Page 2 of A Knotty Road Trip

“Just another thing that makes me thankful for being a beta. I applaud you and your heat cycles. I can't imagine the pain and discomfort you all must experience.”

The car in front of us slowly moves and Dotty cheers. Putting the vehicle in drive, she moves about a foot before pressing the brake again, sighing.

“It’s not so bad. There are toys we can buy and there are a few betas that offer to help us. Most girls just use suppressants. But my father would never allow such substances.”

Dotty scoffs. “Your father doesn't have a say in how you handle your heats, Belle. I know we hardly know each other, but you are a completely capable young woman.”

I raise my hand, pat Dotty on the arm and laugh. “Thank you, Dotty, and you're right we don't know each other well… yet. Don't think I won't be adding you to my social media. We are book besties for life now, you and I.”

Laughing, we gossip and chat for a little longer as she tells me all about her twins. I think I've made a real friend here tonight, and I look forward to a girls night soon after I return from LA.

“Okay, I hate to do this to you, love, but this car ain't moving, sweets. I think you may need to hike it the four blocks to the airport if you don't want to miss your flight,” she says, looking at me worried.

Groaning, I check the time and know she's right.

“I was afraid you were going to say that, but you have a point. Thank you, Dotty. I'll be in touch.”

Grabbing my purse, I open the door, then rush to the trunk for my bags. I'm glad I packed light for this. My closets at home have more than enough, if my sister hasn't raided them yet.

The man beside us is honking at me again, but I don't have time to bow down to another alpha.

Waving at Dotty, I check that the coast is clear, then carefully make my way to the sidewalk.

If I happen to use the alpha's hood for support as my feet are slipping in the slush he will just have to get over it.

I'm chilled to the bone immediately and wish I wore better shoes for this. The wind swirls around me, and my teeth are chattering as the airport comes into view.

There is a huge black limousine parked in the departure lane and is holding up a line of honking cars.

I wonder who's inside. Opening the airport doors, I shudder as the hot air washes over my chilled skin.

My clothes are damp, and I know that I need to change into something dry as soon as I get to my gate.

I do not need to get sick. This holiday break is going to be painful enough being back home. Looking around, I note that the place isn't as busy as I'd expected.

The walls are covered in festive decorations, and I wander closer to the large Christmas tree in the middle.

There is a Santa on a throne and if I had time, maybe I would sit on his lap. He doesn't look like any regular old man in a red suit if you know what I mean.

I give him a wave as I continue toward security. Now that I'm here I can take a few deep breaths. There is still an hour before my flight is supposed to leave, and I checked in a few hours ago on the app, so I don't need to get in that line.

It's not like I had anything better to do besides chat with Dotty. Which is a blessing at this moment. There is a man screaming at the poor worker behind the counter and a few babies crying.

Avoiding them, I make my way along the halls, dodging duffle bags and people not watching where they are going.

Like I get it, I'd rather be scrolling social media too, but not while walking through an airport.

Reaching the escalators that lead to security, I dig into my purse for my wallet and pull up my boarding pass on my phone.

There is a woman yelling at a man in front of me, and I'm trying not to laugh.

“Cynthia, I told you that our flight to the Maldives wouldn't be First Class. These were last minute tickets, dear.”

“I am not flying Coach, David!” she squeals, and I look out the window admiring the storm now that I'm not walking through it.

It's a blizzard outside, but with the lights shining through the snow particles, it's beautiful.

Cynthia continues to whine, and I'm so thankful that I'm not flying to the Maldives. Poor David.

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