Maybe I’m really good at lying to myself, because things only get worse after take off. All the air blowing throughout the plane just makes one giant discerning Alpha scent and it’s driving me crazy.
It’s not just a small inconvenience, like someone sniffling the entire trip. No, this is a festering feeling that feels like impending doom. I want to peel my skin off, I want to scream, I want to strap a fucking parachute on my back and jump out of this plane to get away from all the scents.
But I can’t, there’s no escaping, which has the stress of everything creeping up my throat like bile. We aren’t even out of California yet.
I turn to the Alpha next to me as the fasten seatbelt sign turns off.
“Excuse me, can I pass?” I say, even though I know I probably sound on the verge of tears.
He looks me over, he’s older, and when he notices my badge his face softens.
“You here alone?”
I nod, trying not to cry. He gives me a gentle smile. At least it’s some proof that all Alphas aren’t bastards.
“I’ll escort you myself. You’re brave, you know, I’ll tell Carmen all about it when I get home.”
He nudges the man next to them and they get up as he leads me to the bathroom. Maybe talking to him will reduce my panic.
“Is Carmen your Omega?” I ask.
“Yes. I can’t wait to get home to her,” he says dreamily and it’s wrong but it feels like an icy dagger to the chest.
Has anyone ever thought of me this way? I’m sure the guys aren’t even missing me right now, they probably have some other Omega already taking over my old room.
The rejection flooding through me is too much as I lock myself into the small bathroom, which turns out to be the worst decision I’ve ever made.
If I thought the plane was bad when it came to scents, the bathroom is fifty times worse.
I scratch my neck with my nails, harder than I intended. I’m gasping for air as I turn on the faucet and try to splash some water on my face and cool down my feverish skin.
The plane bounces slightly and I hold on to the sink, staring at my tear-filled eyes and blown pupils.
No. No. No.
My heat was just…I pull out my phone and look at the math. I should have a solid month before my next heat. But as I look at my sweaty face in the mirror, and feel my scalding skin, it’s clear.
The universe fucking hates me.
I’m going into heat on a budget airline and I fear I’d much rather get sucked out of this plane before dealing with the reality of my situation.
Chapter 2
Cole
“Captain, we have a situation,”Ali, one of the flight attendants, says over the private intercom in the cockpit.
“What’s the issue?” Brock asks over the coms.
He just wants to the get the fuck home, back to his pack. Meanwhile, I have this job because I was bored and needed some separation from mine. We’re listless and flailing, we can't seem to agree on shit. At this point it feels like we’re living separate lives and just see each other casually when we’re all home. I’m not sure if we’re going to make it. I know my brother will stick by my side, but Jonah? I’m not sure how much longer he’ll put up with us dragging our feet.
“Um. You know how there’s a solo Omega on board?” she says, and I glance over at Brock, his jaw tightening.
“Yes.”
“I fear she’s gone into heat and locked herself in the bathroom. A few Alphas on board are getting a little uncomfortable in their seats.”
“For fuck’s sake,” Brock says.
