“I was in town and I saw her sitting on the yellow bench.” The benches in town were all painted different colors. Mayor’s choice. “She was crying.”
“Why?” Vaughn asked.
“She said she didn’t have much money and staying at the motel was costing more than the tips and money she was making. She was only eating when on a shift because it was freeand she was trying to save for whatever her truck was going to cost to fix.” Poe shrugged like it was no big deal. It was a huge deal. But that was Poe. Calmer than any man I’d ever known.
“She agreed to come here?” I prompted, accepting a plate of food from Vaughn. “Thank you.”
“No, Holt. I tied her up and threw her in the back of the truck. Yes, she agreed to come here. She had nowhere else to go.”
I huffed out a noise. “Marla would’ve let her work off her room.”
“Maybe. Why does it sound like you don’t want our omega under our roof?” Poe had a point.
Fuck. I was torn in half by everything going on with Katie. We all knew Katie wasn’t her name but also her dealing only in cash and not having a phone that I’d seen?
The omega was on the run. Maybe from someone, but the investigator in me wondered if she was running from something else.
As an alpha, as one of her alphas, I wanted to protect her, no matter what she’d done or who she was getting away from.
“Holt? What’s going on? Is there something you’re not telling us? Again?” Vaughn leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. I had to be transparent with them. If our omega was shady, they could also be looking out for that.
“We don’t know a lot about her. That’s all. And with her likely fake name and cash-only stuff, I can’t help but wonder if she’s in some trouble.” Not a lie, technically. “I’m looking out for this pack. For us. And for her. But yeah, even with all of those things, I’m glad she’s got somewhere safe to stay.”
I took dish duty while Poe went back to working and Vaughn made his way to the back porch to read as he did every night.
My wolf was pleased as could be to have our omega here, in her suite, in our home, right where she belonged, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that something else was going on.
I had to find out.
The next few days, I was off duty. The deputies were capable, so I didn’t have to worry. I would keep an eye on our omega.
Maybe find out what the hell was going on.
After taking a shower, I lay awake, sleep denying me over and over. I tossed. I turned. With a huff, I walked out of my bedroom, and my feet took me to her door. I listened to her soft breaths. The omega slumbered deep. Her heart beat slowly. I rested my forehead against the door, listening to her breathing, until the rhythm became a lullaby.
My wolf was content. He gave two shits whether or not our mate had done something wrong or even criminal.
She was here.
Safe.
Thanks to Vaughn, fed and resting.
And, for tonight, that had to be enough.
Chapter Twelve
Karissa
The room they gave me felt right in a way that no other I’d occupied ever had, and it also had the biggest bed. I took up only a small portion of the plush, comfortable mattress, but I felt confident that everyone currently under this roof could fit comfortably at the same time. An image that sent heat flooding my face, no doubt giving me a resemblance to the crimson tomatoes in the row of jars on the kitchen counter.
Three hot alphas would have all the females they could ever want or need without having to waste their time with someone like me. My previous failed mates had made it clear that they’d only even tried with me because they were ordered to. But the failures were all my fault. They made it clear.
Snuggling down in the very center of the bed, I resolved to forget about such things and just enjoy the comfort while I could. Soon enough, I’d be back on the road in the truck, headed for one of the small towns I’d found online. Hopeful they would be half a welcoming as Pleasant.
Many hours later, I woke from a dream I hardly dared remember. No doubt brought on by my thoughts of the size of the bed and how many could fit in it. How could I even face the three of them after what my subconscious put together while I slept? Kisses and caresses and so much more. And not just one of them but all, taking me in ways I’d never experienced. But I didn’t mind. Rather, I welcomed their touches, opened my legs and my heart, tipped my head to the side for their marks…
How ridiculous of me.
