Page 58 of In Knots

Chapter 16

After lunch, I brace myself and check my phone, keeping my fingers crossed that my alibi hasn’t fallen through already. There are a few messages from my mother, photos of the view from the hotel they’re staying at, and one or two from my friends. Nothing from Jonathan and I sigh with relief. I slide my mobile back in my bag and spy my camera sitting at the bottom. Tugging it out, I examine it for a few moments. I brought it hoping I could take some shots today and Cam’s words have only given me encouragement.

The garage is dark when I step through from the office and swing my gaze about, but a fine line of sunlight penetrates from the door, dust swirling in its rays. The light catches on the bonnet of a car, and on a wrench resting on the floor, making them wink. I lift my camera to my eye and snap my first shot. The light isn’t quite right, and I play with the aperture and exposure settings until I capture it how I want. My shoulders loosen.

I’m not conscious of whether I’m being watched, if anyone thinks this is a silly little pastime for a spoiled little omega. I’m lost in the pictures I’m taking. There is a beauty and a power in the machines I’m capturing, in the old bikes lined up at the back of the garage like ancient soldiers returned from a war, in the grease and grime that covers every surface. But most of all in my alphas. I capture the odd shot of them when they’re absorbed in their own work. Ryan bent over a bonnet, Cam tightening the bolts on a wheel, Bear wiping his hands on another rag in the way he had when I’d first arrived.

The time passes in a flash and I think I must’ve photographed everything in the place, my camera crammed with photos. Customers arrive to collect their vehicles, and I’m half aware of the funny looks I get. This well dressed little omega on the wrong side of town, taking pictures of a rundown garage.

Finally, Bear taps me on the shoulder. “It’s closing time now, hot cheeks.”

“It is?” I peer at my watch. 5pm. I told Jonathan to pick me up at 6pm. I need to get a wriggle on. “I need to go!”

“Your carriage about to turn back into a pumpkin?”

“Something like that,” I mutter.

“You’re not coming to the pub?”

“The pub?”

“Yeah, it’s Friday night! We always head to the pub for a few pints after we close up. You should come?”

“Are girls invited?” I ask.

“I suspect Buzz and Ryan are dying to show their new girl off.” His voice is laced with amusement.

“I don’t really like to be showed off,” I say coolly.

“He’s bullshitting with you,” Ryan calls from across the workshop. “But you should come, princess.”

I think of Jonathan. I think of what he could tell my parents.

I glance around at the four alphas, stripping off their overalls, big grins on their faces. It feels warm here and even in the dark workshop, bright and full of life. I don’t want to go back to that house. I don’t want to be alone.

“Come for the pints then. Up to you?” Bear shrugs.

“OK,” I say and then I send a message to Jonathan, telling him I’m spending the night at Margo’s. Perhaps he’ll buy it.

His reply takes a long time to come in. Several minutes that seem to stretch on forever. Finally, he calls me and I steal myself to answer.

“Hi,” I say as breezily as I can.

“Would you like me to bring round your things,” Jonathan asks me coolly.

“No, it’s fine. I’ll just borrow some of Margo’s for the night. No need for all that trouble.”

“And when would you like me to pick you up?”

“I can find my own way home.”

“Your parents wouldn’t like that.” I don’t say anything, and he sighs into the receiver. “Alexa?”

‘Yes?” I say, screwing my eyes shut.

“Whatever is going on with you, just be safe, OK? Be careful. And if you need me–”

“Jonathan, I’m fine, honestly. It’s just a girly sleepover.” I try to laugh but the sound is hollow.

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