“W-w-what?” Dad splutters, staggering back like he’s been shoved.
“You heard me.” Ezra’s jaw tenses. “She’s part of the Valen Pack now.”
Dad laughs. “Do you expect me to fall for another fake performance?” His eyes narrow at me. “Get in the car, Kadence.”
I look up at Ezra. “You don’t want an omega, Ezra.”
“I didn’t want an omega, but things have changed.” The rage in his eyes directed at my father shifts when he looks at me, warming my skin like the sun has finally decided to shine after a storm. “I will not let you marry another pack.” He inhales deeply. “You’re our scent match.”
“Scent match?” Dad balks then begins ranting, but I can’t even hear what he’s saying as everything other than Ezra seems to fall away into nothingness.
Ourscent match? Did I hear Ezra right?
I swallow hard. My gaze searches his face, looking to see whether he’s lying, just saying this to help me. “But I thought you didn’t believe in scent matches.”
“I didn’t.” Ezra’s teeth graze along his bottom lip. “Until I met you.”
Dad and Warren may as well be on another planet.
A lump is caught in my throat. “I know this isn’t what you wanted.”
“Maybe not, but you were right about what you said earlier.” He entwines his fingers with mine, squeezing. “I’ve been sabotaging the pack’s happiness. Watching you almost walk away has made me realize that. If I let you go, I wouldn’t just break their hearts but mine too.”
“While this is all very romantic, need I remind you of your profession?” Dad’s raving yanks me back to the present. “A professor cavorting with a student is against SVU rules.”
“Actually, it’s not,” Ezra replies coolly. “Article 12A of the SVU handbook states that faculty and student relations are permitted in the event of a bonding or scent match.”
Shock grips my lungs, making it difficult to breathe. “How did you…?”
He shrugs. “I might have done some research before our trip.”
Over Dad’s shoulder, I spot Janice chugging up the driveway.
“This keeps getting better and better.” Dad flings his arms up and gasps in horror at the sight of Hale’s car. “They drive a death trap too. It’s a wonder you’re still alive.”
As soon as they’ve parked, Hale and the others fly out of the car, taking in the unfolding scene.
Snarling, Calder glares at Warren. “Looking to take us back to jail again?”
“It can be arranged.” Warren’s response is deadpan, his eyes narrowed.
Calder grits his jaw and takes a step forward, but Hale pulls him back. “Easy, Calder.”
“What’s going on?” Riven eyeballs my dad before checking on me. “Are you okay, Kady?”
“I’ll tell you what’s happening.” Dad doesn’t allow me time to answer, jabbing his finger in Ezra’s direction. “This so-called professor is telling me that my daughter is his scent match.”
Hale’s head jerks to Ezra. “You said that?”
Ezra lowers his head, toeing the ground. “Something like that.”
“I knew it.” Riven beams. “I could tell you felt it too.”
Ezra rolls his eyes, a smile gracing his lips. Despite the tense situation, his shoulders seem looser than they have the entire time we’ve been in Rose Harbor.
“Ezra’s correct, sir.” Hale gives my father respect that he definitely doesn’t deserve. “Kady is our scent match.”
“Kadence?” Dad prompts. “Is this true?”
