Page 443 of Omega for the Pack

The nightmare that was only mine.

“Stop it!” I screamed with my eyes shut. I had to find my way out of this mess, but the more I ran, the more lost I became.

I tried to drown out his chants by humming to myself.

Maybe if I stayed behind long enough, my brother would get worried and return for me. Or he was probably getting a good laugh out of me taking so long in this maze. I should never have come here.

Suddenly, I felt hands grab my upper arms. I screamed bloody murder.

“Stop, let me go!” I screamed endlessly. I was wheezing and out of breath.

It was too early for me to die. My family would miss me.

“Shh, Lacy,” he said, shaking me. I didn’t want to open my eyes to see the monster before me. The stalker who wanted to breed me with his spawn. “Open your eyes. It’s me, Ryder!”

His last command was a bark.

I opened my eyes, and relief flowed through me, seeing his bald head under the reflecting lights. His scar was no longer intimidating but comforting. I threw myself at him, grabbing him tight.

“He’s here,” I gasped out. “Do you hear him?”

“What? Who’s here?”

“The stalker. He’s in here.”

But the chanting stopped. The nickname the stalker thought up for me ringing through the maze of mirrors stopped.

It was silent, except for the groans of the monsters.

“I don’t see him,” said Ryder, looking around cautiously. Then his eyes darkened when he turned his gaze back to me. “We have a lot to talk about. You shouldn’t have left the house alone, do you understand?”

“I’m sorry,” I said, but he was silent as he helped me get to my feet. Cooper had come up behind me, with Lucas and Adrian flanking either side. I grabbed a hand on each side of me, feeling safer now that they were here.

Apprehension settled inside me as I followed Ryder out of the maze. His stony demeanor showed that he wasn’t happy with me at this moment.

My stomach tightened with apprehension.

When we returnedto my house, I collapsed onto the couch, and Adrian helped me unstrap my heels.

Ryder was pacing around the living room, his face tense.

I didn’t dare ask him what he was thinking about. I knew I messed up big time with how deep in thought he was. He was probably thinking of ways of how to handle me.

“Lacy,” said Ryder in a heavy voice as he sat beside me. Adrian finished removing my heels and rubbed my ankle comfortingly before walking away.

“Yes?”

“Why did you sneak out?” he asked, crossing his fingers on his lap.

“I just wanted to have some fun,” I said. “Listen, you’re not my dad or anything. Whatever happened is past. I apologize for it, and now let’s move on.”

I was tired of him putting me on edge and making me feel bad the entire ride home. It was all my choosing if I wanted to put myself in danger.

It had nothing to do with him at all.

“You don’t sound too apologetic,” he said. He looked at me with something feral in his eyes, and I grew uneasy. He grasped my wrist, and I froze, watching him to see what he planned to do. “I may have to discipline you, omega.”

“But I’m not your mate,” I said. “And I’m damn well glad that I’m not!”

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