Cale lounged behind his desk, smirking like he owned the world. Maybe he did. But to them-he was just another omega.
"Alphas never change," he murmured, swirling the whiskey in his glass. "They still think omegas exist for their entertainment."
I didn't respond. My jaw clenched so tightly I could hear my teeth grind. My hands, hidden beneath the desk, curled into fists, nails biting into my palms. Cale was right, of course. The world had changed on paper, but in reality? Omegas were still at the bottom.
And alphas? They still ruled everything. They still thought they could buy, claim, and own us.
Another deal lost. Another arrogant bastard too blinded by his own superiority to see Evren for what it really was.
"You're quiet," Cale said, watching me now.
"I'm fine." My voice was flat, clipped.
Cale let out a low chuckle. "Sure you are," he drawled, setting his glass down with a quiet clink. "You look like you're about to throw someone out of the fucking window."
If only.
I exhaled sharply, forcing my fists to relax. "They don't respect us," I muttered. "No matter how much we build. No matter how much we prove. To them, we're still just-"
"Pretty little omegas playing pretend?" Cale finished, one brow arched. "Yeah. I know."
His smirk didn't waver, but I saw it-the brief flicker of calculation in his eyes. He wasn't just playing. He was hunting.
That was why Cale was the CEO.
And me? I was his personal assistant.
That was what the world saw, anyway. The quiet, competent omega who handled schedules and contracts, who followed orders and stayed out of sight.
But in reality?
I was the one who built Evren from the ground up, the one who controlled every move, every deal, every strategy. I was the one who made sure no alpha ever saw Cale as weak.
Because he wasn't. And neither was I.
"They're not just underestimating us," I said quietly. "They're threatened."
Cale smirked. "Good."
I almost smiled. Almost. But my mind was still on that meeting, on the way that bastard had looked at Cale-like he was something to be bought, a fucking prize to be won. He thought he could own us.
They all did.
Cale stretched in his chair, watching me. "Come to the club with me tonight," he said suddenly.
I shot him an unimpressed look. "Why?"
Cale's smirk widened. "Because you need to relax."
"I'm fine."
"Yeah, yeah," he waved a hand. "And yet, you nearly shattered the fucking table earlier."
I exhaled sharply, pinching the bridge of my nose. "Cale-"
"Look," he interrupted, leaning forward, "I get it. You're pissed. So am I. But this isn't new, Kael. Alphas have always looked down on us."
"That doesn't mean we have to accept it."
Cale grinned. "Who said anything about accepting it? I'm just saying-let them choke on our success."
I stared at him for a long moment. He wasn't wrong.
The alphas thought they could push us down. They thought Evren was just a passing threat, something to swat away.
They had no idea what was coming.
I sighed. "Fine. One drink."
"Of course," Cale said smoothly, standing up and grabbing his coat-a sleek black designer jacket that fit him like it was made for him. "One drink."
I knew better than to believe him.
The club was already packed when we arrived, the bass thrumming beneath my feet like a heartbeat. Strobe lights flashed in silver and gold, cutting through the dark space, illuminating the sleek black walls and expensive leather booths. The air was thick with the scent of alcohol, pheromones, and overpriced cologne.
Eyes turned toward us instantly.
Not toward me. Toward Cale.
Dressed in deep red-a silk button-down left scandalously open at the throat and tailored slacks that hugged his form-he walked through the crowd like he owned the place. Because he did. The Inferno wasn't just another club; it was his club. The biggest, most exclusive spot in the city. The place where alphas, betas, and omegas all came to play, where power and temptation blurred together under dim lights and deafening music.
And Cale? He was the king of it.
A few betas straightened when they saw him, eyes dark with interest. Alphas tracked his every step, some recognizing him, some only seeing an omega they wanted to take home.
Cale smirked faintly, half-lidded eyes sweeping the room, already playing the game.
"Kael." His voice was lazy as he glanced over his shoulder. "Are you just gonna stand there like a statue or actually have some fun?"
Before I could answer, an alpha approached.
Confident. Too confident.
"Haven't seen you here before," he said, flashing a grin.
Cale didn't flinch. Didn't stiffen. Just tilted his head, smirk sharpening. "Then you haven't been looking hard enough."
Just imagine saying that directly to the owner—it's almost amusing to think about. I had to hold back a laugh.
The alpha chuckled, eyes darkening as he extended a hand. "Let me buy you a drink."
I was on my feet before I even thought about it. My hand shot out, locking around his wrist in a crushing grip.
The alpha flinched. His grin slipped.
"He already has a drink," I said, my voice low.
The alpha's gaze flicked to Cale, then back to me. "I don't think I was talking to you."
My fingers tightened. Just enough to make my point.
"That's your problem," I said, my tone dangerously calm.
For a second, he looked like he wanted to push back.
Then, he yanked his arm free, stepping back. His jaw was tight, his pride bruised.
"Maybe next time," he muttered.
"Don't count on it," Cale said, smirking as he lifted his glass.
The alpha turned and stalked off, disappearing into the crowd.
I sat back down, my pulse still a little too fast.
"Kael," Cale sighed, amused. "You really didn't have to do that."
"Yes, I did."
Cale watched me, something softer beneath the teasing glint in his eyes. "You do know you can't fight them all, right?"
"Watch me," I said, taking a slow sip of my whiskey.
Cale shook his head, but he was grinning.
"Just try not to get us banned from my own club, okay?"
"No promises."
Cale laughed, relaxing against the plush seat.
Across the room, another alpha was already watching him with interest. He must have missed the confrontation.
My fingers tightened around my glass.
"Kael," Cale warned.
"What?"
"Relax." He was definitely amused now.
"Let them watch."
"If they touch you-"
"They won't."
Cale's smile sharpened. "And if they do?"
"Then they'll regret it."