I snort. “I wouldn’t have to worry if you’d all stop giving me mini heart attacks every other day.”
We both stand quietly for a moment.
“Do you think she’s okay?” I ask my brother, not taking my eyes off the door.
“No.”
I slide my eyes to him. “You know what I mean.”
He shrugs. “Honestly? I doubt it. But she’s asked for space, and we should respect that.”
My shoulders drop. He’s right. But I still don’t want to go too far, just in case.
“I’m going to stick around for a while,” I say quietly. Bas frowns in the corner of my eye.
“You won’t—”
“Of course I won’t,” I snap, trying to keep my voice down. “Jesus, Bas! I just want to be close in case she pulls the cord.”
He eyes me carefully as he nods. There’s understanding in his gaze.
“Message if you need me,” he offers as he wraps his arm around me. I pull him in close, breathing in the subtle hint of sage. His beta scent isn’t as strong as ours, but it’s reassuring and familiar and wholly Bastien.
When he leaves, I take up a position on the couch in sight of the door, but not so close that Ava would see me if she looks out. I don’t want to panic her.
Her light doesn’t turn off.
I watch her door until dawn.
ChapterTwenty-Four
Ava
The sound of the door quietly knocking interrupts my light sleep. I finally managed to drift off around dawn, after spending hours practicing using my legs again, pacing back and forth in the tiny space whilst staring at the bed and realizing… I can’t touch it.
I spent years bowing down to Stone and then another two years in intensive training at the Omega Compound. Harsh, brutal training to teach me exactly where my place is in the world.
Omegas are not permitted the use of a bed.
I could recite the creed backward in my sleep. Clearly, something has stuck with me. Every time I even try to approach the bed, my palms become sweaty, and I feel sick.
So I slept on the floor.
Exhaustion pulls at me as I prop myself upright from my small space between the bed and window. I didn’t feel comfortable using the clothes that I found in the small set of drawers, so I’m still in my hospital gown.
I make my way slowly to the door before I hesitate. “Who is it?” I ask warily.
“Ava? I’m Leah. Max’s sister? I just wanted to say hello and see if you need anything.”
I freeze at the undoubtedly feminine tone. There’s a sliver of disappointment too. I thought it would be Max, and I’m quick to shut down any thoughts about why that might be.
My throat closes as I stare at the door. When I don’t respond, Leah clears her throat.
“It’s okay. I get it. I brought you some breakfast from the kitchen, but I’ll just leave it here in case you get hungry. I’d love to meet you properly and show you around, but I know you’re probably not up for that at the moment.”
She sounds a little disappointed, and it’s enough for me to pull my proverbial big girl pants up and pull the door open. She’s still talking, bending over to place a plate on the floor. “Anyway, I’ll just leave – oh! Hello.”
She’s beaming at me, so I try to muster a smile back.
