Page 17 of Unravel Me

I slide the map even closer to him again, hoping he will focus on it.

The elderly omega finally leans over the page.

"I'm afraid that's just forest," he murmurs uncertainly. "I don't remember there being any houses in that particular area."

"What about a little farther out? Within a mile or so?"

He looks up at me before glancing at the map again.

"Hmm. About half a mile from there is the Santoro family's estate. They own the construction company around here, along with the local sawmills and lumber yards. They also build vacation cabins around town, but I don't think they have any in that exact area. That's just untouched forest."

"Are you sure? No vacation cabin? Maybe an old ranger's lodge?"

"No… sorry. I can't say I remember anything like that, child."

He leans back against the bench and gives me another long, thoughtful look.

"Wow… look-at-you, you're a stunning omega. I have never seen a beauty like you!"

Damn, not that! I swallow nervously. I've never been comfortable with people casually commenting on my appearance.

"Like some breathtaking elf out of a fairy tale. In all my years, I haven't come across anyone like you. Unreal, simply unreal."

I clear my throat, desperately hoping he'll get back to the map.

"Thank you, but about the map—"

"How does it feel to be so gorgeous?"

Gosh, what a silly question. I feel my impatience rising.

"Hunted. A hassle. Inconvenient. Please, the map!"

The omega's expression subtly changes at those words, as if he can sense the weight of the energy behind them, but eventually looks back down at the printout, a hint of contemplation still in his expression.

"Did someone tell you there was something out there?"

"Yes… that someone lives there."

Mr. Davos tilts his head.

"You know, my information might be a little out of date. I used to spend a lot of time wandering these woods, foraging for mushrooms, when I was younger, but my legs aren't what they used to be anymore…" He sighs. "The arthritis keeps getting worse."

I pray he doesn't start talking about illnesses. Thankfully, he catches himself when he notices the miserable look on my face.

"Maybe someone built something new out there," he adds in a more conciliatory tone. "But I can't really tell you anything more. I think you should go to the Santoros. Renato will definitely be able to help you."

"Santoros? The estate you mentioned?"

"Yes, right here." He taps the map with his finger. It looks like the place is located on the outskirts of the area Storm marked. "As far as I know, that whole stretch of forest belongs to him, though I really don't think it's been developed in any way."

A faint uneasiness settles over me. Could this Renato be my True Mate?

"Renato? Is he an alpha?" I ask, feeling a slight blush creep across my cheeks.

Davos’s eyebrows rise, and he lets out an amused snort.

"No, dear. Renato's a beta. He's in his sixties by now."