And for the first time all day, my body doesn't feel like it's bracing for the next impact.
***
Later that afternoon, I change into my gym clothes with slow, deliberate movements.
Leggings first. Soft, worn thin at the knees. Then the tank top I always wear to class. I tie my hair back, pausing in front of the mirror longer than necessary.
My phone buzzes on the dresser.
Drake:Not going to get off work in time tonight. I'm sorry, baby. I can't drive you today.
I stare at the message for a few seconds before typing back a quickIt's okayand setting the phone down again.
I grab my gym bag and head down the hall toward Ragon's office.
His door is open. He's seated behind his desk, papers spread out in neat stacks.
I stop just inside the doorway.
"Ragon?"
He looks up immediately. "What is it?"
"I... Drake can't take me to the gym. I was wondering if I could take the bus. I know you guys are all busy tonight. And I know omegas aren’t supposed to go out alone, but I’ll be really careful and you can track my location."
He doesn't answer right away.
His gaze settles on me, steady and assessing. The silence stretches, and I fight the urge to fill it with apologies.
"I really don't want to miss it," I add quietly. "It makes me happy."
Something in his expression shifts. He exhales slowly through his nose, jaw tightening, then loosens his grip on the folder.
"Hold on."
He reaches for his phone and taps the screen, switching it to speaker.
"Alex," he says when the call connects.
"Hey, Ragon," Alex answers easily. "What's up?"
Ragon's fingers curl around the edge of the desk. "Is Finn available to drive Vee to her gym class? We've kind of run out of options over here tonight."
There's a pause on the line. "Finn's out of town. Business trip. Won't be back for a couple days."
Ragon's jaw tightens.
"I can drive her," Alex offers. "And I can wait until she's done."
My pulse jumps.
Ragon's grip on the phone tightens enough that his knuckles pale. I can almost feel the internal battle in him.
There's a beat of silence.
Then Alex laughs softly. "Don't worry. I'm not going to steal your omega."
Ragon's nostrils flare. His eyes flick to me, sharp and conflicted.
