Chapter Twelve
Karissa
The room they gave me felt right in a way that no other I’d occupied ever had, and it also had the biggest bed.
I took up only a small portion of the plush, comfortable mattress, but I felt confident that everyone currently under this roof could fit comfortably at the same time.
An image that sent heat flooding my face, no doubt giving me a resemblance to the crimson tomatoes in the row of jars on the kitchen counter.
Three hot alphas would have all the females they could ever want or need without having to waste their time with someone like me. My previous failed mates had made it clear that they’d only even tried with me because they were ordered to. But the failures were all my fault. They made it clear.
Snuggling down in the very center of the bed, I resolved to forget about such things and just enjoy the comfort while I could. Soon enough, I’d be back on the road in the truck, headed for one of the small towns I’d found online. Hopeful they would be half a welcoming as Pleasant.
Many hours later, I woke from a dream I hardly dared remember.
No doubt brought on by my thoughts of the size of the bed and how many could fit in it.
How could I even face the three of them after what my subconscious put together while I slept?
Kisses and caresses and so much more. And not just one of them but all, taking me in ways I’d never experienced.
But I didn’t mind. Rather, I welcomed their touches, opened my legs and my heart, tipped my head to the side for their marks…
How ridiculous of me.
Even if I wanted them, I could not mate these males.
That option had been removed from my life, so no use even thinking about it.
A peek outside my window showed the sun higher in the sky than I’d ever seen it upon first opening my eyes, and I was glad I didn’t have to be at work first thing this morning.
Amazing what a super comfortable bed could do for a girl.
The whole room was lovely, decorated in soft colors with lots of cushions on all the furniture.
It appealed to me in a way I couldn’t begin to explain.
The scent of coffee and bacon drifted through the closed door, and I hoped they hadn’t held breakfast for me.
Hurrying into the bathroom, I showered and brushed my teeth, ran a comb through my hair.
I’d never worn much makeup, nor did I have a lot, but the prospect of seeing the three males downstairs had me wanting to look my best. Mascara and lip gloss were not much, but they were what I had and would have to do.
As I glossed my lips, I reminded myself again that I couldn’t be with these males even if I wanted to. Okay, I was starting to have to accept that I wanted to, especially after that dream.
Being on the list with the Omega Bureau meant more than just not being able to have a mate.
That was the basic matter, of course, but it put me into a category just short of rogue.
That was something I hadn’t wanted to think about, but it did hover at the back of my mind.
I still “belonged” to my pack and in leaving the way I did, I not only stole the truck, I stole me.
If someone found me, they could attempt to return me to the pack for some kind of reward.
But they could also do much worse and just kill me with zero consequences.
I couldn’t stay here…
Dressed, I exited the room and stood at the top of the stairs, breathing in the scents of breakfast foods as well as the enticing scents of clean males.
They smelled so good. Everything here felt right, like home in a way I’d never experienced before.
Safe and warm but at the same time a little edgy.
Lucky I wouldn’t be here long because it was going to be hard enough to leave.
Approaching the kitchen door, I heard warm laughter and couldn’t help but smile. Would it be so bad to enjoy myself and their company for a few days? I’d have a lifetime to miss it, but maybe Fate would be kind and give me a good life going forward. It would be a lonely one. I knew that now.
I hesitated outside the door, listening to their conversation. They spoke to one another with such respect. Nobody making demands or bossing anyone around. No violent undercurrents. I stepped inside and they all looked up and smiled.
My heart squeezed. If I stayed here too long, I’d never be able to leave.
I had to find another place to stay ASAP. No hanging around to enjoy the atmosphere, to soak up memories. I wasn’t strong enough.