A Shitty Hotel
Oli
It’s beena few days since I heard from Rhett. I don’t want to admit it—but it’s fucking killing me…and not because of the money. Autry and I barely spoke more than three sentences, but she’s been stuck in my head like a song I can’t forget.
Is she settling in okay?
Has Rhett claimed her yet?
Is she thinking about me?
What about Myrick? The beta carries something heavy—grief maybe, or guilt—but I don’t know him well enough to ask. And Charlie…hell, I don’t even know the kid, but watching him laugh with Autry—that easy, open joy. It hit me hard.
It felt good to be around them. To see how a real, loving pack functions. I never had that growing up.
Even now, as an adult, I feel like I’m struggling to keep my head above water. But at least I’ve got a roof over my head. This hotel’s run-down—carpet worn to threads,wallpaper curling off in fat strips—but it’s got a bed, a door that locks, and a shower that runs mostly warm. That’s more than I’ve had before, and I don’t take it for granted.
I’ve currently got a decent stack of money from the first job with Rhett, but I’m determined to stretch every cent. Even though the alpha has promised me another fat payday, I don’t get a cent until his business sells…ifit sells.
When is he going to fucking call?
Restless, I get up and step into the bathroom, checking on the clothes hanging from the shower rod. My two shirts are nearly dry. The jeans are still wet at the waist and cuffs. They’re gonna need to hang all night. A laundromat would be faster, but I’m not wasting the money to wash what few clothes I have.
My phone buzzes on the nightstand, and I bolt for it. A rush of something like hope surges through me—before I even check the screen.
It’s Brock.
I answer, bringing the phone to my ear. “Look who finally came up for air,” I tease, grinning before I can stop myself. “How’d everything go?”
“She said yes,” Brock cuts straight to the chase, his voice hushed. “Melissa and I are officially exclusive.”
I let out a low, honest laugh, the kind that echoes in my chest. “Man, that’s awesome. I’m really happy for you.”
“Yeah. I was so fucking nervous,” he says softly. “I had this whole speech planned—about how she makes me a better man, how I can’t imagine my life without her. But instead? I choked on my beer and blurted out that I wanted her all to myself.” He lets out a quiet, sheepish chuckle.
“All that matters is that she said yes,” I remind him.
“So true.” He hums, soft and satisfied, like he’s exactly where he wants to be.
It’s shameful, but a part of me—buried deep and quiet—is a little jealous. Brock’s fifteen years older than me, but somehow it feels like he got handed a version of life I didn’t know I wanted until a few days ago. I want what he has. Maybe not the tripping-over-my-own-words part, but the peace and love.
“So,” Brock continues, voice shifting slightly, “I was calling to see how the job hunt was going. Did you get a flight up north?”
I rub the back of my neck, feeling a pang of guilt for not filling him in sooner. “Actually, I decided to stay here.”
“Really?” Brock blurts, surprised. There’s a soft rustle on the other end, and I hear a woman’s sleepy voice. “Sorry, babe. Go back to sleep,” he murmurs.
“Yeah,” I say, continuing despite the fact that he sounds distracted. “I found a job down here and figured it was worth sticking around a few more weeks.”
“Give me a minute, Oli.” There’s a pause. Then I hear a door close on his end, and Brock’s voice finally rises to full volume. “Sorry about that. So... tell me about the job.”
I hesitate, then say it. “I’m working for your brother.”
There’s a silence that stretches just a second too long. “Doing what?” he asks flatly.
“I’m a bodyguard for his omega,” I say.
Another pause—then a long, heavy sigh from Brock. Not angry. Not surprised...but weighty. “Look, man. I love my brother. I really do. But be careful. Okay? He’s fucking insane when it comes to his mates.”
