Page 23 of Nest of Thieves
Shit. I can’t believe I almost forgot him.
I drop the duffel onto the floor and take my snake’s small vivarium to the car first. Carefully setting him on the ground, I scan the parking lot. No one is out. All the good omegas are in bed. Atticus rides shotgun. I buckle the glass case in. The seat belt probably won’t do much if we crash, but I do it anyway. He’s my baby.
“Ready for a little ride?”
I run inside again and grab the suitcases and the money bag to load them into the trunk. I scoot the bigger cases in front of the duffel to sort of hide it. Cops can be nosy. A familiar tickle of bergamot fills my nostrils. I slam the trunk closed and take in Sammy’s frowning face.
“You’re leaving?” She whispers the question, eyes round with fear.
“I’m not.” I stop. I like Sammy. I don’t want to lie to her. “I am. Please don’t tell anyone, okay?”
Her brow furrows. “Where will you go?”
I shrug. “Anywhere is better than here, Sammy.”
“It’s not that bad.” She searches my face. “Was it the Spring Soiree? Alphas can be intimidating, but you’re so strong. You’re not scared, are you?”
“I’m not ready to be matched with a pack. I haven’t found the right one.” That’s all I give her.
“You know the heat gets worse if you suppress it. Are you sure you’re willing to take that risk?”
“What makes you think I’d suppress it?” I mean, I’m going to, but am I really so transparent?
She gives me a sad smile. “Because you’re terrified.”
“I’m not scared,” I growl. I’m not. If I had found the right pack, I wouldn’t give a damn about my heat.
“Okay.” She bristles and steps back. “I won’t tell anyone that you’ve left, but are you sure you want to go?”
“I have to.” And that’s the truth. “I’ll pay off my stipend.” As soon as I get the ring back.
“Be careful, Jo. A pretty omega like you is an alpha’s greatest temptation.”
“Ah, yes, I’m the reason they can’t control their dicks.”
Sammy’s head rears back.
I’ve shocked her with my sarcasm. Right. Sammy is nice, but she doesn’t know the real me. No one really does.
“I have to go.” I walk to the driver’s side, pausing with my hand on the frame of the door. “You were a good friend. I hope the pack you join treats you well. You deserve it.”
She sniffs and nods. “Don’t die, okay?”
I grimace. I can’t promise her I won’t. We all die. Whether or not I go out in a burst of flames or peacefully in my sleep is yet to be determined.
“Bye, Sammy.”
“Bye,” she whispers.
Sammy’s fear has doubt swirling in my gut. One thing I know for sure is when Laurence realizes I missed the drop, he’ll be hunting for me.
There’s no other choice but to leave.
* * *
Pointless and painful memories taunt me on my drive. Taking Laurence’s keys was easy. I was only fifteen, but no one pays attention to the valet. Laurence was no different until I hopped into the driver’s seat and sped away. Dealing with the consequences of stealing from him wasn’t easy at all.
“Do you know who I am?” Laurence paced back and forth over the concrete floor of the warehouse he’d taken me to once he caught me.
