Page 1 of A Knotty Road Trip

CHAPTER ONE

BELLE

Looking out of the car window, I groan. I am not liking this weather at all. Even leaving the Academy five hours early, so that I could get to the airport and through security with loads of time to spare, I fear I am going to miss my flight.

The Uber driver sings along to some Christmas music, as I continue to stare at the huge traffic jam we have found ourselves stuck in.

So many cars just parked on the highway. “I don't have time for this,” I whisper aloud.

“What was that, hon?” the driver says, turning the radio down and shifting to look at me with a smile.

“Sorry, I didn't mean to complain, Dotty, it's just I can't miss my flight. My father ordered me home, and you don't want to anger him if you know what I mean.”

Dotty frowns, then nods and turns back around. She begins to hum while pulling out her phone.

There is an adorable photo of her with two little kids that look just like her. “They are so cute,” I comment, and she laughs.

“Annie and Dennis, my six-year-old twins. They are a handful at the best of times, but in the quiet moments, once they settle, they are my angels.”

“They are lucky to have you. My mother has always seen me as a smudge on her polished designer shoes. I was her meal ticket. A way to lock my father down.” I sigh, then rub my eyes.

“I'm sorry, I don't mean to unload on you. I'm nervous about this trip, and I tend to babble, with little filter when I'm anxious.”

“Talk away, hon, I don't mind. It's not like we are going to be moving for a bit anyway. Better yet, why don't you move to the front.”

Dotty lifts her purse from the passenger seat and places it beside me, then pats the empty chair.

I laugh,unbuckle my seatbelt, then open my door, shivering as the New York winter storm smacks me in the face with a blast of wind.

Quickly, I jump out and move to the front. The car beside us honks, and when I glance back at the driver, he has his hands lifted in a ‘what are you doing’ gesture.

I give him a wave, then climb back into the warm car and shut the door.

“Ugh, alpha cab drivers are the worst,” Dotty mutters, glancing at the man who is now shaking his head.

I roll my eyes, rebuckling my seatbelt as Dotty does something on her phone.

When she finishes she gives me a big smile and laughs. “So much better than the back. Now I can see you and not strain my neck. So tell me about yourself, dear.”

Laughing, I dig into my purse for some gum, then offer her a piece. “Well, I'm Belle, twenty-years-old, an omega, though I’mnot looking to be packed up quite yet. I attend Knottingshire Academy. I am hoping to graduate with a degree in literature. I love books.”

Dotty smiles, grabs her phone and scrolls for a moment before showing me her extensive Kindle library.

“A girl after my own heart,” she says, then points to her current book. “This one is my absolute favorite, if you need something to read on the flight.”

I open my Kindle and download a few of her suggestions. “I read a lot, so I'm always looking for more.”

My phone rings and I groan. “It's my father, but I do not want to listen to him scream at me right now. I promise I'm not a rude person,” I grumble, declining his call.

“Yeah, I don't blame you, honey. I've been in some shitty relationships and my father wasn't the best either. So tell me more about this trip.”

“I'd planned to stay at the Academy. There is a new group of omegas starting next week and my friend Stetson asked me to help him get the dorms ready. He's a beta and not the most intune with what omegas like.

“But then my father called, ordering me to come home for the holidays. I guess my sister has some big announcement. I'd much rather stay in Connecticut. It's better than being ignored in a house full of people who are supposed to care about you.”

Dotty pats my hand. “Family is who you make them. Blood isn't always thicker, honey.”

“I like the Academy. Even being around a bunch of bitchy omegas, I have found a home. My room has a small space off the main area I use for my nest. It's perfect.”

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