Page 10 of And Omega Makes Four
For now.
The morning comes too soon. I'm groggy and disoriented as I wake up, and it takes a moment to remember where I am and who I’m with. Unfortunately, I'm alone in the tent, but I can hear the alphas moving around outside.
The low crackle of the fire and their hushed whispers as they try not to wake me. It's all so surreal.
I stretch and yawn, then reluctantly crawl out of the tent. The sun is just beginning to rise, and the air is cool and crisp. The smell of bacon and coffee fills my nose, and my stomach growls in response.
"Morning." Frankie greets me with a smile. "Sleep well?"
"Yeah, actually." I can feel my cheeks warming up, remembering just how nice it felt to be in Kyle’s protective embrace. "I didn't expect to pass out so hard."
"You were pretty restless last night." Devon pours a cup of coffee and then hands it to me. "I was worried you might not be able to sleep at all."
"Me too." I chuckle lightly and glance at Kyle, but he's focused on shifting the coals in the firepit. Does he remember anything from last night or was he really asleep the whole time?
"Well, I hope you're hungry." Frankie begins serving up plates of food. "I've got plenty for everyone."
"Thank you." I accept a plate and sit down on one of the logs around the fire. "This looks amazing."
"It's nothing special." Frankie shrugs as he flashes a small smile. "Just some eggs, bacon, and toast, but I hope you like it."
I take a bite of the eggs and nearly moan in pleasure. They're perfectly cooked, fluffy and creamy, with just a hint of saltiness from the bacon. It's delicious. "So, what's the plan for today?"
"Well, I've got my first day of work at the diner," Frankie says. "And Kyle's got a few jobs lined up. So, I guess it's just a matter of seeing what Devon and you are up to."
"I'm not sure yet." Devon chews a big bite and then swallows it dramatically. "I've got a few leads I want to follow up on, but I'm not sure how far I'll get."
"I'm happy to do whatever needs to be done." I hope that doesn’t sound desperate or pathetic. Even though I’m both. "I don't know what I can do around here, but I'm willing to learn anything. Everything."
"That's the spirit." Frankie salutes me with his toast. "I'm sure we can find something for you to do."
The rest of the meal passes quickly with small talk about the weather and a den of foxes that has been circling the trash can. It's been a long time since I've felt so relaxed and at ease with anyone, much less a group of strangers.
It’s almost enough to make me forget the reason I'm here in the first place.
Almost.
But I can't afford to relax completely. If I don't move on soon, I'm gonna get caught. And anyone with me when that happens will be in a world of trouble.
I can't let that happen.
I won't let that happen.
Once I do leave, I’ll have to keep my distance from these three. I won’t let myself get attached to them. Which means...shit. I know what I need to do.
I ride with them back into town, and we drop Frankie off at the diner. Then, Kyle drops me and Devon near the main street where we applied for jobs yesterday.
"Should we split up?" I look at the long line of boutiques and shops with a wary eye. "We can each take one side of the street and grab applications for both of us?"
"Sounds good." Devon follows my gaze and agrees. "Meet back here in an hour?"
"Yeah, sure."
Devon heads off to the end of the street, and I make my way toward the first shop. I hesitate before entering, glancing over my shoulder to make sure he isn’t looking back at me. Then, I turn and walk quickly in the opposite direction.
I'm not gonna try to get a job because I'm not gonna stick around. I can't.
I'm sorry, Devon. I'm sorry, Frankie. I'm sorry, Kyle.
