12. Clara
Clara
"What do you mean your roommates are alphas?" Sunny looks furious on my behalf.
I’m holding a carafe of coffee even though every cup in front of my friends is already full, steam curling up in little ribbons against the chill seeping through the café’s old windows. They often come in during my shifts, taking over their favorite corner table.
Outside, the sidewalks are slick with rain, scattered with red and gold leaves that cling to the cobblestones in wet patches. Every time the door opens, a damp autumn breeze rushes in.
Inside, the Evergreen Café hums with warmth from a fire snapping merrily in the corner. Pumpkin spice muffins cool on the counter, wood burn scent in the air, the soft clatter of mugs and plates wrapping everything in comfort.
"Yeah, apparently it’s some mix-up at their rental office. Bram's handling it, but since we don’t want to move out because of the whole scent sensitivity thing, he can’t exactly ream them out over a situation we plan to keep.”
They all gape at me, and I realize I’ve gotten ahead of myself.
So I rewind and give them the abbreviated version. Everything from the moment I walked into the house to the police finally leaving. I’m interrupted by a customer, and when I return, I’m greeted by a row of mixed expressions.
Winnie stares at me with wide, worried eyes.
Cali, an omega with auburn hair and a baby bump, watches me with the creased brow and quiet concern only a soon-to-be mother can master.
Sunny, the local beekeeper, tugs at the ends of her blonde hair like she’s ready to storm over and scold someone.
And Rose, a beta with wild curls and curves for days, is still typing furiously on her phone.
She’s a workaholic, but a ride-or-die. Always there when her friends need her.
“So, they’re your mates?” Cali asks, rubbing slow circles over her belly.
I take a deep breath. This is something I’ve always dreamed, and telling my closest friends makes it feel real. It's second only to actually meeting the alphas.
“Yes. They are.” I’m not going to hedge this with a maybe. The scents, the feelings, the connection with these alphas is real… Even with Victor.
“Clara,” Rose says, reaching across the table.
Her phone is finally down, and concern clouds her features.
Clearly she’s been listening through all her typing.
“Maybe you should come stay with one of us. I have a spare room. You don’t have to stay in that house.
I know you’re excited they’re your mates, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay if you’re uncomfortable. ”
“Exactly,” Winnie chimes in, nodding. “I knew that rental price was too good to be true.”
I smile around at my friends.
“I’m fine, guys. Really.” When they still look skeptical, I add, “I promise, if I need you, I’ll let you know.”
“Okay, but we are definitely going to have to meet them,” Sunny insists. “And see your new place. Why don’t we do dinner there this week? Like a barbecue or potluck.”
My eyes widen. Panic bubbles up. Sunny is not known for taking no as an answer. But I am not bombarding the alphas with my exuberant but well-meaning friends so early in our courtship.
“I’ll ask the guys,” I say quickly, just as another table waves me down.
“ASAP!” Sunny calls after me.
I can’t help but laugh because Sunny's already planning the ambush in her head.