Page 56 of The Omega's Bloodlinem: Part Two

He let out a sharp laugh. “I know it doesn’t look like it has, but it’s changed so much. It can do that for you too.”

“Do you think Yelena hates me less than your brother hated you?”

“Definitely. Or at least at a different kind of hate, maybe one that’ll be easier to break down.” Seth sighed, giving my hand a squeeze. “What I know for sure is that Caden and Yelena want Logan to be happy. She wanted me, and Caden grew into the idea, and if she wants you, I’m sure Yelena will do the same.”

I didn’t love the idea of clinging to possibly false hope, but I did it anyway.

Ididn’t remember much besides my panic. Yelena had gotten distorted in the bond and that had been even more terrifying than her ignoring me. Then it was only pain cutting in and out of my consciousness.

Soft fur brushed against my hand.Hold on to me.

Everything ached.

The softest tickly touch on my lips had my eyes popping open. Caden in his house cat form stared down at me, his paw still on my chin.

“Hi,” I croaked out.

He headbutted me, rubbing his cheeks over mine, purring like a buzz saw.Thank all the gods.

Nurse Sarah bustled in. “Your panther told me you woke up. How are you feeling?”

I gave a tired groan.

“Understandable.” Sarah moved closer, peeling back the top of the blankets, and making me hiss as her fingers palpated a few extremely tender spots. “Bleeding is still under control. You areverylucky to still be here.”

“What happened?” I winced at my voice, as gravelly as a pack-a-day smoker’s.

You got caught between Yelena and Kendrick, Caden told me.

“Are they okay?”

He headbutted me again.They’re fine. We’re all worried about you.

Haru’s fluffy head peeked over the edge of the hospital bed.Welcome back.

I reached out my hand that didn’t have an IV stuck into it, and Haru lifted his nose to fit beneath it.

Seth burst through the door, a glass of water in his hand. He set it aside and rushed over, cupping my cheeks and pressing his lips to my forehead. “Of course you would wake up in the thirty seconds I’m gone.”

I hummed softly, closing my eyes. The door swung open and I worked up enough energy to crack one eye, seeing Velda rush over. Her kiss was far less appropriate for the moment, her mouth on mine, tongue delving, but it did light up my body, like she was jostling every cell from a nap.

“Don’t fucking do that again.” She kissed me once more before resting her forehead against mine. “Gave us all a damn heart attack.”

“Where—?” It was the only word I managed before my throat protested.

“Yelena and Kendrick are under temporary house arrest,” explained Sarah. “Dr. Atling removed them from active duty.”

In my head I bolted upright, but in reality the sharp searing from my muscles activating after thinking about it kept me right where I was. Caden tucked himself on my pillow, laying his paw and head over my clavicle. I turned my face toward him, breathing in the comforting scent of a freshly bathed cat, the underlying hint of vetiver barely noticeable.

What now?

I didn’t send the words to anywhere in particular, knowing Seth would hear me regardless.

“Now you recover,” Seth replied.

What about the wards?

“Everyone is prepared to evacuate if needed. Try not to worry about them.”

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