Page 2 of And Omega Makes Four
Frankie chuckles. “Mmm, I’d give it two days tops. Though, the last time we stopped anywhere, you hooked up with someone the first night we were in town.”
“I did not.” Kyle snorts with feigned indignation.
“Don’t even try to deny that, bud. That omega, the cashier at the grocery store, asked for your number within two seconds, remember? Frankie and I were at the hotel alone watching Hallmark movies all night waiting for you to come back.”
Kyle falls silent for a moment, and then he chuckles quietly. “Oh...right… I guess it slipped my mind.”
“Ouch.” I laugh and turn to look out the window. “That poor omega.”
“It wasn’t like that,” Kyle says absentmindedly. “It was just a quickie. I told him we were leaving town the next day, and it wasn’t gonna be anything else. He understood.”
“Anyway.” Frankie quickly attempts to divert the subject before things get dicey. He’s always the peacekeeper. “It’s been a while since I’ve worked in a kitchen. Hoping I haven’t lost my touch.”
“You’ll be fine,” I assure him. “Out of the three of us, you’re the only one who actually has any training in any skill.”
“Sure, bu?—”
“HOLD ON!” Kyle yells at us and slams on the brakes.
The seat belt digs into my shoulder as the G-forces slam me forward. The car is sliding, and someone is screaming. I think it might be me.
Confusion.
Then…
Silence.
2
RIVER
I’ve been running all night. My legs are tired. I’m cold because the wet dew has soaked through my shoes, and I can’t feel my toes. When I snuck out of the house, I decided not to use my wolf. I could cover more ground on four legs, but then I would’ve had to leave my backpack behind. And eventually, I’d have to shift back.
Wandering around naked as a human doesn’t usually go over well.
No, this was the right call, even if I am dead on my feet.
I only have a short window of time before they notice I’m gone, so I need to put as much distance between me and them as possible. The chair I used to brace the bedroom door will only hold them back for so long. Once they realize I’m not there, they’ll be out searching for me.
And they will be using their wolves.
Getting to the road and finding someone to hitchhike with is my only chance at escape. It’s a long shot, but it’s all I’ve got. If I don’t…
I shake away thoughts of doubt as I stumble through the underbrush and scramble up the embankment toward the old highway that snakes through the back country. It’s been a long time since I’ve been this far from the compound, but roads don’t change much. The scent of asphalt and engines is both strange and welcome.
I eagerly reach the roadside, desperate to be free of the clinging blackberry vines that have been tearing at me the entire way. I’m muddy, damp, covered in thorns, pine needles, pitch, and who knows what else, but I’ve finally hit the first milestone of my escape plan.
Breathing a sigh of relief, I turn to look at the way I came, taking several steps backward so I can fully appreciate the enormity of the task. I did it. I actually did it. After weeks of planning and preparing and working up the courage, I’ve escaped.
Now, I just need to make sure I don’t get caught.
The sound of an engine draws my attention. I glance casually to my right and freeze at the sight of a car barreling toward me. The driver is screaming something unintelligible, but I can’t hear a word of it.
My heart stops dead in my chest as every neuron in my brain is telling me it’s over. This is where I die. My life is done. There’s nowhere to run, no time to flee.
At least...I’m free.
I close my eyes and wait for the impact.
