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"No, not at all," Callum says. "Sorry; with the blizzard blowing in, I wanted to make sure everyone was stocked up on firewood ahead of time."
He stands up, and I realize he isdefinitelyan alpha--huge with broad shoulders and a thick blond beard, looking more like a viking god than a human being. He's wearing a thick green sweater that matches his eyes, freckles dusting his nose.
I try to pick my jaw up off the floor as he comes closer.
"I didn't mean to intrude on your privacy, Miss..."
"Worthington," I say. "And it's fine. Thank you for the firewood."
He smiles. "It's my job. Isla, I'll get out of your way."
Isla nods, and Callum makes his way towards the door, his eyes still fixed on me. As he passes me, I catch a whiff of his scent--fresh pine and leather, with a hint of something sweet beneath it all. My body shivers involuntarily as he slips out of the room.
Isla clears her throat, bringing me back to the present. "As you can see, we have a very attentive staff here," she says, closing the door behind Callum. "Is there anything else you need?"
I shake my head, still a little dazed. "No, no, I think this is more than enough."
"Great," she says. "Then I'll leave you to settle in. Just remember, if you need anything--anything at all--just call the front desk."
"I will," I say, my voice a little breathless. "Thank you, Isla. Really."
She nods, her eyes twinkling. "Of course. And...I hope this isn't inappropriate, but congratulations on escaping Solstice Bay. I think we should all be proud of each other when we get out."
My brow furrows and I look down at the floor. "Honestly...I could have done more. My father was with the Alpha Control Bureau, and he...he kept a tight hold on me. Now that he's gone and the ACB isn't around anymore, I'm left with all his money and nothing to do with it, but...but the money feels dirty."
"It's yours now," Isla says. "Do something good with it. Goodnight, Emma."
She leaves me behind, shutting the door with a soft thud as she goes, and I look around the room. It's gorgeous, richly appointed with a faux fur rug in front of the fireplace, a white, clean bedspread on the king-sized bed. My suitcase has already been placed inside the door, and the view of the mountains is absolutely incredible.
I shrug out of my coat and flop down on the bed, inhaling deeply. It still smells like Callum--like maybe the firstsafealpha I've ever met in my whole life--and I breathe him in as I remember that kind smile.
I'll have to ask Isla if Callum ever works in the Heat Spa.
But for now...I think it's time to unwind and relax.
Chapter two
Emma
Ispendafewhours in my room, idling the time away, before I finally decide to go back down to the dining room for dinner. When I booked this trip, I fully intended on taking some time alone and getting to know myself outside of Solstice Bay, away from the grip of the ACB--but Isla's introduction to the resort sparked my interest.
I want to talk to the other guests, get the lay of the land...figure out what it means to be an omega in a world where wearen'ttraded like keepsakes.
I want to beEmma. Just Emma, without all the baggage.
So I get dressed in a red sweater dress and head down the stairs, looking out at the winter wonderland outside. I've almost made it to the lobby door when I come face-to-face with a man, and I stop in my tracks.
He's not an omega...and he's not a beta, either. He's definitely taking suppressants of some kind, but his pheromones come through regardless.
He's an alpha.
Which means he's not supposed to be here.
"Excuse me," he mutters, then blows past me, heading downstairs. I'm pretty sure the heat spa is down there, so it makes sense that he would be on his way, but...
...no.
You're being paranoid, Emma.
