AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I laughed at his words. Micah definitely was hyper enough on his own. He didn’t need the boost of caffeine to exist like I did.
The walk home was only about ten minutes and it was a nice enough day that I didn’t mind the walk. The sun was shining and it was that perfect temperature that meant I didn’t have to be hot or cold. Plus, my old truck would be more trouble than it was worth on small trips like this. Between the loud clunks it let out and the tight parking spaces, it wasn’t a fight I wanted any part of.
Already, Lockwood was starting to feel like a completely different life. I still have thoughts of the fucking show and the magazine covers haunted me but no one had recognized me yet. I knew it was a matter of time but for now, I was hellbent on ignoring the entire ordeal.
The moment it came out I knew it would be hell. Nothing like an entire small town knowing your business and likely gossiping about it. My little safe haven would turn into a mess but I didn’t want to run again.
At least I didn’t think Walter would allow anybody to annoy me in his shop. He seemed the type to stand up for his people, like the big brother that only allowed himself to roast you and nobody else.
Collin wasn’t there when I arrived. Micah still met me at the door, rushing me inside. He was practically glowing, his golden retriever energy strong today.
Before I could stop myself, I was spilling the news.
“So, I got offered a job today.”
I’ve never seen anyone’s face fall so fast. I held up my hand before he could downright spiral and assume the worst.
“This doesnotmean I won’t be still helping you. It’s only part-time at the coffee shop and just a way for me to get out and get a feel for Lockwood. Plus, books.”
He relaxed at the reassurance.
“It might not be a bad thing to get out of the house once in a while,” he conceded. “We still have to convince you to join us for this house flip, right?”
“Absolutely. I’m not exactly a contractor,” I snarked, glad he had bounced back already. “And if you think I’m going to be sledgehammering down walls and laying tile, you’ve got another thing coming.”
He smirked. “You know what, I bet in a few days you’ll be begging to help with demo. Nothing says ‘anger management’ quite like smashing down walls.”
I tilted my head, considering it. “You might be onto something.”
“I’m not exactly an expert either. I’ve done a few projects around here but I’m not afraid to learn a few things. It’s been a long few years of working remotely and I want to get out of this damn house more,” he admitted. “Working alone is lonely and boring.”
My poor brother was about as social as an alpha can be and to him, working alone, was torture. Before I’d have jumped at the chance, but I was afraid if I hid away, I’d never want to come out.
The front door opened and Collin strode in. He was not what I expected. He was the epitome of tall, dark, and handsome. Hazel eyes zeroed in on me and I felt my chest tighten in response. He was beyond handsome. The jawline could cut glass, his dark hair only made his eyes stand out more, and his straight, white smile was perfect.
“What the hell is up with this town?” I muttered under my breath. Micah heard me and tried to cover his laugh with a cough but failed.
He walked over and clapped his friend on the shoulder in greeting before dragging him toward me.
“Collin, this is my sister, Ellie.”
“Oh, the local celebrity,” he teased with a wink. I swear that wink did things to me that no wink ever has before.
Something had to be in the water in Lockwood. The alphas here were a different breed.
Collin was taller than Micah, with broad shoulders and more muscles than a statue of Adonis. His jeans were practically painted on and I had to force myself not to check him out like a horny teenager.
He smiled at me before both of us froze. I was struck by his scent. Which was strange because the most I got from other people were their subtle underlying scents or those that gave away their designation. Alphas were always a strong musk, betas calming and neutral, and omegas sweet.
Outside of mates, more concentrated scents were unheard of.
His was earthy and smoky, a mix of freshly-sawed wood and campfire. And from the way he was taking in deep breaths, it wasn’t just me noticing the strong scents.
The fact I could define the notes of his scents like this could only mean one thing.
We were mates.
“Holy shit,” he said. “You know, you smell incredible. Like tropical fruit and spun sugar.”
