Page 102 of Our Deceptive Heat

“Can you not tell them you brought me here? Or just delay giving them the information?”

“I don’t understand it. I’ve seen the way they are with you, the way they look at you. They care. I can’t understand why they changed their mind. Those idiots. I’m kicking their asses tonight.” He bangs his palm on the steering wheel, his face turning a ruddy red.

My heart feels like it’s been stabbed. Did I misread their feelings for me? Did I misunderstand what was happening between us?

No, I’m sure I didn’t.

Did they pretend? Was it fake?

Did they feel anything for me?

They knew how important this was. This was my life, my chance for freedom. My dream. They sold me out.

The anger that swamps the hurt is a welcome relief.

“Can you tell them something else for me?” I ask.

Tony pulls the car into a stop in front of the airport. He reaches behind me, in the back seat, and pulls out a bag and hands it to me.

“Put this on,” he murmurs.

I look in the bag and find an oversized, knitted beige jumper, a dark auburn wig, and mirrored glasses.

His kindness threatens to break me.

“I’ve had it just in case. What do you want me to tell them?”

“Tell them I hope it was worth it,” I murmur and lean over, giving Tony an enormous hug. “I’ll find the first pack who will have me and vanish. I’m sorry, but thank you for all your help, Tony. You have been the calm in all this chaos.”

Tony pats my back, and when I draw away, he wipes a tear from his eye. “If there’s anything I can do?”

“No, it’s good. I’m good. I have a plan in place. You know, I told you that.”

“I remember. It’s why I came to meet you.”

I swallow hard. “Well, this is it.”

It’s so much harder letting go of them than I thought. Once I get out of this car, it’s over. I won’t be theirs. I won’t be me anymore, either.

I have to force myself to get out of the car, and once outside, the numbness returns. The echoes of that damn song playing in my ears.

My chest feels empty, my mind crushed. Fear is lingering in the background, threatening to drown me.

It’s over.

They were never mine. A dream. It was all just a dream, and I have no right to think I could have one.

I walk into the airport, and the Ryn with plans, routines, and knows just what to do takes control. I might be an omega with all those needs and instincts, but I’m a Raines first.

It’s time to be gone.

Forever.

Chapter thirty-two

Mako

I have no oneto blame but myself- Mathew ‘Mako’ Fate

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