Chapter 10
CHAPTER TEN
TATE
W hen the train stops and the door opens I have a bad feeling immediately wash over me. Something is wrong. Stepping into the hall, we pass the baggage claim area, but there is absolutely no one around.
“Fuck, we missed her,” Angel groans, running his fingers through his hair. He opted to wear comfortable clothes today and I think he’s got my sweatpants on. It’s an odd sight and I feel as if we are in the Twilight Zone or something.
“Well she left her number. Maybe just call her,” I suggest, and Beck looks at me. He’s nibbling on his bottom lip, and my cock twitches.
Last night was insane, and for a split second there, I actually started to consider making Belle our omega. Scent match or not. She fit so seamlessly into our family, but she fucked that up when she left.
She never should have made Beck cry. It wasn’t necessary to sneak out like some thief in the night. Tip-toeing and leaving some bullshit note. I carried her on my back. That means something when I usually don’t let women near me.
“This is the makings of a slasher flick,” Angel comments as we continue to walk down the deserted halls. Security isn’t even at the gates. Soft Christmas music hits my ears, and we follow it toward the huge tree that’s lit up.
A woman is singing and her voice is incredible, echoing through the empty space. As we get closer the blonde curls begin to look familiar.
Beck stops as we’re still out of view. “Wow, she can sing,” he says with awe and Angel smirks. I can see the wheels turning in his head.
“No, she is not joining the band. Don’t even think about it,” I grunt, and he sighs.
“Why not?” he whines, and I cross my arms. “Poppie is performing with us for the holiday event, but Belle could do back ups. Then she wouldn’t have to return to her evil family.”
He’s going to make me be the bad guy. “Because we don’t know her. Our naked asses might not be all over social media yet, but it could still happen. She left while we slept. How do you know that she didn’t do anything?”
“I know because deep inside I can feel that she’s not that type of person, Tate.”
“You don’t know that for certain, Angel.”
Ignoring me, he keeps walking over to the omega that’s twisting us up inside. She doesn’t notice us and keeps singing her heart out. She really is beautiful. The lights from the tree shine against her hair, making her look angelic, but appearances can be deceiving.
“You left,” Angel says behind her, making her squeak, and spin to face us with her hand on her chest.
Beck groans, and I look at him. His nose is scrunched. Raising an eyebrow, he leans closer to whisper in my ear.
“She smells like peppermint smores when she's scared. My cock is dripping,” he groans, pressing himself to me.
I can feel his hardness on my hip, and now I'm growing hard.
“Angel, hi,” Belle says, giving him a big smile, and I can see the tension leave his shoulders.
“Why didn't you wake us?” Beck asks, ignoring his cock for the moment.
Belle's cheeks darken, and she pushes some stray hair behind her ear. “Last night was amazing. If I could have stayed in bed, I wouldn't have minded a second or third performance, but I have to get home… somehow.”
“Well if you had waited, then you would know we have a ride to LA, and we're hoping you would come with us,” Beck snipes, and Belle frowns.
“I'm sorry. I didn't want to impose. You all did so much already.”
“Not an imposition, Vixen, we would have told you if we didn't want you around,” Angel says, moving closer and placing his palm on her cheek.
I watch Beck's hands fist and start to shake. I know he wishes he could be the one to comfort and touch her, but he holds himself back.
I understand, but if she is his scent match things are going to have to change.
“If you're sure? I'd love a ride. All the rentals are booked, and my father said I could lease a car, but the dealerships nearby are closed down due to the storm and holiday.”
Beck smirks, and I have to bite my bottom lip to prevent myself from laughing. Seems he's up to his old tricks again.
“Ken, our driver is waiting out front. We have plenty of room, so let's go. We will stop for food after we get out of the city.”
Turning, I head for the door. I don't look behind me because I know they are following.
A shiny black limousine waits out front for us, and Belle gasps.
“A limo! We are going to drive four days in a limo?”
Ken hops out of the car to walk around and open our door, but I hold my hand up and he freezes.
“It's cold, Ken, we can handle a door.”
“Thank you, Sir,” he says, then rushes back into his seat.
The storm is over, but there is still a windchill. Angel collects our bags and puts them in the trunk as I open the door and climb inside.
Beck holds the door for Belle, then follows. I notice that she keeps a backpack, placing it on the floor near the minibar and Beck keeps his bag.
I wish he would take a break on this trip, maybe write some new songs with me, but I know he will be too busy answering emails and booking our next few events. Not to mention the damn omega search.
Maybe I can convince Belle to marry me and be our omega… the thought has merit and it would get my dad off our backs.
I guess we will have to see what this car ride reveals.
Once Angel joins us, Ken rolls down the partition window, holding a tray of hot drinks and a bag of pastries.
“Traffic here is insane. The storm knocked down a ton of trees and some main roads are closed. We will have to take the back way to get through Binghamton, to the 81, then the 40 West the rest of the way.
“I know it’s not ideal, but it’s our only option at this point. After we get out of the city, we can stop at a Target and get some supplies. You might want pillows and blankets, and some things to keep you entertained,” Ken says with a smile.
He always knows just what we need. He has been with us a long time, and we will never replace him.
“Sounds good, Ken, thank you,” I reply, and he nods.
“I’m also going to be stopping in West Virginia for the night. If you’d like to book a room, Beck,” he says, and Beck pulls out his tablet, powering it on, nodding. He reaches in his bag and grabs his wireless headphones, popping them into his ears.
Ken rolls the window back up, and I pass out the drinks and food, and he slowly begins the drive.
It’s going to be a long ass day. Ken turns the radio on and immediately one of our hit songs begins to play. Angel presses the button to speak to Ken.
“Please change the station, Ken, thank you.”
The song turns to some bop, and we all relax. Belle’s more observant than I thought, noticing our odd behavior and as she leans forward, I worry I’m going to have to come clean, but instead she says something awful.
“Oh, so you don’t like Knotty Trip either?”
BELLE
Being in this car, finally leaving the city, I feel like I can breathe again. I owe these alphas more than I will ever be able to repay. I was ready to run away. Somewhere far, far away, rather than have to deal with my father’s wrath.
Beck hums as he types on his tablet, and Angel continues to eat his food. It was sweet of the driver to include me. A rock song begins to play, and I watch as the mood in the car shifts. Angel freezes mid-bite, his eyes going wide.
Tate has almost the same reaction and Beck doesn’t seem to notice anything until he pulls out his headphone to say something. I don’t recognize the song, but I have heard of the band before.
Angel barks for Ken to change the station, and I’ll admit I’m a little shocked that he would be so assertive, ordering the man who was kind enough to get us pastries.
The guys relax, and I’m feeling unsettled.
Hoping to ease whatever tension is now clogging the air in the car, I lean forward toward Tate.
“Oh, so you don’t like Knotty Trip either?” I’m joking, but I think I just did something bad.
All three alphas turn to face me and stare.
I swear I just stuck my foot in my mouth about something, and I’m not sure what. You could hear a pin drop right now. Ken turned the radio completely off, and the guys are silently staring at me.
“Is there something on my face,” I blurt out, then rub my mouth with the sleeve of my sweater.
Tate is the first one to snap out of whatever trance they were in. “You don’t like the band Knotty Trip?” he asks slowly as if waiting for something.
“Honestly, no. I mean they aren’t bad, and I do love their lyrics. At least the ones I have heard. They are dark, and emotional, but breathtaking at the same time. But I don’t listen to rock much. My sister is obsessed, but I prefer country music.”
I’m babbling, and Angel shifts away from me, leaning his head against the window. He seems sad. Beck won’t stop blinking at me, and Tate seems pissed.
“I’m sorry,” I say, because I feel like I need to right now for some reason.
“It’s fine. Just surprising is all,” Tate mumbles, then sits back and takes Beck’s hand. He rubs circles on his knuckles, and I smile. They are so cute together. I can tell they love each other very much, too.
I glance over at Angel, and his eyebrows are pinched. He seems to be thinking really hard. I reach out and touch his arm.
“Hey, is everything okay?” I ask him, and he glances my way, nods, then crosses his arms and leans against the door, closing his eyes.
Maybe he’s just tired. Sighing, I pull out my headphones and my Kindle. I might as well read if they aren’t in the mood to chat. This is going to be a long trip.
I must have dozed off, listening to an audio book. Reading on my Kindle was making my eyes tired. The car stops, and the partition window rolls down. I give Ken a smile. The guys are all sleeping.
“I need to use the restroom, so I figured this shopping plaza would work. If you want to wake them up.”
“Yeah, thanks. Is there anything I can get you at the store?” I ask, grabbing my jacket and putting it on.
“A few energy drinks would be great. Any brand and flavor is fine. I’m not picky.” I nod, then lean over toward Angel. He has a hoodie under his head as a makeshift pillow.
Ken opens his door and gives me a smile before walking toward a Target.
“Hey, did you want to go to the store?” I ask Angel, placing my hand on his thigh. He jolts awake and grips my hand with his, tight. His blue eyes are panicked.
“What?” he croaks. I point toward the store.
“Ken is using the bathroom. He suggested we get some things for the ride.”
“Oh, yeah. Okay.” He nods, then opens his door. Grabbing my hand, he pulls me from the car.
“Wait, shouldn’t we wake up Tate and Beckett?” Angel stops and looks at his cousin and friend asleep.
“I’ll grab them some stuff,” he mutters, then shuts the door and keeps walking. The parking lot is covered in snow, but it looks like someone plowed at least. When we reach the sidewalk, he lets my hand go and stuffs his into his leather jacket’s pockets.
He seems standoffish right now, and I don’t know why. Is this still about the music? Do they know the band or something?
The doors automatically open, and the heat rushes toward us. I head right for the bathroom, and Angel follows. He goes as far as to lean against the wall next to the Ladies room door.
“Oh, you can go shopping. I’ll be quick,” I tell him, and he crosses his arm, giving me a glare.
“I am not leaving you alone. In a town you don’t know. You may be independent for an omega, Belle, but you are still susceptible to danger.”
Ugh, rolling my eyes, I walk inside and quickly handle business. My phone rings as I’m drying my hands. I really don’t want to answer, but this may be one of the only moments I am alone without the guys.
They don’t need to see how angry my father is, or how he treats me. It’s bad enough I feel like a pity tag along right now.
Grabbing my phone, I answer.
“Did you handle the car?” he asks, and I sigh.
“Yes, I am on the way now. Just stopped for the bathroom.”
“How did you find a car? I didn’t receive any alert on my credit card?”
“I caught a ride with some people who also needed to get to LA.” I cringe waiting for his inevitable tantrum.
“You mean you are whoring yourself out to those alphas. Aren’t you? Belle I swear to… You know what, we will discuss this after you’re home. Four days, Belle, and not a second more.”
He ends the call and I groan. I don’t know how long the guys think this drive will take, but maybe I could offer to drive, so Ken gets a break.
Leaving the bathroom, Angel points. “So what was that about? Sounded heated.”
“Oh, you heard that? It’s just my father. Did you need the bathroom?” He nods, then walks inside. I decide to wait for him. It was nice of him to watch the door for me. I have a feeling if I were to wander right now, he may become upset… Well more than he already is with me right now that is.
It doesn’t take him long and soon we have a cart filled with blankets, pillows, snacks, and Ken’s energy drinks. I also take a few minutes to browse the books and lingerie section. I need some more scent-blocking panties.
Angel looks around at the Christmas section, and I laugh when he pulls out matching Santa boxers, and places them in the cart. I notice he also grabbed a PJ set, and I wonder if it's for me.
As we walk past the baby section he stops and runs his fingers over an elf onesie. He has a look in his eye as if he wants to buy it, but keeps moving.
“So, tell me, what is your favorite holiday memory?” I ask, and he gives me a smile, then laughs.
“Before my parents died, my mom would turn our whole house into a Christmas Village. She loved the holidays, but Christmas was her favorite. The whole kitchen would look like a giant gingerbread house.
“The living room would be turned into Santa’s workshop, including a golden throne for my father to sit on. In a costume of course. He loved her to the point of madness and went along with anything that would make her happy.
“They were scent matches…” He trails off and looks over my head. His eyes becoming glassy. Clearing his throat, he continues. “We had a tree in every room, decorated in a different theme. Mine always had some form of musical instrument ornaments, and my room would be turned into a caroler’s dream…”
“That sounds so cool. Your parents sound amazing. I’m sorry they are gone now… May I ask what happened. You don't have to tell me.”
I shake my head and laugh. “It’s fine, Belle. It happened a long time ago. My mother was in a car accident, and my father didn’t live long after. He drank himself to death, but I say he died of a broken heart.”
My eyes fill, and I can’t help it. I sniffle. That’s one of the saddest and sweetest things I have ever heard.
I can’t imagine someone loving me so much they couldn’t keep living without me.
“I didn't mean to make you cry,” Angel says, moving so he can wipe my cheek. I smile and take his hand placing it there. I love when he touches my face.
Staring into his blue eyes, I can see how amazing, and kind he is. I saw glimpses last night, but now. Ugh, why can’t he be mine?
I give him a shaky smile, then release his hand and step back. He clears his throat and runs his hand through his messy hair.
“So what about you? What was your favorite memory?”
I take a deep breath, trying to calm my heart and vagina. Damn hussy is slicking so much. I swear I will always have messy panties around these alphas.
“Oh, well mine isn’t that great I’m afraid. I had a nanny once wake me up in the middle of the night. She had a new dress and shoes for me. After getting dressed, she curled my hair and even let me put on some lip gloss. We snuck out and went to see The Nutcracker live. The lights, music, performers… It made me want to write something magical.”
“Where were your parents?” he asks, and I sigh, giving him a sad smile.
“They had taken my sister to Hawaii for the holidays. When I was little I believed their lies of only having enough money for three tickets. I tried to be understanding, but when I turned sixteen, and they left on a trip without me, ignoring my special day, it hit me. I’ve always been an outsider in my family.”
“I’m sorry, Belle, you don’t deserve that.” Moving closer he pulls me into a hug, and I melt against his chest. I’m going to miss him when we get to LA.
“It’s life, Angel. I’m an omega. Someone to be used and tossed aside. I’ve been told for many years now how insignificant I am. I’m used to it, but being here with you and the other guys, I think it might become a new favorite memory.”