“Looks like it. We just have to survive.”
That’s all it says.
“Survive?” Ivan snatches the paper from me. “Huh. It really does say we just have to survive. I guess they didn’t expect this to go well.”
“Well, they were right, weren’t they?” Ariana’s nose scrunches at Grant as she looks at him. He holds up his hands in defense. “You passed out. That’s not exactly a smooth introduction, is it?”
Ivan huffs a small laugh. “I suppose not. But survive makes this sound dangerous and ominous.”
“It is dangerous.” Ariana’s harsh words make my chest ache. “Maybe not for you three, but it is for me.”
“We could Rot, you know?” I’m not arguing with her, per se. It’s more of me challenging her. “Alphas without their Omegas can and do get the Rot all the time.”
Alpha Rot is a chronic condition that Alphas can get without a bonded Omega. For some, it comes after their Omegas die, but for others, it sets in before they even meet their Omegas. Like Forsaken Omega Syndrome, it’s not usually fatal, but it is a severe health condition that requires a lifetime of treatment. Eventually, an Alpha can lose the ability to produce pheromones, meaning they will not be able to scent match.
And if they can’t scent match, they can’t find their Omega, who can help their Rot go into remission.
“Except you won’t die from Rot, will you?” Her words are bitter. “Not to downplay the seriousness of Rot, because I understand it’s painful and can reduce an Alpha’s lifespan, but it’s not nearly as common as FOS, and it can go into remission. If FOS isn’t caught early enough and treated…”
“Then the Omega dies,” I finish for her.
“Then the Omega dies.”
She pushes her plate across the table, the sandwich only half finished. It’s impossible to miss the way her hands shake as she stands.
She looks so small. I never realized how short she is. We didn’t share heights. It never felt relevant, but she’s at least six inches shorter than I am. She’s still wearing the copper dress production put her in, and though she looks gorgeous, I know she has to be uncomfortable.
“I’m going to go to bed.”
It’s what I expected her to say. This has been a long day.
“Would you like turn down service?” Ivan jokes, standing and folding his arm like a butler holding a towel. “Or perhaps to schedule a wake-up call?”
Exhaustion draws her features down, and she doesn’t seem to be able to muster up a smile.
“No thanks.”
The door shutting behind her sounds like a gunshot in the quiet, and I can’t help but wonder if it’s a killing blow.
Audience Reactions
EPISODE TWO
Roz>Knot What You Expected
Okay, I cannot be the only one sobbing right now? The phone call saying goodbye? Oh my god. That was so sweet. It’s so obvious that they really do love her. I wish we knew what was in that letter, but I can understand why the show would keep that private.
…ladyjanemua…>Knot What You Expected
That dinner was SOOOOOO awkward. They need to have a proper date. Candles, low music, the whole nine yards. Let them take her on a date as if they met her at an Omega social!! Ariana deserves it!!!
slothieereads>Knot What You Expected
Yeah, they lied, but like. Think about thegroveling they’re going to have to do I love a man on his knees (in more ways than one)
lzleavemebehind>Knot What You Expected
Uh, is anyone else #teamIvan? Funny and sexy? If she doesn’t want him, I’LL TAKE HIM. Gimmie that big boy.
