I spot Devon out of the corner of my eye, hovering with his camera before getting into position to take the perfect shot.
The flash makes dots swim before my eyes.
Now that Devon’s got what I need, all I have to do is make a hasty exit. With no reason to stick around, I break away fromTyler as soon as the song comes to an end, prying myself from his sticky grasp. Ugh, my hands are all tacky, like they’ve been dipped in maple syrup.
“My turn!” Kyro whines. “I want to dance with the omega!”
The omega? Alphas like him are exactly why I never want to join a pack. God forbid anyone call me by my name and see me as more than an object who can take knots. Faye got lucky, finding the Silverwood Pack. They’re supporting her to complete her studies and will do anything to make sure she doesn’t give up her dreams. But packs like theirs are unusually rare—one in a million.
Even on the off-chance I found a pack who was happy for me to finish my law degree, I’m not exactly your standard omega. I’m independent, and sure, while it’d be nice for someone to spoil me sometimes—I’m not completely immune to all my natural omega tendencies—I value my own freedom above anything. I refuse to relinquish my power by submitting to anyone else, especially an alpha who thrives on control. I’m basically an alpha’s worst nightmare and the thought of being bonded to a pack—committing to spend my life with them forever or face physical pain from being parted—is insane. Why would anyone want to tether themselves like that? You may as well put a weighted chain around your ankle and throw yourself into the ocean.
“This omega has a name.” I snub him, turning my head away. “I’m all danced out for tonight. I’m heading back to my friends.”
Tomorrow, our photograph will be all overThe Valley Voice’ssocials. My official courting status will be known to everyone—including my father, who I know will already have his people sweeping the internet, searching for any trace of who my mysterious pack could be. A few more appearances here and there, then I’ll be in the clear.
“Kady-kins!” Kyro swaps places with Tyler, grabbing my wrist in a vice-like grip. “One more dance.” The next song starts playing. “We’re your alphas, remember?”
“Alphas would never leave their unbonded omega alone.” Tyler nods in agreement.
I narrow my eyes. Who knew he had enough brain cells to try to manipulate me?
“Kady!” Kyro has no choice but to drop his hold as Nia appears, stepping in to create a human wall between me and the Blandon Pack. She pulls me into a tight hug and whispers, “Is everything okay? Are they bothering you? Do you need help?”
“I’m fine.” I pull back. “Enjoy your night.”
“I’m here if you need me.” Her lips purse as she surveys Tyler’s smug grin.
“Oh, Kady-kins!” Kyro calls. “This is our song.”
Nia’s eyebrows shoot up. “Your song? Wh?—”
“Didn’t she tell you?” Shea interrupts her. “We’re courting.”
“Courting?” Nia screeches, causing everyone in the vicinity to turn in our direction. “You can’t be serious.”
“We are,” I murmur, unable to meet her gaze.
By morning, the SVU rumor mill will ensure everyone is aware of my courtship status.
Although I’ve got exactly what I wanted, I can’t shake the feeling that I’ve made a huge mistake.
SIX
Riven
It’ll happen any minute now…
I calculated the best possible time and altitude to view the meteor shower. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime event that can’t be missed. I’d have preferred to go up into the mountains, but with a potential storm rolling in, Hale ordered me not to, meaning the SVU campus is the closest I’ll get. If we were back in Rose Harbor, I’d have the perfect vantage point from my special spot near our cabin, but sitting atop a branch in this tree will have to do.
Sadly, my best telescope is too big to carry, so I couldn’t bring it. However, I have my portable one, and with the size of the shower, I’ll be able to see it just fine unless thick clouds obstruct my view.
Besides, after the afternoon I’ve had, the thought of lugging that heavy object makes my head want to explode. I spent the best part of the day getting my room set up exactly how I like it. Even though everything now has its special place, acclimatizing to a new space isn’t easy. I still have to fine-tune and make some tweaks to get it to look the same as my last room but better. I almost didn’t make it up to this spot on time after a mishap with my keyboard.
Checking my watch, I see it’s just past midnight. I pull the collar of my raincoat up around my neck, tugging on the string to tighten it under my chin to keep the cold at bay.
I forgot it was Halloween until I saw other students heading to Club Knotty dressed in costumes. I rub my gloved hands together. I’ll take bad weather over socializing and going to Halloween parties any day.
My packmates are better at social events than I am. I’ve only ever been to parties when the others dragged me along. They’re overwhelming. Too much. The scents, the sounds, the people… Although I can force myself, it’s draining.
