Page 72 of Pack Rivals: Part Two
“According to…”
“Everyone I talk to.”
“And what do you want?”
I sigh, and lean back in my chair. “A job. That pays money. So that I can stay in the city.”
“Did Courtney kick you out?” my dad says, his frown deepening.
“No, of course she didn’t, but I couldn’t scrounge off her forever. I thought if I came home for a bit, saved up some money, then I could go back and search some more. Maybe even go to college.”
“College,” my dad repeats.
“Yep, maybe it’s a dumb idea, especially now I’m an omega and have all that stuff to contend with–”
“I think it’s a great idea, Bea. You should always have gone. It broke my heart when you decided not to.”
“It did?” I say. I lean forward. “You … you never said anything.”
“I should have. But your mom, she thought you were doing the right thing staying with Karl.”
I make a face.
“He’s back in town,” my dad says. “I’ve been working out a way I can get under the bonnet of his truck and cut his brakes.” He peers toward the doorway. “I’d better go and talk to your mom. She’s probably reorganized the entire bedroom by now.”
“It’s okay. I’ll go,” I say.
When I walk into my parents’ bedroom five minutes later, I’m almost hit by a flying blouse.
“It all needs sorting,” my mom snaps. “All of it. I don’t know why I’ve left it so long.”
She tugs a skirt off a hanger, flings the article of clothing onto the bed and the hanger on top of a growing pile by her feet.
“Can I help?” I ask.
“No. I’m perfectly fine, thank you.”
I flop down onto the bed, the mattress sagging, and begin to fold clothes.
“Left arm tucked under first,” my mom says.
“I remember,” I say, laying out a shirt next to me. “I’m sorry if the news upset you, Mom, but I really am an omega.”
My mom tugs at a zipper. But then her hands freeze and her shoulders sag. “I’m sorry too. It’s not what I wanted for you.”
“I don’t think it will be so bad, Mom,” I say, reaching for a sweater next. And for the first time, I actually believe those words. I’m still me. I’m still Bea. I’m in a better situation than I was three months ago. I know my own worth. Maybe I’ve even fallen back in love with myself. Heck, I even stabbed a guy with a needle and escaped that creepy clinic. Sure, the heats are awful. But maybe I’ll find a pack, just like my aunt. Maybe I’ll get my degree and land a job I actually want. I just need to start at the beginning again. “Aunt Julia is very happy.”
“Julia,” my mom scoffs.
“She’s really lovely, Mom. She’s helped me out loads.”
My mom glances towards me. “She has?”
“Yes.”
My mom sits down on the bed and reaches out to stroke my cheek. “I don’t want to lose you, Bea, like I lost her.”
“You’re not going to lose me.”
