Page 6 of The Omega

“You’ve always had a sweet tooth.” Journey’s eyes softened, probably remembering all the candy he used to sneak to me when I was a pup. “I suppose I can’t talk you out of going to town for this phone call.”

“No, sir, you cannot.” I winked. “But I’ll stop just outside the gas station and be quick. And before you offer, please no entire pack commands.”

Alpha Journey opened his mouth and closed it.

He was so easy to read.

“Alright, but I’ll be close by if anything happens,” he grumbled. “And if you want me to keep my Alpha bark to myself, you better put some air in those tires.”

*

Come on. Pick up.

My wolf paced restlessly inside me as I pressed the phone between my ear and shoulder, leaving my hands free to hook up the air pump to the tire’s valve.

The phone rang twice. Three times.

I kept my head down.

There were perks to being short. No one coming or going from the gas station could see me kneeling here. Not that they wouldn’t recognize the truck, but I was hoping to be long gone before it became an issue.

“Hey! What’s up?” Aspen answered on the fifth ring.

My exhale was as strong as the air from the pump. “Oh, you know…” I laughed nervously. “Living the dream.”

“What’s wrong?” Her tone dropped an octave.

Tell her. My wolf whined at hearing the Luna in her voice. Aspen had only held her position for a year, but she was already sounding the part.

“If you don’t tell me, I’m coming to—”

“No, I know,” I interrupted, terrified she’d actually come here. This sucked. Knowing I had to ask for help and hating myself for it. Weak Omega. “A camera team from the show was just here.”

“You are going back this season.” Aspen sighed. “When you weren’t on the premiere, I assumed you’d changed your mind.”

“Mmm, hmm. Mmmmm,” I exaggerated the mumble.

“Oh, okay.” She got the hint. “You had to sign an NDA and can’t tell me all that’s happening. But you’re not there yet if the cameras came to you. That means you’re still going to the show. The Luna Trials have started, so you will be…”

Her voice trailed off as she put the puzzle pieces together while I silently cheered her on.

She was a smart wolf.

I did not like the sound of her gasp. “Oh, no.”

That’s what I said!

“I remember you saying they weren’t going to make you compete again, but does that mean they’re going to send you back after the voting ends?” Aspen asked.

“I need your help,” I whispered as the air hose retracted with a dramatic snap.

“Of course! Anything for you.”

I like her. My wolf practically pranced around.

She would be like that—all belly up and soft at the thought of someone else caring for us. I wished she understood that this was weakness, just like everyone else said. A strong wolf could take care of herself. She shouldn’t need anyone.

Technically, I had protected Aspen, in a roundabout way. She said she owed me one and she did have connections with the security on the show last season. I wouldn’t want her to feel indebted forever. If she could help without inconveniencing herself, it’d be rude of me to take away the opportunity.