Alpha Adonis

Chapter Three

My jaw dropped to the floor, and my heart skipped a thousand beats as I stared at the breathtaking Alpha. He seemed almost unreal, and his masculine beauty left me utterly dumbfounded.

But I laughed at my foolishness. Hadn't Ethan's rejection taught me anything? No man would ever want a twenty-one-year-old rusty omega.

Beside him was a tall man and a very beautiful woman. They looked like his friends and trailed closely behind him. The man appeared laid-back, while the woman walked as if she owned the place and her hand was connected with the Alpha.

They seemed pretty cozy. I wondered why the alpha was searching for a wife.

Natalia was right. The alpha didn't make any selections during the first through fourth lines. Some of the desperate girls attempted to sneak into our line.

The air charged up when the Alpha and his group approached my line. He seemed uninterested, nearly tired of the hunt. I was right because he murmured to his friend about not being interested in us.

"Come on, Adonis. Don't be a diva. Look around and pick ten girls of your choice. There's no ugly girl in this room."

Goosebumps crept up my arms like spider webs when his eyes met mine. He stared at me like I was a piece of furniture. I finally felt like I could breathe when his gaze shifted to the next girl, but I wondered why he had such an effect on me.

And then, like magic, he chose ten girls from my line, including Natalia and me. My knees wobbled so enormously that I could barely stand.

Natalia was stunned beyond belief. "We're in!” she cried out.

The alpha turned away. Camera lenses captured every detail of our faces. I ducked my head, and my chest pounded with fear. News reporters were live, and my dad watched the news every night. It would be a miracle not to be caught.

Natalia grabbed my arm, "Come. Let's join the winners.”

While we walked onto the stage, the alpha and his entourage exited the hall. Several girls in the front screamed in frustration as soon as they were out of sight. Some of them couldn't stop crying. They looked like raccoons, with smudged mascara streaking down their cheekbones, and I felt pity for them.

Angry voices rose from all over the room. One girl's voice rang above the others. She screamed like a wounded whale.

"This is disrespectful! How could they not recognize my potential? I'm wearing the most expensive dress,” she lamented.

The other nine who'd been chosen gathered near the stage's edge. They were thrilled and leaned in closer.

"We should have a unique name. How about Famous Line Six?"

The others agreed and laughed. The MC returned to the stage and attempted to console the crying girls.

"Ladies, your emotions are running high right now, and for good reason. But don't forget that there are consolation prizes for you.”

They booed him, and the longer he spoke, the angrier they got. I felt like a fraud and a ticking time bomb of exposure, secretly wishing I hadn't qualified for the next round.

The girls were free to leave with a tangible reward for their efforts. However, the next round could expose all of my lies. I considered swapping places with one of them, but everyone watched us.

Natalia had a wild and carefree personality. She twirled a champagne flute, taking big gulps, and the shakiness in her feet told me she was already drunk.

"Come on, try some," she said, holding the glass to me with a big smile. "You should unwind and have fun."

"Thanks, but I'm not a fan of alcohol. I usually stick with water or fruit juice.”

She dismissed my concerns with a laugh. "You're missing out on so much fun, girl. The alpha must be flattered that we're drinking his exquisite wine. Come dance with me.”

"Nah," I grimaced. "I don't dance."

Her lips curved into a puzzled smile. “Don't be such a bore. You should be happy!”

Reluctantly, I let myself be drawn to the dance floor. Despite my inexperience, I swayed to the beat and enjoyed the rhythm of the music. My favorite dance moves were in my head.

I had a natural talent for singing, allowing me to forget my worries temporarily. I was confident that if all I had to do were sing a song to win the alpha's heart, I would win.

Natalia leaned in. "So, what is your pack? You haven't mentioned it."

Shit!

My gaze fell, and I felt guilty about lying to her. "Oh, I'm from the Valley Pelt."

My mom was from there, so it wasn't a complete lie.

"I've been there multiple times. It's a lovely pack," she said without asking further questions.

My thoughts drifted to the Sisters Sanctuary. I didn't miss that place at all. The oppressive sameness of every day, combined with a lack of freedom, drove me insane. The prospect of spending another year in that confinement was undoubtedly going to destroy me.

I felt terrible for the old guard I outran, and I wondered if the news had reached my dad. Could I survive the war I was creating for myself? My dad and Adonis were arch-enemies, and I was a fraud and a liar, trying to become his queen.

How pathetic.