Before we start moving, Alex digs into one of the side pockets of a bag and pulls out a small, crinkled pack of graham crackers. He presses it into my hand with a grin. “Eat up, sweetheart. Got plenty more if you want ’em.”
The unexpected kindness makes my throat tighten. I nod, clutching the little packet like it’s something far more important than crackers.
Then we move.
Tadeo takes the lead, pulling out a small compass and studying it with all the focus of someone setting coordinates for a military operation. “The car’s this way.”
Alex leans in over his shoulder, smirking. “If I’d known we were playing Boy Scouts this weekend, I would’ve brought some rope.” His voice slips into a wickedly suggestive rumble. “We could’ve practiced some knots.”
Tadeo shoots him a pointed look, but there’s a smile tugging at his mouth.
“Come to my room later,” Alex adds smoothly. “I’ll tie you up and get you that patch.”
Tadeo snorts loudly before rolling his eyes. “They’re called merit badges.”
Alex lets out a low, delighted growl. “Fuck. I love it when you drop useless facts.” He leans in like he’s about to spill a filthy secret. “Nothing gets me harder.”
Tadeo shakes his head, but his smile is unmistakable.
Their banter is so easy and unguarded, it loosens something tight in my chest. I want to believe this isn’t just for show, that maybe this pack will be this warm with me too. But doubt creeps in. My old pack teased each other sometimes. Mostly, Brayden and Martin traded jabs when the mood struck—but never with me. I was meant to stay polished, perfect, and untouchable. I was their omega doll. I never got to be a part of the jokes.
I can’t help but wonder if life with this pack will be different.
Feeling suddenly very overwhelmed, I press my cheek against Knox’s solid chest, trying to relax.He’s so warm.Then I close my eyes, but my thoughts are a rush of unanswered questions.
What will these men expect from me once they get me home?
Will they want to rut me right away?
Or will they want me to start cooking and cleaning first?
My old pack had a whole staff—maids, cooks, even someone who did the laundry. But Brayden always said they were useless. Every day, he’d point out something they missed and hand it off to me instead. Scrub the floors. Dust the shelves. Polish what was already shining. Then, whenevening came, it was my job to cook dinner—because, as he reminded me often, feeding your alphas is what omegas are supposed to do.
I don’t see why this pack would be any different.
I mean, if alphas didn’t want omegas to keep a spotless house, then why would the academy spend so much time teaching us homemaking in the first place?
The longer we walk, the heavier my eyelids grow. My head still throbs low in the back of my skull, but the gentle motion of Knox’s steps eases away some of the pain. I tell myself I should stay awake—stay alert—but what good will it do?
It’s better to rest while I can.
Once they get me home, I’m sure there’ll be lots of work waiting, and I’ll need all my energy if I’m going to keep their house clean.
The thought soothes me, gives me a purpose to hold on to. And by the time the steady rhythm of Knox’s steps lulls me to sleep, I’ve already promised myself I’ll make their place shine.
When I wake,I’m wedged between Dakota and Alex in the back seat of a car. My head feels stuffed with cotton, heavy and slow, and for a moment I can’t tell what day it is.
I can literally feel how puffy my face is.
The car hums steadily beneath me, the faint rattle of the frame keeping rhythm with the road.
Blinking repeatedly, I let out a long yawn, then take in my surroundings.
I’m in an older SUV that looks like it’s seen better days. The seats sag, the upholstery’s worn thin in places, and dirtand leaves are scattered across the floorboard. A couple of empty bottles roll with every bump, tapping against my feet.
Alex glances up at me from his phone, and a grin instantly tugs at his mouth. I can’t help but smile back at him as his citrus-bright scent hits my nose for the first time. He smells like juicy oranges and lemons with the faint sharpness of lime and a trace of thyme tucked underneath. It’s an odd aroma, but I like it…I think.
“Well, good afternoon, sleepyhead,” Alex teases, voice warm and easy. “You slept hard, little one.”
