Not once through the whole dinner had they even mentioned my designation as an omega. As if it didn’t even matter to them. While there were no real benefits of an omega unless I was bonded into their pack, I still held value to others. I had to keep my guard up until I knew for sure they could be trusted. No one hid their true colors forever.
The room they’d given me had an attached bathroom, and I took a long, glorious shower, scrubbing every inch of my body. Whatever injuries I’d sustained in New Mexico were fully healed, and when I emerged into the steamy room, I felt like a new wolf.
After towel drying my long hair, I brushed my teeth with the toothbrush they’d included and dressed in a pair of soft, gray PJ shorts and matching tank top. I was much taller than both females here, so the shorts flashed a lot of my booty, but since I generally slept naked it was more than enough coverage.
I’d have to get a job as soon as possible to replace everything I’d left behind. It was frustrating that when they’d grabbed me I lost the cash I’d spent two painstaking years saving. I wouldn’t have years here to rebuild, but I’d do the best I could.
Their spare room was sparsely decorated, with white walls and a soft burgundy rug, but the bed was as soft as a cloud when I crawled in and slipped under the thick duvet. No scents surrounded me; this pack had the financial means to wash with high-quality detergents, free from scents.
It was heaven, and I was almost asleep when I felt a tingle of energy down my spine, just the slightest pulse, and despite my exhaustion I pried an eye open to find a shadow stalking closer to the bed. Alpha energy slammed into me, along with a familiar mocha scent:Hunter.
There was a brush of his hand along my cheek, and in my dazed state I didn’t fight the touch. If anything, as his power and heat infiltrated into me, I sank deeper into the darkness of my subconscious. “Sleep, little omega,” he whispered. “You’re going to need your strength.”
My wolf whimpered but not in pain or worry. Horny bitch wanted to drag him into bed with us and roll around in his scent and power. The heat of his touch vanished, and by the time I forced my eyes open, the room was empty.
There was no sign Hunter had been here, and I wondered if I imagined it. Did I fall asleep and dream an alpha into my room?
After lying awake for an hour in mild panic, I finally gave in to my exhaustion and let sleep claim me. Hunter was quite possibly the greatest threat I’d ever faced, and I could not go upagainst him fatigued. I refused to let him destroy me, no matter what it took to keep fighting.
Chapter
Seven
When I woke the next morning, I felt surprisingly well rested and calm. I wandered down to the living room to find Cora and Warrick in the middle of organizing a decent array of new clothes for me. All in my size, and in the style I would have chosen myself.
Even in the short time I’d known them, it was abundantly clear that when Annandale Pack set their minds to a task, it was done quickly and with great proficiency.
Staring between the multiple bags, I shook my head. “This is too much, and I won’t be able to pay you back for a couple of months. Even if I start looking for a job today.” Which was absolutely the plan.
I’d worked pretty much every day for at least the last eight years, and the thought of sitting around felt weird and lazy.
“You don’t need to pay us back,” Cora huffed with a firm shake of her head. Today she wore a floaty teal dress that made her look like an ethereal fairy. I was still in borrowed PJ’s with my butt hanging out, so… same same. “Firstly, it’s a dozen pieces of clothing. Secondly, the council has an allowance for newcomers to help them integrate into Golden Claw and we’re taking full advantage of it. This is all yours, free and clear.”
Warrick backed her with a nod, and I had no idea where all of this good luck was coming from, but for once, I decided not to question it. “Well… thank you,” I said feeling awkward but grateful.
As I leaned down to grab the bags of clothes, Warrick cleared his throat. “Richard, Sierra, and Marcus have already headed off to their jobs. They all work for the Celtic Wolves, our hockey team. They run the hospitality sector but will be back for dinner. Do you have any food requests tonight?”
I shook my head as I straightened with two bags on either arm. “Nope, I’m not picky at all. Whatever you have is perfect, and I could even help cook if needed.” In truth, I wasn’t the best cook but could whip up a mean chocolate chip cookie.
Cora chuckled as she leaned against her mate. Warrick shot her a warm smile as he brushed his hand over her silky hair. “Richard’s a qualified chef,” Cora told me, “and we all take advantage of his skills. Though I’m sure he’d be more than happy for you to hang around.”
A chef in the pack was my idea of perfection. Minus the pack of course.
“Sounds like a plan.” I jerked my head toward the stairs. “I’ll just take these up to my room and get ready for the day. Thanks again.”
Feeling like a kid sneaking around a stranger’s house, I walked away, only to find Cora falling into step with me. “If you didn’t have to look for a job today, what else would you want to do?”
Her question caught me off guard, so I gave it a little thought. “Maybe let my wolf out for a run. I’ve had to keep her so locked down over the past ten years, that it’d be nice to run safe in pack lands.”
Cora clapped her hands together and every part of her face lit up until I found myself smiling in response. “That’s what we’redoing, then! We’ll shift in the pack forests. Warrick has today free, and I manage my own business from home, so we could take you out and show you the stomping grounds.”
I was tempted. So very tempted. My wolf whined and clawed at my insides, reminding me that if I didn’t release her soon she would force the issue. She might be weak, but her wild soul remained. “I really need to find a job,” I said with a sigh, forcing myself to be responsible.
Cora patted my arm. “We’ll get you one, don’t worry. My mate knows everyone in this city. But it’s important to take a second for self-care as well. When you’re ready, meet us downstairs and we’ll head out for a run.”
Before I could protest again, she was flitting back down the stairs toward Warrick, leaving me to get ready. Wasting no time, I took a quick shower and brushed my teeth and hair. Cora had left a few hair ties for me, so I parted the thick strands of my strawberry blond locks and braided them into two Dutch braids hanging halfway down my back. I’d always called myself a strawberry blond, but it was quite pink, with shades of gold interwoven.
Truth be told, my hair was my one vanity, and it pleased me to see that after using Annandale Pack’s shampoo and conditioner last night, it already showed more shine and volume.
