Chapter Text
The champagne always flows freely at these events, much to my expense. I take a sip from my champagne flute, watching the man I'm going to marry in just a few days. He moves with the grace of a dancer around the room. The way his suit clings to him. His dark brown hair is slicked back from his face. His stormy blue eyes scan the room.
James Buchanan Barnes, or Bucky, to those closest to him, one of the most powerful mafia families' heir. Next to my family, of course. And the most feared omega, for that matter. He’s known for being spoiled; he always gets his way, but I can see it. The dark shadows under his eyes, the way he watches the room, expecting something or someone to attack him.
He shakes his head before putting on a calm mask to hide his emotions. He looks at me from across the room. A mischievous look in his eyes, almost daring me to stop him. I smile at him politely before biting down on the blood capsule I have hidden in my cheek. Being a vampire has its disadvantages. Nashua at the taste of things other than blood is one of them.
Steve had warned me when I went to him asking for advice about him, about how he has a rough, bratty exterior, but it's a front. Steve and I are not friends, but we have the same goal: protect Bucky from his father.
His father, I almost growl thinking about him. The leader of the Barnes clan, Alaric Robert Barnes, known for his iron fist and command over his whole clan, anyone who crosses Alaric doesn't live long to tell the tale. If only his clan knew. I chuckle slightly while taking a sip of my drink. My father, Andrew, decided to “save” his empire, so now I’m his betrothed to the Barnes heir.
Bucky's father clears his throat, getting everyone's attention, and all eyes in the room turn to him, including my own.“Everyone, I need to announce some exciting news for our family.” His voice booms across the ballroom. As he gestures to me. Bucky walks closer to me. He leans in close to me, practically wrapping himself around me.“Place your hand around my waist.”He commands quietly. I do as I'm told, as his father smiles at both of us.
I take in his scent, the sweet undertones under his cologne almost caress my senses, telling me he's my mate. Confirming what I already knew. I stiffen slightly, putting on an easy smile."Careful, Ezra.” Steve says Through the hidden walkie system I have. I glance over at
him. “Your eyes just flashed red, tone it down. He still doesn't know remember?” He mutters softly.
I nod slightly before looking back at his father, who speaks again.“Everyone, meet my new son-in-law.” He gestures to both me and Bucky me with a smile. “Ezra Andrew Hollingsworth. Welcome to the family, son.” He smiles at me. I nod, lifting my drink to him. Bucky leans further into me as everyone looks at me and him. “What's wrong with you?”He mutters low, with a smile, making it look like we're flirting to anyone looking at us. I hug him a little tighter, turning my head to whisper in his ear. “Not here, darling, I'll explain when we are alone.” I feel him stiffen at the nickname. He opens his mouth to respond. But before he can say anything, his father walks up to both of us.
“James, a word.” Alaric raises an eyebrow at Bucky, but I can see the fire under his father's charming smile. His father turns to me. “I’ll bring your fiancé right back, I promise.” I hug Bucky a little tighter before I let him go. “See you in a little bit, darling.” I whisper in his ear with a smile, playing the loving fiancée. He moves away from me, his movements stiff as he takes his father’s hand. I watch as he leads him to a secluded part of the ballroom.
I watch as his father leans in as he takes Bucky's hands, squeezing them. I watch as Bucky’s face pales. His body begins to shake slightly as his eyes widen. His father continues to whisper in his ear. “Steve.” I growl into the headset. “I see it.” He mutters his voice low with rage. “So are we starting my plan now?” I mutter low, glaring at his father's back. I glance at Steve, he nods.
I take in a calming breath before putting on a practiced smile. I walk slowly to Bucky and his father. I slip a hand around Bucky's waist before turning to his father. “Sir, I was wondering if I could talk to him alone for a little bit.” I flash the older man a smile. His father glares at him again. I watch as Bucky flinches, nodding quickly before Alaric looks at me, his face completely shifts, he smiles before stepping back. “Of course.” He turns from us, walking back into the main part of the party, talking with one of his guards.
I turn to him quickly. “I have a surprise for you, darling.”
“Is it a leash? How thoughtful.” he mutters sarcastically, still looking at his father across the room. I pull him close to me, whispering in his ear. “I'm trying to get you out of here. Please just trust me.” I practically beg him. He glares at me. “How can I trust you?” I press a hand to my comms. “Steve, you ready?” the comms crackle before he responds, “ready when you are.” I nod before turning to Bucky. “Steve’s outside, there's a car just outside the doors, we can get you out.” I say, looking out at a nearby window before meeting his eyes again. He crosses his arms. “Really? How can I know this is true?” He raises an eyebrow at me. His scent is mixed with curiosity and fear. I place a hand out to him.
“Please, just this once, trust me.” He glares at me again. I place a hand out to him. He takes it still glaring. “If this is a trick, I'll kill you.” he mutters. I begin to lead him from the room, we make it outside to the car. I nod to Steve before I turn to Bucky once again. “This is where I leave you. Steve and I set up a safe house for you.”
“What about you? And why are you helping me?” His eyes narrow as he speaks. I sigh. “Ask Steve, now go.” I shove him gently towards the car. He complies but glares at me again before he gets in the car. I lean down to Steve's side of the car. “Keep him safe.” I mutter low so only he can hear. He nods, and I step back. I watch him shift gears before pulling out of the driveway. I watch my eyes flash red in the window as me and Bucky lock eyes. I watch him freeze before looking at Steve as they drive away. I keep an eye on the car until it's out of sight.