Page 34 of A Knotty Road Trip

Grabbing my phone, I answer.

“Did you handle the car?”he asks, and I sigh.

“Yes, I am on the way now. Just stopped for the bathroom.”

“How did you find a car? I didn’t receive any alert on my credit card?”

“I caught a ride with some people who also needed to get to LA.” I cringe waiting for his inevitable tantrum.

“You mean you are whoring yourself out to those alphas. Aren’t you? Belle I swear to… You know what, we will discuss this after you’re home. Four days, Belle, and not a second more.”

He ends the call and I groan. I don’t know how long the guys think this drive will take, but maybe I could offer to drive, so Ken gets a break.

Leaving the bathroom, Angel points. “So what was that about? Sounded heated.”

“Oh, you heard that? It’s just my father. Did you need the bathroom?” He nods, then walks inside. I decide to wait for him. It was nice of him to watch the door for me. I have a feeling if I were to wander right now, he may become upset… Well more than he already is with me right now that is.

It doesn’t take him long and soon we have a cart filled with blankets, pillows, snacks, and Ken’s energy drinks. I also take a few minutes to browse the books and lingerie section. I need some more scent-blocking panties.

Angel looks around at the Christmas section, and I laugh when he pulls out matching Santa boxers, and places them in the cart. I notice he also grabbed a PJ set, and I wonder if it's for me.

As we walk past the baby section he stops and runs his fingers over an elf onesie. He has a look in his eye as if he wants to buy it, but keeps moving.

“So, tell me, what is your favorite holiday memory?” I ask, and he gives me a smile, then laughs.

“Before my parents died, my mom would turn our whole house into a Christmas Village. She loved the holidays, but Christmas was her favorite. The whole kitchen would look like a giant gingerbread house.

“The living room would be turned into Santa’s workshop, including a golden throne for my father to sit on. In a costume of course. He loved her to the point of madness and went along with anything that would make her happy.

“They were scent matches…” He trails off and looks over my head. His eyes becoming glassy. Clearing his throat, he continues. “We had a tree in every room, decorated in a different theme. Mine always had some form of musical instrument ornaments, and my room would be turned into a caroler’s dream…”

“That sounds so cool. Your parents sound amazing. I’m sorry they are gone now… May I ask what happened. You don't have to tell me.”

I shake my head and laugh. “It’s fine, Belle. It happened a long time ago. My mother was in a car accident, and my father didn’t live long after. He drank himself to death, but I say he died of a broken heart.”

My eyes fill, and I can’t help it. I sniffle. That’s one of the saddest and sweetest things I have ever heard.

I can’t imagine someone loving me so much they couldn’t keep living without me.

“I didn't mean to make you cry,” Angel says, moving so he can wipe my cheek. I smile and take his hand placing it there. I love when he touches my face.

Staring into his blue eyes, I can see how amazing, and kind he is. I saw glimpses last night, but now. Ugh, why can’t he be mine?

I give him a shaky smile, then release his hand and step back. He clears his throat and runs his hand through his messy hair.

“So what about you? What was your favorite memory?”

I take a deep breath, trying to calm my heart and vagina. Damn hussy is slicking so much. I swear I will always have messy panties around these alphas.

“Oh, well mine isn’t that great I’m afraid. I had a nanny once wake me up in the middle of the night. She had a new dress and shoes for me. After getting dressed, she curled my hair and even let me put on some lip gloss. We snuck out and went to see The Nutcracker live. The lights, music, performers… It made me want to write something magical.”

“Where were your parents?” he asks, and I sigh, giving him a sad smile.

“They had taken my sister to Hawaii for the holidays. When I was little I believed their lies of only having enough moneyfor three tickets. I tried to be understanding, but when I turned sixteen, and they left on a trip without me, ignoring my special day, it hit me. I’ve always been an outsider in my family.”

“I’m sorry, Belle, you don’t deserve that.” Moving closer he pulls me into a hug, and I melt against his chest. I’m going to miss him when we get to LA.

“It’s life, Angel. I’m an omega. Someone to be used and tossed aside. I’ve been told for many years now how insignificant I am. I’m used to it, but being here with you and the other guys, I think it might become a new favorite memory.”

---