Page 9 of My Unhinged Alphas
For context: I bounced through foster homes until I aged out. No dramatic horror story. Just a lot of temporary bedrooms and people who meant well until they didn’t. I learned early that you don’t get attached to spaces or people who can leave.
Second Circle is the closest thing I’ve had to stable.
They’re not trying to hurt me. They’re trying to expand me.
“Look,” Jess says more gently now. “You deserve something nice. Not just shifts and side hustles and caffeine.”
“I have nice things,” I say defensively. “I have you two.”
Mara snorts. “We are not enough.”
“Speak for yourself,” Jess mutters.
I roll my eyes, but there’s warmth under it.
“You don’t even know what’s out there,” Jess presses. “Kindred matches based on interests and… vibes.”
“Vibes,” I repeat. “Scientific.”
“It’s curated,” she insists. “Better quality men.”
“That sounds expensive.”
“It’s free.”
That gets my attention.
Jess brightens. “Exactly. No harm. Just make a profile. If you hate it, delete it.”
I chew slowly, considering. Dating means vulnerability. Vulnerability means loss of control. Loss of control is not my favorite thing.
“I work forty hours here,” I say. “Plus freelance bookkeeping on weekends. When am I supposed to date?”
“Tonight,” Mara says immediately.
I laugh. “I am not meeting a stranger tonight.”
Jess shoves her phone toward me. “Just sign up. That’s all.”
I stare at the screen.
Kindred. Sleek logo. Attractive people with suspiciously good lighting.
“What if I match with a serial killer?” I ask.
“Then at least he’ll be a well-dressed one,” Mara says.
Jess nudges my knee. “You’ve spent your whole life being careful. Maybe try reckless. Just a little.”
That hits somewhere uncomfortable.
I have been careful. Careful with money. Careful with people. Careful with feelings.
Careful keeps you safe. But careful also keeps you alone.
I sigh dramatically. “Fine,” I say. “If I get murdered, I’m haunting both of you.”
Jess squeals like I just agreed to skydiving.
