Page 3 of My Omega's Dream

I stare down at the paper for a long moment, unable to pinpoint exactly what I’m feeling. On the one hand, I could really use some time away. But the bigger part of me worries about the pack and what will happen if I’m away. What if someone gets hurt? What if someone needs me?

“I can see you overthinking this,” Ellie says, kicking my hip. “Accept this. You won’t be too far so if a disaster happens, you’re just a phone call away. But nothing will happen and we’re more than capable of going to a human hospital for one week.”

“But what if--”

Ellie cuts me off. “But what if this is the exact relaxation you need? What if you meet the man of your dreams? What if you’re able to pet a reindeer?”

“A reindeer?”

Ellie shrugs. “Could be kinda cool, I don’t know.”

A war of emotions plays inside of me until finally, tentative excitement wins out. “Fine,” I finally say.

“Fine? You’re in? Or fine, you’re going to marry me and make me the happiest woman in the world?”

I shove Ellie off the counter and onto the floor as I explain I accept the gift. Now I just have to prepare the pack for my vacation. That shouldn’t be too difficult, right?

Chapter two

Frost

Ihit the gas, frowning when my car seems to sputter and jitter on its way up this hill. Fuck. Do I really need to change the spark plugs? I noticed they were starting to look corroded around the edges but I was hoping to at least make it a little further before they decided to take a shit like this.

“For fuck’s sake,” I say through gritted teeth, my jaw starting to ache with how tightly I’ve got my teeth locked. I lay off the gas before pressing down again, my car answering the same way with jittery movement forward.

Okay, this is fine. Totally fine. I can figure something out. I always do.

A sign catches my eye. There’s some sort of lodge resort place up ahead. I was planning on camping out in the woods for a few days but with the incoming snow, an actual roof and bed would be amazing.

Not that I have the money for that right now. My next deposit from my parents isn’t going to hit my account until thebeginning of next month. I’ll have to bargain my way into getting a room. Gods, I really hope whoever owns this place isn’t some sort of corporate asshole.

I pull my shitty car into the parking lot. Looking around, I see there’s one large building that must be the main hall. Then there are a handful of personal cabins scattered around the area with their own porch and driveway, decorated with sparkling Christmas lights. It’s a really cute set up.

Despite having black hair, bangs that cover my forehead, kohl lined eyes, a neck tattoo and snakebite piercings, I love cute things. Give me adorable cottagecore vibes and I’ll be nothing but smiles. Just because I like dressing like this, doesn’t mean I’m all emo music and doom and gloom.

Emo is a state of mind. Or something.

I get out of my car and make my way into the main building, hoping to every god out there that whoever is working is kind. As much as I love my nomadic life, I could really use a break. I’ve been on the road for as long as I’ve been an adult. I love being untied and free, but living like this takes a toll on me.

“Morning!”

I put on my best smile as the man behind the counter greets me. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think Santa was here early. The man has a white beard, rosy cheeks, and a round belly. He’s even wearing a red hat on his head.

“Hello,” I say, stepping over to the counter. “I couldn’t help but notice how cute this place is. Are you the owner?”

“Aye, that I am. Me and my husband.”

“That’s amazing!” I knock my knuckles against the counter. “I have a bit of an unorthodox proposition for you. I’m a handyman. I can fix just about anything and if I don’t know how, I’ll teach myself how to get the work done. I don’t have money for a cabin, but I could trade a room for work, if that’s something you’d be interested in?”

The man’s eyes turn stern as he stares at me and it almost feels like he’s looking right into my soul. Maybe he really is Santa, weighing if I should be on the nice or naughty list. I swallow around the lump in my throat. He opens his mouth to answer but someone steps through the door behind the desk labeled ‘Employees Only’. He’s tall and thin with a spring in his step. He grins from ear to ear as he wraps an arm around the other man’s waist.

“Oh, come on,” he says with a giggle. “Let’s give him a shot!”

Modern day Santa finally lets out a sigh. “Fine.” He holds out his hand and I shake it firmly. “I’m Theo and this is my husband, Elias.”

“It’s nice to meet you both. You can call me Frost.”

“What sorta stuff do you know how to fix?”

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