Chapter 7

chapter 7

. . .

Carmen

T he scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the small kitchen as I paced back and forth, nervously nibbling on my lip. My co-workers, Gracie and Kaela, sat at the table, their fingers wrapped around warm mugs as they exchanged concerned glances.

“Listen,” I told them, pausing to look at both of them. I had just informed them that I was quitting for a short while. “If things get too overwhelming with babysitting, don’t hesitate to stop taking clients, okay?”

Kaela shook her head, her curly hair bouncing. “No way. We’ll keep Tiny Paws up and running. Don’t worry about us.”

“Well, I won’t be gone for long,” I said, sighing heavily. “So, how long do you think I should stay away? Until Henry forgets me or... dies?”

Gracie grimaced. “Honestly, Carmen, I’ve heard horror stories from omegas who were temporarily in Henry’s pack. They get treated poorly afterward because they’re seen as used . You either need to find a pack to mark you or…”

“I know,” I groaned, my stomach churning with nervousness. “ That’s exactly why I need to leave. Finding a new pack is impossible. I don’t come from a prestigious family with money, and no one wants a rejected omega.”

“Then what’s your plan?” Kaela asked as she poured sugar into her cup. Even though it was ten p.m., they needed coffee for the nighttime shift.

“Logan's going to help me escape,” I admitted.

“Oh wow, isn’t he like your best friend? What if he makes a move on you?”

“He wouldn’t,” I said, laughing, but then worry set in the more I thought about it. “Anyways, call me if anything comes up with the business. Gracie, you'll be in charge for now.”

Gracie’s eyes sparkled with pride, and she nodded. “You got it, Carmen.”

An hour later, after saying our goodbyes, I retreated to my room and started packing.

As I threw clothes into a suitcase, I wondered if leaving was really the right choice. My heart raced, fear and uncertainty gnawing at me. I glanced at the clock—just one hour before Logan would arrive. I hurriedly showered and dressed in a cozy sweater and leggings.

The doorbell rang, and I licked my lips as I opened the door, ready to get the hell out of this compound. I greeted them at the door with my three suitcases all ready to go.

“Hey, Logan,” I said in a quiet voice as if Henry’s henchmen were lurking around my apartment.

“Is this it?” asked Logan as he stepped inside to grab a couple of suitcases while Talon took the third.

“Yes,” I said. “We should move faster. What if they see us?”

“Don’t be worried, Carmen. We’re just going on vacation with our omega fiancée. Nothing to feel guilty about, right, love?”

My heart flipped at his words.

“Right… my alpha fiancée,” I said, swallowing.

“It’s the only way we’ll get out of here,” he whispered in my ear, his hot breath brushing against my skin. My heart raced at how good he smelled, like sandalwood mixed with citrus.

“Okay then, if it’s the only way,” I replied.

“Excellent,” he said, suddenly producing a ring from his pocket. I smiled at the effort he put into this. He knelt before me, and my heart was pounding. “After many years of friendship and getting to know you, I’ve finally come to my senses. Will you marry me, Carmen?”

“Oh, stop,” I laughed, trying to ease the mood as I extended my hand. “Oh my god, yes, I’ll marry you.”

“Good omega,” he said, his eyes darkening as he stood back up. In that moment, it seemed like he wanted to kiss me, and my stomach somersaulted at the thought of whether he felt the same tension.

“Okay, cool,” I said, licking my dry lips as I turned to lock the front door behind us.

“Let’s do this,” Logan said confidently while Griffin and Talon effortlessly loaded my suitcases into the trunk. My heart swelled with gratitude for this pack that was willing to help me escape, putting their own lives on the line. As I climbed into the back of the shiny black van, it shook from the weight of the alphas joining me.

“Where are we going?” I asked, biting my lip.

“It’s a small town a little ways from here. We’re going to Borger,” Logan replied. “Seven hours away. You’ll be safe there.”

I nodded, my heart pounding as I researched the city on my phone while they started driving. Apparently, it snowed more there than anywhere else in the state.

Suddenly, the van slowed down, and I realized we’d reached a checkpoint. Gripping Griffin's hand tightly, my heartbeat quickened even more as Logan spoke to the guard.

“We’re just heading out on holiday with our omega fiancée,” Logan explained smoothly.

“What’s her name?” the guard asked.

“Carmen.”

“Carmen, please step out of the vehicle,” said the guard, and my heart thumped uncontrollably. Security had tightened ever since Ruby escaped with her pack.

“Don’t worry,” whispered Griffin as I reached for the door handle. “If they don’t let you go, I’ll snatch you up, and we’ll get the hell out of here.”

Taking a deep breath, I stepped out of the van as two guards inspected my face. They even took note of the ring on my finger. I felt grateful that Logan had thought of it, even though I thought it silly at the time.

“You’re free to go. Have a good vacation,” the guard said gruffly as I hurried back inside to join Griffin in the backseat.

Griffin pulled me in the rest of the way and slammed the door behind me. “Fuck them all.”

“It’s okay,” I said, giggling at how passionate he was about the entire situation.

“They’re getting too controlling,” Logan said in a serious tone once we drove past the checkpoint. “They have no idea how many alphas they’re pissing off. Henry’s lost my support a million percent.”

I released the breath I didn’t know I was holding and let go of Griffin's hand.

“Sorry,” I said to Griffin, hoping I didn’t make it awkward between us.

“Don’t apologize,” Griffin murmured, his eyes soft and his dark stubble visible in the moonlight. “I wish I could hold your hand the whole time, you know. I enjoyed it.”

My cheeks flushed. “Maybe I can just… lay on your lap instead? I’m exhausted.”

“Of course you can,” said Griffin, his smile widening.

As I rested my head on his lap, he gently stroked my hair.

“Enjoy it while it lasts,” said Talon from up front.

“You’re just fuckin’ jealous,” growled Griffin, and I closed my eyes with a small smile. I wondered how my new life was going to be, even though I was scared shitless. I never thought I’d be leaving the only home I’ve ever known.

Tyler

“Isn't it creepy that we're just following her around like this?” my packmate Jaxon muttered as we trailed the van carrying Carmen and the pack she was with.

I clenched my jaw, my grip on the steering wheel tightening.

“I need to make sure she’s safe,” I replied, my voice tense.

“Safe from what? She’s with Logan and his pack,” Jaxon scoffed. “They’re not going to hurt her the way you fucking did, Tyler.”

I fell silent. He was correct.

“I just need to make sure…” I said. “In case they abuse her once they’re alone or worse. We have laws on the Alpha Compound, and it’s my job to…”

“That’s bullshit, and you know it,” said Axel bitterly. “Now Logan will make his move on her, and it’ll be too fucking late.”

“We never had a chance,” I said, breathing hard as I swerved to avoid a car and keep them in sight.

A heavy silence fell over the car as I struggled to keep my emotions in check.

Deep down, I knew I should let Carmen go completely. But I couldn’t—not while she was still packless and vulnerable.

I wanted to make sure she wouldn’t get hoodwinked by some alpha and end up hurt.

Carmen

I woke with a start, feeling something hard poking against my ear.

Blinking groggily, I looked up to find a snoring Griffin beside me. His dark hair fell across his handsome face as he slept, his strong arms crossed over his chest. And I realized with horror that he’d had an erection the whole ride.

Sitting up, my body felt sore as I looked around since the van had come to a stop in front of a home covered in light snow. Oh wow, it looked magical.

As I glanced out the window, I saw Logan and Talon unloading suitcases from the trunk. Griffin stirred beside me, rubbing his eyes before shooting me a sleepy smile.

“Good morning,” he murmured, his voice rough from sleep.

“Morning,” I replied, feeling my cheeks heat up at the memory of waking up with his morning wood in my face. “It looks like we’re here.”

“Oh fuck, that was fast,” said Griffin, just as surprised as me when he saw the snow.

We both got out of the van to join Logan and Talon, who were pulling the suitcases across the driveway. Griffin grabbed a couple of suitcases, and I was confused as to why there were so many.

Did they really mean to live with me?

“Hey, Logan,” I said, unsure how to bring this up without sounding mean. My breathing quickened when he looked my way, and his face brightened with a smile.

“Carmen, did you sleep well?”

“I did,” I replied, shivering from the cold. Logan seemed unfazed by the snow and wind whipping around us. “Thanks for driving all this way. I bet you’re tired.”

“It wasn’t too bad since Talon also drove,” Logan said, his eyes locked on mine. “Listen, Carmen, we’re going to stay here with you for a few days. We want to make sure you’re acclimated before we leave.”

My heart raced as I stared at him, the wind tousling my hair around and chilling my lips.

“For a few days?” I asked, my voice barely audible over the howling wind.

“Yes, or more if it comes to that,” Logan replied, watching me closely. “Let’s go inside. You’re getting cold.”

We stepped into the house, and I was amazed that Logan had secured this place at the last minute. The high ceilings and open floor plan made it feel even more spacious. Logan had really outdone himself, and I smiled despite my life turning upside down.

“Wow, Logan,” I said. “I love this place. But seriously, let me pay for my half. I’m not your omega or anything, so it’s only fair.”

“Absolutely not,” he replied, grinning when he saw me checking out the tall windows in the living room and the immaculate kitchen .

“We’re not at the Alpha Compound anymore, though,” I said playfully as I opened all the cabinets in the kitchen.

“It’s still an alpha’s responsibility to take care of his… the omega.”

I blushed, knowing what he was about to say.

“Well, I won’t fight you on it,” I said, heading up the stairs to pick out my room. I didn’t really care which room I was in, to be honest, as long as it had a bed because I was exhausted.

“I put your suitcases in there,” Talon said, nodding toward the biggest bedroom in the house.

“Okay, thank you,” I said, and as he left, I couldn’t help but think how nice it would be to have an alpha pack of my own. Too bad I didn’t have one.

After unpacking my things, I took a shower, letting the warm water wash away my lingering anxiety. I stood in the shower, soaking in this new atmosphere. I had never stayed overnight in a house full of alphas who were suitable to be my mates.

I was about to collapse into the very comfortable-looking bed when I caught the delicious scent of food wafting from downstairs.

My stomach suddenly growled, so I hurriedly unpacked my suitcase while my body was wrapped only in a towel. There was a knock on the door.

“Yes?” I called out, rummaging through my clothes. I needed a pair of underwear—something simple to wear to dinner—but I’d done a poor job of packing.

“We got dinner going,” Griffin said. “Came up here to let you know it’s time to eat.”

“I’m coming,” I called back. “I just…”

Suddenly, my towel unraveled just as Griffin had already opened the door, and I jumped as I pulled the towel up to cover my exposed breasts .

“Oh, sorry,” he said, standing there as my face heated with embarrassment.

“Griffin!” I yelled, and he hastily turned to leave, his face turning pink. I wondered what he had seen. I sat there on the floor, breathing hard and trying to gather my bearings. I couldn’t afford to be flustered around these alphas all the time.

I was an omega who owned a business, for God's sake .

“The food smells delicious,” I said as I entered the kitchen, my stomach rumbling in anticipation. Talon stood at the stove, stirring a sizzling pan filled with seasoned meat and colorful veggies. Griffin wasn’t in the house, and Logan was fiddling with the TV cables in the living room.

“Ah, just in time,” Talon said, flashing me a smile. He seemed to be in a good mood. “Want to try some?”

He held up a forkful of the juicy, tender-looking meat, and I couldn't resist.

“Sure,” I replied with a hungry grin.

As I reached for the bite, Talon lifted it higher, causing me to lean closer to him, our bodies nearly touching. For some reason, I was hyper-sensitive to this, and he chuckled darkly as if he knew the effect he had on me.

He finally lowered the fork. I took a bite, and my eyes rolled back in delight at the tangy flavors.

“Wow, this is so good,” I panted, feeling breathless from our closeness. The heat radiating off his body, combined with the hardness of his cock pressing against me, made my core clench with desire.

“It is,” he murmured.

“Aren’t you going to move?” I asked, trying to sound casual despite my racing heart.

“Doesn’t it feel good?” he whispered, his emerald green eyes locking onto mine. I could see the lust burning within them, and it was hard not to get lost in his gaze.

“Uh, guys? What’s for dinner?” Griffin’s voice interrupted our intimate moment, and Talon reluctantly pulled away from me.

“Steak stir-fry,” Talon replied smoothly, as if nothing had happened. But the lingering heat between us suggested otherwise. My face burned the entire time during dinner, replaying over and over in my mind how close I had gotten to Talon. As I enjoyed the delicious meal, I envisioned him sinking himself into me thoroughly, exactly the way I wanted.

“What are you thinking about?” asked Logan, noticing my distant gaze and vague answers. I snapped back to reality, my heart racing from the thought of Talon knotting me.

“Nothing at all,” I said, even though I was blushing pretty badly, and the entire dining room smelled like lime.

“Tell us,” insisted Griffin while Talon looked at me like he was ready to devour me. And man, I wouldn't mind it at all.

“It’s not that interesting,” I said, my face hot.

“Why are you blushing?”

“Oh, it’s nothing,” I said, trying to play it off. “I can’t wait to go to bed tonight. Aren’t you all tired too?”

Later that night- wrapped in a cozy cocoon of blankets, I was lost in the world of my romance novel. My heart raced as I read an intensely erotic scene, my breath coming in short, shallow gasps. The room felt warmer than usual, and I could sense the heat rising in my cheeks and slick between my thighs starting to pool.

There was a soft knock on the door.

“Come in,” I sighed, about to finger myself.

As Logan entered the room, I looked up from my book, still catching my breath from the descriptive passages. I clenched my thighs to mask my rising scent of arousal, but it was impossible.

“Wow, what on earth are you reading?” Logan asked with a scowl, his nose twitching as he detected my arousal in the air. The pupils of his eyes darkened with feral energy.

I quickly tried to close the book, but he was faster, crossing the room with the agility and speed of a panther. He snatched the book from my hands, flipping it open to the page I had been reading.

My face flushed crimson as he silently read the passage where two alphas were knotting an omega at the same time. He sighed and set the book down on the bedside table, meeting my gaze with a mix of amusement and intensity.

“Don’t read this stuff anymore,” he warned, placing the book on the dresser.

“Why?” I replied almost defensively. “Listen, you’re not my alpha…”

“Do you want me to rut you?” he asked, inhaling my scent deeply while closing his eyes. “Because if I did, you would be mine. For life.”

“No,” I said in a low whisper. “But that doesn’t mean I have to stop doing what I enjoy.”

Suddenly, Logan turned serious. “I came here with a proposal to make.”

“Oh?” I asked, sitting up in bed, instantly nervous.

“We’ve had an amazing friendship all these years,” he said slowly, his eyes searching mine. A pang of fear coursed through me as I wondered where this conversation was heading.

“Logan, what—” I started to ask, but he continued, cutting me off.

“Please, let me finish,” he said, taking a deep breath. “For years, I’ve had feelings for you. I’ve watched you grow into the amazing omega you are today. After everything we’ve been through, I can’t keep this to myself any longer. Do you think I could ever be a suitable alpha for you?”

I was shocked, my mind racing as I struggled to find words.

My heart pounded in my chest, and my breath hitched under the weight of his confession. The ring he had given me sat on the dresser, sparkling under the dim lights, suddenly seeming to hold more value than I had first thought.