Rage beneath the surface

ZANE

“Where the hell is she?” I muttered, eyes flicking towards the restroom as I sipped on a glass of champagne. I’d told her to stay close to me. I warned her to not leave my sight. What the hell was taking her so long in there?

“Alpha,”a sultry voice cooed. “So this is where you’ve been hiding. I’ve been searching for you all evening.” Gem said with a smile on her face as she swayed her hips, slowly walking up to me like she owned the floor.

I didn’t hide the disdain on my face. “What do you want?” I asked dryly.

Her smile faltered as she stood before me. “Can’t I just speak to you without wanting something in return?” She asked and I scoffed

“I know you too well to fall for the pitiful act, Gem. What do you want? And if this is about my mate then don’t even think about it.” I said and she frowned

“So you do know why I’m here.” She murmured. “But I want you to know that I’m not worried about that Omega.” She spat out like it was a curse. “We both know she is not half the woman I am and you will always belong to me, Zane. You can flaunt her all you want now but it won’t be long until you get bored and run back to my arms.” She stepped closer, her chest pressing against mine, her arms wrapped around my neck.

I could hear whispers circling around us like vultures as everyone stared at us but a heated feeling behind me made me turn and what I saw made my blood run hot.

“What the hell,” I said through gritted teeth as my eyes met Conner's.

“You are mine Alpha and I will do everything in my power to make you realize that. I’m way too valuable for you to turn down over that Omega.” Gem said as she brought her hand to my cheek

I growled low and deep in my throat as I grabbed her hand midway. My fingers wrapped around her wrist tightly and she hissed as I tightened my hold. My eyes were blazing with anger as I glared at Connor who has a smug smile on his face as he pulled out a chair for Lyra.

My mate, my fake mate. My fucking Omega.

“Zane, you’re hurting me,” Gem whimpered

I glared at her and shoved her hands roughly causing her to stumble back. “If you know what’s good for you Gem. Go back to that bastard. There’s no more space for pests like you in my life.” I growled and turned away from her.

Her voice cracked. “But I want you. You can’t refuse me.”

I froze as I felt her hands on my shoulder. My skin crawled and I felt emotions surge within me. All the rage I buried inside is simmering.

I turned and wrapped my fingers around her neck. Gasps echoed around us but I was too angry to care. “I’m the fucking Alpha!” I growled “and I can do whatever the fuck I want.” She whimpered as I pushed her away and walked to the bar.

“Two glasses of your strongest drink,” I said to the bartender with my eyes stuck on Connor and Lyra. My hands clenched at my sides as I watched the smile on her face. It was so wide and blinding, something she had never done with me.

She looked so comfortable chatting with him like they were friends. Like she belonged to him. Seeing them together irked me in ways I couldn’t explain.

The very person who pushed me to find a fake mate was talking and laughing with my supposed mate like it was his right. It annoyed me how she had so easily brushed off my order and completely forgot about me.

I felt abandoned. How could a worthless omega ignore my orders and stick to my nemesis as if he were her savior?

“Your drink is ready Alpha.” The bartender said politely and dropped two glasses before me. I picked it up and gulped it down.

It burned going down but not as much as my anger. I was seething and all my attempts to look away from them failed. I couldn’t stop staring and I felt the little rope holding me back snapping when their fingers brushed.

I saw red as I stalked over to their table. My blood was drumming in my ears as I slapped my hands against the table. Lyra gasped in fear and my face pulled into a blank canvas, not giving away my anger and displeasure but of course, the bastard noticed.

Connor flashed his signature smirk, the same one that has been getting under my skin since we were pups. “Zane, I’ve been looking forward to meeting you all night.”

“And I’ve been looking forward to seeing you six feet under but guess luck is not on my side.” I spat

“Always a pleasure to meet you. I was wondering why you didn’t tell me about your mate. Were you ashamed of her cousin? I’ve never known you to be in the market for Omegas.” He said with a small smile on his face.

I ignored him as I turned to face Lyra. She looked uncomfortable stuck between two Alphas. Her eyes were lowered as she fiddled with her fingers.

“Get up. We’re leaving.” I said through gritted teeth and she didn’t waste a second as she stood up. “Go and wait over there.” I pointed to a random corner. My nerves calmed down as she scurried away.

“I will only say this once Connor. Stay away from her.” I growled.

The air thickened with tension as she held my glare with a taunting smile on his face. To others, it looked like a normal conversation but we both knew it wasn’t. “I was just talking to my cousin's mate. Is there anything wrong with getting acquainted with my sister in law?” He asked

“I don’t want you spreading your disease around what belongs to me.”

“Does she belong to you though?” He glanced at Lyra who was standing awkwardly in a corner. “She looked unclaimed to me brother.” He grinned

I grabbed his shoulder and pulled him to his feet with annoyance coming off me in waves. “How and when I choose to claim my mate is none of your fucking business Connor. It will be in your best interest to keep your charms away from her. Touch her again and I will make you regret it.” I spat out.

Connor’s grin widened as he leaned closer to my ear. “Yours is already too late, cousin. You never should have allowed your delectable mate to wander around alone. Now the question is how much can you protect what you claim to value.” He pulled away and our eyes locked. Mine blazing with anger while his were filled with mischief.

“Enjoy the party, Zane.” He walked away with a huge smile on his face.

My blood was boiling as I watched him disappear into the crowd. My eyes trailed over to her standing alone. She didn’t know what she had stepped into but she was mine.

Mine to control and own.