Chapter 6 Faye
SIX
Faye
I clutch the crushed petals as I run, hoping that its horrible odor will be enough to repel any alphas and mask my perfume as I cross campus.
Thankfully, it’s pretty quiet, and I manage to snag a lone golf cart.
I’ve never driven one before, but I put my foot on the gas and speed back to Omega Village, hoping for the best.
Margie waves me straight through the barrier without question, shouting, “Faye! You should know—”
I don’t have time to stop to chat. I swerve unsteadily, almost hitting her watch post before hurtling away at full pelt. I’ll apologize later, but right now, I’m more conscious about how my pair of scent-blocker panties are holding up under the flood of slick.
What the hell is wrong with me? Did a plant in the greenhouse trigger some kind of reaction, or am I just so unused to being around alphas that their presence alone has such a dramatic effect on me?
I thought I’d prepared for this. I’m well read and know how everything works …
theoretically. But nothing could have prepared me for how it really feels to be going into heat in the presence of an alpha, the draw and overwhelming pull toward them that makes me want to roll over and present myself with one panty-melting glance.
I never understood how people accidentally bonded before. However, after my recent encounters with two alphas—Ren and my sulky savior—I can see how it’s possible. I don’t dare to even think about what could’ve happened if I’d stayed in the greenhouse.
I’d call Gram, but even though we’re close, I draw the line at calling her for advice after running out of my first class because of this. Then I remember the Stella Girls.
I slam on the brakes outside the house and shoot a quick text to the group chat:
ME
Help! I think I’m going into heat. What should I do?
SABS
We’re on our way! We’re in Forestville now, but we’ll be there ASAP.
Their classes don’t start officially until next week as its orientation week for first years. The girls were spending their day shopping for costumes for a party we’re supposed to be attending later in the week.
DELILAH
Hang tight!
KADY
Go to your nest. Deep breaths!
My hands shake, barely able to maintain hold of my phone. I race up the stairs to the house, eyes on my feet, when … BAM!
The gorgeous alpha sitting on our front porch springs to his feet.
He’s toned with a dancer’s physique, wears a loose tee with a quirky slogan and has a stack of bracelets around his wrists that jingle as he hops up.
His scent hits me like a wall. It’s delicious, a decadent mix of blood orange and ginger cake.
He looks almost as surprised to see me as I do him.
He has curly, auburn hair and amber, almost golden eyes that sparkle in the sun.
When his gaze meets mine, the air seems to crackle.
I just stand in front of him, shifting from foot to foot, unable to think straight. My inner omega wants to devour him.
Alphas are banned from Omega Village! What the hell is he doing here, and why is he standing on my front porch?
“Um … hi.” He shoots me a lopsided smile that makes my knees go weak and the freckles dance across his face.
I perfume uncontrollably, my warm-sugar and vanilla scent filling the air.
If I can smell my slick, he can. His eyes widen, and his pupils dilate.
His sweet scent deepens, taking on a richer, caramelized edge. “I’m—”
Usually, I’d be embarrassed to be caught in such a compromising state, but all of my animalistic urges have come to the forefront, and politeness has gone out the window.
“Alphas aren’t allowed in Omega Village.” I’m trembling with desire and anger. “You shouldn’t be here!”
“Hey.” He puts his hand on my shoulder, presumably in a misplaced attempt to be comforting. “Are you okay?”
His touch is enough to send a quiver of pleasure rippling through me, starting from the point of impact.
“Don’t touch me!” I recoil, slapping his hand away.
The guy, clearly stunned, jumps back.
“I’m s-sorry.” He holds his hands up as if I’m holding him at gunpoint. “I didn’t mean—”
“You didn’t mean to come to somewhere that’s supposed to be safe for omegas?” I interrupt him. “Are you trying to prey on vulnerable omegas and sink your teeth into them, is that it?”
He pales, looking equal parts offended and sickened.
“N-n-no, I’d never do that.” Any trace of a smile has vanished. His scent sours, tinged with bittersweet regret. “I… I only—”
“Go!” I roar. I’m normally soft spoken and choose to avoid conflict, but my insides are convulsing in pain that his presence isn’t making any better! “Now!”
Another word from his lips will have me purring and pleading for him to come inside, desperate for more of his touch.
I summon all of my strength then march past him, holding my breath to avoid catching another whiff of his gingerbread deliciousness before I slam the door to Stella House closed behind me. Yet if I’m safe now, why is every cell in my body begging me to spin around and beg the stranger not to leave?