Page 4 of Cost of Courting

“You crazy bitch!”

“Yeah, but I’m the one who sat with her in the hospital while she had whatever you gave her pumped out of her stomach, and they should have told you about me. No one messes with my family.”

“You’re fucking crazy! Who cares about that omega whore?”

“Well, the problem is that I care. And, yes, I guess I am. Still, if you come back, I’m going to bury you.”

I hum and let out a soft laugh.

“The cameras-”

“Are turned off. Do you think I’m stupid?”

He spits another curse, and, to my delight, I realise I’m going to have to do something a bit more serious.

I grab his ear, and, before he can stop me, I slice it off.

He howls and screams. I let it go on for a minute and then slap him across the face, with his ear, of course.

“Pay attention or I’ll take more body parts.”

He shuts his mouth.

“If you come back here, if I even see you here, I will make sure you never breathe in this world again. I’m crazy, but only you and I know it. No one would ever believe you. So, this is my last warning to you, Horace. Get lost.” I lean over him. “What are you going to do?”

He blubbers, snot bubbles popping. “I’m going to get lost.”

“And what are you not doing?”

“I’m not ever coming back.”

“Good beta. Now go while I’m still being nice.”

I stand up and retreat to a pool of light from the streetlight overhead. I watch as he gets into the car and fishtails it out of here.

He’s mostly harmless, but I’m not having anymore kids in this area forced to sell or using drugs. We have enough problems.

I whistle as I walk home, tossing the ear to a stray dog who gulps it down.

I light the little stove I keep in the house and burn the gloves, and then get ready for bed, exchanging my clothes for a baggy t-shirt and loose pants.

I walk outside and sit on my ugly porch steps, staring at the house across from mine and the glowing light that is coming from the window.

Who has moved into my neighbourhood and how do I need to deal with them? I really hope it’s with force. I’m in the mood to make someone bleed.

Chapter two

Selene

I sleep in andwake up later than normal, but the sounds of people laughing and talking outside my window are instantly irritating to me. I get dressed, brush my teeth, and head straight to the kettle and the instant coffee I keep. It’s cheap, but it’s still caffeine. My movements are automatic from years of living out the same routine. My movements are zombie-like because all I want to do is go back to bed.

The first bitter sip brings me back from the homicidal edge I’m dancing. The second lets me return to a more human-like level of calm. At least I won’t go around biting anyone today. That’s a bonus.

I hear Luna’s voice and wince. Isn’t she supposed to be at work today? What is she doing here? Oh, god, did she lose her job?

I hit the door with my palm, slamming it against the house. Luna whirls, her eyes wide. Panic. Fear. I don’t look at anyone else, just focus on her. It took all the favours I had to get her that job. I won’t be able to find her another one.

She steps back, sliding behind a ripped back of a massive alpha. I can tell he’s one from here because he’s too big, the way he’s standing, the feeling of electricity in the air. He’s wearing a black singlet and doesn’t turn around. I dismiss him and balance my coffee on our rusty letterbox.

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