“There is no trick,” I say harshly. “You just run, you hide. Don’t be a hero, leave people behind, don’t look back, and prepare yourself to never be able to look at your reflection ever again. That’s how you survive. How did you think there was a method to it?”
“Because it’s been five years, and you’ve evaded the Claw, Fang, and the Warden himself.”
I stare up at Mordecai. “I’m not who you are hoping I am.” That realisation is crushing. He’s expecting a saviour, and I’m just a broken vessel with more self-loathing than he could imagine.
“I don’t believe that. I think you are so much more than I ever dreamed.”
“I can’t save you,” I whisper, shaking my head.
“You don’t need to save us, just give us a chance.”
I turn away from him, unable to face the hopeful look in his eyes. Cadel is staring at me thoughtfully, his head cocked to the side. He doesn’t look disappointed like Bear does. What is he thinking? Have I disgusted him?
“We need to think about this and have some time,” Cadel says in a deep, dark voice. His words come out like an order.
“We? I don’t remember you being involved,” Bear snaps, bristling.
Cadel stands up and lets out a growl. Everyone in the room, alpha and omega, curls their shoulders and ducks their head, but Jarek, Mordecai, and myself.
“Come, Omega,” Cadel says and holds out his hand.
I hesitate only a second before I place my hand on his, taking the escape. Lightning and smoke curls up my arm, and I’m lost in the feel of this alpha. His hand is massive and engulfs mine, and I cling to him, refusing to let go.
He walks us through the school, and I follow blindly, aware of Jarek, and, to my surprise, very conscious and hurt over the fact that Mordecai didn’t come with us.
“He never explained the omega.”
“He didn’t explain a lot, but what they did say needs some thought,” Cadel murmurs. “They are too excited, and they expect too much,” he says wrathfully.
Who is this alpha with his dark, smoky voice that feels like ice and promises.
Cadel finds a room that’s darker than the others. It’s reasonably clean and has a door that leans to a crumbling side of the building and outside. He’s set us up with an escape route, but why this makes my heart clench, I don’t know.
He pulls me down to the floor, while Jarek hands me a water bottle.
“I’m going to go get us some food. I’ll be back,” he purrs and winks at me.
I can barely look at him.
“What is this?” Cadel says when he’s gone. “Are you ashamed of surviving? For doing what you needed to do? For not dying with everyone else?”
His words slam into me, bringing the toxic feelings to the surface. I curl smaller, gasping. The screams are never far away. I close my eyes, squeezing the sob inside, refusing to let it out. I jerk my head in a sharp nod.
“Ah, do you know what I heard? A humble omega who has been through trials no other has endured, who is staying and listening, prepared to help but being realistic and logical. You are not at fault for the things others have done, and it’s not your fault for the things you have done to survive.”
“Perhaps I am a monster—”
Cadel laughs.
It’s the first time I’ve heard him really laugh, and it’s entrancing. His husky voice turns into a pleasant and contagious sound of such mirth that has me completely frozen beside him, watching out of the corner of my eye.
“You are the farthest thing from a monster, Keres.”
He falls silent, reaches out, and takes hold of my hand.
“Our thoughts are extreme in this place. We must use cool logic. I’ve thought, wondered, what if I am your enemy? What if I remember myself, and we’re standing on opposing sides? I could not bear it.”
“You’re an alpha, and you’re…” Mine. You’re mine. That’s what I was about to say.
