My neck aches from sleeping all crumpled up. Between the nightmare, which has been playing on repeat in my mind like a movie reel, sleeping in the armchair, and scenting my two alphas just outside the door all night—doing god knows what, but they didn't knock or come in—by morning, I'm hungry, cranky, and running on fumes.
I peel myself from the chair, joints cracking as I stretch my arms toward the ceiling. I feel like shit.
We would be better rested if we slept with our alphas.
"Right," I say with a yawn, ignoring the way my omega perks up.
Like I'm going anywhere near that. Two istwo morethan I'm used to dealing with, and nothing Grayson said last night reassured me or explained how this arrangement is supposed to work.
After using the bathroom, careful not to look at the door at the end of the hall, I get dressed in the same clothes Orion found for me yesterday. But Beep just won't leave well enough alone.
If you won't sleep with them and allow them to refuel you, then at least spend time with them today. We need to practice shifting. Touch will help. Being near them will help.
"Are you seriously suggesting I fuck them so their magical alpha cum will refuel me? What is wrong with you? I barely know them." I glare up at the ceiling since there's no mirror handy. "Seriously, you soundinsane."
I said sleep. But if you would like to mate with them, I encourage copulation. Bonding sooner will only improve our shifting abilities.
"Jesus, Beep. What is your deal? It is way too early for this."
She ignores my question—of course she does. Resigned to get on with the day, I open the door slowly, half-expecting to find an alpha hovering. Voices drift from the kitchen as I head downstairs. When I hear tires crunch on the gravel, I split off toward the front door and swing it open, happy to find Doc climbing out of his vintage red truck.
"Good morning, Mona. How are you today?" Doc's smile crinkles the corners of his eyes, and he reaches out to clasp both my hands in his.
My dad never hugged me growing up. Even as a child. I got ready for school by myself. Used the crumpled bills left on the counter for lunch. Got the occasional stiff pat on the back before he nudged me toward the school bus. Never hugs. Never warmth.
The wolves in Silent Peak give touch freely, and I'm beginning to crave it. It's that thought that makes me pull away and cross my arms tight against my chest. "I'm good, Doc. How are you?"
"It's a marvelous day." He takes a deep breath and closes his eyes. His nostrils flare as he inhales deeply, a serene look crossing his face. It's as if he's drawing in my scent, and for a brief moment, something shifts inside me—my omega,spreading warmth outward from my core, melting tension I didn't realize I was holding.
This is what it means to be an omega, Beep explains.
Before the moment stretches too long, before I have time to overthink it, he blinks, then lifts a paper bag. "I brought breakfast."
Grateful for the distraction, I reach out, take the bag and thank him. My stomach growls as I savor the rich scent of venison and herbs. He chuckles while I dig in, biting into the thick cut of meat stuffed between two slices of homemade bread before we're even back inside.
Grayson appears over my shoulder as we walk into the living room.
"I already made you breakfast," he complains. He's six-and-a-half-feet tall, his biceps are nearly the size of my head—dark and looming, with barely contained dominant alpha energy crackling the air around him.
And yet, his brows knit together, eyes softening with such earnestness, like a disappointed puppy that he didn't get to feed me. I bite the inside of my cheek to keep from smiling and mumble an apology.
"So, what's up?" I ask Doc between bites.
"I wanted to check in on you, see how you were healing. And to invite you down to the cafeteria, so you know where it is. Get a feel for the land. Maybe introduce you to some of our residents."
"Mind your lane, Edgar," Grayson grits.
I roll my eyes at Grayson and turn to Doc. "Sure, that sounds great."
The old man winks at me. I hold up the bag, offering to share, but he shakes his head. Neither seems surprised that I'm practically inhaling the food like a starving animal, so I try not to be too embarrassed.
I went too long without it. The weight of real food in my belly is almost decadent.
"I'll show her around later. And there's no rush to introduce her to everyone. She's not ready for that." Grayson crosses his thick arms across his chest, muscles straining against his black t-shirt, momentarily distracting me from the food. I swallow slowly and tear my eyes away.
"I thought I heard you made some big announcement to all the enforcers about re-training. You'll be busy. I'm happy to spend the day with Mona."
Grayson mutters a curse, while Doc remains unfazed. I keep stuffing my face as they argue back and forth over what's best for me.
