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The night is bitterly cold, and my breath steams around me. The orange street lights shine down, casting long shadows as I make my way into the city. Mariettville is a pleasant city. It’s a sprawling metropolis that is undergoing a huge growth spurt. I came here because I heard whispers of work, but that fizzled out fast. There are too many people competing for the same jobs. It was a mistake to come here.
I can see the lights of the inner city strip. It’s a long road with nightclubs, pubs, sex shops, and take away places. A veritable den of sin. It’s open most of the night and closes during the day. And it’s where I’m going to find a saviour or my damnation.
My stomach cramps, and the urgency I was feeling doubles down. Signs my heat is coming soon, like, really soon. I have between hours and days before I lose my ability to choose and end up the willing omega of whoever appears.
I need alphas. The thought is desperate and layered. I need the right alphas. I need my alphas.
I don’t have time to be picky, but if there is a deity up there; then I hope they are listening because I have sent in millions of prayers. I need help; I need kind alphas who will treat me nicely and won’t want to ruin me. And that’s all I can ask for now. I don’t have time to choose a love match or anything special. If I want to make the choice, then I need to do it now.
It’s only for a few days, and then I can leave.
It’s not forever. I hope.
No bonds. No bites. Those are the rules I’ve given to myself since I’m holding out for something much, much better. I want my scent matches. The people who are perfect for me. I know they exist. I’ve seen it in my parents. So I won’t accept anything less. But I am bitterly disappointed that I will have to give some stranger the gift I was holding for them.
I just wanted them to be my one and only.
Looks like that pipe dream is gone.
I walk into the bright neon lights. The smell of booze is strong and acrid in the air, along with the tantalizing smells of burgers and fries. People laugh and brush against me, uncaring that I am almost sent sprawling. They are everywhere, lingering and loitering in groups. Laughing and smiling, weaving up and down the street, screaming, crying. I’m overwhelmed by the assault on my senses, but I keep my head down and avert my eyes from the huge alphas who study me with too much intensity.
I glance up at all the signs hanging off buildings. One has a neon light dancing pony. Another has a cowboy who lifts hisstrobing yellow hat. I glance down the street, my chest tight, and spot a place with a tasteful wooden sign.
“Dynasty?” I whisper the word, and it feels right.
As soon as I see it, I know it’s going to be my hunting ground. I get in line and strip out of my jacket, folding it over my arm and trying to look confident.
The dress I’m wearing is tight enough that it leaves almost nothing to the imagination. I look amazing in it, and the pale pink colour makes me look innocent and slightly helpless. I spent a good chunk of my money on this dress two weeks ago. It’s strapless and has a floating three inch fringe at the bottom that finishes high up my thighs. I look the best I ever have. My upcoming heat has made my skin glow and my eyes sparkle. Everything about me has become bait for an alpha.
The guy at the door lets me in, after running his gaze up and down my body in appreciation. I have to resist the urge to roll my eyes hard. He’s not my type, being clearly at least five years younger.
I pass through the doorway and am immediately assaulted by the sounds of Dynasty. People do what people do. The sound of a deep thrumming base that makes my spine tingle can be heard from any part of the bar. The scent of something woodsy and sweet hits me, and I realise it smells clean in here.
I wander in and go straight to the long wooden bar so I can orientate myself. My stomach flutters with nerves. I want to run, go back to a park where I’m safe. But I won’t be safe there for long.
The bartender is down the other end and busy, so I take the time to fold up my coat and put it in my backpack, then I put the big bulky item down by my feet where it’s not so noticeable.
I finger comb my hair and take a look to the side. There are a few guys, but it’s mostly women. I scowl. Why? They dance in groups on the dancefloor, but mostly, they just chat and shuffleon the spot, while men weave in between them, pausing to stare hungrily before moving on.
An alpha comes up and lands against the bar beside me, bringing a cloud of boozy air. He turns to me and smiles widely. He stinks, and he’s got something strange going on with his hairline.
“Ey arlin’.”
I translate the slurred words and give him a disgusted nod. He’s so drunk he’s not even able to form words, and he thinks this will win him an omega? I make a disgusted sound in my throat.
Nope, I am not even. I discreetly turn my body away from him and watch the bartender come towards us. He’s attractive, with tanned skin. His white shirt is rolled up at the arms, showing off veiny forearms, and that material stretches tight across his chest and shoulders.
His hair is a thick, deep brown that I want to run my fingers through. He smiles at a customer who calls to him and holds up one finger. The woman flirts outrageously, but he just winks and keeps moving my way. His eyes finally land on me, and I stiffen, shocked awareness flooding my body. He’s got pale grey eyes with a dark ring around them. The way he looks at me makes me feel like he’s stripped me back. He can see everything I’m hiding. I feel vulnerable and silly dressed up, sitting here at this bar.
“Hey, sweetheart, what can I get you?” Impersonal and polite. I flinch.
I open my mouth, but words fail me. That’s never happened before. Try as I might, I cannot get a single word to leave my mouth, and the longer I struggle, the hotter my face gets.
I exhale as the drunk man beside me cracks up. Mr Bartender Hottie cuts a stern glare at the drunk. But once I’m freed from his gaze, I’m able to gather my thoughts.
“Passion fruit martini.”
He glances back, clear amusement on his face. Two gloriously ill-fated dimples appear, and I let myself fall into this mindless fantasy that he is the alpha of my very dreams. The alpha who will fall in love with me and save me from everything. He’s going to lean across the bar and tell me I’m the one he’s spent his whole life waiting for.
