Page 4 of Marked By Love

Royce ignored Matt’s story. Every omega and most of the betas in town had been distraught at the sudden loss of their beloved veterinarian.

“I knew the clinic manager had hired someone, but I didn’t know when they were arriving. The news must have gotten lost in the recent town excitement,” Amelia said. “When does the doctor start work? I’ll have to let Hershal know when I get home.”

“Dr. Abbott starts first thing tomorrow morning,” Argus said. “I reckon he’s getting himself settled at the omega house right now.”

Royce frowned. Was that who he’d seen in the parking lot? Why would the new vet be acting that suspicious?

“The new doctor is an omega?” Nick perked up.

Matt whistled. “We’ve had an influx of those recently, maybe we should get ourselves cleaned up and go see if the house needs any repairs. Sniff around while we’re there.”

Their laughter was cut short by Argus slamming his fist onto the desk.

“You will do no such thing,” he growled. “That omega house exists as a sanctuary, and you will do well to respect that. Otherwise, you can find yourselves somewhere else to live.”

The young alphas mumbled apologies.

“After pulling overtime this last week, your team has today and the next two days off work.” Argus was impatient now. “When you report back to work, you’ll have a list of upkeep duties. Get out of here. And, boys, if I so much as hear rumor of either of you lurking around the omega house, so help me—”

“You won’t!” they said in unison before running from the office.

Royce was glued to his chair. Amelia lingered in the doorway waiting for him. His nostrils flared again.

There was something else there, a second scent beneath the mint. He took a deep huff. No, it wasn’t separate. They were the same, entwining around one another to create something else … but what the hell was it?

He sniffed again. It was muted, but it was there. One more big sniff and—

“Royce,” Argus said. “Are you well?”

He nodded.

“Then get out of my office. And remember, the rules regarding the omega house go for all alphas.”

Royce followed his group to the parking lot. Nick and Matt were already making plans for their time off while Amelia texted rapidly on her cell. She absently addressed them.

“Hershal’s working, so I’m just gonna walk to the bakery.”

“Oh, can we come?” Nick asked.

“I could go for a pastry,” Matt said. “And I’m sure my family would appreciate it if I brought a box home.”

“Sure thing, you two need constant supervision anyway.” Amelia waved them to her side as she ambled down the sidewalk. “See you in a few days, Royce.”

Taking in the clean mountain air, he was acutely aware of the absence of mint. His wolf growled.

“Find him.”

Chapter three

Theodore

The omega house was easy to find. Not only did Theodore know the address, but it was the largest building in town that wasn’t government. Four stories tall, painted a bright white with pastel-pink shutters and doors with a large metal Ω above the French front doors. The front flower garden was immaculate for the late autumn season, and Theodore saw a vegetable patch around back as he drove up.

Once on the front porch, he hit the buzzer. A few moments later, the door opened to reveal the beefiest omega Theodore had ever seen. She was almost six feet tall, unheard of for any omega, and covered in thick muscles and tattoos.

“Name’s Michelle. I run Elk Cove’s omega house. Can I help you?” she introduced herself.

“Hi, um, I’m the new veterinarian, James Abbott,” Theodore introduced his pseudonym. “I was hoping to move in here.”