Page 52 of Faith and Fury

His tone has softened. The panic is still there—I can smell it—but I recognize those earthy undertones. His was the first scent my omega learned after my time in the ring. He … rubbed my back. Told me to breathe.

“I’m here. I’m right here.”

Shakily, I let myself take his hand. He latches on in an instant, hauling me up in one powerful motion. Pulling me into the light.

I tumble into Caleb’s lap and don’t fight as he puts his arms around me. His heart is thudding so hard, I’m surprised it doesn’t shatter his ribs.

“You’re safe,” he breathes into my hair. “I’ve got you.”

My inner omega stifles a sob. Please don’t let go.

I’m still gathering my bearings when a dark red head pops up over the ladder. He looks at me, wide-eyed. “Jesus Christ, omega. Nearly gave me a heart attack.”

Maverick. That’s right—he’s also here. We’re meant to be on a scouting expedition. I was supposed to be their guide.

My face burns, humiliated.

“She okay?” Maverick asks.

Caleb rumbles against me. “Not yet. Keep your distance.”

“I’m keeping, I’m keeping.” Maverick hoists himself onto the road. “Could’ve warned me about the claustrophobia, y’know.”

I’m not claustrophobic, I sign angrily. Maverick quirks an eyebrow at me. He reaches into his pocket to pull out his phone, opening a blank note, and tries to hand it to me. “C’mon, kitten—you got something you want to say, type it out.”

Gingerly, I accept the phone. I’ve barely put down two words when I stop myself.

Because if I’m not claustrophobic … then what am I?

I’ve never been so furious with myself. After everything I went through to get here—escaping the arena, meeting Pack Wilder, winning over the RDF—I can’t fuck it up now. Snarling, I toss the phone aside. I barely even hear Maverick’s complaints before I fumble out of Caleb’s lap, crawling towards the ladder.

“Faith, slow down,” Caleb warns.

I lower myself by exactly one rung—the top half of my body still well and truly surface-level—when it happens again.

Cold sweat. Clenched lungs. My saliva tastes acidic, like I’m about to throw up.

Strong arms grab me, lifting me out. I don’t hear what’s being said exactly, but I can feel the vibrations. Warm. Soothing.

“Okay, omega.” Caleb’s voice is in my ear again. “You’ve had enough.”

Enough as in what? He’s taking me back to headquarters? Back to the den? Or, worse, he’s realized I’m of no use to anyone, and he’s going to drop me off at the nearest shelter.

“Hang on,” Maverick says, springing up as Caleb helps me stand. “That’s it? You’re not even gonna give her a second chance?”

“She had a second chance,” Caleb says, “and she nearly blacked out.”

“This isn’t over,” Maverick insists. “You and Jax said it yourselves—we need her.”

“Me and Jax didn’t think it through,” Caleb snarls, propping me up against the car. I stand there, stunned, as he goes on, “Putting her back underground isn’t just dangerous. It’s cruel. We should’ve known better.”

He’s talking as if I’m broken. Like I’m a pup who needs to be coddled.

I push myself off the car, thrusting a hand into Maverick’s pocket.

He starts. “Hello to you too, kitten.”

I dig out his phone. He recites the passcode without hesitation, eyeing the screen as I type.

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