AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She picks up the hoodie with her thumb and forefinger, making a face at it. “What, were they out of car covers?” Her eyes light up. “Or did a guy leave this at your place?”
I almost laugh. Ironically, I spend most nights snuggling with that old sweatshirt because there isn’t anyone around to witness it.
I am surprised Meg’s never noticed, though. I’ve had it for years.
To be fair, I used to be fanatical about hiding it. My omega instincts insisted we kept it tucked away in whatever makeshift nest we used that year. But lately, wearing it to work has been the only way I feel safe here.
“It’s mine,” I fib, adjusting the frilled strap of my eyelet tankini top with a shrug. “I… found it.”
The second part is not technically untrue. I did find it one morning, sitting outside my door at the group home I used to live in. Meg probably doesn’t need to know where it came from.
Ever since she found her pack, she’s become obsessed with finding one for me, too. Any mention of alphas—even if they’re ones who no longer know I exist—sends her into matchmaking mode.
I’ve lost track of how many times she’s tried to parade me in front of her alphas’ football team. Before, I might have let her. But ever since I started feeling so jumpy and needy…
Geez.
I can’t breathe just thinking about being alone with some random pro-athlete alpha.
Meg narrows her blue eyes, bending forward to skim her button nose over the hoodie’s hem. I squash a beat of smugness, knowing she won’t get anything other than my scent. Any other smells wore off a long time ago. With a sigh, my best friend sets the sweatshirt aside, already bored.
One of her alphas must reach out to her through their bond. Probably Declan, if the way she rolls her eyes is any indication. She’d never dare roll her eyes at her pack’s leader, Ronan.
Watching her have her internal argument, I can’t help but smile. It’s strange; while I know I definitely want what Meg has, I can’t begrudge her any of it. She’s the only family I have, and I want all of this happiness for her.
I just want to cry at the same time.
The feeling isn’t new, for me. I spent years in government care, watching whichever friends I managed to make find their forever families. No one ever wanted to keep me, but I still tried to be happy for the ones who were chosen.
My best friend reads my face, her own scrunching with concern. “Are you okay? You look worn out.”
Really, I haven’t slept through the night in months. My last heat left my nerves a frazzled mess. And I’m beginning to wish I could avoid the rumpled mini-nest I made for myself in the bottom of my closet.
I force a bright smile. “Mmhmm, fine!”
Meg’s brows drop into an unimpressed glower. “Remi. C’mon.”
Hey, I told you; I’m a terrible liar.
“Seriously,” I insist, doubling down, “I’m good! Let’s get going before anyone notices I’m leaving.”
Meg narrows her eyes, pissed. “Are they still being dicks? You know we can get you another job, Remi. Anything you want. You don’t have to come here anymore.”
Irrational panic rises inside of me. I know she’s right, but I also know that this is the only place in the world that’s been consistent for me.
I can tough it out. After all, it isn’t as if I have anything else going on.
“I’ll keep that in mind,” I tell Meg, bending to gather my things from behind the counter. I tap at the iPad there, punching out and accepting all sixteen dollars of tips I earned that day.
Thrilling.
“Declan’s making dinner,” Meg mutters, looping her arm through mine. “So I hope you’re not too hungry.”
I herd her toward the door, feeling antsy. I’ve got to get out of here. “Who’s driving?”
She knows I don’t have a car. And I know she rarely chauffeurs herself these days. A peachy blush warms her face. “Ronan’s waiting in the Rolls.”
“Don’t you mean ‘Daddy?’” I tease.
