Chapter 2
Chapter Two
Brooks
It’s been cloudy all day today, and I was worried it might start raining on me.
You never know in Michigan; the weather can turn on a dime.
But I have a bit of extra time in my day after finishing the yards in this neighborhood quicker than anticipated, so I decide to knock on a few doors to offer my services.
I don’t love door-knocking, don’t love talking to people at all, really, but it does tend to be successful. Especially when I can provide references from across the street.
As soon as I turn up the driveway to the next house, the sun breaks through the clouds. I eye it skeptically as I step onto the front porch, then knock on the door as I assess the overgrown yard.
Grass that hasn’t been cut since the snow melted, bushes that don’t seem to have ever met a pair of shears, and a tree that is close to threatening the integrity of the roof. If the owners agree, this could be a solid paycheck.
A blond-haired alpha pulls the door open, a wary scowl greeting me.
“Good afternoon,” I say with a polite nod.
He seems like the type of guy who might slam the door in my face, so I rush to get my words out quickly.
“I’m sorry to bother you, but I work on a few yards in the neighborhood and wanted to drop off a business card, in case you’re ever interested in some landscaping or yard work.”
He angles his head, then pulls the door open slightly wider and leans against the doorframe.
He crosses his arms and tips his chin up, attempting to look down at me.
Cold blue eyes lock onto my face while he pushes out his alpha dominance, a scent like overripe melon saturating the air.
My alpha bristles at the blatant disrespect, but I could use another job, so I hold it in and let him think he’s the stronger of the two of us.
Alphas like this don’t understand concepts like boundaries or respect.
“Yard work, huh?” the alpha finally says, then flicks his thumb against his chin as he straightens, considering me now that he’s proven I’m below him.
Movement behind him catches my eye, and I glance inside to see a petite woman staring at me from around the corner. I snag a glimpse of wide brown eyes and a mane of wavy brown hair down to her waist before the alpha notices me looking.
He glances behind him with a gruff noise in his throat, almost a growl. The woman drops her eyes and ducks around the corner, and I frown.
The alpha turns back with a scowl and holds his hand out. “Fine, give me your info. I’ll call if we need anything.”
I quickly drop my card in his hand, and the door slams in my face before I’ve taken a single step back. As the air from the door closing washes across me, a bitter, soapy floral scent hits my nose.
Omega.
It’s an off-putting scent, yet it somehow calls to me on a primal level.
A low sound of discontent rumbles in my throat, surprising me.
I shake my head as I turn to leave, wondering what’s gotten into me.
My alpha doesn’t normally react to others’ scents, no matter how intense, disrespectful, or distressed they are.
I hope she’s okay, but ultimately it’s none of my business.