“Okay, I’ll think about it.”
“We can check it out and make sure the pack selected is vetted properly. I like the idea of a safehouse,” I just nod at Torin, knowing next month I’ll have a reason why it’s not the right time.
Torin reaches over and gives my leg a squeeze before he turns on the radio and sings off key to the song playing.
A heat. With alphas. Do I really want that? I could get toys and go it on my own. Lots of omegas do that. I could as well.
Maybe. Being an omega sucks.
Chapter 17
Holden
Ihead out to my car, already knowing Nash will be waiting. We’ve always been close, only six months apart in age, practically raised as brothers. Technically, we’re cousins, but after my parents died in a car accident, my aunt and uncle took me in. They made it official when I was fifteen, letting me decide for myself when I was ready. From that point on, Nash wasn’t just my cousin. He was my brother in every way that mattered.
We’re both juniors at Cortland Preparatory College. Roman, our older brother, insisted we were getting a degree, even if he had to kick our asses to make sure we came here, every day. As I walk through the crowd of people I wave at them, but keep moving. I’m ready to get out of here and head home. Roman’s fighting at the club tonight and we need to be there with him. Construction company owner by day, cage fighter by night.
Stepping out of the building I head toward the parking lot.
“Hey Holden.” A deep voice calls my name from behind me.
Stopping, I turn around to see Henry, a fellow beta in my English class. “Holden.” He bends over as he catches up to me, gasping for air. ,
“You okay?” Clearly he needs to hit the gym more.
“Yeah, fuck man you move fast. I’ve been calling you all the way from English..” He manages to stand upright but he’s still breathing heavy.
“Sorry, in a hurry to meet my brother.” I look back over to the parking lot, wanting to skip out on this guy but knowing I’d be an ass if I did. He’s an all right guy, just aligned with a couple of alphas who are pricks.
“Did you get your partner for the assignment yet?” My brow raises at his question. Why would he care if I got my partner yet or not?
“Not sure. Haven’t checked my email.” I knew they were coming out today, but I hadn’t really been worried about it. Or even cared for that matter.
“I did, it’s a forty-year-old beta woman, with a pack. Trade with me, man.” He clasps his hands together in front of his chest as he begs.
“How do you know how old she is?”
“Looked her up when I got the email with her name. Not to mention she’s ugly as fuck. Come on man, I know you and your brothers are already a pack and not looking for an omega.”
That’s where he’s wrong. We’re looking for the right omega. We know there’s one out there that’s meant for us, and we’re holding out for her. It’s foolish, I know, but hey, we want what our parents had. While my biological parents were Kismet, my adopted parents were Luminary. But the love they had, we knew the three of us wanted as well.
“Are you really trying to use your assignment as a potential omega hookup?”
Henry smirks, running his hand through his hair.
“Really. Man, that’s the lamest shit I’ve ever heard. Besides, we can’t switch.” I remind him.
“Okay. It was worth a shot.” “Henry, is this you or those alphas you’re hanging around with that you’re wanting to be your pack? If it is, then you need to separate yourself from them. They're only going to lead you down a road of misery.” I reach out, placing my hand on his shoulder, and look him dead in the eyes. “I mean it. You’re too good for them. Your pack is out there, but it’s not them.”
With that I turn and leave, really hoping that he takes what I said and really thinks about it. I weave through the cars in the parking lot, seeing Nash perched against our hunter green Camaro, arms crossed over his chest as a couple of beta girls flirt with him. His tousled brown hair falls in his face as he gives them his winning smile back. If they only knew he was just messing with them. They’ll be good for a fuck but that’s it.
“Sorry ladies, but my brother’s here, so it’s time to go.” Nash blows them all a kiss as he pushes off the car and moves around to the driver's side. The three beta bitches huff at his dismissal.
“Oh, Nashie baby, drop him off and come back and meet us at our dorm. We’ll help you study for the Biology test.” The head beach blonde Barbie coos at him, making me want to vomit.
“No can do, I’ll take a raincheck.” He tosses them a wink, then opens the door, sliding into the driver’s seat as I step past them and get into the passenger side.
I’ve barely clicked my seat belt in place before he’s shifting into gear and peeling out of the parking lot.
