Page 10 of Wild Omegas
Thank god.A change in the conversation, one that I’m happy to entertain as I have developed a severe case of cabin fever that’s only stoked further by feeling cornered by thoughts of Damien. It’s been hard to sleep thinking he could show up here and I can’t even run away because of this damn ankle.
But I can now. I think. I guess tomorrow will be a good test of that. “I’d love to. I want to get out there and do some actual work around the ranch, not stare at paperwork all day.”
Luke beams that warm smile that reminds me of a whisky sunrise. Whisky, just like his scent that I’m now far too aware of as it fills the living room. Each of these alphas have such strongscents that I feel they’re marking me without them actually claiming me. Even when they’re not in the main house with me, their scents linger stronger every day.
Cedar. Campfire smoke. Whisky and leather.
Attractive, almost as much as they are.
I swallow hard. Icannoteven entertain the idea of being with them. In fact, I need them to never entertain it either. I need all of us to ignore the fact that I’m an omega and they are alphas and that my heat will eventually come and?—
My phone rings again. The sound of the vibrating device sends a cold shiver down my spine.
“Sounds like a plan,” Luke says in a tone that tells me he, too, is back to focusing on my phone.
I grab my phone and power it off. “Where’s the nearest phone store? I don’t care which carrier.”
Luke thinks for a second. “Fairwater Falls has one, I’m sure. If not there’s another town about an hour away. Larger. They’ll definitely have a store. I can take you out there first thing tomorrow if you want? They’re not open on Sundays.”
Of course. Nothing around here is open on Sunday. It’s an old-school and very small town, and I kind of love it even though it’ll take a bit of adjusting to. I make a mental note to keep all grocery shopping to a weeknight, which I would never do back in the city. Too many people in too big a rush.
“I’d love that, thank you.” I’ll keep the phone powered down until then. It feels like a safe plan.
Luke raises his eyebrows. “Really?”
I don’t understand why he’s surprised. “Yes, really. Why?”
He grins a little and shakes his head. “Just surprised you’re accepting help.”
My eyes narrow on him. “You sound like Brooks.”
“Well, we are packmates.” Luke starts to head for the door. He must accurately sense this is his cue to leave. “I like this new leaf you’re turning, Josie. Only took a week of us caring for you.”
I want to throw something at him, but instead of a pillow, I send a sickly-sweet smile. “I told you all not to get used to it. I don’t need help or caring for. I’m out here doing my best, same as all of you.”
“Never would assume the contrary.” Luke meets my gaze with a twinkle in his eyes. He’samusedby my stubborn insistence. It makes me more incensed.
I press my tongue against my teeth. “Good.” I hate that I’m more than a little turned on by the way he’s not rankled in the slightest by my behavior. But I suppose a man who works with stubborn horses all day can handle a stubborn wild omega, too.
“Good,” Luke says. “Looking forward to our trip tomorrow.”
I have to admit, so am I. Even if the reason for it isn’t so cheery.
Iamalso grateful that Luke offered to take me. The idea of leaving the ranch alone knowing Damien is blowing up my phone is… terrifying.
I want the alphas gone and disinterested in me in order to protect them. But I might needthemto protect me.
I know I can’t have both.
CHAPTER 6
Luke
Josieand I leave early the next morning. I’ve learned over the past week that Josie is an exceptionally early riser. Learning that she had her own bakery explains that, but I’m still surprised to find her wide awake and jumping into work even earlier than we are. Although I can’t imagine a week of straight paperwork has made her feel great. Getting out now is a good thing.
Luckily, Fairwater Falls has just what she’s looking for. I tag along for the most part, watching as she selects an Android to replace her iPhone, which isn’t too strange. But I do catch the customer service representative asking why she’s swapping phone carriers.
“Have to,” she says quickly with a wave of her hand. “That’s all. I hear your service is better.”
