Days warped so quickly into the following week that I barely noticed it.
"Nice doing business with you," the man next to me uttered with a broadened smile, handing out a shake that I took with an exasperated motion.
I blocked the sun with one hand as I gazed down at the tall building sitting by downtown, where the wind carried the scent of salt and the howling breeze hit hard even in the middle of the afternoon.
One step at a time, I ventured inside, walking up the stairs that led straight to the elevator.
For heaven’s sake, I hated elevators.
But what other choice did I have?
At terminal velocity, a clink opened the doors, revealing the hallway where I’d find my room. With the card stuffed into my palm, I read the number as though I had no recollection of the last time I came here to bargain for the deal.
Standing in front of the door, an exhausted sigh slipped out before I entered the new space. It was a simple self contained room.
There was not much decor I could work with, other than the wardrobe filled with my clothes, an obsession of mine. The bed sat partnered with bedside tables on either side. Across from the headboard, the window looked out to a busy street where horns blared and frustrated people passed by in endless motion. Except for the sunbeams illuminating the room with a pleasant radiance, nothing else stood out.
Plain bed. Plain mirror to the right side of the bed. And finally, opposite the wardrobe to the east, the bathroom and bedroom linked together.
Something an Omega like myself could only manage on a budget.
As ordinary as it seemed, my bank account was bleeding crimson from the expenses. I settled onto the bed, crossing my legs as I slid my bag off my shoulder and adjusted against the pillow situated beside me.
Minutes soon passed, and I surfed endlessly on my phone.
It had been a week since I last saw Kai. It had been a week since I last spoke with Leo. It had been a week since I packed my things and left.
Leo did not call me back, and Kai had no idea I would be leaving the following morning. I never told him, as I knew he would not approve of it, but this was a journey necessary for me. A worthy consequence after the betrayal I solely caused, and in truth, a temptation I lured Kai into.
My fingers tapped on Leo’s social page, and before I knew it, I was stalking. I scrolled through endless posts until something caught my attention. Millions of reshares and reposts.
"On the night of the next eclipse...?" Saliva bobbed down my throat.
Leo and Kai would be marked and mated as the official Alpha and Luna of SilverFang Pack in about two months from now.
That’s too quick, a voice whispered in my head.
Heat filled my pores, and not in the familiar, pleasant way. Instead, my palms turned slick against the pouch of my phone. The room suddenly felt much smaller than it already appeared. Catching my reflection in the mirror, my usual brown eyes had dulled into grey, a deep crease latched onto my forehead while my lips curved like someone who had tasted a lemon.
The sourest of them all.
I slid my phone into my pocket and headed out.
Time moved impressively fast when you were bothered and distracted. My mind had, for the thousandth time, drifted into distant places, only settling back into the present when the sun started to set.
I stopped by a sweet shop to get some candy and a milkshake before continuing, this time on my way back home. Due to the ocean not far away, mist had already begun thickening through the air, carrying something eerie along with it.
The door was left slightly open, forcing me to an abrupt stop. I swear, I should have called 911, but something urged me to check inside first.
I’d cry my eyes out if my clothes were stolen. I was nowhere near rich enough to buy them back. I’d probably end up walking down the street in my peach customized crop top and rabbit ear shorts.
But instead, a grumble came from the kitchen. Balling my fist, I headed toward the sound. Whatever I planned to do, I’d likely end up getting my ass whipped.
As I approached, I froze.
"The fuck, Nathan?"
He snapped his gaze toward me, mumbling through a mouthful. "You know this chocolate cake is my weakness. Couldn’t resist."
I groaned. Great. Now I could only pray the earlier milkshake lasted me for two days, considering I had no money.
"I was supposed to eat that tomorrow!" I yelled at the top of my lungs, forgetting the reality that Nathan was actually here. Hunger could be a harsh bitch, really.
"I didn’t know..."
"Because your dumbass didn’t tell you you’re not supposed to eat from people’s fridge." I took a sharp inhale. "Idiot."
Silence fell afterward.
"Ouch." He tilted his head.
"What the fuck are you even doing here? Last I checked, Alpha Kai whipped your ass off the ground." I emphasized every word. "Get out. Now."
Nathan wiped his mouth, something serious creeping onto his face.
"I have something for you, and yes, you may try to call Kai, but I know you won’t."
I took one daring step forward.
"Give me one reason why I wouldn’t do that right no?" My palm pressed firmer against my phone.
"Because more than anyone, I know the truth. You won’t call him."
His eyes narrowed, and something told me he was far too confident in himself.