Page 23 of Feral Omega

The alpha's touch should make me recoil, but it sends warm tingles down my spine instead and I feel my limbs weakening. A whine claws its way up my throat, but I cut it off just in time. An instinctive omega response to an alpha's comfort that makes me hate my biology even more than I already do. It's also one I've never encountered before, considering the few alphas I've interacted with weren't interested in comforting me at all.

"Easy," he murmurs. "Easy now. I know you're scared." He pauses. "Thane said there was an incident. How exactly did you get these bruises?"

When all I do is stare at him, he continues, his voice softening. "If they hurt you at that place, you can tell me. I swear on my life, I will never harm you. No one in this pack will."

I want to believe him, for some reason. Want to let the deep timbre of his voice wash over me, lulling me into a false sense of security. I'm an omega. I crave touch and safety and bonding, even when I know it's a lie.

But trust is a luxury I can't afford.

Not now, not ever.

I twist one hand free and rake my nails down the side of his mask, gouging deep furrows in the dark leather. He jerks back, more from surprise than pain, and I take my chance. I wrench out of his loosened hold and run like hell, my bare feet slapping against the hardwood.

I hear him calling after me but I don't slow down. Can't slow down. I fly down the stairs, skidding around corners, my damp hair whipping my face.

As I run, one troubling thought occurs to me. Why isn't he using his bark?

It's not troubling enough to stick around to ask, though.

The front door looms ahead, my escape. I lunge for the handle, yank it open—and slam into a wall of muscle. I reel back, blinking up into Thane's startled face. He catches me by the shoulders, his brows drawn together in concern.

"Ivy? What's wrong? What happened?"

I shake my head wildly, trying to push past him. But he holds me easily, his hands gentle but implacable. Panic claws at my chest, my lungs seizing. I can't get enough air. Black spots dance in my vision. I claw uselessly at Thane, too, but my hands are going numb, arms limp.

Dimly, I hear pounding footsteps, Plague's voice calling my name.

No, no, no!

My knees buckle as adrenaline tilts the world sideways and upside-down. Strong arms catch me before I hit the floor, cradling me against a broad chest. Thane, my foggy brain supplies. He's saying something, his lips moving, but I can't make out the words over the roaring in my ears. I hear Plague, too.

I can't let him catch me.

Can't let him…

The last thing I see before the darkness takes me is the gleam of Plague's amber lenses as he appears at the top of the stairs, his hand outstretched.

Chapter

Ten

PLAGUE

Istare at the unconscious woman cradled in Thane's arms, her dark auburn hair spilling over his bicep, face pale and gaunt. A twinge of unease curls in my gut.

This isn't how it's supposed to go.

"What the hell did you do to her, Plague?" Thane's eyes flash with accusation as he shifts her weight protectively.

I hold up my hands, the black leather of my gloves gleaming under the harsh fluorescent lights. "I didn't do anything. Merely informed her I needed to perform a medical examination. She bolted like a frightened rabbit."

Thane's jaw tightens. "You probably came across as a creep."

I bite back a retort, my gaze drifting to the omega's still form. Even in unconsciousness, a furrow creases her brow, hinting at the wild spirit within. "She's more feral than we anticipated," I mutter, stepping closer.

Up close, the signs are glaringly obvious. Hollow cheeks, dark smudges beneath her eyes, the sharp jut of collarbones visible above the neckline of her dress. Whatever excuse the Center gave for her injuries, a tussle between her and a guard she attacked wouldn't explain what looks like months of neglect.

I reach out, fingers ghosting over the delicate skin of her inner wrist, feeling the weak, thready pulse fluttering beneath.

---