Page 11 of Alpha Ruined
Her phone buzzes with an email, interrupting her train of thought.
It’s Doctor Porter. He’s moving their interview to the end of the week, the day before she is supposed to leave.
That’s fine with her. It gives her more time to prepare her questions and to explore the town. Granted, she’ll probably be done exploring before Friday, but she’s content to just luxuriate by the fireplace with a book.
There’s another email, too, one from the cabin’s property manager.
Apparently, the drunk stranger, Eugene, is a nuisance, but harmless.
She doesn’t like that answer.
Also, the name Helene means nothing to the property owner.
Bree doesn’t like that response, either.
But it’s a beautiful morning in Green Woods, and she doesn’t plan to waste it by worrying.
Green Woods Caféis small and welcoming. The smell of espresso wafts through the air, and the only patrons are an elderly couple at a table in the corner. The lilac-scented Omega barista greets her from behind the counter with a warm smile and kind eyes, and Bree instantly feels at ease.
“You’re not from around here,” she observes. “What are you doing in Green Woods?”
Bree bites her lip, debating telling her the truth. “I’m here to investigate what happened at the prison.” It slips out of her mouth before she can stop it, and the Omega’s smile falters.
Darlene, her nametag says.
“Why would you do that?” The fear in Darlene’s light brown eyes tells Bree everything she needs to know.
She shouldn’t have opened her stupid mouth. She should have just ordered her tea and not bothered to share.
“I’m a journalist,” Bree replies, keeping a slight smile on her face. “I was interested in the story.”
“We’ve dealt with reporters for the last two weeks,” Darlene grumbles. “I don’t know how much more I can take. It’s not like we know anything.” Her gaze turns pointed. “Ididn’t even know what was happening until the helicopters were searching for…him.”
For Erik Hart, the Alpha.
Bree nods. “I’m not trying to cause any trouble, and I won’t be bothering anyone,” she tells the barista earnestly. “I’m only here for a few days, and I won’t be in anyone’s way. I want to enjoy your town, too.”
Darlene looks at Bree for a long moment until her gaze softens. “Okay,” she says. “Well, we have a pretty cool antique shop, and there’s a town about forty minutes from here, Elmwood, that has more shops and some great restaurants.”
It seems all is forgiven as Darlene’s smile returns, and Bree matches it.
“Great. And can I order a green tea with honey?”
Darlene shakes her head, her dark high ponytail shaking. “Oh. Duh.Sorry,” she chuckles sheepishly. “Of course.”
While Bree sits at her table waiting for her tea, she peers out the window. Her view is almost as lovely as it was from her cabin; but this time, Green Woods Facility takes up more of her vision.
A nagging feeling pulls at her chest. She knows the building is no longer in operation, but she wonders how it looks on the inside. The doors are locked, of course, so she has no way of knowing, but maybe she could peer from the outside.
Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to explore the parking lot.
“Hey.”
A white teacup and saucer are placed in front of her, and she looks up at Darlene.
“Sorry if I was rude earlier,” she says, her light scent wafting over Bree. “The news crews have been annoying, and I had hoped it was the end of it for a while.”
“I know. It’s not the first time someone has been irritatedwith me for that,” Bree chuckles. “But I really won’t be bothering you, I promise.”