Page 18 of Denied By the Alphas

Carmen

The scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the small kitchen as I paced back and forth, nervously nibbling on my lip. My co-workers, Gracie and Kaela, sat at the table, their fingers wrapped around warm mugs as they exchanged concerned glances.

“Listen,” I told them, pausing to look at both of them. I had just informed them that I was quitting for a short while. “If things get too overwhelming with babysitting, don’t hesitate to stop taking clients, okay?”

Kaela shook her head, her curly hair bouncing. “No way. We’ll keep Tiny Paws up and running. Don’t worry about us.”

“Well, I won’t be gone for long,” I said, sighing heavily. “So, how long do you think I should stay away? Until Henry forgets me or... dies?”

Gracie grimaced. “Honestly, Carmen, I’ve heard horror stories from omegas who were temporarily in Henry’s pack. They get treated poorly afterward because they’re seen asused. You either need to find a pack to mark you or…”

“I know,” I groaned, my stomach churning with nervousness. “That’s exactly why I need to leave. Finding a new pack is impossible. I don’t come from a prestigious family with money, and no one wants a rejected omega.”

“Then what’s your plan?” Kaela asked as she poured sugar into her cup. Even though it was ten p.m., they needed coffee for the nighttime shift.

“Logan's going to help me escape,” I admitted.

“Oh wow, isn’t he like your best friend? What if he makes a move on you?”

“He wouldn’t,” I said, laughing, but then worry set in the more I thought about it. “Anyways, call me if anything comes up with the business. Gracie, you'll be in charge for now.”

Gracie’s eyes sparkled with pride, and she nodded. “You got it, Carmen.”

An hour later,after saying our goodbyes, I retreated to my room and started packing.

As I threw clothes into a suitcase, I wondered if leaving was really the right choice. My heart raced, fear and uncertainty gnawing at me. I glanced at the clock—just one hour before Logan would arrive. I hurriedly showered and dressed in a cozy sweater and leggings.

The doorbell rang, and I licked my lips as I opened the door, ready to get the hell out of this compound. I greeted them at the door with my three suitcases all ready to go.

“Hey, Logan,” I said in a quiet voice as if Henry’s henchmen were lurking around my apartment.

“Is this it?” asked Logan as he stepped inside to grab a couple of suitcases while Talon took the third.

“Yes,” I said. “We should move faster. What if they see us?”

“Don’t be worried, Carmen. We’re just going on vacationwith our omega fiancée. Nothing to feel guilty about, right, love?”

My heart flipped at his words.

“Right… my alpha fiancée,” I said, swallowing.

“It’s the only way we’ll get out of here,” he whispered in my ear, his hot breath brushing against my skin. My heart raced at how good he smelled, like sandalwood mixed with citrus.

“Okay then, if it’s the only way,” I replied.

“Excellent,” he said, suddenly producing a ring from his pocket. I smiled at the effort he put into this. He knelt before me, and my heart was pounding. “After many years of friendship and getting to know you, I’ve finally come to my senses. Will you marry me, Carmen?”

“Oh, stop,” I laughed, trying to ease the mood as I extended my hand. “Oh my god, yes, I’ll marry you.”

“Good omega,” he said, his eyes darkening as he stood back up. In that moment, it seemed like he wanted to kiss me, and my stomach somersaulted at the thought of whether he felt the same tension.

“Okay, cool,” I said, licking my dry lips as I turned to lock the front door behind us.

“Let’s do this,” Logan said confidently while Griffin and Talon effortlessly loaded my suitcases into the trunk. My heart swelled with gratitude for this pack that was willing to help me escape, putting their own lives on the line. As I climbed into the back of the shiny black van, it shook from the weight of the alphas joining me.

“Where are we going?” I asked, biting my lip.

“It’s a small town a little ways from here. We’re going to Borger,” Logan replied. “Seven hours away. You’ll be safe there.”

---