“Oh.”
I think I gasp. Logan turns, a slight smile on his lips.
“I added the constellations earlier as a surprise,” he murmurs to Ollena. But his eyes are glued to mine, soft and apologetic. “That’s why it may smell a little of paint. I wanted to contribute a little something.”
Ollena softens slightly. “They’re lovely.”
Turning to me, she tilts her head. “I must admit, I was concerned about the outcome of this Trial, Ms Michaels, given the events last week. However, I’m pleased to say that you’ve passed.”
The sudden wave of relief nearly buckles me, but Gray remains steady. He presses a soft kiss to my hair. “Congratulations, Sienna.”
Ollena looks around. “I know that the Trials may seem archaic,” she says quietly, and we all lean forward. “But they are designed to help omegas and alphas have the strongest possible start to their Bonding. It ensures a successful pairing and is a process that offers protection to both sides.” She looks at me, and I wonder how much she really sees.
Tristan nods.
“It wasn’t my intention to insult the Trials,” he responds. “However it may have looked.”
Ollena gives him a considering look. “I know excitement when I see it, Mr. Cohen. Whatever happened between your Trial invitation and today, I’m pleased that it seems to have resolved itself.”
Tristan hesitates, before offering a brief nod.
Chewing my lip, I follow Ollena, Tristan, Jax and Logan back to the main door, leaning heavily on Gray. My limp is getting worse, the burning in my leg stabbing with every step. But the stomachache has lessened again.
“Until the next Trial, Ms. Michaels,” Ollena murmurs, turning to me. “Given your progress with your nest, I would expect your heat to arrive on schedule around seven to ten days from now.”
Flushing, I nod as the alphas around me suddenly find the floor incredibly interesting. Jax audibly swallows. Gray’s fingers flex on my skin. Tristan’s ears have turned a rather fetching shade of scarlet.
“I’ll be in touch. Good luck.”
Ollena smiles at me, a little mischief in her eyes, before she turns and sweeps out of the door. Jax pushes it closed behind her before he sags against it.
“Thank fuck,” he mutters. “That woman absolutely terrifies me.”
Tristan strides towards me.
“You need to rest,” he says with concern, placing his hand on my forehead. “You don’t have a temperature, but you’re clearly not well, Sienna.”
“She’s struggling to stand up,” Gray chimes in, and I give him a dirty look. He raises his eyebrow, unrepentant. “What? You’re going to fall over soon.”
“’M not,” I mutter petulantly. Just to show him, I pull away, biting my lip as wooziness threatens to knock me on my ass.
Jax muscles through, scooping me up. “Nuh uh. No fainting to prove a point. God, you’re just as stubborn as Gray.”
“Hey!” We both protest.
Tristan tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. “Rest,” he says firmly. “We’ll talk when you’re feeling better.”
I close my eyes as Jax carries me up.
“Do you need the bathroom?” he asks as he carefully places me down, and my eyes fly open.
“I’ve got it from here,” I assure him, and he eyes me doubtfully.
“I’d rather make sure you get to bed,” he states, crossing his arms. “I can wait.”
Ugh.
“Please,” I mutter. “I’m not going to die getting from the bathroom to the bed. I’ll be fine, Jax.”
