“Guess they’re wrong.”
I find my forehead aching from tension as I weave my way through the sea of students and into the back courtyard, stopping short when I pass through the door.
The stone pathway and all the grass from the bottom of the stairs to the first large tree about fifty feet away are gone, replaced by ribbons and globules of black. Although it looks like tar, it’s swirls of solid rock. The scent of sulfur lingers on the air, rising from the still steaming ground.
As my eyes begin to sting from the smell, my vision goes hazy, and an image of Erich in the throws of his rut last night washover me. As he loses control, his body flaring with immense heat, eyes shooting fire out the sides, I see fresh lava flows pumping out of the ground in time with his every movement.
I don’t breathe, don’t move.
This… this has to be…
I turn then back to the academy entrance, peer up at the third floor where I’m certain Nyxeris, Zephyr, and Erich are still fast asleep.
Nyxeris’ electric power shorting things nearby and enveloping her body.
Zephyr’s greater control of gravity and of his power itself.
Erich pulling lava from the ground when he’d only ever created fire before.
My telekinesis going out of control, being able to read more than emotions when I touch someone, and now having strange visions.
These abilities were all born from our new mated bonds.
We’re going to have to take great care going forward, in case our abilities further evolve.
In fact, this could be a good thing. If our pack is unstable, there’s no way they’ll want to send us on a mission.
And no way that my nightmare—myvision,if that’s what it was—will come to pass.
Zephyr
Ithink I’m crushing Nyx’s hand. I can’t tell, and can’t bring myself to loosen my grasp, either.
In my mind, I know I’m meant to be with our Alphas, a whole pack. I know it, and I do feel love for Erich and Laurant. Truly. But…
My gaze shifts to Nyx, her beautiful face, those deep chocolate eyes, that flowing red hair. My heart sings for her in a way I never dreamt.
And yet…
The way she doesn’t need to reach for me or for our Alphas all the time, seeking comfort, I can’t help but compare us.
We’re both Omegas, yet very different.
A hollowness builds in my chest.
Will my neediness drive my pack away?
Nyx leans into me, hugs my arm with her free one, leans her head on my shoulder, and all my worries evaporate in the face of her warmth and compassion.
At least, for now.
The room we stand in is dark aside from a fancy table at the center where three-dimensional projections of a city block are displayed, glowing in various shades of blue that cast light on the people surrounding it.
Nyx and I stand near the door, almost against the wall. Erich is beside Nyx, Laurant beside him, and fidgeting wildly. I’ve only ever seen him as stoic and reserved. This show of discomfort has me on edge.
Erich leans forward to peer across Nyx at me, then stands upright to smack Laurant’s arm and whisper something angrily.
Standing strong near the adjacent wall is the pack that saved me from Tenebrosa. I learned their Omega, Mira, was close friends with Nyx, and I knew I liked her for a reason. The four of them are all very serious now, however, appearing ready for action at a moment’s notice.
