“Not looking for a stuffy omega,” I tell them.
Sawyer leans across the table. “You guys will never find an omega who will come close to Harper.”
I know what he’s saying is true. Honestly, I still love Harper.
I glare at him. “What do you mean we? Like you aren’t apart of our pack.”
“Hey, I love you all like brothers. I won’t let you all stop me from being with the omega who stars in my dreams every night.”
Thatcher folds his coiled arms tightly across his chest and fixes Sawyer with a sharp look. “Good luck, buddy. I already told the alphas that Harper’s off limits. My gut told me she was determined to find a new mate. I found out she put an ad on the school newspaper’s website, looking for a beta mate.”
I recall Harper mentioning she was meeting this potential mate. I ordered her not to, but she just cranked up her music and didn’t hear a word I said.
Sawyer slams his large fist onto the table. “I’m not worried. I’ll prove to my girl she belongs with me.”
Belongs with us, I want to shout. Damn it, I need to talk to Harper.
“What else did your father tell you?” I ask.
Archer’s voice is low. “Young women have been murdered.”
“What?” the three of us say in unison.
“Did they catch the killer?” Thatcher asks.
Archer pinches the bridge of his nose, frustration clear. “No.”
His eyes lock with Thatcher’s. “The police believe the killer is a wolf from our secret society.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
HARPER
“Hello Harper, how are you?” his gray eyes sparkle.
I smile as I approach the white diner counter. “I’m good, Rick.”
At the counter, we’re exposed and visible, but I could slip away swiftly if necessary. Conversations buzz around the diner, with nearly every table occupied.
“Are you ready to eat?”
He grins with a charming, crooked smile.
“Yes, I’m starving,” I reply, settling into one of the green chairs beside him.
I shrug out of my jacket as my eyes move over him. His skin is a warm tortilla hue. He stands about five ten, lean. He’s studying to become a doctor. His black hair is closely cropped, and the dark circles under his eyes reveal late nights spent buried in books.
I scan the menu.
“I appreciate you responding to my ad,” I say with a grin.
The server comes over and takes our order then Rick and I slip back into our conversation.
“My friend’s on the newspaper staff, so that helps,” Rick says, furrowing his brow. “I have to admit, I was surprised to see such a beautiful omega like you searching for a beta mate.”
The server returns, setting our milkshakes down before us.
I lean my elbow on the counter and scratch behind my ear. “About that. My ex-boyfriend’s pack brother ordered every alpha to stay away from me. I feel like that’s for the best. I’d love to be with someone who values me.”
