A Knotty Road Trip

Chapter 1

CHAPTER ONE

BELLE

L ooking out of the car window, I groan. I am not liking this weather at all. Even leaving the Academy five hours early, so that I could get to the airport and through security with loads of time to spare, I fear I am going to miss my flight.

The Uber driver sings along to some Christmas music, as I continue to stare at the huge traffic jam we have found ourselves stuck in.

So many cars just parked on the highway. “I don't have time for this,” I whisper aloud.

“What was that, hon?” the driver says, turning the radio down and shifting to look at me with a smile.

“Sorry, I didn't mean to complain, Dotty, it's just I can't miss my flight. My father ordered me home, and you don't want to anger him if you know what I mean.”

Dotty frowns, then nods and turns back around. She begins to hum while pulling out her phone.

There is an adorable photo of her with two little kids that look just like her. “They are so cute,” I comment, and she laughs.

“Annie and Dennis, my six-year-old twins. They are a handful at the best of times, but in the quiet moments, once they settle, they are my angels.”

“They are lucky to have you. My mother has always seen me as a smudge on her polished designer shoes. I was her meal ticket. A way to lock my father down.” I sigh, then rub my eyes.

“I'm sorry, I don't mean to unload on you. I'm nervous about this trip, and I tend to babble, with little filter when I'm anxious.”

“Talk away, hon, I don't mind. It's not like we are going to be moving for a bit anyway. Better yet, why don't you move to the front.”

Dotty lifts her purse from the passenger seat and places it beside me, then pats the empty chair.

I laugh,unbuckle my seatbelt, then open my door, shivering as the New York winter storm smacks me in the face with a blast of wind.

Quickly, I jump out and move to the front. The car beside us honks, and when I glance back at the driver, he has his hands lifted in a ‘what are you doing’ gesture.

I give him a wave, then climb back into the warm car and shut the door.

“Ugh, alpha cab drivers are the worst,” Dotty mutters, glancing at the man who is now shaking his head.

I roll my eyes, rebuckling my seatbelt as Dotty does something on her phone.

When she finishes she gives me a big smile and laughs. “So much better than the back. Now I can see you and not strain my neck. So tell me about yourself, dear.”

Laughing, I dig into my purse for some gum, then offer her a piece. “Well, I'm Belle, twenty-years-old, an omega, though I’m not looking to be packed up quite yet. I attend Knottingshire Academy. I am hoping to graduate with a degree in literature. I love books.”

Dotty smiles, grabs her phone and scrolls for a moment before showing me her extensive Kindle library.

“A girl after my own heart,” she says, then points to her current book. “This one is my absolute favorite, if you need something to read on the flight.”

I open my Kindle and download a few of her suggestions. “I read a lot, so I'm always looking for more.”

My phone rings and I groan. “It's my father, but I do not want to listen to him scream at me right now. I promise I'm not a rude person,” I grumble, declining his call.

“Yeah, I don't blame you, honey. I've been in some shitty relationships and my father wasn't the best either. So tell me more about this trip.”

“I'd planned to stay at the Academy. There is a new group of omegas starting next week and my friend Stetson asked me to help him get the dorms ready. He's a beta and not the most intune with what omegas like.

“But then my father called, ordering me to come home for the holidays. I guess my sister has some big announcement. I'd much rather stay in Connecticut. It's better than being ignored in a house full of people who are supposed to care about you.”

Dotty pats my hand. “Family is who you make them. Blood isn't always thicker, honey.”

“I like the Academy. Even being around a bunch of bitchy omegas, I have found a home. My room has a small space off the main area I use for my nest. It's perfect.”

“Just another thing that makes me thankful for being a beta. I applaud you and your heat cycles. I can't imagine the pain and discomfort you all must experience.”

The car in front of us slowly moves and Dotty cheers. Putting the vehicle in drive, she moves about a foot before pressing the brake again, sighing.

“It’s not so bad. There are toys we can buy and there are a few betas that offer to help us. Most girls just use suppressants. But my father would never allow such substances.”

Dotty scoffs. “Your father doesn't have a say in how you handle your heats, Belle. I know we hardly know each other, but you are a completely capable young woman.”

I raise my hand, pat Dotty on the arm and laugh. “Thank you, Dotty, and you're right we don't know each other well… yet. Don't think I won't be adding you to my social media. We are book besties for life now, you and I.”

Laughing, we gossip and chat for a little longer as she tells me all about her twins. I think I've made a real friend here tonight, and I look forward to a girls night soon after I return from LA.

“Okay, I hate to do this to you, love, but this car ain't moving, sweets. I think you may need to hike it the four blocks to the airport if you don't want to miss your flight,” she says, looking at me worried.

Groaning, I check the time and know she's right.

“I was afraid you were going to say that, but you have a point. Thank you, Dotty. I'll be in touch.”

Grabbing my purse, I open the door, then rush to the trunk for my bags. I'm glad I packed light for this. My closets at home have more than enough, if my sister hasn't raided them yet.

The man beside us is honking at me again, but I don't have time to bow down to another alpha.

Waving at Dotty, I check that the coast is clear, then carefully make my way to the sidewalk.

If I happen to use the alpha's hood for support as my feet are slipping in the slush he will just have to get over it.

I'm chilled to the bone immediately and wish I wore better shoes for this. The wind swirls around me, and my teeth are chattering as the airport comes into view.

There is a huge black limousine parked in the departure lane and is holding up a line of honking cars.

I wonder who's inside. Opening the airport doors, I shudder as the hot air washes over my chilled skin.

My clothes are damp, and I know that I need to change into something dry as soon as I get to my gate.

I do not need to get sick. This holiday break is going to be painful enough being back home. Looking around, I note that the place isn't as busy as I'd expected.

The walls are covered in festive decorations, and I wander closer to the large Christmas tree in the middle.

There is a Santa on a throne and if I had time, maybe I would sit on his lap. He doesn't look like any regular old man in a red suit if you know what I mean.

I give him a wave as I continue toward security. Now that I'm here I can take a few deep breaths. There is still an hour before my flight is supposed to leave, and I checked in a few hours ago on the app, so I don't need to get in that line.

It's not like I had anything better to do besides chat with Dotty. Which is a blessing at this moment. There is a man screaming at the poor worker behind the counter and a few babies crying.

Avoiding them, I make my way along the halls, dodging duffle bags and people not watching where they are going.

Like I get it, I'd rather be scrolling social media too, but not while walking through an airport.

Reaching the escalators that lead to security, I dig into my purse for my wallet and pull up my boarding pass on my phone.

There is a woman yelling at a man in front of me, and I'm trying not to laugh.

“Cynthia, I told you that our flight to the Maldives wouldn't be First Class. These were last minute tickets, dear.”

“I am not flying Coach, David!” she squeals, and I look out the window admiring the storm now that I'm not walking through it.

It's a blizzard outside, but with the lights shining through the snow particles, it's beautiful.

Cynthia continues to whine, and I'm so thankful that I'm not flying to the Maldives. Poor David.

As we reach the scanners, I wait until the next line opens before removing my Kindle, phone, keys, and wallet, placing them in the bucket.

My shoes are a little harder to remove, and I'm sweating by the time I'm walking through the X-ray machine.

A man waves me over with his wand, and I sigh.

“Remove the jacket, Miss, and raise your arms.”

Nodding, I do as he asks and cringe when he takes longer than necessary to ‘check’ me for weapons.

When he's finished, I don't waste a moment. Grabbing my shit, I toss it all into my bag, then make a mad dash to the restroom.

Locking myself inside a stall, I rest my back against the door,close my eyes, and take a few breaths.

I hate when people touch me without my explicit consent. As my heart rate calms, I begin to remove my clothes and pull out a dry pair of soft leggings with a large fluffy sweater.

After I'm changed, I look down at my feet and cringe. I am totally going to need to toss my new Christmas socks away, but for the moment they will have to do.

My boots are soaked.

Leaving the stall, I wash my hands, then fluff up my light curls. This weather is hell on my hair. I'm going to need to book a deep conditioning treatment soon.

Deciding to toss it up into a messy bun, I grab some chapstick and give my pout a thin layer. One of my favorite holiday songs begins playing over the speakers, and I find myself singing along as I grab my stuff and walk out into the hall.

My gate is across from the bathroom, and there are only a few people waiting. Maybe this means the red-eye to LA was a good idea after all.

Claiming a seat in the corner, I pull out my charger and plug it into the wall. I need to make sure my Kindle is completely charged for the trip.

I hate flying, and sleeping on a plane? Ah, yeah, that's not going to happen.

Placing my bags and boots on the seat beside me, I grab one of my cozy travel blankets and settle in for a quick rest.

My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I groan. I knew my father wasn't going to leave me alone.

Accepting the call, I wait for his latest melodrama.

“Hello.”

“Finally, Belle, how incompetent can you be not to answer your phone? I shouldn't have to call you three times!” he growls, and I roll my eyes.

“Oh, did you? I'm sorry, I must not have had a signal.”

“Likely story, but now that you have wasted my time you can be the one to contact Paul for a ride when you get into LAX.”

Ugh. Seriously?

“Why would my ex-boyfriend be the one to pick me up? We haven't spoken in almost two years.”

“Yes, well, he offered, and I don't have the mental capacity to drive to the airport and see your pathetic face. It's bad enough you're going to be around for two weeks.”

Someone giggles in the background, and my stomach cramps. I really hate going home.

“Okay,” I whisper, and he grunts.

“Great, glad we have that covered then.” He hangs up, and I'm pissed as a tear escapes the corner of my eye.

Quickly wiping it away, I look up and pause. There are three gorgeous men walking closer to the seats across from me, but that’s not what makes me freeze. A man is watching me intently, but he’s not giving me creeper vibes. Tall with dark hair and blue eyes, wearing a leather jacket, I almost regret using a scent blocker.

Though I am thankful for my scent blocking panties. I totally just made a mess in them. Giving him a shy smile, I look down and focus on my phone, trying to fight the urge to not stare at him.

He’s gorgeous and that smirk. Damn…

I wonder if he smells as amazing as he looks.