They tried to hide it from me.
They didn’t want to tell me because they knew how bad my reaction would be.
I was a fool to think this would work between us.
What must they think of me now? I couldn’t even be a supportive girlfriend for them.
I couldn’t be a half-decent Omega for my scent matches.
Marlin trots in and slumps against my side until he’s lying on the cool bathroom tile with me. I curl into a ball, shame and embarrassment swallowing me whole.
I’m not ready for any of this, and those Alphas deserve better than me.
My inner Omega weeps in despair at the decision I’ve already made.
If the pack can’t even tell me when they’ve been injured, what other choice do I have.
The nausea returns, and I lean over the toilet, hurling up what’s left inside me.
The next day,I pack.
My suitcase is filled with the necessities—along with a couple of clothing items belonging to the Alphas that I can’t let go of.
Mervin and Marlin watch all of it from my bed, their ears twitching and tails swishing.
“You two are coming with me, too,” I tell them. “We’re going to visit Grandma.”
My mom loves any reason to see me and the cats, so I know I’ll be welcome even though I’m only giving her a short notice.
Piper understands that I won’t be back for a while—when she asked how long, I said at least two weeks.
The rescue will be fine without me. Maeve, Mari, and our new volunteers will hold down the fort easily. Piper’s packmates offered to help, too.
I just need a little time.
Time to heal from what I’m about to do.
I wasn’t brave enough to answer anyone’s texts or calls last night or this morning, but I owe it to Travis to at least speak to him in person.
The pack leader can relay the message to his packmates.
But I recognize the scent that wafts from my front door before I open it, derailing my plans.
Travis stands there, dark circles under his eyes with his hands in his pockets. He wears dark jeans and a short-sleevedblack shirt, showing off the intricate tattoos on his arms. There’s a gash on his left cheek which I didn’t notice yesterday.
Because of me.
“How long have you been waiting outside?” I ask him, proud of myself for keeping my voice steady.
I spent all night agonizing over my decision, but now I know it’s the right thing to do.
Him standing outside waiting for me doesn’t mean a damn thing.
He shrugs. “Not too long.”
He’s lying.
I narrow my eyes in disbelief, but he lifts his chin. “Can I come in?”
