I walked as quickly as I could without looking suspicious. I slipped into the shop and sighed in relief when I saw a female beta working the counter. Some nights it was the owner, a sleazy older alpha who I’m sure suspected my designation. I added the minutes onto my phone, paying in cash and cursing my lack of a bank account before slipping back onto the deserted street.
When my apartment entrance came into view, I forced myself to keep walking instead of breaking out in a sprint. Once I was in the main entrance, I bent over, trying to catch my breath. My muscles screamed in agony after the short walk, my head still pounding. My legs felt like concrete as I dragged myself up the steps to my third-floor apartment. I almost cried in relief as I got to my door. I made my way inside and locked the three deadbolts behind me, each click of the lock telling me I was safe.
ChapterTwo
Josie
Icollapsed on the couch in a tangled mess, my body shaking. A metal spring from the cushion dug into my back, but I couldn’t find the energy to move. I clenched my phone in trembling hands, fumbling as I tried to dial Sam’s number.
I was supposed to meet the black market supplier two days ago for my suppressants, but they didn’t show. Sam arranged for me to meet a different supplier last night, but they didn’t show either. This was the first time I was without suppressants since turning eighteen... with the exception of the two years I spent at the Designation Academy. I had been too starved and stressed to go into heat then. But now, every second without my suppressants felt like I was hurtling towards a dangerous edge, facing a fall I wasn’t sure I’d survive.
The phone rang and I bit my lip, wondering if Sam would pick up this late. I exhaled the breath I didn’t realize I was holding when I heard his groggy voice on the line. A pang of longing shot through me—being without my best friend for the past year was agony.
“Josie, where the fuck have you been? I’ve been calling and texting you all day,” Sam hissed in a low voice.
“I’m sorry it’s so late,” I blurted out, my throat tight. “I ran out of money to put minutes on my phone, and I was just able to reload it.”
“I don’t like you being out on your own so late.” I heard rustling through the phone and Gerald’s sleepy voice asking Sam what was happening.
“I don’t like it either,” I responded, trying not to sound defensive. Suddenly, all the terror of the day caught up with me, and I choked out a sob.
“Fuck, Josie, please don’t cry,” Sam said.
“Sorry,” I responded, trying to contain my tears. “Just a lot of alphas around today.”
My phone beeped, and I saw Sam was inviting me to a video call.
“Answer it. I need to see that you’re okay.”
I snorted, unsure how my blotchy, tear-streaked face would be convincing, but I did as he asked.
Sam’s face came into focus, illuminated by his phone’s light in the dark room. Just seeing his face eased the lump in my throat. Sam was all warmth from his dark brown afro, brown skin, and deep, caring eyes. No one made me feel as seen or cared for as he did.
“No one hurt you, right?” Sam asked, a hint of panic in his voice.
“No, I’m fine,” I said, but the words felt false on my tongue. “Except… I’m in withdrawal. If I don’t get suppressants, I’ll go into heat soon.”
“Fuck, fuck, fuck. I’m so sorry, but I don’t have good news,” Sam said, keeping his voice low. “I spent all day trying to find another supplier, anyone who might be able to get you pills or injections. We got news this morning that they arrested the guy you were supposed to meet yesterday. The black market communication channels over here must have been infiltrated because the cops knew exactly where to find them.”
A shiver worked its way down my spine as I realized how easily I could have been caught if the cops had waited a bit longer to arrest the dealer.
“Josie, I don’t know what to do.” Sam ran his hand over his face, and I heard the exhaustion and desperation in his voice. He always did everything he could to protect me.
Helplessness covered me like a suffocating blanket, and a panic attack clawed at my chest. I needed to get up and move. My muscles ached as I forced myself up and started pacing the dark living room.
“I’m so sorry. Please believe I’m trying everything I can.”
“You don’t get to feel guilty about this,” I choked out, my throat painfully tight. “I wouldn’t have survived this long without you. None of this is your fault.”
“Fuck, please promise me you won’t do anything desperate. Maybe we can get you out, get you into Sol.”
Omegas had the same rights as betas in Sol province, one of the many reasons the Designation Government prohibited us from traveling there. In rare circumstances, bonded omegas could move there with their packs, but I’d never heard of an unbonded omega successfully leaving Luna province.
“Luc said my scent is already changing,” I whispered. “I have mandatory blood work scheduled in two weeks. I think time’s run out on me.”
Sam was silent, his face unreadable, but I thought I heard his breath hitch as if he was crying.
“I hate this. I hate them all,” he said suddenly, eyes wild.
