Prologue
RING. RING. RING.
The blaring loud sound of a phone buzzing on a wooden surface filled my ears. The ringtone irked me, making me want to smash the device into a million pieces. Instead, I reached a hand over to my bedside table and grabbed the menace that ruined my peaceful sleep. My thumb pressed on the answer button and I growled out;
“What?”
A sob came in through the speakers causing me to pause, then several more sobs followed. Who calls at three am to cry? I was about to yell at the person when a female spoke, her voice sounding broken and cracked. “Alex sob.... c-come to the bay.”
That voice sounds all too familiar. Melanie!
“Mel, what’s wrong?” I asked my voice laced with concern. The last bit of sleep in my body dispersed and I waited for her to respond.
“Please.” was the only thing she said before the line went dead. Panic filled my brain. What on earth is Mel doing by herself by this time of the night, she’s pregnant for goodness sake. I tossed my duvet to the side and got out of the bed.
I called Mel’s line while rushing down the stairs.
“Hi, it’s Mel and Daniel. (giggle) please leave a message. Don't leave a message, why are you calling my wife?”
Shit, it went straight to voicemail! I hurried over to my car with my keys in hand. Once I settled in and strapped my seat belt, I called Mel again. “Hi, it’s Mel and-”
“f*****g hell, Melanie pick the f**k up,” I shouted, slightly frustrated. I tried to focus on driving towards the bay docks where the boats are kept. The road was empty, as it should be. It's f*****g three am. Only crooks, serial killers, and night watchers are up by this dreadful time. The drive took me fourteen minutes, out of boredom I actually counted. I pulled my car into the parking lot and walked the rest of the way. I hadn’t even changed my attire. I'm still in my pajama pants and singlet. I must look like an easy prey.
I scoffed, I'm the deadliest omega I know, I dare someone to try and attack me. They wouldn’t live to see another day.
I walked down to the docks; the only light was provided by the half-moon that shone amongst the stars. It made for a beautiful sight, which I would’ve enjoyed if I wasn’t worried about a certain pregnant friend of mine. I know where she is. I took a left, going towards the more expensive and bigger boats until my eyes caught ‘THE SS MANTICORE’ written in gold bold letter on the front left side of a beautiful white cabin cruiser boat.
I was against the name when Daniel thought of it three years ago, and I am still against it now. I climbed onto the boat, to my surprise Mel was on one of the seats. I expected her to be inside. It's really cold tonight, and it might rain. And she's only in a flimsy purple nightgown.
“Mel.” she flinched in shock clinging on to a box in her hand, she was covered in blood and so was the seat. Her tear-stained face looked to me with despair, her eyes had lost their usual smile. I grew concerned as I approached her. She was shaking and visibly tensed.
Where the hell is Daniel? His wife shouldn’t be left alone. And whose blood is that?
“Mel put the box down.” she shook her head, more tears streamed down her face. My concern grew. I stopped an inch away from where she sat. I placed my right hand on her shoulder blade and squeezed offering her some comfort. Reminding her that she can trust me.
“Mel, it’s me. You called me, please put the box down. Or at least talk to me. What's wrong?”
Her eyes were still on me but she made no move to say or do anything. Well, plan B it is. I reached my left arm under her thighs, moving my right one to her back. Then with as much strength as I could muster, I lifted her. She yelped in surprise and clung the box even tighter to her chest.
I carried her off the boat and all the way over to my car. My arms were numb by the time I got to my truck. I placed her on her feet gently before inhaling a sharp breath and waiting for blood to return to my arms.
Mel dropped to her knees, she cried even harder. Having had enough of this, I grabbed the box from the palms of her hands, knelt next to her, and opened it.
Oh my god! No!
