"It's going to be fine," Maddie reassured him for the umpteenth time that evening. "You do have a knack of worrying too damn much. Have I ever convinced you to try out something I'm not so sure of? Chill."

She had a point. Sawyer tried to visibly relax as they stopped to tip the hefty bouncer at the entrance. The man was an alpha no doubt, big and intimidating. His eyes darkened with lust as Sawyer hurried after Maddie, his heat smell permeating the small crowded corridor that led to the main bar. 

"Do you think he's a good choice?" Sawyer asked, eyes still glued to the bouncer who still hadn't taken his eyes off him. Sure, he looked cute and hot in his black uniform. But the plan was to go for someone with big pockets and a spot on top.

"You're no doubt an eye candy, so they're definitely going to find it hard to look away from you." Maddie navigated their way to a couch, just a few meters away from the sweaty bodies gyrating on the dance floors; omegas' rubbing their bums on alpha crotches as they moved along to a slow sexy beat. "This will give us a good view of what's going around. What would you like to drink?"

Sawyer didn't have time to think it over. "Something strong. I'm so going to need it tonight."

"I'll get you a root beer float. You're not supposed to take alcohol while you're on heat. Be right back," Maddie stood.

Sawyer rolled his eyes with a chuckle. "Look at you, learning quickly."

"While I'm gone, take a field view around and tell me if you like any product," Maddie winked, then turned and walked over to the bar. Sawyer stared after her as she left, an overwhelming feeling of gratitude shining in his eyes.

Even though he'd only known Maddie a year ago, it felt as though the blonde had been with him throughout his entire life. Of course he had other close friends; Daphne the sweet but sassy lady that ran the laundry service close to his sweet shop. His friendship with Daphne had flamed up from initial disagreements. Daphne was everyone's favourite and go-to person, but Sawyer thought her too superficial than original. They'd remained enemies till one night a raunchy customer cornered the sour-tongued redhead and insisted to have his way despite Daphne's protests. It was closing time and Sawyer happened to be passing by when he heard shouts. He'd arrived just in time before the horrible man could plunge his junk into a wailing Daphne. Sawyer had taken her home and made her tea, reassuring her that it'd be okay. They'd become friends after that cause Daphne couldn't stop being grateful. Their bond was admirable but not as his and Maddie's.

Gina scanned the dancing bodies now. The heady smell of alpha pheromones were strong and acted like heroin in the brains of the grooving omegas. Sawyer felt his virgin hole clench and the trickle of heat running down his back. The atmosphere was becoming too uncomfortable and he was getting a few lingering glances from the men around. It was as though the smell of his heat was a magnet that drew them in. Needing air, he ambled down a narrow corridor illuminated by red lights. The rooms that lined the path were no doubt occupied and he opted for the balcony instead.

Outside, with the cool December breeze blowing through his curls, Sawyer was able to process his thoughts more carefully. He thought through his options once more but still found himself stuck in a tight corner. He needed to do this. Somehow. He had to knot with someone soon, and fast.

A door opened in the corridor behind him and as though he felt eyes on him, he turned quickly. Dark green eyes glazed back at him as his eyes took in huge man's full appearance. A bulky, haunting frame, an attractive face and a deep black scar running down his neck. Sawyer wondered how he was able to note down every detail with him in the dim red lights of the corridor which was partially dark. The man seemed to be stripping him with his eyes as well.

Raymond, his wolf couldn't stop screaming in his head. We found him! We found him!

Mate!

The man's arms were open now as though he was beckoning on Sawyer to run into his embrace. And for a moment there he hesitated, unsure. Something just felt...off about it all.

He watched as the man swiveled on his heels and a slender female with blue riotous hair held onto him for dear life. Sawyer blinked, shocked as they both captured each other's lips, the man's eyes never leaving Sawyer's as his hand cupped the back of the girl's thigh. Sawyer swallowed hard, drawing in a deep breath as the man positioned himself between her legs, raising her left leg to hook it halfway around his waist. That moment was endless and tortuous. It was killing him slowly.

The lady was dragging the man with her now. Don't go, Aleera begged. Sawyer was torn – confused and disappointed. Just when he thought she'd finally found the man of his dreams to knot with, he was with someone else. They disappeared into a room, the door banging shut. Loud, as though in spite. 

He didn't know how long he stood there, wind roaring in his ears and tousling hair about. He felt an onslaught of emotions; so many things at once - pain, jealousy, disappointment. He could hear the moans coming from that very room, courtesy of the very vocal female participant. Why do I feel like this? 

"Sawyer? Oh my goodness, what are you doing here? I've been looking all over for you," Maddie was beside her now, holding out a glass. "Here's your float. How did you get here?"

Sawyer shrugged, raising the glass to his brittle lips. Those green eyes were livid in his memory. Plaguing his mind. "I just wanted to come out here for a while. It's so hot in there."

Maddie smiled knowingly. "Or you decided to come out here and convince yourself once more that this is a bad idea?"

Sawyer raised his head sharply, not appreciating the sentiment. "Don't be ridiculous. While you were away, the men in there were getting creepy and I can't think about anything else than sex."

"Well," Maddie sighed. "I know how that feels. But we won't get lucky if we stay out here much longer. The sluts have gotten almost all the good men in there. We gotta beat it. Come on now, let's get going."

Sawyer nodded, darting a brief glance at the room where he'd gone in. it was silent now and the bed was no longer quaking. Relief flooded his being. Which was weird.

Maddie tsked her thumb and middle finger in front of his face to get his attention. "Hello, young man. Earth to Sawyer. What are you thinking about?"

"I'm sorry," Sawyer apologized now, shaking his head as he bent to drop his glass on the floor. "You're right. We should go."