Otherwise, it’s a sleepy town.
The talk from the group of Omegas, who are gathered in the doorway of the diner with their Alphas, is about weather patterns and the fear of a snowstorm that is on its way.
I pass brick storefronts and then filthy pickup trucks, which line the curb.
When I slip on the ice for a second time, I drop my gaze to the sidewalk. I struggle to keep hold of my groceries.
Unexpectedly, I feel a hand steady me at the elbow.
I catch a scent on the breeze: peach drizzled with honey.
My gaze snaps up to work out which of the Betas in the group helped me and has such a delicious scent.
My pheromones deepen in response.
Except, the Beta has already withdrawn their hand, and all I can see is the back of the men’s heads.
I frown.
I can’t make a scene by weaving between a group of strange Betas and sniffing them.
Damn.
I glance up at the weathered, rough-cut stone hotel ahead, Sanctum Lodge, imagining Bird waiting for me in our room.
I smile.
I have spent the last few years on the road, staying in soulless hotels that merge in my mind, always alone. Having pack to return to and knowing that someone iswaiting for me, soothes instincts that I thought were buried or broken.
I grew up with Nico as my role model of a strong, kind Omega. I never believed that I would be lucky enough to find an Omega soulmate who was just as strong and kind.
Suddenly, the hairs rise on the back of my neck.
I’m being watched.
Pheromones wash from me in defense. The closest Betas hurry away from me, cringing.
My smile becomes fixed.
I battle not to glance at the window on the second story of the neocolonial building, which stands opposite the hotel.
They’re in there, right now.
The Hunters are watching the hotel room, which I requested to face the street for this reason. I have also been leaving the drapes open, of course.
I need to make this easy for the Hunters without making ittooeasy.
The hit pack are strategic and detailed on their missions because they’re ex-military.
They do surveillance first.
I smirk.
Do they like what they see?
My targets don’t normally come to me. It’s like shooting fish in a barrel.
I ignore the Hunters, sitting up in that room and observing me, and turn into the quiet lobby of Sanctum Lodge.
