Page 92 of Tangled in Knots

“I’m parked out here, so may as well go out this way,” she says. I remember to sign out, noting that I’ll be out most of the night.

My jeans and crop top are covered by my coat, so no one will notice what I’m wearing. I doubt people in college will judge me for my clothes. However, I also have to remind myself that most students here will be averaging between eighteen and twenty-two-years-old in undergrad.

I really hope I don’t have any issues with petty people.

“Are you nervous for next week?” Aisling asks as she unlocks the doors to her SUV.

It’s not currently snowing, but her vehicle is still slightly covered by it. Rolling her eyes, she gestures for me to get in, while she dusts off the snow. Getting in next to me, she waits for my answer as she pushes the button to start the engine.

“I was just thinking about the ages of undergrad,” I admit. “People can sometimes be jerks when they latch onto someone who may be down on their luck. While I haven’t had a lot of experience with it, I know it happens.”

“It does,” Aisling says with a nod as she makes sure that the heater is on. Putting the SUV into reverse, she pulls out of the lot at the back of the shelter. “I’ve also realized that a lot of grown omegas are the same way. Immature little shits who believe that the world owes them something when it doesn’t. A few well timed words usually put them in their place.”

“I hope so,” I sigh.

“Everyone is there to get an education, or should be. There is something I need to talk to you about, though. I’ve been getting a few calls lately, asking about you,” she says, effectively changing the conversation.

“From who?” I ask, wide eyed. “I don’t know very many people.”

“Callum and Duncan Kelly,” she says. “I believe you know them.”

I told Aisling and Wren about them when we first talked and nod. “I do,” I murmur. “I didn’t think they knew where I was, though.”

“They don’t, not really. For some reason, I’m the beacon of information for omegas who may be lost, and sometimes get calls like this,” Aisling says as she shrugs. “I told Duncan after he called me for the third time that if I ever ran into you, I’d let you know your friends were looking for you.”

“Friends,” I say dully. “I wasn’t at their house for long. Isn’t that odd?”

“I think the Kelly brothers feel very protective,” she says carefully. “Did they tell you about their story?”

“Yes,” I say. “It’s incredibly sad. They said it’s why they agreed to help Pack Dresmond. They just didn’t know what it would fully entail.”

“I don’t think anyone could have anticipated what happened except for Pack Dresmond,” she mutters. “Do you want to talk to Duncan and Callum?”

“I don’t know. Is there any reason why I shouldn’t?” I ask, unsure. I’ve been isolating myself because I felt it’s what I should be doing, but the Kelly brothers helped me the best they could.

“None whatsoever,” Aisling says. “Sometimes, support comes from the oddest places. Wren’s pack has adopted me. My pack had a really hard time with that, but it’s completely platonic. Once they realized that, they figured out how to chill out.”

“Okay,” I murmur. “Then, yes. I think I’d like that.”

“Here’s the number Duncan gave me,” she says, handing me her phone, so I can put the number into mine.

Deciding text is the best option since I won’t be able to talk for long, I message him.

Me:

Hey, Aisling told me you were looking for me.

I make sure to mention Aisling because I don’t want Duncan to think I’m another omega that he’s been looking for. He doesn’t need that kind of letdown. I’m just me. Immediately, a message is sent back, surprising me.

I didn’t think he’d respond so quickly.

Duncan:

You’re a hard omega to find, Short Stuff.

“Ugh, I really don’t like his nickname for me,” I mutter. “I can’t change my height.”

“They’re ginormous next to you,” Aisling reminds me. “My father does business with them, and from time to time, I rub elbows with the brothers. They’ve always seemed nice enough.”

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