(ASA)
We'd reached the end of the hallway, and it opened onto a wide open area.
There were six small roped-off zones. Inside the red ropes were two chairs. Most of the zones were empty, but the one to the right of us wasn't.
Zev stood there, his black tux fitting him like a glove.
My pulse sped up immediately, and I felt breathless as we approached him.
I couldn't tell anything from his expression. Had one of the Gliders already visited him, and he now knew my dirty little secret? His eyes were emotionless as I stopped in front of him.
He ran his gaze over me, taking in the small tremble running through my chilled body. It was even colder down here in the greeting area, but that wasn't why I was shaking.
I mumbled, "You paid way too much money for me."
He lifted his dark brows. "Did I?"
"I'm not worth it."
His blue eyes flickered. "Shouldn't that be for me to decide?"
I winced. "I completely understand if you need to cancel your offer. Your friend must think you've lost your mind."
"To the contrary, my friend is envious."
That surprised me. "Why?"
"He wants an omega. He wants an heir."
"Yet… you bid on me," I murmured.
"He bid on you as well."
"Did he?" I frowned.
"Most definitely. Lots of people did." He smirked. "You were a very popular morsel, Little Prince."
Heat touched my cheeks at his nickname for me. "It was difficult to see who was bidding what. The paddles just kept rising and lowering so quickly. We omegas were completely confused about what was happening."
"I see."
Feeling breathless, I said, "Your bid was clearly heard, though. You were very… forceful."
His jaw tensed. "I had my reason for upping the bid so quickly."
I squinted. "Is it because, like your friend, you want an omega and heir?"
"No."
I blinked at him in confusion. "No?"
He pushed his hands into his pockets and glanced around. His expression was tense as if he was about to deliver bad news.
My stomach clenched as I waited for him to say he didn't want me after all. He'd made a mistake. I braced myself as sweat broke out on my forehead. It had to be awkward for him. It sure as hell was awkward for me, standing here, waiting for the axe to fall.
He took so long to speak, I found myself mumbling, "It's okay. I understand. You got caught up in the moment. I'll be fine."
I wasn't sure that was true. If he pulled out, did that mean I'd become the property of the next highest bidder? Would that put me in Nigel's disgusting clutches? I couldn't force Zev to honor his bid. I was at his mercy.
He cocked his head. "What do you think is happening here?"
Grimacing, I said, "I think you probably regret bidding on me."
He pressed his lips tight. "I'll admit, it was an extremely impulsive move. Especially considering I have no desire to claim and breed an omega."
I frowned. "But… you came to The Auction. That's what it's for."
"I came because I was bored, and my friend Finlay invited me for the millionth time. I loathe The Auction."
The more he talked, the more confused I became. He'd flat-out said he had no interest in… breeding me. That must mean he fully intended to reject me, right? Once he officially rejected me and told the promoters he didn't want me, what would happen to me? Would Nigel swoop in and claim me? If not, I had no idea where I'd spend the night.
They hadn't even given me my clothes back. Was I expected to wander the streets in this gold thong and robe? With my luck, I'd be arrested for prostitution.
At least I'd have a place to spend the night.
Sighing, I said, "I don't really know how any of this works. If you don't want to honor your bid, will I go to the next highest bidder? Or will I just be sent away?"
He gave a curt laugh. "Asa, do you think I'm refusing you?"
I wrinkled my brow. "Of course."
"Well, I'm not." He studied me. "I'm not quite sure what to do with you, but I'm not sending you away. I bought you fair and square."
"But, you said you don't want an omega."
"That's because I don't. But it's too late now. I've already transferred the funds." He looked past me and snapped his fingers.
A burly alpha in a dark suit appeared out of nowhere. "The car is waiting, Mr. Cross." The guy slid his gaze to me. "As requested, there's a warm blanket and water for your… guest."
Lifting his chin, Zev said, "Excellent, Ronin." He strode out of the roped area, toward a black SUV parked a few feet away.
I stared after him, not sure of what to do. "After you, Sir," Ronin said politely.
I met his gaze. "I'm supposed to go to the car?"
"Yes, Sir."
I hugged the thin, silky robe, watching as Zev got into the back of the limo. "So, he isn't leaving me here?"
Ronin's mouth twitched ever so slightly. "It would seem not."
"I see."
"Shall we?" Ronin gestured toward the SUV.
As I headed toward the shiny black car, I was relieved and mystified by my situation.
Why was Zev taking me home with him? What good was I to him if he had no interest in breeding me? Was he mentally ill? He hadn't seemed crazy, but maybe he hid it well.
Ronin hurried around me and opened the door for me. I nodded my thanks, and right before I got in the car, I glanced to the side. That creepy alpha Nigel stood there, watching me from the shadows. As his resentful gaze followed me, a chill ran down my spine. Beside him stood a male omega, head down, looking nervous.
I got into the car as fast as I could and met Zev's cool gaze. I settled on the leather seat beside him, noticing he shifted away from me so that our bodies didn't touch.
Zev was so distant with me that it made the situation doubly confusing. But as I took one last look at the omega claimed by Nigel, I felt only gratitude that Zev had stepped in at the last moment and saved me from that other alpha.
I'd do my best to serve Zev in whatever way he asked.
I needed to keep him happy so that I never had to return to The Auction again.