Page 45 of In Deep

“Thanks, I’m absolutely fine–”

“We also arrange events for us omegas; talks from medics on the latest treatments,” she leans in, “joint ‘do’s with the Alpha Society.”

“The Alpha Society?!”

She obviously thinks I’m interested in that because she nods with enthusiasm. “Yes, we can introduce you to all the most eligible alphas. We have dances and speed dating events,” she drops her voice, “and we have a special, safe way of finding an alpha for a heat if you need one.”

I swallow, my cheeks heating. “I don’t …” I look up at the two perfectly made-up girls in their neat Chanel jackets and matching skirts. “It’s kind of you to come, but I’m not really interested in joining any societies. And I’m already seeing someone.” Not one someone, two, but they don’t need to know that.

They both frown.

“Zane Amir?”

“Yes,” I answer, not surprised they’ve heard.

The two girls glance at each other and then back at me. Paris reaches out and rests her hand on my shoulder. “Just a friendly word of warning to be careful with that one.”

My body freezes, my jaw tightens. “Why?”

“Let’s just say, he and his pack are known for being into some …” She coughs and looks to Francesca for help.

“Shady shit,” the other girl says bluntly.

“Oh,” I say, trying not to laugh. Does that include spit roasting omegas? In which case, their warnings come a little late. “Thanks for the advice. I’ll be careful, and if I need any help, I’ll be sure to look you up.” I start to close the door.

“And come to one of our events,” Paris says, shoving a very pink pamphlet at me. “There aren’t many of us at this college, and we need to look after each other.”

She’s right. There aren’t. There are so few of us to begin with and most of us are snapped up by alphas, bonded and mated, before we get a chance to make it to college. Especially omegas like me without the financial resources that protect omegas like Paris and Francesca.

I pause. “How many are there?”

“About twenty,” Francesca says, examining her nails.

“And the alphas?”

Francesca glances up. “Probably several hundred.”

“Shit,” I mumble.

A smirk plays across Francesca’s face. “Yeah, there’s plenty of choice. No need to get tied down to the first one you come across.” She raises a knowing eyebrow.

“Call us,” Paris adds, and then they leave.

* * *

I oversleep the next morning. I suppose my exhausted body needed to catch up on rest. So, I’m dashing down the stairs two at a time when I spot Zane waiting for me by the door.

He taps his watch with a grin. “You’re late.”

“I know,” I mumble, grappling with the door and dashing past him. He halts me with a firm hand on my shoulder, and kisses me on the lips, before taking my bag from my shoulder and slinging it on to his.

“You’re going to be late too if you walk with me.”

He shrugs. “My lecture hall is right around the corner from yours and I can just sneak in the back.”

We walk quickly along the pavements, our joined hands swinging between us.

“We missed you last night,” he says.