Talk About… Secrets (Rockwood Valley Omegaverse #5)
Chapter 1
Grace
A pparently, it was alphahole night at Whitaker Brews. The alpha in front of me was puffing himself up to his full extent, making him look like a giant compared to my petite body.
“Have you ever taken a knot, omega?” he demanded in a gruff tone that not just made my skin crawl, but every drop of slick in my system make a hasty retreat.
“None of your business,” I said. “I’m not interested.”
He smelled like booze and fresh cut grass, not a good combination. How had my life turned into this? I was losing hope each year I was forced on crappy dates and even worse packs.
My mind flickered to the alpha I used to know. The one whose face lit up the sports channels reminding me that I wasn’t enough for him to stay.
That I was too stubborn to leave this town, my brain unhelpfully reminded me. I shoved those thoughts away, they didn’t matter.
“Is this guy bothering you?” Nash Whitaker asked, moving up to my side with his mate, Wren, right behind him, glaring at the monster of an alpha in front of me.
“No, it was a simple question,” he grumbled.
“Look, the bar is not where you’re going to find your sweet, untouched omegas. In fact, if you think we just sit around pining for a knot, you’re wrong,” I told him, my disgust showing on my face, and my friends’.
He huffed. “All you omegas are the same. Tainted by this world.”
“Okay, buddy, get the fuck out of my bar, you’re making my patrons uncomfortable,” Nash said before letting out a shrill whistle.
There was a wall of Whitaker brothers and a few other packmates behind them, facing off the alpha until he let out another grumpy string of curses and waved his equally as sleazy packmates out of the bar.
My omega best friends reclaimed me, pulling me out to the dance floor to shake our asses and ward off the bad vibes he’d brought about.
“He’s lucky Nash stepped in,” Sidney yelled over the music, a wicked smile on her face that made me laugh. She wasn’t wrong, she’d go feral if she had to and Maverick, her mountain of a mate, would have backed her up.
Avery rolled her eyes. “I swear the jerks always come out on Thursday nights.”
“Ladies’ nights always bring out the creeps,” Wren agreed with a shudder. She gave an uneasy glance around, only relaxing when she spotted Nash again.
Oriana shook her head and her ass. “Dance away the vibes, girls. Fuck these alphas. We don’t need their type around here. The town should invest in a ‘no alphaholes allowed’ sign.”
“Then we’d have to kick out half our mates,” Sidney laughed, spinning around and pulling me with her so we were dancing together.
“It’s getting late anyway, one more dance for me then I’m heading out. I have to go see venues with Hailey and Nolan tomorrow.”
They didn’t protest at the mention of Hailey. My sister had been so wrapped up in wedding details she wouldn’t even come out with us. They knew there was no avoiding it.
“Fine, but another round first,” Avery said, waving over her brothers. Cameron was the one to win, carrying over a tray full of bright purple shots.
“Here you go, ladies,” he said, handing them out with a grin.
“See, there should be more alphas like this around, not creepers stalking omegas in bars,” I huffed, sucking down one before grabbing a second. His eyes widened and he backed away slowly.
“Don’t make us do another singles night,” Avery warned.
“I don’t need matchmakers, I just need to give up dating altogether. Or maybe to stop overthinking. Maybe I’m getting in my own way.”
“Girl, not tonight,” Wren said. “He was not good enough for you.”
“Agreed,” I said as the world spun a little and warmth spread through my body. The song changed and I let it go for now, dancing around with my girls as the alpha escaped back to the safety of the bar.
It just felt like everyone in the world had found their alpha or packs. And here I was, still desperate and alone.
My life had descended into chaos. I’d given up my apartment when my roommates found love with each other and a new pack, moved in with my sister to help plan weddings but I was mostly by myself while she worked and stayed with Nolan, leaving me in an unfamiliar house that made my omega uneasy.
Work was the only thing I had under control and I was desperate for Hailey’s wedding for a week off of the constant projects. I made great money, but the cost was exhaustion.
“Okay, that’s it for me!” I called out. The moment I snuck away I was caught by Nash.
“Let me walk you back,” he said. There was nothing but a brotherly protectiveness in his gaze and I nodded, letting him follow me out.
The walk was quiet as I half-stumbled down the sidewalk the two blocks to the house I shared with Hailey. He made sure I got inside and gave me a worried look. I escaped into the house, avoiding any concern-fueled conversations.
When the door closed behind me and I was alone, I tried to breathe in the calm of the apartment but wrinkled my nose. Nolan and Hailey must have been here, I could smell them.
First thing after this wedding, I needed to find a place of my own, pack or not. I was tired of floating along in this limbo I’d let myself be pulled into.
An omega with no home of her own, no pack, and a family that was sure to give you a headache ten times out of ten.
I sighed at the thought of seeing mom and Aunt Candace tomorrow. Somehow, they’d convinced my sister to not just have a small wedding or elope, but have a big, extravagant affair.
We were viewing the two top places they found for her and I could already see them taking over.
Well, if I was starting fresh after the wedding, no time like the present to find the backbone Hailey needed me to have. She needed someone to call off the firing squad, to stand up for her so she didn't have to be stressed.
I refused to let them ruin her special day like they had all the others. Every event was tainted by their narcissism.
That was okay, starting tomorrow, we were taking back the power. Hailey might not know it, but I was going to work my ass off to make this the wedding of her dreams.
Even if that meant tearing a rift between us and our family.
All under the radar, of course. I’d channel my inner Sidney and put them in their place while she wasn’t looking, make sure they don’t step a toe out of line.
With a bit too much alcohol and a whole lot of determination, I forced myself to go to bed.
Tomorrow, I’d wake up a brand new omega. One who didn’t take any shit and let herself have the things she deserved.
Maybe the universe would finally give that omega her dream pack.