Page 75 of Verses and Blooms
We got a few curious looks from the other patients, and Ares quickly explained something to Bethany before ushering us out.
“What’s going on?” I demanded.
Rydell took my hand, pulling me close and tucking his arm around me. I used my free hand to grab Ansel’s, knowing they were just as nervous as I was.
“They’re going to make an announcement with everyone else,” Ares said, his voice low. “But you guys get special privileges because… well, because I am who I am.”
“What does that mean?” I hissed under my breath.
“Word got out about ARC. Let’s go to our wing before we talk more.”
We had no choice but to follow him. My stomach twisted tighter with every step. When he finally closed the door behind us, Kane was already there, picking paint off his hands. Caspian was next to him, still glowing from his daily visits with Sara and Lilly. Ledger was sitting in a chair by the window, foot bouncing nervously.
The second we stepped in, and the door shut, he was on his feet.
“We’re all here now. What is it?” he demanded.
“Someone leaked the story about ARC,” Ares said grimly. “Including everything with Malik… and Audrey’s capture.”
“Show me,” I demanded, knowing damn well something had already aired or he wouldn’t be so worked up.
Everyone but Ares looked confused. He sighed in defeat and pulled up his laptop. It didn’t take long before an array of news articles filled the screen along with a few videos. He clicked the first one… the one with thousands of views.
Bile rose in my throat as the broadcast began.
“We have a breaking news story for you tonight,” the anchor said in a somber voice. “The Alliance, an elite branch of the military focused on omega safety and disbanding trafficking rings, has allegedly taken over a former Omega Network facility. This facility was not just a clinic, but a group home for those with broken bonds. The tortured souls involved were subjected to relentless experimentation and abuse at the hands of one twisted doctor. Everything from abusing patients, toexperimental medications, to keeping patients locked up for money.”
“They know so many details,” I gasped in horror.
“They haven’t even gotten to the part about the victims yet,” Ares muttered, scrubbing a hand over his face.
I turned back to the screen.
“Our sources tell us that, despite the high security of this location, several patients have gone missing over the years. Including the daughter of Chief David Anderson.”
“It has to be someone close to the Alliance,” Ansel said. “No one else would know that information.”
“Our thoughts exactly,” Ares agreed. HIs eyes were still glued to the screen, face hard. It was about to get so much worse. I could feel it.
“The latest abduction was none other than Audrey Walker, the girl who made national headlines. She stalked a pack after multiple forced bonds she endured during her time in an omega trafficking ring left her mind in pieces. Word is that she survived this horrific attack, though not unscathed…”
The anchor made a sad face that looked more like a grimace. I could barely hear the rest of what she said now as my pulse thundered angrily in my ears.
When the clip ended, Ares clicked out of the video, but my photo was right there on the screen below it. A picture of me was front and center, linking viewers to another article that detailed my time on the run.
“If I was reluctant to move before,” I said quietly, fighting back tears now. “I’m convinced now.”
“I won’t subject you to the comments,” Ares said tightly. “But they’re disgusting. A bunch of bullshit speculations about your whereabouts, and calling you crazy.”
The fury in his eyes rippled through the bond, echoed by every one of my men. I couldn’t find words, so I stood insteadand walked out of the main doors, heading right for the old wing the Alliance had taken over. I made a beeline for the data room, not stopping until I found the man Ares had introduced me to.
The one who helped them find me.
“Audrey,” he said, confused until he saw the pack pile in behind me. “I’m guessing you saw?”
“I did. What have you found out about my parents?” I asked, redirecting the conversation.
I’d let him dance around it for over two weeks while we focused on classes and therapy. But now I needed answers.
