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A twinge of worry twists in my gut. I've read that omegas can have adverse reactions to incomplete mating marks, and with my luck, I'm probably one of them.
But what can I do? It's not like I can waltz into a doctor's office and announce that my alphas rejected me.
The humiliation alone would kill me.
The doorbell chimes, jolting me out of my spiraling thoughts. "I'll get it!" I call out, tossing the vacuum aside and hurrying to the foyer.
I fling open the door, and there stands Addison in black leather and red lipstick. "Addie!" I cry, throwing my arms around her.
She hugs me back fiercely, the scent of her perfume enveloping me like a comforting blanket. "Hey, babes. I missed your face."
I usher her inside, my heart lighter than it's been in days. We settle on the couch, and a young maid who doesn't seem to hate my guts quite as much as Ellen brings us tea and snacks. I thank her with a grateful smile.
"Holy shit, Evie," Addison breathes, her eyes wide as she takes in the opulent surroundings. "This place is huge. And so...stuffy."
I snort, rolling my eyes. "Tell me about it. I'm going to have to do some serious redecorating. But first, I need to ask the alphas for spending money." I grimace at the thought. "That's going to be a fun conversation."
Addison leans forward, her brow furrowed with concern. "Enough about the decor. Tell me everything. How are you really doing?"
I shrug, picking at a loose thread on the couch. "There isn't much to tell that I haven't already texted you. They're assholes.Especially Damien. They've made it very clear they don't want me here."
Addison's eyes narrow. "What aren't you telling me, Evie?"
I blink rapidly, trying to hold back the sudden sting of tears. Damn it, I promised myself I wouldn't cry. But Addison's gentle prodding has opened the floodgates, and before I know it, I'm spilling my guts.
"They rejected me, Addie," I whisper, my voice cracking. "On our mating night. I presented myself, and they just... walked away."
Addison's jaw drops, her eyes flashing with fury. "They didwhat?" she snarls, leaping to her feet. "Where are those bastards? I'll kick their sorry asses!"
A watery laugh bubbles up my throat. "They're at work, Addie. And as much as I appreciate the offer, I don't think violence is the answer."
She huffs, plopping back down beside me. "Fine. But seriously, Evie, why would they bite you in front of everyone and then pull this shit?"
I shrug, swiping at my damp cheeks. "Isn't it obvious? They're trying to run me off. They don't want me here."
Addison's face darkens, her lips pressing into a thin line. "Fucking cowards. You should report them to the Council, Evie. What they're doing is so not okay."
I sigh, shaking my head. "I know I should. But... I can't. As shitty as they are, living here is still better than being under Vivienne's thumb. And if I go to the Council, I'll just be humiliating myself and my family. A rejected omega." I shudder at the thought. "I just have to soldier through until they figure out I'm not going anywhere and they finally complete the mark."
Addison takes my hand, her grip warm and reassuring. "You deserve so much better than this, Evie. Better than being tolerated by a bunch of dickheads."
I give her a wry smile. "Tolerated might be a bit generous. But this is the real world, Addie. Fairy tales don't exist. Guess I just have to hope that if I refuse to back down, they'll eventually accept me. However grudgingly."
The sound of tires crunching on gravel cuts through the air, and my heart sinks. None of them are usually home this early. I peek out the window, dread pooling in my stomach as I see Damien striding toward the front door.
Of course it would be him.
"Fuck," I mutter under my breath. "Damien's home."
Addison's eyes widen, and for a moment, I think she might actually make good on her threat to kick his ass. But then she takes a deep breath, squeezing my hand. "Maybe I can talk to him."
"Please don't," I hiss. "I don't want anyone to know about the incomplete marks, and I definitely don't want him to know I told you."
Addison hesitates, her lips pursed as if she's biting back a scathing retort. I can practically see the gears turning in her head, weighing the satisfaction of telling Damien off against my pleading look. Finally, she sighs, her shoulders slumping in defeat.
"Fine," she mutters, her tone laced with frustration. "But if he says one wrong thing, all bets are off."
I don't have a chance to respond before the front door swings open, revealing Damien in all his imposing glory. He steps inside, his piercing gaze sweeping over the room before landing on Addison. His brow furrows, a flicker of surprise crossing his chiseled features as he sets his briefcase aside and takes off his perfectly tailored suit jacket.
