Chapter 2 #2
I rested my hand on his arm instinctually, knowing my touch would soothe him like only an Omega could do.
It’s why I’d ended up wearing gloves through high school. Freak. I shook off the thoughts.
“I sure hope so,” I said. “But I won’t know unless I can call my friend Aspen.”
“That Aspen girl who mated with Ranger McCaw?” Alpha Journey growled. “The one who let you take the poison meant for her?”
I flushed at the memory. “It didn’t happen quite like that. I offered to bring her the cupcakes and I might’ve stolen a teeny little taste on the way.”
“You’ve always had a sweet tooth.” Journey’s eyes softened, probably remembering all the candy he used to sneak to me when I was a pup. “I suppose I can’t talk you out of going to town for this phone call.”
“No, sir, you cannot.” I winked. “But I’ll stop just outside the gas station and be quick. And before you offer, please no entire pack commands.”
Alpha Journey opened his mouth and closed it.
He was so easy to read.
“Alright, but I’ll be close by if anything happens,” he grumbled. “And if you want me to keep my Alpha bark to myself, you better put some air in those tires.”
*
Come on. Pick up.
My wolf paced restlessly inside me as I pressed the phone between my ear and shoulder, leaving my hands free to hook up the air pump to the tire’s valve.
The phone rang twice. Three times.
I kept my head down.
There were perks to being short. No one coming or going from the gas station could see me kneeling here. Not that they wouldn’t recognize the truck, but I was hoping to be long gone before it became an issue.
“Hey! What’s up?” Aspen answered on the fifth ring.
My exhale was as strong as the air from the pump. “Oh, you know…” I laughed nervously. “Living the dream.”
“What’s wrong?” Her tone dropped an octave.
Tell her. My wolf whined at hearing the Luna in her voice. Aspen had only held her position for a year, but she was already sounding the part.
“If you don’t tell me, I’m coming to—”
“No, I know,” I interrupted, terrified she’d actually come here. This sucked. Knowing I had to ask for help and hating myself for it. Weak Omega. “A camera team from the show was just here.”
“You are going back this season.” Aspen sighed. “When you weren’t on the premiere, I assumed you’d changed your mind.”
“Mmm, hmm. Mmmmm,” I exaggerated the mumble.
“Oh, okay.” She got the hint. “You had to sign an NDA and can’t tell me all that’s happening. But you’re not there yet if the cameras came to you. That means you’re still going to the show. The Luna Trials have started, so you will be…”
Her voice trailed off as she put the puzzle pieces together while I silently cheered her on.
She was a smart wolf.
I did not like the sound of her gasp. “Oh, no.”
That’s what I said!
“I remember you saying they weren’t going to make you compete again, but does that mean they’re going to send you back after the voting ends?” Aspen asked.
“I need your help,” I whispered as the air hose retracted with a dramatic snap.
“Of course! Anything for you.”
I like her. My wolf practically pranced around.
She would be like that—all belly up and soft at the thought of someone else caring for us. I wished she understood that this was weakness, just like everyone else said. A strong wolf could take care of herself. She shouldn’t need anyone.
Technically, I had protected Aspen, in a roundabout way. She said she owed me one and she did have connections with the security on the show last season. I wouldn’t want her to feel indebted forever. If she could help without inconveniencing herself, it’d be rude of me to take away the opportunity.
“Is there anything you can do?” I hurried around the truck, still keeping an eye out to make sure no one was coming. “Like with the security—”
“Say no more,” Aspen cut me off. “I still have friends there and I’ll have a team on site by the end of the week.” The phone muffled a bit as she said, “Right, honey?”
“Whatever you need.” Ranger’s deep voice drifted over the line and my wolf gave a wistful sigh.
One day, we’ll have that.
Maybe. If we live long enough to find it.
“Are you sure this is no trouble?” I asked, worried I was overstepping. Guilt ate at me, but I pushed it away.
I needed to be strong.
But I was still going to worry.
“Not a problem at all. I’ve got plenty of connections.” Aspen’s laugh did not match the seriousness of her words. “You need to promise me that you’ll use them and do everything it takes to stay safe, otherwise I’m coming to the show myself.”
Both me and my wolf cringed. “No need for that. I’ll come visit once it’s all over.”
Because if I didn’t find my mates this season, I was going to have to figure out another place to go.
A lonely, hollow ache expanded in my chest at the thought.
“Text me updates,” Aspen said. “And I’ll be in touch.”
“You’re the best. Thank you so much.”
I climbed into the truck and rested my head on the wheel as I hung up the phone.
See? That all worked out. Now let’s go.
The doorbell to the gas station chimed and I turned, realizing my window was still cranked down.
Cold, sharp eyes narrowed in my direction.
“Well, if it isn’t little Omega Opal.”
“Hey, Mrs. Sandra.” I gave a short wave to the leathered woman before fumbling for the keys to my truck. “Nice to see you again.”
“Took me a minute to recognize you.” She turned up her nose. “Driving that old truck with your greasy hair. You looked just like your mama.”
The insult was coated with honey.
I smiled, hating that it took a few tries to get the engine started.
“What are you doing back here, anyway?” she asked. “Thought you’d gone to Hollywood with all them other girls.”
“I did.” Please, please start. “And now I’m going back.”
If you can ever get this darn truck moving.
“Good riddance,” she said under her breath as if I couldn’t hear her. “Be safe out there. Dangerous things can happen to pretty wolves like you.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Sandra.” I bit down hard on my bottom lip as the engine fired up, backing out of the parking lot before the Alpha got wind of this.
Sandra had never been my biggest fan, especially not after finding out her boys and I’d had some fun. Plus, she’d had her own problems with my mother. Maybe it was just something wrong with my blood. A black wolf that sullied the Omega name.
I wished I could make everyone happy.
But if I stuck around, Alpha Journey would show up. He’d force her to bend the neck and it would rile up the town and then I’d feel even worse than I did.
I’d caused enough trouble for one lifetime.
It was time for me to get out of here.
Yes! Let the romantic journey, take two, begin.
I continued to watch the road, feeling the start of a twitch in my left eye. You’re going to have to tone it down with the love commentary this season.
Absolutely…
Not.