Page 458 of Omega for the Pack

I had to collect myself, so I took a few deep breaths, resting against the wall.

I sniffled, and I suddenly felt a hand wrap over my mouth.

Panic shot through me. My breathing quickened, but the scent of the alpha holding me was different. A familiar, calming smell that I knew all too well.

“Don’t scream or talk loud,” said Ryder in a harsh whisper. “I’m going to let you go now.”

He released my mouth, and I spun around to see Ryder. Relief and joy flowed through every vein of my being. I honestly couldn’t remember a time when I was more relieved to see someone more than today. Despite my hesitations about him, I wanted to hug and kiss him so badly. But I couldn’t give away his cover.

He was wearing an all-black uniform, just like all the alpha guards here. A shirt, black pants, a silver belt, and the wolf badge on his shoulder.

“How did you find me?” I whispered, looking down the hallway to make sure no one was coming.

“Don’t worry about that,” he said quickly, looking back and forth. “I just want to let you know that I’m here for you. Sit tight, and don’t cry, okay? We’ll bust you out of here very soon, Lacy.”

“I’m sorry for everything,” I said as remorse flowed through me. I didn’t want him to leave, and I felt panic at the thought.

“It’s okay, sweetheart, I’m sorry too,” he said, his eyes on my lips. “Why were you crying? What did they fucking do to you?”

“I..”

My heart palpitated as he neared me. I wanted him to kiss me so badly. More in this moment than any other. But we were soon interrupted by alpha guards, and I had to pretend not to know him as I quickly turned away from him.

He left down the hall, joining the other alphas. He turned back one last time to look at me, and my heart palpitated at the promising look in his eyes. I quickly scurried into Olivia’s room. Olivia looked at me wide-eyed as she was combing her hair.

“Hey, girl,” said Olivia, watching me through the mirror as I shut the door.

“Oh my god, we might be able to leave this place,” I babbled.

“Slow down a minute,” said Olivia, dropping her comb on the ground. “Tell me everything.”

“Ryder’s here,” I said excitedly. I felt much lighter and happier than I had in hours. I didn’t realize how the presence of a certain alpha could lift my spirits so much. “I don’t know when we’re leaving, but at least he knows we’re here.”

“Thank god,” sighed Olivia. Even she looked like the weight of the world just dropped from her shoulders. “We’re so fucking lucky.”

“I know,” I said. “Let’s go eat. Suddenly, I’m like real hungry.”

“Me too.”

After eatingbreakfast in the Social Room with Olivia and her new friends, I decided to go downstairs and see if there was a chance I could see Ryder again. It was probably irresponsible, but I knew there were always alphas roaming around downstairs.

“I’ll be right back,” I told Olivia as she chatted with the two sisters. She nodded to me. I could tell there was a new glow to her now that there was a chance we were going to escape. I was also excited but very impatient as I slowly walked down the staircase. Just as I guessed, there were quite a few alphas down here. I looked around for Henry to tell him about Jordan’s mistreatment, but I was also secretly looking for Ryder.

“What do you need?” asked an alpha as he spied me coming down the stairs.

“I’m looking for Henry. I have a complaint,” I said.

“Oh, he’s right over there,” he said, pointing to the general gathering of alphas who were conversing in low voices and standing around.

My stomach flipped when I saw Ethan with his long, scruffy beard. He saw me, too, from across the room and winked. I smiled instantly. I was so happy to see him there, and the familiar feeling of warmth pricked my belly. Our last intimate time together was the hottest thing I’d ever experienced.

Suddenly, I felt a hard grip on my arm.

I looked over my shoulder, panicked to see Jordan and his angry red face.

“Come with me,” he said. He dragged me to one of the rooms nearby and slammed the door. My heart was beating so fast I wanted to cry with fear. I was never so scared in my life. “I saw you smiling at the new guy.”

“I was just being polite,” I said, my eyes on the ground. I didn’t want to escalate things now. I was almost out of this stupid place and regretting ever coming down here to see Ryder. I would have all the time to see Ryder later.

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