Yes, frightening her is the best thing I could have done.
I did her a favor.
She’s better off not knowing me.
She doesn’t need an alpha like me.
Someone like her—so precious and delicate—should steer clear of a man who could so easily break her.
FOUR
Faye
I wake from the best sleep I’ve had in months, snuggled up in the angry alpha’s hoodie. Being surrounded by his scent brought me so much peace. I imagine how he’d react if he knew then quickly stash it under my comforter to hide my secret. Hopefully, he won’t ask for it back.
After dressing, I take my daily heat suppressants, birth control pill, and spritz myself in a crazy amount of scent blocker. Even when using blocker, scent can still come through—especially after hours, while working out, or in hot temperatures. Many omegas don’t use them, choosing to lean into their scent. Especially those who are actively looking for a pack. I’m not ashamed of being an omega, but I want to avoid any more alpha attention if I can help it.
I power up my laptop and see that my class schedule has been released. SVU has one of the few health botany courses in the country. It’s an unusual program geared toward holistic healing. Gram taught me everything I know about plants through brewing tea so far, but I’d like to gain more knowledge. With more training, I’ll be able to help more people, especially omegas. My eventual goal is to open a center for omegas to help them navigate heat, deal with scent issues, and heal fromany trauma. Gram’s been an active figure in the omega rights movement for years, so she’s always been supportive of my goals.
Examining my schedule, I’m relieved that classes don’t start for a few more days. It’ll give me more time to acclimate, and Sabs has already messaged me with an itinerary of activities for the day.
As I descend the stairs, I spot Kady sprawled over the sofa, cupping her head and groaning. Sabs pats her arm sympathetically. She wears a pink, fluffy robe, identical to the one she gifted me. They must be a Stella House thing.
Sabs’s face lights up when she spots me. “Faye!”
Kady winces. “Can you keep it down?”
“Ignore her.” A cute woman comes in, precariously balancing a tray of green smoothies. She’s an inch shorter than me, with warm brown skin, and resembles a pixie with her delicate facial features. Her knee-high cowboy boots pair well with her short denim skirt and boho blouse with a navy waistcoat over the top. She smiles apologetically, showing off adorable dimples. “Kady over-indulged last night.”
“It’s your fault!” Kady points at Sabs in accusation. “You were the one who kept buying me cocktails!”
“Don’t blame us because you can’t handle your liquor.” Sabs snickers then whispers behind her hand. “We maaaay have given her a few extras to loosen her up a bit.”
“I am never drinking again,” Kady declares dramatically, pulling a blanket up under her pointed chin. “Ever.”
“This will help.” Delilah passes her a glass. “It’ll make you feel better.” She holds out the tray to offer me and Sabs a smoothie. “It’s great to meet you properly, Faye. I’m Delilah. Sabs already told me that we’re going to be BFFs.”
Sabs takes a loud slurp. “You’re the only person who can make veggies and greens taste delicious.”
I don’t make a habit of drinking things that are green and gloopy, but one sip has me converted. “Wow.”
Sabs smacks her lips. “Good, right?”
“And it’s three of your five a day!” Delilah chirps before turning to me, a serious expression on her face. She tucks one of her wild curls behind her ear. “Do you have any allergies or any foods you dislike, Faye?”
“I eat pretty much anything, but I’ve got a sweet tooth.” I smile shyly. “I may have already finished the cookies you baked. They were the best I’ve ever tasted.”
“They’re my mom’s recipe. A family secret! I already whipped up another batch for later with raspberries and pistachios.”
“Are you ready to explore campus today? I know I promised you a tour!” Sabs leaps up, full of energy. She seems to operate at a thousand miles an hour at all times. “I’ve rented us a cart for the day so we can show you the sights.”
“Count me out,” Kady mumbles from behind her blanket fort. “Sorry, Faye.”
Sabs rolls her eyes. “You can show Faye around the library another time since that’s basically your second home.”
Suddenly, something big and furry rubs against my leg, making me jump. The giant, orange fluff ball is the size of a small dog.
“Larry!” Kady croons, trying to beckon the beast up onto her lap. “Up here!”
