Her face filters through. Thin and underfed. A thin jacket. And clearly desperate. Something in my chest clenches, and I look around for any sign of her. But the alley is empty, a dozen little paths coming off it that lead who knows where.
I consider hunting her down, but she could be anywhere by now. Frowning, I take a single step back towards the main road, ignoring the tugging in my chest that tells me to follow her.
Besides, what would I say? Demand a measly ten bucks back?
She clearly needs it more than I do.
With a final look back, I head back in the direction I came.
ChapterSeven
Gabrielle
Islam my hands over my mouth, trying to hold back my heavy breathing as the alpha stares down the alley, his steel blue eyes skating across my hiding spot behind a dumpster.
The ten dollars in my hand is a burning brand of shame, and I swallow back the lump in my throat.
I’ve never stolen anything. Ever.
But I’ve only got fifteen dollars left. It’s been another fucking useless day of getting turned away from the shittiest of places like I’m the worst thing to ever grace their doorstep.
The alpha looks back in my direction, and I shrink back against the dirty wall, holding my breath. Jaw setting, he runs a hand through his thick black hair before he finally disappears around the corner.
I crumple the money in my fist, not daring to move unless he comes back. When minutes tick by, I slide out from my hiding spot. The clear blue skies are fading away, the creep of early evening heading in as the sky darkens to dusky purple.
I need to find somewhere safe to sleep tonight. That has to be a priority.
I’ll start again tomorrow.
I visit three different budget hotels, but I’m either turned away or don’t have the funds to pay for a night. My stolen money itches in my pocket.
At the last place, the beta concierge leans in with a slight look of pity.
“There’s a camp,” he whispers. “Underneath the bridge. Lots of homeless.”
I blink back tears of exhaustion. I don’t need that. Besides, I can only imagine how a place like that would welcome an unmated omega.
I’ll have better luck tomorrow.
I trudge up and down streets in one final last-ditch attempt to find something until it’s well and truly dark and my legs are screaming with the need to sit down.
Ducking into an alleyway that looks a little cleaner than some of the others, my eyes fix on a doorway, a red security light blinking overhead. There’s enough space to curl up, it’s hidden from the main road and the building lights are off.
Glancing behind me, I make my way over to it, checking for any signs of life. When there’s nothing, I throw down my duffle and sit on it, hugging my elbows for warmth.
It’s just for tonight.
My eyes blink, but I fight the urge to sleep. I don’t want any surprises in the night.
This is just one night,I promise silently.I’ll have a bed tomorrow.
But it’s starting to feel more and more unlikely.
ChapterEight
Axel
Hudson places a steaming plate of pasta in front of me, and I side-eye him as he passes similarly heaped plates to Cade and Nate.
