Page 1 of OutFoxed

Chapter One

Ula smiled as Harman, the mostly teen volunteer, helped her clean up the day camp for kids.

“Miss Ula, you are really pretty.”

She glanced at Harman and chuckled. “Thank you.”

“Why don’t you have a mate?”

She shrugged. “I guess I have never found the right guy.”

“But... aren’t you an omega? You smell like one.” He frowned; his dark hair and pale blue eyes made him look like a serious husky. He was nearly a man, but his expression was that of an earnest boy.

“There was an accident a few years ago, and the part of me that most alphas are interested in was very badly burned. So, that means I am an omega without alphas. I can’t stand any form of contact.”

He scowled furiously. “What happened?”

“I met a man, he sent me to a salon, the ladies there were jealous, and they scalded me with wax. I sued and got back the money for the lost wages, but they couldn’t fix me or guess at how much it would take to remove the scars. So, I got three weeks’ worth of pay and then was back to work.” She smiled. “Good enough explanation?”

“I really want to punch that guy in the face.” The expression on the seventeen-year-old’s face was murderous.

“Me too, but I didn’t know who he was, and his identity was guarded during the court case. I guess the salon was under pressure to keep their mouths shut.” She shrugged and went to wash the last of the glitter off her hands.

“I have a few single uncles, and they might be willing to help. Some of the aunties, too. They own some salons.”

“Aw, Harmon. Thank you, but the damage is done. At least I get... wait... you know about nullifiers and suppressors?”

He nodded. “I know they are bad and hard on your body. How long can you keep using them?”

“Best guess, another five years, but at least I get the prescription ones from the Omega Centre when I need it.” She rubbed her forehead with wet fingers. “Why am I telling you this stuff?”

Harmon chuckled. “I compel the truth. My family has weird alphas, and I came into the power a few weeks ago. I applaud you though. You are keeping everything age appropriate.” He frowned. “I have an uncle who could probably heal you, but he’s very firmly mated, and I don’t want to make things weird. I can ask him if he knows anyone.”

“Please don’t. Some things need to stay broken.”

He shook his head. “Not an omega. Never an omega.”

“I had only been an omega for a few months when it happened. I am not missing anything.” She smiled and changed the subject. “Thanks for helping. I think your ride is here.”

“Ah, that is Uncle Delun’s car.” Harmon smiled. “I will ask him.”

“Do. Not. Ask. Him. The situation is extremely embarrassing, and despite things being a little bottled up and eager to come out, I am content with how things are. No offense, but men are a lot of trouble. You are going to hear that over the years. You will make an adorable alpha though. Do you shift?”

He blinked. “You know about that?”

She snickered as she walked him to the front doors of the community centre. “I do. Your eyes say husky, but I have no idea what you would be.”

He smiled. “I haven’t shifted yet. But I give you points for knowing it could happen.”

Ula chuckled. “Thanks for coming today. You are a great help with the littles. You will be back next week?”

“Of course. The day camp is a lot of fun, and I get to see my cousins.”

“Have a good weekend, Harmon.”

“You, too, Miss Ula.”

She held the door open for him and waited until he was in the car with the driver closing the door securely. She couldn’t see through the tinted glass but knew Harmon was waving.