Rook is part of the Whitlock Pack. He’s a decent guy, who is also majoring in criminal justice. Aside from my pack, he’s my best friend—not that I’ll tell him that. I’d never hear the end of it.
“I’m fine,” I snap. Do I look like I need a babysitter? “I had the situation under control.”
Rook knows better than to argue with me, though both of us know I’m lying. I’ll thank him another time after I’ve cooled off.
“You need to get your shit together, pussycat.” His nickname for me only winds me up more. “Leave the young alphas to me today, okay?”
I push past him. “Outta my way.”
The truth is, Faye has gotten under my skin. This is why I never wanted to find an omega in the first place. Not one that I cared about anyway. Ren has always been a romantic, Laz craves an omega to pamper, and Cole’s been looking forsomeone to complete us. He thinks that having an omega will solidify our pack. Cole’s fathers attempt to match us with Belle—the devil incarnate—ended in disaster. But I’d rather we had a pack omega like Belle than someone like Faye. Someone I may actually want. I couldn’t live with myself if I hurt her.
I stalk back to the pack house, barking at any young alpha who gets under my feet.
At home, the entire place stinks of her. Or maybe her scent has seeped into my skin. Wherever it’s coming from, I need it gone.
Laz arches an eyebrow. “You finally decided to come back, then.”
He, Cole, and Ren are sitting around on the sofa, almost exactly where I left them, except there’s now a gaping hole where she was. How is it possible that, after only a few hours, this place no longer seems complete without her?
“We need to talk.” Great. Cole’s using his no-bullshit pack leader voice that he reserves for serious situations.
“I’m not in the mood.” I roll my neck.
I roll my eyes at Ren’s dreamy expression. If he was a cartoon character, his eyes would be full of hearts. “Faye’s the one,” he sighs wistfully.
“Just because one omega finally shows you a bit of attention doesn’t mean she’s the one!”
That was low, especially after what happened with Belle and knowing how badly it affected Ren, but I couldn’t stop myself. I’ll add guilt to the heaping pile of emotional shit I feel.
“Ignore him, Ren.” Laz glares at me. “It’s just Damon being Damon.”
“What’s that supposed to mean, huh?”
“Enough,” Cole growls. “We’re not fighting about this.”
“So what do you want me to do? Help you pick out where you want your bond mark? She’s a fucking liability!” I recall how Icaught her wandering around alone at night. “You may all think she’s your scent match, but I want nothing to do with it.”
“Tell me you don’t feel it,” Cole challenges me, standing and drawing himself up to full height. “If you can honestly say that you don’t feel the connection too, then I’ll drop it.”
He’s lucky he’s our pack leader, or I’d clock him right now. Although that doesn’t mean I like him much right now, especially because I know he’s right.
“I’m going for a ride.” I grab my motorcycle helmet. “Don’t wait up.”
It’s easy for them to be excited. Finding an omega is one thing, let alone your fucking scent match. This is my worst nightmare. It’s best for everyone if I stay the hell away from her, even if every instinct in my body wants to draw her closer.
SEVENTEEN
Faye
A few days have passed since my heat onset, and I’m still wiped from having to use the patches. Although they’re super effective, they really mess with your hormones. I haven’t even been able to attend my classes. Kady kindly contacted Professor Grub, and my other course leaders, to arrange for notes to be sent over, so I haven’t fallen behind. Thankfully, they’ve been researching ashwagandha in health botany, which I’m already familiar with.
“Special delivery for Faye Nightingale!” Delilah sings, staggering under the weight of a large box that she plonks in the middle of the dining table where me and Kady are eating breakfast.
Kady laughs. “Those alphas have it bad.”
“Another one?” I gasp. “I don’t get why they keep sending me gifts.”
“Alphas are supposed to spoil omegas.” Kady rolls her eyes. I thought that was just something they did in the movies. “It’s all part of the fun! Make the most of it.”
