Chapter 28

Hope

Two days later and I hadn’t seen Lincoln once. Deacon took over my lessons which was both worse and better all at once.

Good because I could actually take things in without Lincoln’s scent and body distracting me and bad because I had no distractions from the things I was being taught.

When I was sold, which by all accounts was the best thing that could happen to me then, my Alpha would be the centre of my universe . Nothing else would matter but keeping him happy and if that meant giving up my body for his pleasure whenever he wanted to and however he wanted to use it , so be it.

I wasn’t meant to complain.

Whiny companions didn’t last long.

I didn’t need to ask what that meant.

“The others will be here tomorrow.” Deacon said in his completely bored deadpan way.

“Others?”

“The other omegas. Alpha Lincoln is hosting all of you until you are chosen.” He looked at me like I was stupid. “Personally I think it’s a stupid idea. He can barely control himself with you here let alone having his pick of-“

His pick? My heart slammed into my throat. Was that why Lincoln was bringing them all here so he could pick and choose who he fucked?

His body reacted to me. But what did that mean in the grand scheme of things? Our literal hormones took over. It didn’t mean he liked me.

Maybe he was bringing the others here so he could find someone more his type.  It wasn’t like I was a real omega. My body might be giving off the right pheromones but I hadn’t been trained to do this. If anything my body rebelled at the very thought of doing any of it with those alphas I had seen at the party.

It rebelled in another way when Lincoln was around. But I didn’t let myself think of that.

“Some reason that makes you angry?” Deacons eyes sparkled with mischief as he leant heavily on his elbow and stared at me.

“It makes you angry as well.” I countered. Anyone with eyes could see the beta was in love with his alpha. He tried to hide it but I wasn’t blind. “Don’t try and deny it.” I tilted my face to the side and stared at him.

“I love him like a brother.” Deacons cheeks flamed.

And I’m the queen of England. I countered silently even though I was pretty sure what was left of my homeland didn’t have a monarchy any more.

“You infuriate me.” He glared at me when I didn’t lower my eyes from his. “You are the most insufferable pig headed woman I have ever had the misfortune to lay my eyes on.”

“Getting bitchy there Deacon. Be careful people might begin to suspect.” I meant it teasingly but his whole body shut down. An almost imperceptible shiver ran up his body.

“Don’t-“ his eyes flashed. “Don’t you dare say another word?” His eyes looked wildly about. I followed his gaze and tried to find what he was looking for. All the doorways were empty. Lincoln had more staff but I rarely saw them and they never spoke to me.

“What’s the problem?” I lowered my voice anyway. “No one cares if you like boys or girls Deacon. Its-“

“Shut up.” He hissed. “It’s not allowed.”

My eyebrows show up. Not allowed? Did that mean- “Are you saying it’s illegal to be gay?” I whispered.

“They would kill me.” For the first time since I had met him I saw real fear in his eyes. He was afraid and hiding who he was. Just like I was.

“Please don’t say anything Hope.”

Reaching across the table I took his hand and squeezed. “I won’t say anything Deacon. I promise but I want you to know something.”

“And what is that?”

“There is nothing wrong with you.” I said gently. “It’s this society that is messed up.”

For a second he nodded. “It’s messed up alright.” He sighed heavily. “For both of us. But I think you might have it worse.”

I laughed before I could stop myself. There was no way I was going to disagree there but that didn’t stop my heath from aching for him. I couldn’t imagine going my whole life pretending I was something else.

“Maybe-“ his eyes appraised me. “I misunderstood you, Hope. You don’t seem too bad at all.”

That just made me laugh even more. “You were just looking out for Lincoln. I get that. But honestly I don’t mean to cause problems. It’s like I can’t control myself around him. It’s all very confusing.”

“Yeah I get that. Lincoln is a confusing man but he does everything for a reason. Remember that.”

“Do you know the reason?”

“Yes.”

“Will you tell me?”

In answer he laughed. “No Hope, I won’t tell you. But I’ll do one thing better. Come with me.” He didn’t hold out his hand like Lincoln would have. Which was good because I had no urge to walk around hand in hand with him.

“Lincoln left something for you. On the 75th floor.”

“Nor in the secret room?”

Two steps ahead of me, he glanced over his shoulder. “No not in the vault. This one is - I don’t know what the hell it is but he said you would like it. I’m sorry I kept it from you. It’s just that-“

“You’re a bit of a bitch?” I smiled sweetly.

He grinned back. “Takes one to know one. Hurry up.”

“Where are we going?” The stairs were torture and I was out of breath within seconds trying to keep up with him.

“Outside.” He called back as he bounced up the stairs.

“Outside? But I thought it wasn’t safe for me to leave-“

Just the idea of feeling some fresh air was enough to make me run after him.

“I think it’s pretty safe for you up here. Plus I’ll be with you. I need to pick some-“

I didn’t even catch his last words as we stepped outside. I remembered the 75th floor had once been the viewing deck, with its famous glass floor but it wasn’t that anymore. The front of the building had been blown away and was open to the elements. And the entire space was full of plants and flowers.

Ok, mostly it looked like vegetables and fruit. But it was greenery in a sea of grey. And I had wanted to cry and touch every single leaf.

“This is beautiful.” I breathed out. I didn’t know what was better: the priceless art in the vault or this?

“Hopefully it will be better next year. We haven’t had long to cultivate it. Our other one is further along. But -“

I turned to him in shock. “Lincoln did this?” I whispered.

“He helps, yes. He knows how important fresh food is. But I didn’t bring you up here to help me dig up potatoes.” Deacon pointed. “Look over there. Lincoln said you would like it. But-“

I turned and followed his pointed finger and the breath left my lungs in a whoosh because right on the edge of the old glass viewing floor was something I thought I’d never see ever again.

An easel and paints.

I burst into tears.