We both know Valek isn't sleeping. Isn't resting like he claimed. The alpha is planning something. Scheming. I can feel it in the air. Predator energy that makes my hackles rise.
I… S-H-O-U-L-D... L-E-A-V-E.
"You can't." Thane's voice is firm. "If you disappear now, he'll know something's wrong. More wrong than he already suspects."
I want to argue. Want to sign that I don't care what Valek thinks. That I need to be with my omega. Protect her. But Thane's right. My absence would confirm every suspicion.
So I pace instead.
Kitchen to living room.
Living room to kitchen.
My phone buzzes. I hurry to check it so fast, I almost fucking drop it.
IVY
At breakfast now. Everything good. Whiskey is being loud. Plague is being grumpy. Normal alpha stuff.
Fuck.
The emoji makes something loosen in my chest. She's trying to make me smile. Even from miles away.
I type back carefully. Tough to type with huge hands on a tiny screen. And I’m second guessing everything I say. Not used to communicating directly. Don't like it.
WRAITH
ok
Is that all I can fucking manage?
Ok?
Fuck, I hate myself.
WRAITH
Wait.
Shit.
Ican’tkiss.
Is she going to think I can?
She probablyassumesI can. Of course she would. It’s a normal fucking assumption I’d be able to kiss. She can’t possibly know?—
"Good news?" Thane asks.
I nod. Show him the screen.
His expression softens. "She'll be back soon."
Soon.The word makes me let out a soft, frustrated growl. Soon could be an entire day. Or three. Or five. Or seven.
Days without her scent. Without her warmth. Without her perfect hands in my hair, her voice saying my name like it's something precious instead of terrifying.
Feels like I might not survive it.
