Page 38 of Shifting Years
I grimaced. "What does it taste like?"
"Bleach."
Ask a stupid question, I suppose, but what about my other one?
I had opportunities to leave but stayed. Is it because I loved this town or was I afraid? Henry never hit me or threw things in my direction. Therewerebroken dishes and torn books. What if I embarrassed him by leaving? Would he do something away from the sheriff or pack leader?
I got up. "I appreciate the talk, and tell Penny thank you. I know she's jealous, but she's nice about it."
"It's an Omega thing," she said. "The thought of them with someone else, even if it doesn't make sense, upsets them."
I imagined Henry with another mate, and no rage or sorrow came, but it should have.
***
I tried to be the good Omega and husband he expected. I didn't read business books in front of him, and his dinner was ready when he came in or reheated when he stumbled in late. The radio stayed on his country music stations and never played The Doors or Bowie.
Gradually I saw Mary and Penny less, although the sheriff found excuses to check in.
And I remained, doing everything expected, like sex. It was fine, and amazing sometimes, but always rough. He said I would get used to it, and eventually, I did.
Yet, I never got pregnant. Most Omegas did right away, so why didn't I?
***
"You didn't have his pup, did you?" asked Kim. "Please tell me you didn't. You and Todd got together sure, but that would mean you stayed with Henry for years."
"I birthed something horrible," I said.
"There's no proof you'd know what would happen," said Todd.
Kim's eyes narrowed in confusion.
"Nightback Ridge murders," I said. "They made the Manson Family slaughter look like a simple killing, but back to my, uh, relationship." I reached out holding Todd's warm hand tight. "I don't know what problems you have with your Alpha, but if you stay, do it because it's what you want. Not because you want to be a proper wolf. I stayed when it was obvious it wouldn't have worked out."
Again, Kim stared up from the table in wonder.
"My power is knowing what people need. Subconsciously, I knew Todd was coming and he'd need me as much as I needed him."
"So, what happened?"
Todd licked his lips and smiled. "I fought formyOmega."
"In a town of shifters, when he had no powers," I finished.
***
Chapter Fifteen
December 31st, 1971
Todd
It was a half-run into a small Southern town the driver insisted didn't exist. He felt bad about leaving me in the middle of nowhere, but sometimes a man feels something in his bones.
Whispering Hills had a courthouse with marble steps and grand columns suggesting it was the town's center. A few simple brick buildings nearby advertised greasy spoon restaurants, hardware, and groceries.
It seemed normal, but something was missing, even though I'd never been here before. Was it me?
