Reality calls, and it's time to head back.
I didn't suck anyone’s cock to get this short vacation from our boring lives; it was Everlyn who arranged for a Beta soldier called Jason to escort us. He's been trying to court her for months, and I think this is her way of testing the poor guy.
I like Jason. With his laid-back attitude and calming presence, he’s a good match for my high-attitude friend.
"Come on, time to go," I announce, herding our little Omega family towards the exit.
"Good," Dazz's teeth chatter. "I can't feel my toes. I'm going to get frostbite."
Ember pokes Dazz’s toned bicep. “All this bulk and not an ounce of strength. Truly tragic.”
Dazz pouts and talks to his hard-gained muscles, “Don’t listen to the mean old lady, you have plenty of strength.”
Ember can’t help but laugh at his silly antics as she leads the way back to the door, but I can see the concern on her face. If we get caught, there will be consequences. Last time, we weren't allowed to leave our dorms for a month. Omegas are social creatures who do not thrive in solitary confinement.
"Thanks, Jason," I say, as we slip inside the warm kitchen. "I owe you one."
He grins and winks. "Put in a good word for me with Everlyn, and I'll consider us even."
I bite my tongue and don’t mention that I’d been championing his cause for months. I’m almost positive the soldier is going to get lucky tonight.
We're silent as we walk, and a soft glow of contentment settles over my shoulders, the tight fist of anxiety loosening in my belly.
That was fun.
It’s so good to see my Omegas getting to enjoy the little things in life. We do our best to celebrate birthdays and milestones, but… there’s only so much joy to be had within the confines of our sanctuary.
I’d risk anything to keep them safe. Maybe it’s my protective Omega instincts. Maybe it’s just me — but I’d set the world on fire if it meant they'd be okay.
In the outside world, we’d have Alphas and pups to love and fuss over. But the four of us are special. Outcasts and rejects with nothing to call our own except each other.
They’re my family, and I intend to protect them until my dying days, unconditionally.
Dazz, Ember, and Flicker willalwayscome first.
As we're about to turn left at the corner towards The Omega Division, something tickles the back of my mind. An insistentitch which draws my attention. My feet pivot without my permission, and I’m heading in the opposite direction of safety.
It's a strange pull, like my body is moving of its own accord, and I feel lightheaded. I should be worried, scared, but instead my lips tug with the whisper of a smile.
The itch feels…good.
I take three more steps, forgetting the cold that had ached my bones as warmth crackles through my veins.
My instincts tell me that somewhere in this direction is something important.
It isn't a scent. It isn’t sound. It’s like gravity briefly changed its mind, and every part of me leans toward it.
A hand lands on my shoulder, wrenching me backwards, and noise floods back in.
"Halley! What in rut are you doing? That's towards the Alpha dorms!" Ember hisses in my face, and I blink at her while trying to process her words.
"I…" I pause, and look over my shoulder. The pull is gone, and the warmth drains from my veins, replaced with an odd sensation of loss.
"Come on, we need to go. I don't know what's got into you." She drags me along, her hands still cold as ice from the frosty outside air, before adding, “If I get pneumonia from this little winter joy ride, I’m haunting you, Sparks. And not in a sexy way.”
When we're safely back in the dorms, the others quickly say their goodbyes and disappear into their rooms, but I stand at my window and face the direction of the Alpha dorms.
Something over there was calling to me.
