Chapter 7
When my alarm goes off the next morning, I feel like a new woman.
I guess two straight days of sleep will do that to you.
I’m still a little sore, but now it feels less like I’ve been hit by a bus and more like I had a solid workout.
And any lingering exhaustion is gone thanks to my extremely long nap.
My phone rings, and I scramble to answer it when I see Lainey’s name flash across the screen. “Hello?” My voice is disgustingly croaky, and my friend laughs.
“You sound like you’ve had a dick down your throat for the last three days, Pose. Did you secretly find an alpha to rail you and not tell me?”
I choke. “Lainey!”
She cackles. We haven’t been friends long, but I’m not sure I will ever used to the unhinged things that come out of the sweet omega’s mouth sometimes. “I’m just kidding, but really, how are you feeling?”
Taking stock of my body again, I realize I really do feel okay. “Honestly I could use a shower and some caffeine, but I’m ready to go back to class. I already feel like I’m behind and missing the first three and a half days of class doesn’t exactly make the best impression.”
“You’re fine, Pose. I promise the professors here have seen so much worse. My older brother was a menace when he was a student at HU, and now he’s a PhD candidate and an adjunct professor here this year.”
“He sounds really smart,” I comment, a little taken aback because I had no idea Lainey had a brother.
She sighs. “Yeah, he’s technically my half brother, and it’s always been a little bit awkward when we see each other.
He’s six years older than me and lived with his dad until he got into school here, and then he lived in the dorms before moving into an on-campus apartment, so I don’t know him super well.
I’m not even sure if he has a pack or anything. ”
I can tell it bothers her, so I quickly change the subject. “Please tell me you got my notes and any homework while I was out.”
“It’s already in your school email, sweet cheeks.”
“You’re a goddess among mortals, Lainey loo.”
“And don’t you forget it. See you soon!”
She hangs up before I can say goodbye, making me chuckle as I start the shower. I don’t know what I did to find such a good friend so quickly, but I have a feeling this is going to be one of those lifelong friendships.
One long, scalding shower later and I’m feeling a million times better.
The soreness in my muscles is all but gone, and my head feels completely clear.
My scent is also back to normal which is a relief.
I knew my scent would get more intense when I went into heat, but four days drowning in the sticky sweetness of apples and honey with no other scents around to break up the air wasn’t exactly my idea of a fun time.
Actually leaving my nest is another relief.
My bright pink couch is a thrilling sight, as are the new disco balls that have been hung from the corners of the ceiling.
Light from the large bay windows reflects off of them, leaving magical flecks of color on nearly every surface of the living room and kitchen.
Clearly Lainey did more than just drop off supplies when she was here, as is evidenced by some of my new decor.
Most omega’s are incredibly territorial of their space, but for some reason knowing Lainey was in here moving things around doesn’t bother me. The fact that she took time out of her day to make my home feel more like… well, home is one of the nicest things anyone has ever done for me.
A flash of white on the ground next to my front door catches my attention.
Lainey didn’t mention leaving anything behind, and apprehension fills my chest the longer I stare at what appears to be a small, folded piece of paper.
Realistically, she probably just dropped a receipt or something on her way out a few days ago, and this nervous energy that’s consuming me is for nothing.
And yet even still when I bend to pick up the paper, my hands shake.
They only still when the scent of cotton candy wafts up from the note.
My apartment number is written in small, barely legible print on the front, but something about those unsteady lines is adorable.
Like maybe whoever wrote the note was as nervous as I am to open it.
Hey neighbor! In an effort to preemptively apologize for having to live next to four loud (but incredibly handsome) alphas, we would love to leave you a little something to say welcome to the Lighthouse.
Do you like sourdough? (Check yes or no)
[] yes [] no
- Alphas of 2B
I bite down on my lip hard to contain the squeal that wants to break free, but it almost doesn’t work.
Does this mean my neighbors, who are apparently handsome alphas, want to get to know me?
Or is it simply mitigating any irritation I might have with them later?
Oh god what if they’re a party hub or what if they have women over every night and I have to listen to them bang headboards off the walls?
But no… my omega is calm in my chest. I trust my instincts, and nothing in me says this note has any malicious intent to it. I’ve also been living here almost two weeks now and haven’t heard a single peep from the neighbors, so probably not a party apartment.
Knowing this has the potential to backfire exponentially, I grab a pink sparkly pen and check yes on their note before pulling out a slip of pretty lavender colored paper and write a note of my own.
Alphas of 2B
Thank you for the note, you made my week.
I love bread of any kind, so please feel free to use me as a guinea pig if one of you happens to be a baker in your spare time.
I’m pretty quiet but my family is decidedly NOT, so is there anything I can use as a preemptive apology for when they inevitably come to visit?
I can’t bake, but I crochet! I could make you all scarves?
[] yes [] no
(If yes, please include your favorite colors and the first letters of your names)
They might think I’m weird, but I really do crochet. It’s my favorite hobby and something that relaxes me when I get overwhelmed, which I imagine will happen a lot more often here than it did in Honeybrook, Georgia: population 210.
My eyes catch on the strawberry-shaped wall clock and I curse, jumping into action. If I don’t hurry, I’m going to be late to my first biology lecture.
Wanting to look cute for my second-first day, I throw on a tan and pink plaid skirt, pink crocheted sweater that I made myself, some frilly white knee-high socks, and my favorite dark brown boots.
I might look like I’m trying too hard or going for a naughty schoolgirl vibe, but I feel cute, and feeling cute makes getting through the day much easier.
Once my bag is packed and I’m sure I have everything I could possibly need for the day, I leave the apartment, stopping only briefly to slip my return note under the apartment next door. Who knows? Maybe I’ll make some new friends.