nice chat, yes,” he replied and took a sip of his drink.
“Are you sure you want to be second to him, Matts?”
“Yes,” he replied with a certainty that left no room for further discussion.
“We are still friends, regardless of your being on the list or not,” Alice reassured him.
“The only way I’m leaving that list is if you tell me to leave,” Matts told her. His intense gaze made her blush. “Do you want me to leave the list?”
She avoided the question. “I’m not telling you what to do, Matts. That’s up to you.”
“Do you want me to leave the list, Alice?” he insisted. His hand traveled down her arm, caressing the soft leather of her sleeve.
Alice quickly finished her drink so she wouldn’t need to give him an answer. “I should go back to Gabriel.” She got up, but Matts was holding her hand, regarding her with an unnerving intensity. The corner of his mouth rose in a smug smile.
