Page 87 of Unhinged Omega

"Nikolai's back there?"

"Yup."

Raven's face goes through a series of emotions too quickly for me to track. Shock, fear, hope, anger... it's like watching a slot machine of fucked-up feelings.

Finally, he settles on a glare that could strip paint.

I can tell he's still thinking, no doubt coming up with a plan to fuck me over and get back to chasing his omega across the goddamn wasteland. But he knows he isn't going anywhere anytime soon, so for once, he keeps his mouth shut. The vehicle falls into blessed silence.

Small victories.

Chapter

Twenty-Three

COSIMA

My bare feet pound against the frozen earth as I run deeper into the burned-out forest, my lungs burning with each desperate breath. Behind me, the sounds of chaos at the airport grow fainter. Explosions, gunfire, and inhuman roars gradually fading into the distance.

I don't stop running.

Ican'tstop running.

Not until I'm sure I've lost them all. Nikolai, his men, the tank, that pretty blond alpha, and...

The Knight.

A shudder runs through me at the memory of those glowing blue eyes, that iron mask, those wicked metal claws. But I push the thought away, focusing only on putting one foot in front of the other.

The thin fabric of my robe snags on blackened branches, tearing further with each step. My feet are raw and bloody from the rough terrain, leaving a trail of crimson footprints in my wake, marking my path. But the pain barely registers through the haze of adrenaline and desperate need to escape.

Finally, when my legs feel like they're made of lead and jelly at the same time, I spot a massive fallen tree. Its roots have been torn from the earth, creating a natural shelter beneath the twisted tangle of wood and dirt.

Perfect.

I collapse into the hollow space, wedging myself as far back as I can get. My chest heaves as I try to catch my breath, each inhale burning like fire in my throat. I press my forehead against my knees, willing my racing heart to slow.

I made it.

I actually made it.

A hysterical laugh bubbles up from my chest, but I clamp my hand over my mouth to stifle it.

I can't risk making any noise.

Not yet.

Not until I'm absolutely sure I'm?—

The hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

I know that feeling anywhere.

I'm being watched.

Slowly, I lift my head, and my blood turns to ice in my veins.

The Knight.

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