Page 78 of Rot In Knotty Pieces

“Hey, Dove. How are you doing today? You look much happier,” Roseland ruffles my hair and passes me a piece of toast with jam.

I smile up at Mr Rose, then look back at the sandwich and toast, trying to decide what to eat. “Hi! I am. I came to say hello.”

“Well, I’m very pleased to see you, Dove. Are you going to come to the market and explore with us today?”

The toast was halfway to my mouth, but now I completely forget about it.

I stare up at him, my eyes getting larger and larger. Outside? With people? In a market? Shopping?

“Can I?” I almost whisper. I really, really want to.

“Of course, you can.”

I hesitate, but Rose crouches in front of me and takes my hands. I stare down at this massive alpha who has always been the only person I can trust.

“I promise, we will keep you safe.”

“I’m not allowed to go outside,” I whisper.

“You are today. Check with Kestrel.”

The approval of the alters come through loud and strong. Still, I hesitate. This ugly house doesn’t feel good, but it’s still inside. I won’t get into trouble if I am inside.

“Father says we can’t go outside unless we are working,” I say in a small, stiff voice.

Pix’s hand tightens on my shoulder briefly, then he lets go. “Father is a bad man. He is absolutely wrong to lock you up. Don’t you know that Dove means freedom?”

My eyes widen. “It does?”

“Yes, it really does. You were born to be a free bird. So, let’s stretch those wings and go and find shiny things for the omegas to nest in and maybe con King into buying us ice cream.”

Ice cream? All my doubts fade away.

“Okay! Yes! Let’s go.”

Mr Rose stands up and pulls me with him towards the front door.

“Let’s go to the market,” he says loudly. “Eat your toast, Dove.”

I obediently bite into it. The other alphas converge on us, and I suddenly find myself in a circle of them, but instead of being scared, I feel safe. They are all familiar, and I like them a lot.

“Are you buying ice cream?” I ask King.

He glances at Pix and then smiles and nods. “I am.”

“I can have chocolate?” I whisper.

“You can have any flavour you want.”

I squeal and bounce into him, hugging his side. He puts an arm over me, and we walk like that down the street to where there are lots of people.

Except, the closer we get, the more I think we shouldn’t be here. My fear spikes, but Rolly winks at me and starts whispering, and I forget I’m afraid because he’s so silly.

“That beta has clearly got bedbugs at home. Big ones that suck his blood. Look how pale he is. Vampire bugs!”

I giggle. “There’s no such thing, silly.”

“And that omega, she clearly keeps all her purses in her dress. Saves them all, in case the raccoons try to steal them.”