Page 13 of Luna
Six months later
“There are particular ways you should and should not behave,” Rita says, eyes narrowing as she watches the six of us. She flicks her black hair out of her face, waiting to see if anyone is going to say anything.
I keep my mouth shut like a good girl, knowing it won’t do any good to respond. Even if it’s telling her I already know how they expect us to act once we’re sold.
When Lark and I woke up six months ago, we found out our lives had gone from bad to worse.
Not only were we kidnapped, but we’re expected to spend the next three years training to be one of Gideon’s dolls—the perfect omegas for him to sell.
Gideon is the man who kidnapped us and who plans to sell us to the highest bidder just before our first heat at twenty-one. It seems I stepped from the frying pan straight into the fire, dragging Lark right along with me.
We’ve been grouped with four other girls our age—Aries, Briar, Lexi, and Silva. There are other girls in the house, but we only catch glimpses of them from time to time.
The betas in charge of us—Beth, Rita, and Viv—have explained that there are three groups of six at any given time: the eighteen-year-olds, the nineteen-year-olds, and the twenty-year-olds. All omegas who haven’t gone through their first heat because that is what Gideon is selling off—or at least part of it.
I thought for sure I’d be tossed out when they realized I wasn’t a virgin, but apparently, that isn’t a requirement to be a doll.
When Silva’s mouth pops open, I know she’s about to say something to get her in trouble. I reach over and dig my fingers into her arm. When she turns her attention to me, I shake my head.
The six of us have grown close over the last few months, and while it’s clear we’re all holding back secrets, it’s hard not to depend on one another. We’re all we have because these beta bitches sure as hell don’t give a shit about us past the money we’ll make their boss.
I’ve turned into the one who’s always talking the others down, reminding them not to cause waves—no matter how much I wish we could. There’s no escaping this future—at least not yet.
If we want any chance of ever escaping Gideon, we all have to play the game, which is what I’m reminding Silva of.
She sighs but nods before turning her attention back to Rita.
Lark taps her nails against the table, drawing my attention to her, and she gives me a small nod of approval.
We were both raised in dangerous worlds where we were taught how an omega “should” act. Not that Papa would ever have expected me to act like that, but it was an important part of my education. Not specifically how an omega should act, since Ihadn’t designated as an omega yet, but everyone has their place in the underground's violence.
We learned all the expectations that would come when we designated.
For now, I’ll act demurely and under control, but inside I’m a mess of anger and grief.
I want nothing more than to rage against everything life has thrown my way, but what good will that do me?
“I’m glad you girls are finally learning.” Rita’s voice is snide as she leans against the table opposite ours. “Gideon will be happy to hear you’ve stopped talking back. It was bound to happen, eventually. Now, let’s talk about the expectations of one of Gideon’s dolls.”
I tune her out, letting my mind wander.
I wonder how Matías and Juan Carlos are doing. Has Fabian corrupted my little brothers? Has he turned them into his mini me’s yet?
Do they wonder where I disappeared to? Do they know Fabian killed Christian, or did my older brother let them think the two of us ran off together?
I squeeze my eyes shut at the sharp pain in my chest. I still haven’t grieved for Christian.
How can I when I’m trapped in this hell?
How can I do anything but focus on surviving?
I miss him so damn much. Him, Papa, Mama, and my little brothers.
But maybe one day I’ll be able to see my brothers again. The other three are lost to me.
I’ve lost so damn much. How much more am I expected to lose?
I blink when two hands close over mine. I shoot Lark and Silva grateful smiles, bringing myself back into the present.
