Page 9 of Nest of Thieves
“I will,” I say, catching my reflection in the floor-length mirror.
Mom hangs up, and I hold the phone to my ear for a second, taking in the angry furrow of my brow. The ugly twist of my lips. The weight of the world on my shoulders.
Escaping has never sounded better.
The dress my mom sent for the event is not my style. Instead, I pick a simple black party dress from my closet that hits right above my knees, a dark green choker, and emerald heels. After rinsing my hair, I quickly blow dry and curl the ends with a round brush. I’m sure I’ll be the least done up, but I don’t care. My goal is to survive the night; the packs that come to the soiree are nothing like the pack I want. I put on a cute silver bracelet and pause, running my finger over my omega symbol. I’m half tempted to cover it again, but tonight it’ll need to be on display.
By the time I make it out of my dorm, floods of omegas in fancy dresses are heading outside to the limos that are waiting for us. We’re all set to arrive at the ballroom in the student union building, which is on the other side of campus. The limos are nice but a little much, considering we’re only traveling half a mile. The Spring Soiree is always ostentatious, but it is what it is. At least there’s alcohol.
“Hey, Jo,” Sammy calls as I reach the vehicle at the back of the line.
As a beta man climbs out of the driver’s seat to open the door for me, I glance over my shoulder to smile at the leggy blonde. She’s wearing a cute pink dress and her long hair is curled. Her makeup is more elegant than my simple mascara and plum lipstick, and I’m only a little jealous of how effortless it all looks on her.
“Wow, Sammy. You look amazing.”
Her cheeks pinken. “Thanks. You look good too.” She glances back at the omegas climbing into the limos ahead of the one I’m standing next to.
“Want to ride together?”
“That would be lovely.” Sammy beams and floats over to me, eyes alight with eagerness.
We slide into the limo. The drinking age doesn’t apply to omegas during the Spring Soiree, and there are five plastic flutes filled with champagne in a custom cupholder. The reasoning behind giving omegas alcohol before the soiree is questionable, but I don’t really give a damn right now. My nerves are a little shot from the bank robbers.
“Are you nervous?” she asks once the driver shuts the door.
I grab one of the plastic champagne flutes sitting in the fancy cupholders and take a sip. “A little. It’s strange to think that we’ll be off with packs in just a few months. Think knots are as big as they say?” I waggle my eyebrows at her.
“Oh my gosh.” She giggles. “Do you think it’ll hurt?”
“Maybe a little, but I’ve heard omegas have a lot of orgasms with a knot, so maybe the pain is worth it.” She gasps, and I wink at her. “Endless orgasms, Sammy.”
She giggles. “Stop.” Sammy eyes the driver. “I hope the pack that I end up with is nice.”
“I’m sure they will be,” I reassure her.
I can’t fault Sammy for wanting a nice pack. She’s a good girl. A genuinely nice omega who deserves a pack that’ll sweep her off her feet and take her to Italy or Paris. I still want to be swept off my feet, but my idea of a good time is a little different than Sammy’s. A frown tugs at my lips.
Will I ever find a pack that’ll understand who I am? My own family doesn’t get me. Tori tries, but she’s good like Sammy. They’d actually be good friends if they ever met.
I flick my gaze to meet Sammy’s. Her face is lined with concern. I check my reflection in my window and see the sad twist of my lips and the line between my eyebrows.
“Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, only nervous.” More lies.
Eventually, I might forget what the truth is.
“Are you sure?” Sammy chews on her lip.
Pasting on a fake smile as the limo pulls in front of the student union building, I nod. “I’m okay, Sammy. What do you say we go show these packs what they’re missing?” I fluff my hair and look at her.
She’s grinning again. “Heck yes. I can’t wait to meet the packs. What if I meetthepack tonight?”
Sammy’s been interested in a few packs, but they’ve all found other prospects. It’s strange to me because Sammy is so beautiful and kind, but Sammy’s been rejected a few times. I can’t imagine how that must feel, especially with graduation looming not so far away. She’ll be in debt too if she doesn’t find a pack.
I shrug. “Then you better make it known that they’re yours. Don’t let the vultures in. You know they’ll be circling.” Luckily, I’m not the only one still in need of a pack, but for an omega like Sammy, that means the competition tonight will be fierce.
The driver opens the door, and I thank him as Sammy and I get out. He dips his head and moves back to the driver’s side. Sammy says hi to a few omegas on our way in. They smile at her and pretend like I don’t exist. Finding friends after being dubbed a klepto has been hard. Everyone is worried I’m going to steal their shit, and technically they’re right to be worried. I do like shiny things, but I don’t have a disorder. Contrary to popular belief, I can control myself. I do it every day. If that control slips when an omega side-eyes me, so be it.
