She shakes her head. “Doesn’t matter. You’ve definitely grown.”
Maybe she’s right. I glance down, realizing for the first time that I can’t see my feet anymore. A hint of self-consciousness colors my cheeks, and Max squeezes me. “You’re glowing,” he murmurs into my hair.
Oblivious, Harper nods. “You are,” she says with a smile. “I still can’t believe it.”
My eyes move to behind her as the Winter pack trail in. The blonde one, Gabe, shoots me a smile, but Devlin and Ace still keep their distance, Ace turning and dropping a bag against the far wall. I return their nods gratefully, appreciating the consideration. Having this many alphas around makes my palms sweat, the comfort I’ve found within my own pack not extending outside of it.
Gabe tugs Harper back gently, and we all take seats at the table. “Where’s Bastien?” I ask Max. His brow furrows as he looks towards the door. “I don’t know.”
Rogue Winter isn’t here either, I realize. “Didn’t Rogue come with you?” I ask Harper.
She bites her lip, and I feel Luc tense next to me before he wraps his arm around my shoulder. “He’s outside,” Luc says softly, before Harper can answer. “He’s brought somebody with him, sweetheart. And I’m not sure you’re going to want to see them.”
My spine stiffens. “Who?” I ask tightly, my gaze moving from Harper to Luc. I settle on Harper. “Who’s outside, Harper?”
“Ava,” she whispers. “Sweetie—,”
I sit back, crossing my arms above my stomach. “Tell me,” I demand.
“Hello, Ava.”
Our gazes swing to the door, and I meet a pair of pale green eyes. My chair tumbles to the ground as I stand up, and Luc swears. “I told you to give us time!”
“I’m sorry,” the alpha murmurs. “But I don’t think we have much time to waste. And from what I’ve seen, Ava is more than strong enough to manage this.”
My breathing speeds up as we stare at each other.
Christian Winter. Rogue’s father. And Director of the Omega Compound.
My head spins, bile rising up my throat as I spin wildly, my breathing harsh. Max pushes in front of me, his jaw tight with anger.
“Why are you here?” he demands.
Black spots start to dance in front of my eyes, and I gasp. Luc tries to grab my arm but I pull free, the motion making me stumble as I back toward the wall.
I can’t breathe.
The last time I saw this alpha, he had me carried out of my cell, half-conscious and broken from Jason’s attack. Hesawme.
And he could take me back.
Luc stays close to me, his hand out as I slide down the wall and onto the floor. The Winter pack remain quiet, Devlin with his arm around Harper as she stares at me, her lip trembling. Seeing her here, standing next to the OC director gives me a little extra strength, and I pull myself up, holding onto Luc’s arm tightly.
“Are you taking me back?” I ask him numbly. The Director’s eyes widen.
“No,” he says vehemently. “Ava – I’m here to help. Not to take you back.”
“Ava,” Harper starts, pale and shaking. “I would never have brought him here if he wasn’t on our side.Never.”
I don’t understand.
Rogue Winter steps into the room, Bastien following him with a scowl as he strides over to us. “Perhaps we should take a seat,” Rogue suggests. “We have some things that you should hear, Ava.”
Bastien murmurs into Luc’s ear, and he nods. My beta strokes my cheek before he leaves the room to check the cameras and make sure nobody’s followed them.
I keep Luc’s hand in mine as I cross slowly to the couch, dropping down into it as I keep my eyes on the Director. Luc follows my lead as Max growls, a rippling sound that rumbles deep in his chest.
“Max,” I say quietly. “Sit by me?”
