Page 82 of Rogue & Her Hunters
My snow caked boots clatter over the slate tiles.
A fire roars in a stone fireplace beside a pine wood front desk. A weathered Beta in her fifties is seated behind the counter, peering at a book over her glasses. Magazines about nesting and specialized heat products lie scattered next to a brass bell. She ignores me, which is why I like this hotel, as I skirt the front desk.
I ignore the ancient elevator and jog up the wooden stairs to the second story with the brown paper bag bouncing against my side.
When Bird and I first moved into the hotel with the stolen cash (Bird quickly forgot his guilt over that with the chance to sleep in a real bed), I was surprised how excited my Omega was.
Bird rushed around, playing with the television remote and flicking through the channels. Then he explored the bathroom, before swinging open the minibar.
“Can I use the shampoo and other shit in the bathroom? What about the minibar? Can I take a soda and a candy bar?” Bird asked.
I rolled my eyes but prepared to put up with the exorbitant minibar prices because of the happiness vibrating from Bird.
Now that’s sacrificing for your Omega.
“Isn’t all of this boring for you?” I questioned. “We’re in a rundown hotel in a middle of nowhere town. You’ve spent your life trapped inside a hotel. How is any of this a novelty for you?”
Bird’s shoulders slumped. “I lived in the hotel but never as a guest. This may be boring to you but it’s…freedom…to me. Didn’t you see how the receptionist looked at the bond mark on my neck and not my Rej bracelet? She saw me as aperson. I’m a guest and not an object for a guest to use. I’ve never been allowed to use any of the luxury products inside the rooms. When I stayed with the packs, they treated me likeIwas the minibar to sample.”
I blanched. “Never again, Little Bird. No one will ever treat you like that again.”
I march down the corridor, which is covered with a patterned carpet that still can’t quite hide the dirt. The walls are painted in a mute, earthy tone.
My expression brightens.
It’s late, and I only just grabbed the groceries in time before the shop closed. Bird will be hungry. But I bought his favorite treats.
Spoiling Bird has become my new hobby.
I’ve never been allowed hobbies beyond my magic before. Spoiling anyone would have been unimaginable.
I don’t know if it’sromanceandcourtingas Mars explained it to me, but the way that Bird’s whole face lit up yesterday when I drew a box of chocolates for him from my bag made me want to see that expression on him again.
I want to see it every day.
I reach door Number Thirteen and reach into my pocket. I pull out a brass key, which is stamped withSanctum Lodge.
I give a quick but complicated knock on the door, which is the code Bird and I established, to reassure him that it is me. Then I turn the key and push the door open with my shoulder.
Instantly, I am bowled over by an eager Omega rushing into my arms. Bird knocks me against the wall, kissing up my neck and then over my cheeks.
“You’re back!” Bird exclaims. “I missed you.”
Warmth blossoms in my chest.
I missed you toois on the tip of my tongue.
Instead, I frown at the pretty Omega in his warm, brown woolen sweater and trousers who is sniffing my scent gland.
“And you’ve just knocked our dinner onto the floor.” I growl, grabbing the key to stuff back into my pocket.
I kick the door shut with a bang.
I must have lost my edge of intimidation because my growl used to make Betas wet their fucking pants, while Omegas would fall to their knees.
Bird only gives a laugh, however, before leaving a final trail of kisses across my jaw to my lips.
“My brave Alpha has been out hunting in the wilds for…” He kneels on the thin forest brown carpet to gather the groceries up. “Crackers, cheese, smoked ham slices…? Pears and pecans? Cider?”
