Twisting to get the zipper, I groan as a sharp reminder of Brody’s latest throttling flares. When I step out of the dress, however, the memory of how the bruise turned into a raspberry-pink love bite becomes my focus. Thinking of Dominic, I suck on my lip. Already it feels instinctual, so natural and wonderful, knowing I’m communicating with my Alpha by toying with his bite.
He responds instantly. Flooding our bond with warmth. But like with words, there’s different meanings. This warm hits like a teasing coax in places that has me blushing.
I sink to the edge of my bed, enjoying his touch, my mind drifting to spending time with them. And then my drive changes from being here to getting ready to leave. After all, I only needed to check with the Omega Mothers and see Tristan.
Discovering I have the ability to adjust our bond is an interesting exercise. It’s strange and takes a couple of times until I find a sweet spot that lets me enjoy Dominic’s presence but also not get distracted by him. Climbing to my feet, I dump my bags on my bed and start digging out my toiletries. Before I can take a step in my bathroom, the phone in the kitchen rings. Wrapping myself in one of the towels, I race to answer the phone, knowing it’s either one of the ladies in the administration office, or it’s one of the Omega Mothers.
Omega Mother Beatrice speaks as soon as I manage a nervous hello.
“Ahh, Simona, the guards just let me know you’d returned. Sorry, I’m bothering you probably before you’ve even unpacked.”
By her tone, my stomach plummets.
“I was getting there. Did you want me to come to the office?” I ask hesitantly.
“Not at all, dear,” she says. I hear her take a sharp exhale before she speaks. “I’m sorry…”
“Oh my god, it’s not Lawson, is it?” I interrupt.
“No. My call isn’t because your parents contacted me, although I suspect you’ll be hearing from them in due course.”
“Really? Why?” I whisper, unease stealing the volume of my voice.
She takes a loud inhale before speaking. “I denied your brother access to you, and to Unity. He was rather unhappy with my decision. In time, I’m sure your parents will not be happy with me either.”
“Oh my gosh,” I gasp, collapsing into one of the chairs in the sitting room. I pull one of the blankets we always have on our chairs to my lap, twisting the fabric between my fingers in my anxiousness. “I’m so sorry, Omega Mother Beatrice. I’ll… I’ll speak with my parents.”
He is not my brotherrips through my thoughts in a scream.I forbid you, seals my lips shut.
She talks over the top of my internal dialogues. “There’s no need to apologise on his behalf, Simona. He is an adult. I’m very appreciative you let me know your heat was impending, and that you returned to Unity as you said you would. I trust you implicitly and I hope you know that emphatically.”
“Thank you,” I say, taking a big silent exhale after speaking.I’m shaking with anger with what Brody did, and frustrated to hell that he’s still got so much sway over me. Not power anymore, sway.
Omega Mother Beatrice’s voice alters slightly. “Speaking to you not so much as an authority figure, Simona, more as a concerned friend,” she pauses, and I get what she’s insinuating. “I’d like you to consider speaking with a couple of other friends I have.”
“What sort of friends?”
“Well, one is a lawyer and the other works with the Omega Protection Department.”
“Why?” I ask, feeling suddenly nauseous.
“Sometimes, we find ourselves in situations outside of our control. In those times, speaking out can be a task in itself. Your brother makes my internal warning bells toll. The insistence of the father of your intended Alpha, Mr Henderson, was louder than your own parents, that I provide him with updates on your welfare does the same.”
I squeeze my eyes shut. “Did one of them do something?”
She tuts. “Today, the man who claims to be your brother tried to intimidate me after I refused to entertain his false pleasantry.”
“Really? I am so sorry.”
“You are not the one who needs to apologise. I have told you while you are a student you fall under my protection. And I feel you meeting these other friends of mine, Simona, would be an extension of me doing what is best for my students.”
“I appreciate everything you are doing for me, Omega Mother,” I whisper.
I couldn’t bear leading her down a path for her to discover I’m lying later.
“While I am in charge, any person, Alpha or Omega, who spoke the way these people claiming to be your family are,would get the same treatment from me. I will not tolerate rudeness or aggression towards anyone.”
“Thank you.”
