(ZEVRAN)
I took one last look at the omega named Asa and followed Finlay out into the main bidding area.
Overhead, crystal chandeliers gleamed, and on the stage a string quartet played softly. Waiters in burgundy tuxes wandered around with trays of overpriced champagne, and everyone was in a jovial mood.
Everyone but me.
I hated the auction with a passion. The pungent smell of arousal and pheromones turned my stomach. It was such a base, strange ritual. I'd never understand what made an omega turn themselves over to such a bizarre and demeaning event.
I'd only accompanied Finlay because he'd hounded me for months, and I'd literally had nothing better to do.
But I was regretting my decision to come to the auction. I didn't like seeing omegas treated like cattle.
My mind drifted to that omega Asa. He was such a stunning creature. His body had been smooth, sinewy perfection. His eyes had held intelligence, too, although he'd obviously been scared.
Why was he here? If he was afraid of being claimed and bred, why was he here tonight? Was he running from something? Desperate?
The auction did background checks on all the omegas they allowed in, but that history wasn't shared with the alphas. All we knew for sure was that the omegas were healthy and able to bear our offspring and that they had never committed a crime.
"Nigel was out of control tonight," drawled Finlay. "Did you see him touching and sniffing that poor young omega?"
"I noticed."
Finlay glanced at me. "You seemed taken with 334."
I stiffened but tried not to show any emotion. "How so?"
"I don't know. You watched him a lot."
I lifted one shoulder. "He was pretty. Beautiful, in fact. Like a living, breathing work of art."
"Yes," murmured Finlay. "Are you going to bid on him?"
"No."
He arched one brow. "You're not at all tempted? You really have no intention of bidding on him?"
"None."
Finlay studied me, sipping his champagne. Once he'd swallowed, he said, "You can't grieve Lukas forever, Zev. It's been ten years."
My face warmed, but I hid my emotions as best I could. "I know exactly how long it's been."
"You need an heir. We all do."
"There's still time. I don't need an heir right this minute."
Finlay sighed. "I worry about you all alone in that giant mansion of yours. Don't you ever get lonely?"
I shook my head. "Not for anything serious. When a rut hits me, I hire someone. It's quick and dirty. No questions. No emotional attachments."
"I guess that's the part that worries me. What's so horrible about emotional attachments?"
He sounded so sincerely concerned, I couldn't be mad.
"Whether he's gone or not, I still love Lukas," I said gruffly. "Bringing another omega into my bed, permanently, would be a betrayal of that love."
"You're wrong. Lukas would want you to be happy. He said that to you before he died. He'd be heartbroken knowing you've hidden away for almost a decade, grieving. You know I'm right, Zev."
I hardened my jaw. "I don't want to talk about this. Not now."
"Well aware," he grumbled. "You never want to talk about it. You'd rather just waste away and die without an heir to your fortune."
"Finlay," I rumbled. "Back off."
He grunted, looking frustrated. "Fine. Well, all I know is, I wouldn't mind that little slut 334 in my bed."
I scowled, feeling a surprising surge of anger at his demeaning comment. "You don't know anything about that kid."
"True." Finlay laughed. "Maybe I'm just hoping he's a slut."
"Oh, yeah? Why?"
He licked his lower lip. "Because I plan on bidding on him."
It was hard to describe the feeling that shivered through me. It was almost like jealousy. Possessiveness. That made little sense, seeing as I had zero interest or connection to number 334.
But my body physically expanded and contracted with the raw emotions. The hairs on my nape prickled, and a sour taste was on my tongue.
"Is that right?" I said softly.
"Yes. Since you're not interested, I thought maybe I'd have a go at him. It's been a while since an omega has turned me on, but the minute I laid eyes on that kid, I wanted him."
Gritting my teeth, I said, "You'll have to outbid Nigel. He seemed pretty keen on him, too."
My skin literally crawled at the idea of Nigel breeding that beautiful omega. I didn't feel much better about Finlay taking 334 into his bed, but at least I knew Finlay would be good to his omega.
Nigel had a reputation for being rough. Too rough. He'd been banned from the auction because his last omega complained of abuse. Somehow, he'd avoided the charges and was now back.
"I'll do my best to outbid him," Finlay said. "He does have deep pockets, though."
"Yes, he does."
At the front of the room, the quintet stopped playing, and a white- haired alpha approached the golden podium. When he lifted his white-gloved hands in a shushing motion, the room immediately fell silent.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I'm your host, Austine Barker." He smiled, nodding at the corners of the room. "Welcome to The Auction's thirtieth year in business."
The crowd erupted into cheers as the white-haired alpha looked on.
Once the people had settled down, Austine continued. "We have a smaller crop for you tonight, but I think we can all agree they are an unusually beautiful and fertile group."
Finlay winked at me. "Let's hope."
"Yes," I murmured. "Let's hope."