Page 6 of And Omega Makes Four
He turns his phone toward me and shows me a list of job advertisements. I barely glance at it before looking away again. I don’t want to admit that I’ve never had a job, and I have no money. I knew I was gonna need some eventually, but I was kinda hoping I’d be able to get farther away from my pack before I stopped to figure that out.
“That’s probably a good idea,” I admit with a slight sigh. “So, where’s the first stop?”
Devon’s face lights up, and he begins explaining the job ad for a grocery store. They just want people to stock shelves, collect shopping carts, and stuff like that.
I honestly don’t know if I can even do that, but I’m hoping Devon doesn’t realize just how hopeless I actually am. I hate to admit it, but...he’s kinda hot. Honestly, they all are, but I’ve spent the most time talking to Devon now.
But I’m not here to start a relationship. I don’t need another alpha fucking up my life. I’m independent now. Making my own way through life.
“Watch it!” Devon’s firm hand on my shoulder pulls me back onto the sidewalk as a car rounds the corner a few inches from the curb.
“What is with you and walking into oncoming traffic?” Devon chuckles, but I can see his expression is dire.
“Oh, I was distracted.”
“Look, when you said your pack was isolationist, I didn’t realize you meant completely cut off from modern society.” Devon says it as if it’s a joke, but he’s not far off.
“I know you’re kidding, but that’s not far from the truth.” I sigh and look forward again, embarrassed to admit this to anyone.
“Well, then, I guess we’re just gonna have to make sure you don’t get yourself killed trying to cross the street.” Devon seems surprisingly relaxed about this information. Either I wasn’t being as subtle as I thought or he’s just that chill about everything. I can’t really tell yet.
But I like being around him. There’s something about him that makes me feel at ease. He’s not as imposing as most alphas, but he still exudes a strength that tells me I can rely on him.
Even though I know I shouldn’t.
As much as I want to, I can’t risk telling him the truth about my situation. My pack would be eternally grateful to them for my return. Devon and the others wouldn’t have to wander anymore. They’d be able to put down roots, they’d have security with a strong pack.
That’s what every wolf craves, right?
Home, community, stability…
“Here we are.” Devon stops, nodding to the large glass storefront not far from where we’re standing. “And they’ve got a help wanted sign up. That makes this easier. We can just tell them we saw the sign and would like to apply. I usually say my family is on vacation in the area, and I’m looking for part-time work while we’re here. You could also say that you’re traveling, got stranded, and need to earn some money to get back home. It really doesn’t matter what you tell them as long as it sounds believable.”
“Oh, okay.” I nod, not feeling very confident in my ability to come up with a believable lie on the spot.
“How about this...and you don’t have if you’re not comfortable with it…” He looks at me carefully as if weighing his words. “Let’s just say you’re my boyfriend, and we’re on vacation with my family.”
I bite the inside of my lip, instantly suspicious of his motivations. But he seems sincere, and it saves me from having to say anything that might give me away. I have no idea who I can trust or not in this scary outside world.
At least, no one other than Devon and his family.
5
FRANKIE
Job secured.
As if there was ever any doubt.
I grin in satisfaction as I dry my hands on a towel and look over at the diner owner and her head chef. They’re sitting at the counter, still gushing over the pancake breakfast I just served them.
“We’ll see you bright and early tomorrow morning,” she calls after me as I make my way around the counter and head toward the front door.
“Looking forward to it,” I reply cheerily, nodding my farewell.
I feel light on my feet as the brisk air fills my lungs. The diner doors swing shut behind me, and I cross the parking lot to the spot where Kyle left the car.
More than once over the years, I’ve considered suggesting we stop moving all the time and settle down somewhere. A little town like this wouldn’t be a terrible place to call home. Especially after such a long time on the road.
