Sandra
The bathroom’s cleaner than any bar restroom I’ve seen. No mystery puddles or rank beer smell, just a hint of air freshener and that marshmallow scent that clings to Jethro. It’s small, one toilet, and a sink tucked off to the side.
Having a full stomach feels like a luxury. The burger and fries hit the spot. My feet still scream, my neck pulses, but not being hungry anymore is a win.
After twisting the lock, I lean back against the door. They probably won’t come in, but the barrier helps. I should panic, surrounded by Alphas in a bar. Instead, there’s a strange calm within.
The mirror shows the wreck I’ve become. My hair sticks out in messy clumps, and dirt and tear tracks cut through the grime on my face. One eye stares back brown, the other hazel, both swollen and tired. Red bite marks streak raw across my neck, angry and unhealed.
I pull out Jethro’s phone and put in the Safe Haven hotline. The ringtone blares, then drops into soft hold music.
“Omega Safe Haven, this is Monica. How can I help you?”
My voice wavers. “Monica? It’s Sandra.”
A sharp breath cuts through the line. “Sandra? Oh my god, Sandra! Are you okay? We’ve been worried. Jared said they took you when we reviewed the footage. We’ve had the cops looking for you, but they’ve been no help. Where are you?”
I press a hand to my chest, trying to breathe. “I got away. I’m in Willowside. I stole a car... I don’t know what to do.”
“You’re safe? Away from them?” Her voice drops.
I nod, even though she can’t see it. “Yeah. For now. But something weird happened. I think I found my scent-matched Alphas.”
Silence stretches long across the line. “What? Sandra, are you sure? After what you’ve been through...”
“I know. But they smell right. All of them. There are three Alphas and...” Pausing, I hesitate. Monica’s a gossip, and two Omegas in one pack isn’t exactly normal.
“And?”
“I don’t know. I just... I feel safe here.” A shaky breath slips out. “There’s something else. The Alphas who took me... they marked me. My body’s rejecting it.”
My fingers drift over the hot, swollen skin on my neck.
“Oh, Sandra. Honey... Do you want me to send someone? A car could be there in a couple of hours. We’ll get you to the Haven, put you in a secure room. A doctor can run a rape kit and take mold impressions.”
Saying yes makes sense, but something holds me back. Some part of me isn’t ready to walk away from this yet.
“Sandra?”
I let out a harsh breath. “Fuck, Monica, I don’t know what to do.”
She exhales on the other end. “I get it. If I found my Alphas, I wouldn’t want to leave either. But you still need that kit. Youneed proof. If they’re arrested and you want charges filed. You should...”
My voice lowers. “What?”
“Do you think there’s a chance you’re pregnant? You were gone for two weeks. Did you go into heat?”
My hand lands on my stomach without thinking. “I didn’t, but that means nothing. They didn’t use protection. And the IUD isn’t perfect.”
“Shit, Sandra... Okay. If I don’t send a car, then get to a hospital or a doctor. ASAP. Get the kit done. Molds too. It’s not just about charges. It’s your health.”
The image of cold tools and fluorescent lights knots my gut. But she’s right.
“Once it’s done, call me. We’ll send someone to take your report. You don’t have to come back right away.”
Breathing into the phone, I try to keep steady.
“Sandra, do you feel safe with them? Really safe?”
