Jason’s muscles slowly relax under my hand, a coiled tension evaporating as his excruciating pain relents.
Pride surges within me as I see the deep lines of pain on his face fade. The beeping of the heart monitor slows to a strong, steady thump.
I don’t know how long we remain in that trance-like state, my vibrating purr making the small space feel like it’s shimmering. I float in a detached, disoriented mindset. Finally, I rouse like a bear emerging from hibernation, and blink repeatedly to chase away the daze.
My hand lingers on Jason’s arm for a long moment before I pull my fingers away, the purr dying as it leaves my throat.
Everlyn stirs where she leans against the hospital bed, and her eyes open with a moment of confusion. She looks down at her mate with a small frown. She checks his vitals on the screen and smiles at Jason’s relaxed features.
“Halley,” she whispers with tears in her eyes. “I— I’ve never… How did… Thank you.”
“It’s not a big deal,” I croak, shuffling my weight from one foot to the other.
It’s a lie. Purring is a big deal, especially for me.
Providing comfort through a purr is what Omegas do. It’s just not something I’ve ever been able to do before.
Purring is for mates and close family.
I don’t have either.
Or at least, I thought I didn’t.
Apparently, my inner Omega sees Jason and Everlyn as my family.
The sounds of the ICU drift back into my awareness, and I know I’ve been in here for too long. I’m risking a lot by being here and it’s time for me to go.
“I have to go, Everlyn.” I hug my friend tightly and glance one last time at Jason. He looks much better than when I arrived, and I hold on to the warm feeling of relief as I pull back the curtains and step out into the main ICU room.
I’m almost at the exit when I hear a voice call out from behind me.
“Stop right there, Omega.”
I wince and halt my retreat, turning slowly to find a stern Beta nurse marching towards me with a deep scowl.
“What do you think you’re doing?” She comes to a stop in front of me, folds her arms across her chest, and cocks her head to the side. It makes her look like a pissed off bird. “I was about to call security.”
“For what?” I ask, widening my eyes to appear innocent.
“To report you for entering a restricted area. Honestly, you Omegas think you’re above the rules.”
I hesitate a moment, not sure what to say. I could deny everything and hope she lets it go, but judging by her narrowed eyes locked on the I.D. card clipped to my shirt pocket, she won’t. It has my photo and rank displayed clearly: Omega Sparks, Halley.
She’s already memorized my name, and my hope of remaining anonymous slips away.
“They need to keep better control of you Omegas—”
Bang.
The front doors slam open as a gurney bursts through them. Four panicked Beta males in bloodied fatigues are pushing the gurney with grim determination written on their faces.
“Help! We need help!”
Laying on the gurney is a massive Alpha coated in blood.
Chapter Four
Halley
