Page 32 of The Omega Trials: Part Two

I recognize the protective streak in his offer. He’ll do all he can to help as long as it doesn’t involve dragging his mate further into this.

I would do the same. Sinclair and my brothers will always come first.

“She can’t just be gone. Shecan’t.” Ecker is spiraling and quickly. “This can’t be happening again.”

Titus catches it too. He gestures to me and Noah. “Okay, you two head back to our wing, and the rest of us will split up and search the Estate.”

We all nod in agreement, but when I turn to leave, Ecker grabs my arm. “You’re just gonna sit on your ass andwait?Weallneed to be out there looking for her.”

Defensiveness sparks in my chest. It’s quick to ignite with all the stress and I wrench him off me. Insult has me forcing his wrist farther back than necessary to simply remove his hand, and he fights a grimace, seething through the pain.

“Do not ever question my commitment to our mate.” My words tumble like rocks from my twisted throat. “Someone should be there if she comes back, and if Titus decides that person is me, then so be it.”

He pulls his hand away and scoffs. “Whatever, I’m not wasting time arguing about this.”

Then he storms away.

It feels wrong to be playingMario Kartwhile everyone else is out there searching.

Noah brought his laptop and controllers with him, and I figured the distraction wouldn’t hurt while we waited. It doesn’t change the fact that one of us should be here if—when—she comes back.

Every slight sound and creak has my eyes jumping to the door. My heart is going to bruise from all the times it’s jumped into my throat.

I fight the urge to look the next time I think I hear something outside in the hall. But then the doorknob jiggles and I leap to my feet, not caring that the controller falls haphazardly from my hand.

My heart rams against my ribcage as the door opens and I immediately see Sinclair’s shock of silver hair.

“Fuck,” I exhale in relief and step toward her. I freeze as her full body comes into view and I see the red, swollen marks on her face and the purpling bruises shaped like fingers around her biceps.

“Noah,” she says calmly. “You should go now.”

My feet can’t seem to move. It’s her, but it’s alsonother. And it’s not just the bruises and swelling making her look different. Shefeelsdifferent. Or rather, I can’t feel her at all.

I was sure the bond connecting us would return when I saw her again, but the more I look at her, the less I’m certain. It almost feels like an impostor is standing in front of me.

Could this be another Echelon trick?

As Noah gathers his things, I ask, “What happened?”

She ignores my question. “Where’s Ecker and Titus?”

“Out looking for you.” Our exchange is mechanical and superficial.

“Call them. Tell them to come back, and I’ll explain it to all of you.”

Ecker bounces up from the armchair for what feels like the hundredth time. He’s been unable to sit still for more than thirty seconds. His nervous, wired energy has not settled at all since Sinclair returned.

He shakes his head and throws his hands in the air. “I still don’t understand why you didn’t come to us right away.” Aggravation and hurt lace his tone.

Sinclair sighs. I can tell she’s trying to be patient, having gone over everything several times now. “I thought you knew where I was. And Paisley made it sound like you guys wouldn’t even want to be around me.”

“Yeah, well, that wasn’t her decision to make. And she’s a backstabbing cunt—”

“Hey!” she shouts at him, standing up. “It wasn’t her fault, and she was honest—”

“Hardly,” he scoffs.

“She was honest when it mattered. And we’re all in this fucked-up shit together, so get off your high horse.” She falls back onto the couch and crosses her arms. The little patience she had left is apparently gone by the dirty look she gives Ecker.

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