Page 1 of Claiming Their Omega

Chapter 1

Grace

Rolling hills and plains, sandwiched by craggy mountains, rush by the car window as I gaze out from the passenger side.

It’s so odd, being back.

The small town of Sagebrush, Colorado isn’t that far from Denver, but it might as well be in another world, it’s so far from the flashing lights and hubbub of the city. I can’t decide if I’m soothed or anxious as I watch the picturesque scenery pass by.

“Small towns, big skies, huh?” William notes, adjusting his grip on the wheel.

Even though it’s my hometown we’re visiting on this road trip, William always likes to drive. I don’t usually mind, since I understand that it’s an Alpha thing. I’m just unusually antsy today.

“Yeah.”

“You sound wistful.”

“Not wistful, just… you know.”

William puts his hand on my knee and squeezes. “I’m excited to meet them, babe. And hey, not to brag, but you bagged a pretty good Alpha. I’m sure they’ll like me.”

I put on a smile and nod. William is an Alpha, and he is very successful, a real up and comer at his company. I remember when I met him at an event the publisher I work at put on, and how he lit up the room. So charismatic, so charming. It was obvious even to a Beta like me that all the women in the room wanted him.

Since I’m a Beta, though, I was sure an Alpha like him could never want me. Yet here we are, traveling all the way from New York City to my little hometown in Colorado to meet my family.

William glances at me. “Uh, this is the part where you agree.”

I laugh, nodding quickly. “Right, right! Of course they’ll like you. It’s just a little strange being back here. That’s all.”

“I get it. I don’t know why anyone would want to spend their whole lives here. It’s gorgeous, don’t get me wrong, but what about when you want takeout? What about the art and culture?”

I nod, although my gaze slips back to the sweeping scenery outside. “It’s nothing like New York City.” My phone beeps with directions to the hotel, and I glance down, then add, “We’re almost there.”

“Great, I really need to stretch my legs.” William grins. “I hope your folks won’t mind us staying somewhere else instead of at their house.”

“They won’t mind. And if they do, I’ll remind them it’s my idea.”

I thought the privacy and space would be important since this is the first time everyone’s meeting. I don’t think it’ll go poorly. I hope it won’t go poorly. But if it does I think it’s just better if we have an… escape route.

I wince internally. I sound like I’m planning a military operation, not introducing my boyfriend to my parents. Even if we have only been dating a few months, it’s the most serious relationship I’ve ever had.

I just want it all to go well.

“This is cute,” William notes when we pull into town.

“Everything looks the same.”

“When was the last time you were here?”

“Five years ago.”

William gives a low whistle.

“Flights are expensive.” Especially once I got to New York. In fact William tried to pay for this flight for that very reason, but I insisted on paying him back for my ticket. I may be a Beta, and William may be an Alpha, but I’m still going to retain my independence.

“Wow, this place actually looks pretty decent.” William sounds a bit surprised as he pulls into our hotel parking lot. “We should go out and get something to eat. I want to see the town, to take it all in.”

“There’s not much to take in.”

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