Page 1 of Pack Me Up

Brittney

ALPHA TEA GOSSIP COLUMN

THE ALPHA AND OMEGA TOUR IS IN EUROPE

July 8th

Nine months ago.

The car pulls up a long driveway behind the massive hotel, and I see her right away.

Oli Hart, my hero and my savior.

She’s standing surrounded by her mates, who make up the newly named Hart’s Edge.

I shrink further back into my seat, embarrassed to have them all waiting for me.

I feel like the useless omega my parents think I am.

When I step out of the car, the most impressive omega I know calls out for me. I push myself to get out of the car and watch as all of their eyes zero in on the bruises covering my face. Memories threaten to overwhelm me, but I breathe through them.

With a gentle smile, Oli approaches delicately, as if she’s afraid of scaring me. “Hey there, I’m so glad you made it.”

My eyes flick between Jack Hansley, Dax Grey, Aiden Adams, and Chase Sullivan. Four rockstars I would normally bestarstruck to meet, but right now, I can only think about them being alphas. Dangerous alphas.

I focus on them being mated to Oli, who answered my call when I needed her, and try to trust them. My eyes come back to Oli, and I whisper, “Hi.”

My hands twist in the fabric of my skirt as I wait to see what will happen next.

“Come on inside,” Oli gestures behind her, to Riley, who runs forward to hold the door for her. Jack, Dax, Aiden, and Chase go to the trunk of the car, each trying to be helpful and pull out the sole bag I brought with me.

The day I met Oli’s assistant, Riley, she was the one who gave me Oli’s phone number and encouraged me to use it if I ever needed help.

I’m ashamed I only have the one bag, but I didn’t have much time when I ran.

“I don’t know what I’m doing here,” I confess. “I can’t just follow you around on tour for no reason.”

“Listen,” Oli starts, leaning in. “We’re in Europe for another month and a half. The tour is going to be wild, loud, and amazing, and I want you to be part of it.”

My brows knit together. I’m confused, but interested in what she’s offering.

“Join us,” Oli urges. “You can work on the tour with Riley, earn your own money, and be independent. Or, you can travel with us and not work. It’s completely up to you.” She sweeps her arm out. “And we will keep you safe. I’ll put a whole security team on you while you’re here.”

“Security?” I ask.

“Top-notch, all muscle and loyalty. They’ll be your personal knights in shining… well, whatever they wear these days.” Oli winks, and it lightens the moment.

“Really?” I whisper.

“Absolutely,” Oli promises. “Consider it an all-access pass to finding your feet again. On your terms, Brittney. No pressure, just… possibilities.”

I don’t answer.

Oli holds my gaze, steady and sure, before insisting, “You think about it.”

“I will,” I promise.

“You remember Riley, right?” Oli asks, nudging Riley forward with a tilt of her head. “She set you up with a hotel room here with a nest. It’s safe, snug, and just a stone’s throw away from where we’re staying. Isn’t that right?”