Chapter 4 You Don't Smell Like Omega

APOLLO'S POV

"You want what from me?" She finally spoke, her voice trembling with anger and surprise.

"Did I stutter?"

"I'm just... some weak Omega to you. I don't understand... Why me?"

"Why not?" I countered, shrugging. "You're here in my territory, saved by my Beta. I don't offer refuge for free. Everyone contributes."

Her eyes narrowed, her hands gripping the edges of her shirt. I could tell she wanted to say something, but she held back.

"What makes you think I'd agree to this?" she finally asked, her voice low, defiant.

"I know your mate rejected you, and I don't think you want to return to whatever life you ran from. The world outside is cruel, especially with the rogues roaming around waiting to attack. May I remind you, you have nowhere to go."

"So that's what you see me as, then? A vessel? Someone to fulfill your needs and wants then disappear?"

I felt Ragnar stir at the accusation, a growl rumbling at the edge of my mind. But I kept my voice even. "You don't have much choice now. If that isn't obvious to you."

"And if I refuse?"

"You don't want to test me on that, do you?" I held her gaze, letting my words settle in.

REIKA'S POV

I barely had a second to process the weight of Apollo's words. Surrogate? For a split second, I thought he was toying with me, pushing some twisted boundary of power just to get a reaction. But the seriousness in his eyes left no room for doubt.

Why would an Alpha like him want an Omega on the run, to be the mother of his child?

I had run from my former pack to escape a life that wasn't mine. I can't be stuck in a pack that doesn't see my value again. I steadied myself and lifted my chin. "If we do this, can I have my own terms, too?"

His expression flickered, an eyebrow-raising as if he hadn't expected me to push back. But then he nodded, a slight smirk playing at the edge of his mouth as though he found my resistance amusing.

"Sure, we'll have a contract," he replied, his tone laced with a confidence that almost felt casual, "and I'll pay you a million dollars. You can leave after giving birth if you want your freedom."

It was like he could read my mind. Freedom. That's all I ever want. And one million dollars would be more than enough to start a new life.

Alpha Apollo didn't break eye contact, his face expressionless as he waited for my reaction. This could be my chance to gain control over my life and my future.

"And after?" I asked, barely more than a whisper. "When it's over... no strings, no complications?"

He nodded. "Once you've fulfilled the terms, you're free to go. You'll have nothing tying you to me or my pack."

I couldn't quite understand why he'd pick me, a stranger, a weak Omega. But that was for him to wrestle with, not me. He was the one offering me the chance to finally own my life.

"Fine." The word came out more confidently than I expected. "I'll agree, but I have one condition."

He raised an eyebrow, signaling for me to continue.

"You'll treat me with respect. I may be an Omega, but I won't be some silent pawn to boss around," I said, my voice clear, each word bold against the silence. "I'll fulfill my end of the bargain, but I won't be made to feel lesser for it."

"That's bold of you. You are not in the position for such a request," he said, his tone serious. "I am the Alpha of this pack, and I know what's good for my territory. But you'll be treated with respect if you bear my child."

I wasn't expecting for him to be nice with his answer but the weight in my chest lightened just a fraction for his assurance. I wouldn't want to be controlled or treated like a stray like my former pack did.

Apollo stepped closer, his hand rising to cup my chin, tilting my face to meet his gaze. His touch was firm, almost possessive, yet surprisingly gentle. How could someone be this handsome? All my life I have thought Nyx was the hottest man alive yet his presence never tamed me like Apollo did.

My pulse quickened as his piercing green eyes searched mine, intense and unreadable, as if he were studying every corner of my soul. A flutter of unease and attraction twisted in my stomach, making it hard to breathe, let alone think. His thumb brushed softly over my lower lip, lingering just long enough to leave me frozen under his gaze.

Will he kiss me? I closed my eyes.

"Do you want me to kiss you?" he asked like he was teasing me.

As I opened my eyes, my sight landed on his plump and kissable lips. Apollo smirked as he saw me frozen under his hypnotic stare.

"No." I avoided his stare. My face was warm with embarrassment. Could he possibly read my mind? We're not mates.

I may be innocent but I know how getting pregnant works. How would it feel with Alpha Apollo? The thought sent butterflies in my stomach.

I realized that getting pregnant by a man like Apollo wouldn't be the hard part; the hard part would be leaving when it was over. The thought should have scared me. Instead, I found myself rooted to the spot.

I flinched when he traced a finger on my face, and I felt the warmth to my skin. "Your skin is so soft. Does your mate do this to you?"

"NO," I said quickly. "He doesn't even care about me. A weak Omega like me would be useless for him."

"His lost. You don't smell like Omega to me."

My eyes widened in confusion. But before I could ask he spoke.

"Are you nervous?" he asked, his voice low.

I swallowed hard, my heart pounding under his touch. "No, I know why I'm here."

"Good," he murmured, his hand slipping away slowly, leaving a trail of warmth in its wake.

I nodded, reminding myself of what the arrangement was supposed to be. He may be everything a woman would want-a perfect blend of power and beauty-but I shouldn't see him as anything other than the Alpha who would be the father of my child. A child that would set me free.

"My beta Orion will guide you on the next step," he said, nodding to Orion.

"What do you mean?" I asked in confusion.

"We need to make sure you are fit to be my surrogate."