I hate that I feel bad. The urge to comfort the beta is so strong.
Stupid omega biology.
I wash my hair with the bar of soap, then I rinse. By the time I’m done, the bath is filled with dirt and fragments of leaves. I was pretty gross.
“All done?” Jeremy sticks his head back into the bathroom.
“Yes.” I cross my arms to cover my chest. The murky water hides everything else.
“Okay,” Jermey’s vibrant smile is back in place as he grabs a very puffy, black towel off a rack on the wall. It’s thick, like a blanket. “Let’s get you fed, omega.” He turns his head as he holds out the towel.
Trying not to slosh the dirty water, I stand up and quickly snatch the towel from him. To his credit, Jeremy doesn’t look at me. He turns his back, letting me dry off without his prying eyes on me.
“Ready?” Jeremy turns his head toward me, but his eyes are closed.
“Yes,” I say, not sure what I’m ready for.
“Okay.” The beta jumps to, grabbing the nightgown off the counter. He rolls the end up, then holds it up to me. “Arms up.” I do as he says and he slips the oversized nightgown over my head. The material is heavenly. Soft and light. Like wearing a cloud. “It’s a little big,” he laughs, looking at my legs.
“It’s not bad.” I squeeze my arms, hugging myself. The sleeves pool at my elbows and the hem is a good three or four inches past my knees.I love it.
“Beth?” Jeremy’s bright tone turns quiet. Almost serious. He takes my hand, stroking over the back of my knuckles.
I should snatch my hand back, but I'm so tired and he’s so nice.
“I really am so happy you're here.” He looks at me with those big blue eyes, genuine joy pouring out of them. “I know I keep saying that, but we’ve waited a long time to meet you.”
I feel awful.
Why do the nicest betas end up with the worst packs? Scott is so sweet despite how horrible Burke and Tony are, and now Jeremy. I feel like we could have been friends if we had met any other way. But I have to get back to my mother and brothers. They need me to protect them.
I was such a fool to leave.
But there’s no helping it.
I can try to reason with Killian to let me go. Maybe Jeremy will help me leave if he understood how I ended up at the Morder.Maybe. But if this pack refuses to let me go, then come morning, I’ll wake up early, like I always do, and I’ll sneak out. I’ll collect what supplies I can, then I’ll find my way back home on my own.
I’m not stupid. I know that I’ll be viciously punished for running off, but I’ll never forgive myself if I don’t go back to make sure that my mom and brothers are okay. Maybe I’ll get lucky. Maybe the Frolens won’t care that I left and will havepeacefully moved on. Maybe my absence has calmed Burke. Maybe I’ll be welcomed back with open arms.
Not likely,I think to myself. Burke’s just going to beat you senseless then sell you off the second he can.
It’s a bitter truth, but there’s no dwelling on it right now.
I just hope the pack alpha didn’t kill anyone in the short time I’ve been gone.
At the Dinner Table
Killian
Basil passes Tristan,carrying a large platter loaded down with the most delicious-smelling roast. Jeremy really outdid himself.
“Fuck that looks good,” Tristan growls before popping the last bite of his sandwich into his mouth. He swallows almost instantly. “I’m gonna go get dressed.” He gives me a sharp nod before walking out of the room. He’s been hanging out in a towel for the last thirty minutes. I think he was hoping that Beth could come down and see his impressive form. I don’t blame him.
All alphas have muscle, but Tristan’s strength and size are a work of art. Big barrel chest, massive pecs, and biceps the size of tree trunks, all wrapped in beautiful, swirling black tattoos.
I’m a little sad Beth didn’t finish her bath in time to see him.
“I think that’s everything.” Basil sets the roast in the center of the table. He places his hands on his narrow hips, looking over all the dishes and place settings. He looks amazing in his fitted jeans and snug black polo. And he smells phenomenal. Thegentle alpha has a usually subtle scent of freshly fallen rain and linen, but it’s especially noticeable after a shower. “I'm thinking, you at the head of the table,” he says, pointing. “Beth on your right, me next to her, Tristan on your left, and Jeremy next to him.” He looks up at me, asking with his eyes if that’s okay.
