Armour

Ava crossed her arms. "I assumed because I was disappointing the last night we were together, you wouldn't really be so thrilled to see me or grant me anything."

Lucas barely spared her a glance before rising from his chair with the predatory grace of a beast who knew he was at the top of the food chain. He prowled toward her, closing the distance with an ease that made her pulse jump.

"Does it matter to you that I am disappointed?"

Ava straightened her spine. "Yes. I made you a promise, and I intend to keep it. I just don't have any prior experience."

His expression flickered. "There is something about you, Ava. It is stupid and brave all at the same time. You stand before me like a woman who does not fear me."

"Should I?" she challenged. "Life is more than just sex, isn't it? You are a lonely man, Alpha Raventhorn, and you know this. I may be a lowly omega from the Crimson Pack, but if you let me and teach me, I could be much more. I could be your companion. Your friend. Your confidant."

His lips curled into a smirk. "You want me to teach you to please me."

Ava shrugged. "This is part of what you brought me here for, isn't it? Then take me."

A muscle in his jaw ticked as his gaze dropped to her lips. The temperature in the room seemed to shift. When he finally leaned in, his lips met hers with a surprising gentleness—so unlike him. Ava had expected something fierce. But this? This kiss was tender.

She kissed him back, reveling in the moment until a low growl rumbled from his chest. Then, suddenly, he wrenched away as if burned.

"You cannot… I cannot… No!"

Ava blinked. "No? Did I just get rejected? Do you want me to try again? Maybe from a different angle?"

His expression was thunderous. "I will call you when I need you. But I do not plan on teaching you. I do not plan on being patient. I don't care if you are a virgin. I will rip you apart from the inside out with this!" He grabbed her hand and placed it over the prominent bulge in his pants.

Ava tilted her head. "Oh my. How very intimidating." She gave him a slow squeeze, watching his throat bob as he swallowed. "You were saying?"

Lucas jerked away from her like she had caught fire. "I don't do passion, love. You want money?" He fished in his pocket and handed her a card. "There! Go! And do not bother me for money again."

Ava took the card with a smirk. "You know, for someone who doesn't do passion, you sure seem to have a lot of... energy."

"Run along, little omega," he muttered darkly. "And next time you try to use that mouth of yours to get what you want… I will stick something else inside it and ensure you know how to use it properly."

"Charming." Ava gave a mock curtsy before sauntering out of the room. The moment she shut the door behind her, she released a sharp breath. The bravado she had displayed had drained her.

But she had seen the cracks. And if there were cracks, she could break through.

*****

Three hours later, Ava twirled in front of a massive mirror, admiring the way the sheer red dress hugged her curves.

"I have to say, I look good," she announced.

Lily snorted. "Please. You know you look good. Now you just look expensive."

"I was going for sexy."

"Mission accomplished, then. Sexy and expensive. Like a very well-fed sugar baby."

Ava laughed, running her fingers through her newly treated hair. Shopping had been an indulgence she had never experienced before, and she wasn't about to waste the opportunity.

They approached the cashier, who began ringing up the pile of extravagant clothes, shoes, and jewelry. The grand total? Three thousand five hundred dollars. Ava casually handed over the black card Lucas had given her.

The cashier took one look at it and her eyes widened. "This is Alpha Lucas's card. Where did you get this?"

Ava blinked. "He gave it to me. Told me to keep it."

Lily gasped. "What?! Ava, are you insane? How did you get the Alpha's card?"

Ava frowned. "He handed it to me. With words. And a very annoyed expression."

The cashier did not look convinced. "That's impossible."

"Okay, rude." Ava crossed her arms. "Are you saying I look like a thief?"

"Well…" The cashier hesitated. "It's just... we have to confirm that you have permission to use this card."

She signaled to security, who immediately turned their attention to them. Lily was practically hyperventilating beside Ava. "Ava, please tell me you didn't steal it."

"Oh, for the love of—I told you, he gave it to me!" Ava groaned.

Lily stared at her. "I just don't understand why the Alpha would do that. We don't get access to his personal money. We get allowances. There's a system."

Ava bit her lip, realizing she may have underestimated the significance of what Lucas had done. Maybe she shouldn't have brought Lily. The other women weren't just companions; they were rivals.

After a few agonizing minutes, the cashier returned with a receipt and a polite smile. "I apologize for the misunderstanding. The Alpha cleared the purchase. Have a wonderful day."

Ava smirked as she took the bags, turning just in time to see Lily's dumbfounded expression.

"Oh dear," Ava cooed. "Jealous?"

Lily pursed her lips. "You really think you're special, don't you?"

Ava tilted her head thoughtfully. "I don't think, darling. I know."

She strutted out of the store, her heels clicking against the marble floor.

This was just the beginning.