Page 18 of Chosen Beta

They’re all coming at me directly.

“Just let me know if it gets too intense,” I tell Erika, feeling a little bad at giving her such a crappy start for her first real job. I do need the help, but it’s going to suck until the donors give up their tirades.

“I’m sure it’ll be fine,” she responds as she wipes the angry call from the answering machine.

“Then I’ll leave you to it. I’ll be in my office if you need me.”

“Sure thing, boss.” She’s smiling as I leave, clearly excited.

One problem down.

I have help, and my security staff problems might be solved soon, too.

I think Erika’s enthusiasm might have rubbed off on me a little.

It’s starting to feel like this might actually be a good day.

Chapter Five

Owen

The moment I’m conscious, the second before my eyes even open, I already know the day is going to be a shitshow. I can tell I’m alone in the bed, and I start to remember little things about my Omega’s behaviour last night that should have made it obvious he was ready to pull another Houdini.

To start with, he was complaining about missing our lead Alpha.

He always gets more vocal about Ezra always being gone before he acts out.

I should have noticed that.

And I definitely should have realized what he was up to once he made it his personal mission to wear me out. Unfortunately, the need to please him was all that was on my mind last night.

I get up and step out into the landing.

No one else is home.

I can practically feel the emptiness around me.

“He’d better be with Pete,” I mutter to myself as I head for the shower.

The only thing riskier than wandering around in public as an Omega who isn’t on suppressants, is walking around in public smelling like you’ve been bathed in an Omega’s perfume.

One little sniff can affect unattached Alphas in unpredictable ways.

I’d rather not take any chances while I’m hunting Shadow down.

After a hot wash with a lot of neutralising soap, I’m ready to locate my missing mates.

I don’t expect much when I pick my phone up and take it off the charger.

I’m not disappointed.

There’s no text message telling me they’ve just gone to the store.

I send them one, asking where they are.

Then, I get dressed and slip the phone into the back pocket of my jeans.

I do a cursory walk-through of the house, starting upstairs.

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