“What about the house?” I asked carefully.
“We’ve decided it’s time for you to pay rent. It’s time for you to take some financial responsibility.”
The pit in my stomach grew heavy. I should have expected this after Cat died, but why did it have to happen today?
“How much would the rent be?” I asked, my voice wooden. There was no use arguing with Alex. Nothing I said would make my uncles care about me.
“We won’t charge market value rent since we’ll still use the house when needed, but going forward, we expect you to pay fifteen hundred dollars a month.”
I came to an abrupt stop on the side of the road. There was no way I could ever swing that. The bakery was only open four days a week and while they paid me well, paying that much in rent plus the utilities would leave me with nothing left over.
“That’s a lot of money,” I managed to get out.
Alex chuckled. “Welcome to the real world, Westin. You omegas want to be independent? Here’s your opportunity. Of course, if you decide you can’t do it on your own, we’re happy to introduce you to some alphas who won’t mind your certain…challenges.”
And there it was. They wanted to push me onto other alphas so they never had to think about me again. I couldn’t imagine who they would try to match me with, but it certainly wouldn’t be a match for my benefit. It felt like a gaping hole had opened in my chest, sucking away any ounce of hopefulness I’d felt this morning. I blinked away tears, refusing to let them fall.
I quickly got off the call with Alex and stood frozen, staring at the blank screen on my phone. I blinked and took a deep breath, pushing down my emotions and locking them away tightly.
I was only a few blocks away from the bakery, so I pushed myself to cover the rest of the distance. Every step was harder than the last, but I didn’t let myself slow down until I neared the back entrance.
“Sorry I’m late,” I shouted as I entered the kitchen to grab my apron.
“No problem.” Josie stood at one of the metal prep tables, her hair in a bun and frosting covering the front of her apron. “Is everything okay?”
“Yeah.” It was on the tip of my tongue to tell her what happened, but the words wouldn’t come.
She cocked her head, taking me in carefully. “I’m just getting these last cupcakes frosted. Do you want to help Ben set up the case?”
I nodded and pushed the morning out of my mind. Nothing would change if I dwelled on it.
A line was already forming outside as Ben and I finished putting everything in the pastry case.
Ben grinned at me as my stomach growled. “Get something to eat. I can manage the line alone for a few minutes.”
I was starving. I hadn’t eaten much yesterday because of my nausea, and I’d run out of food, anyway. I would get paid today, though, and could finally go grocery shopping.
“I can wait until my lunch break.” I cringed when my stomach growled again.
Ben snorted. “Westin, eat something now.”
A smile teased at my lips. “Fiiiine,” I grouched, picking a cheese danish out of the case. “I’ll be back in just a minute.” I grabbed a cup of coffee on my way to the back room, whereI scarfed down my breakfast in record time. The sugar hit my system and made the world feel a bit brighter.
I ran back out front and jumped into taking everyone’s orders. I loved how fast-paced the bakery was, and I enjoyed getting to chat with the customers. After spending the last few years stuck in the house, mostly on my own, I craved social interaction.
The initial rush died down and two alphas walked in, both wearing black jackets and military-style boots.
“Dude, we don’t have time for this. I’ve got an appointment at the bike shop in five minutes.”
My ears perked up. Was there a bike store nearby?
“Chill out. This place has the best fucking cupcakes. It will be worth it.”
The second guy locked eyes with me, and a wide grin settled on his face as he leaned against the pastry case. I stopped myself from cringing and demanding he step back. I would have to wipe that down later.
“Hey sweet cheeks, the name’s Rick. I wonder if you could rustle us up something as sweet as you are.” He licked his lips.
Gross.
