Page 5 of Caught in His Sights
“Yeah, I did.” As I pull out my wallet, I glance back at the flier. “Thanks.”
“Good, good.” He scans and bags my purchase.
The investigator in me nags for answers, and I tip my head toward the boarded-up window. “What happened?”
“Same thing as always. Just some kids having fun by destroying property.” Annoyance wrinkles his weathered features. “The security bars kept them out, so nothing got stolen. Maybe the building manager will let us install metal shutters this time.”
“Fingers crossed.” Mr. Parks has been petitioning for years, though, so the likelihood is slim.
“Be careful walking home. It’s not safe for Omegas to be out on their own this close to dark.” Mr. Park hands me the bag. “I don’t want your picture to end up on my wall, too.”
“Thanks. I’ll be careful,” I assure him as I head outside.
The streetlights turn on as I walk back toward my apartment complex, groceries swinging from one hand.
Darkness falls fast this time of year, and an uneasy sensation creeps up my spine, like I’m being watched.
My gaze jumps from the shadowed alley to the parked cars, and I cross the street to avoid passing in front of a windowless van.
If I’m kidnapped, it won’t be because I wasn’t paying attention.
The back of my neck prickles as I near home, and I resist the urge to touch my throat. While my appearance screams Omega, there’s no reason to confirm it by messing with my nape guard.
A group of kids loiter outside the complex next to mine, and I focus straight ahead, walking close to the curb to be out of grabbing range.
“Hey, hey, pretty boy!” a voice calls out, and I wince.
Grip tightening on the bag, I pretend I don’t hear, hoping they’ll lose interest.
“Where you going?” another one taunts, but I continue to ignore them.
Not taking the hint, one of them jumps up and circles me to block my path. The kid can’t be too far out of high school, his gangly body not yet filled out, but the cocky grin plastered to his face screams Alpha.
“Seen you around.” He puffs out his narrow chest, posturing for his friends. “You’re always alone. Must be difficult for you, huh?”
I swallow hard, trying to suppress my anxiety. I didn’t realize anyone paid attention to me. Lips clamped shut, I attempt to sidestep him, but he moves with me, staying in my way.
“Come on, cutie.” He leans closer, his gaze dropping to my grocery bag. “Invite me up for a meal or something. I’m lonely, too, you know?”
“Thanks, but no thanks,” I say, my tone firm.
The young Alpha smirks and inhales as he inches in, his breath hot against my ear. “Call me when your next Heat comes. A little Omega like you shouldn’t have to suffer alone.”
A shiver of fear rolls down my spine. I don’t like how he knows I’m an unclaimed Omega, though at least he didn’t shout it to the streets.
The asshole chucks me under the chin and moves to the side with a wink, clearing the way to my apartment.
As I brush past him, our arms bump, and his deep intake of breath raises the hairs on the back of my neck. I hurry up the steps to my building, resisting the urge to look back, the space between my shoulder blades itching the entire time.
The clang of the security door shutting brings with it a sense of relief.
Should I move?
I dismiss the thought as soon as it crosses my mind. Not only have I lived here for so long that anywhere else would come with a significant price increase, but there’s also the lingering hope that Dylan will come back one day.
But no more leaving close to dusk.
With a shake of my head, I block the encounter. It’s not the first time I’ve been catcalled, but they’re harmless. Just young Alphas wanting to show off for their peers. This is the first time it’s been a high schooler, though.