We’re only left waiting for a few minutes before a door swings open opposite it. The omega that appears isn’t someone I expected to see. Gabrielle pauses at my side, clearly recognizing her face.
Ava Grey. The omega responsible for taking down the Omega Creed and the closure of the Compound. I know the Center is run by her pack, but I didn’t expect to see her here.
“Hi,” she says to Gabrielle with an easy smile. “I’m Ava. I heard you’d like to have a chat?”
Gabrielle stutters, her eyes looking to me desperately. “Um. Yes. Please.”
Ava’s smile is understanding, her eyes softening. “First time?”
Gabrielle nods, her hair falling in front of her face.
“Come on. We’ll find a quiet corner to curl up in.” Pausing, she scans me. “Would you prefer to talk in private?”
I don’t take offense when Gabrielle’s eyes flicker to mine guiltily. Lifting her hand, I press a kiss into her palm.
“I’ll be waiting,” I promise. “Right here if you need me.”
Ava gestures to the receptionist. “Megan will get you anything you need.”
When Gabrielle tenses, I shake my head, making sure to move to the furthest seat away from the omega at the front desk as I sit, stretching my legs out. “I’m good, thank you.”
Ava’s face turns more focused, her eyes moving between us. “I see.”
Gabrielle peeks over her shoulder as Ava leads her out, and I give her an encouraging smile.
I just hope she finds what she’s looking for.
ChapterForty-Six
Gabrielle
Iexpected an office, but I’m surprised when Ava leads us into a bright, airy sitting room instead. Several deep couches frame a low wooden coffee table, and the room is filled with cushions, blankets and throws.
She waves a hand at my wide eyes. “This building is about omegas first. We do whatever we can to feel comfortable.”
Sinking into a deep blue velvet couch, I pick up a cushion, hugging it to my chest. “This helps,” I admit.
Ava settles herself down opposite me, curling up and tugging a blanket over her. “So,” she begins. Her voice is low, soothing, but my palms still start to sweat as she looks me over, her eyes lingering on the graze on my forehead. “Where would you like to begin?”
Pushing my hair back, I sit up straight, my fingers twisting in the pillow.
This is the issue. I have no idea where to begin.
When the silence stretches on, Ava purses her lips, a look of concentration on her face. “Do you mind if I ask how old you are?”
Well, that’s an easy place to start. “Twenty.”
She pauses. “You were in the OC, then?”
Vivid images parade across my mind. “I was.” My fists clench. “I got out of there as soon as I could.”
She frowns. “I was part of the group that went in to help settle the omegas, but I don’t remember you. Have we met before?”
Darkness. Scrabbling, screaming, empty.
My nails dig into the soft material underneath me as I force out a shaking breath. “I was in the hole. They found me the day after everyone else was processed.”
Ava pales, her hand flying up to cover her mouth as she looks at me, horror etched into her face as she searches for words.
