Page 15 of Stray Omega

In her mad dash for freedom, she had all but forgotten about the branch dragging behind her on the other end of the leash. She had run right between two small trees, and the branch—which was longer than her body was wide—had gotten caught.

Her heart clenched with panic.

She could hear Orwen back there, crashing through the underbrush. He had almost caught up with her.

Embla flipped to her belly and clambered back to where the branch was wedged. She loosened it and turned it to fit between the two tree trunks.

But it was too late.

Orwen’s massive alpha fist darted out of the dappled shadows and seized the stick. A moment later, his other hand came forward and gripped the branch as well. Then he started to twist, slowly spooling the rawhide leash onto the stick.

He was reeling Embla in.

She struggled with all her might to get free, gripping the braided rawhide with both hands and leaning back hard against the makeshift winch. She dug in her heels, but they just skidded on the dead leaves. Her heart seemed to be climbing up her throat.

Just a few more twists, and Embla found herself face to face with the angry alpha. His sweat reeked with rage. His huffing breath ruffled her hair. The heat emanating from his huge body was intense. The ring through his nostril glinted, adding to his look of raw bestiality.

Embla whimpered.

The alpha’s face broke out in a predatory grin.

“Bad omega” he growled. ”Very, very bad…”

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