Hale thinks this is an opportunity. A real one. An apprenticeship at a respected shop, a chance to get out, to build something that belongs to him. I don’t blame him for wanting it. Anyone would.
But I know exactly whatthis is.
Amond Calder is a predator. And not in the designation sense. No, he’s something worse than that. He targets omegas with no safety net, offers them apprenticeships and tiny apartments near the shop, and sells them the idea of stability. Then he waits until they trust him. Until they’re isolated. Until they’re trapped.
Every omega who’s worked under him leaves within months. Quietly. No accusations that stick. No consequences.
Now Hale is next.
The thought sits heavy in my chest, hot and furious. Hale has survived enough already. His father nearly broke him. I refuse to let Calder finish the job.
So,IwalkintotheshopknowingexactlywhatI’m doing.
Thedoorslamsopenbehindme,thebellshrieking loud enough to turn heads. I don’t hesitate. I don’t second-guess myself.
“Amond Calder,” I call out.
He emerges from the back, all grease and arrogance, his eyes flicking over me with open irritation.
“What can I do for you?” he asks.
“You’regoingtotakemeonasyourapprentice,”I say.
He laughs, slow and mocking. “Oh? That so?”
“Yes.”
“And why would I do that?”
BecauseI’vehadyearstowatchpatterns.Because I’ve learned how men like him survive.
“Because if you don’t,” I say evenly, “I’ll start talking to your former apprentices. I’ll record interviews. I’ll document timelines. I’ll ask why none of them stayed longer than a few months.”
His smile tightens.
“My mother works at theTexas Times,” I continue. “She knows editors. And I’m sure the public would be very interested in why your shop has such a… consistent turnover of omegas.”
For the first time, his confidence cracks. His face flushes, jaw flexing, eyes sharp with anger.
But he doesn’t deny it.
I meet his stare without flinching.
This isn’t bravado. It’s a calculated choice. I don’t need him scared forever, only long enough to make sure Hale is never alone with him.
Halewillnotbeanotherquietdisappearance.
Not on my watch.
Before Vegas
“Please, Dad,” I say, my voice low but steady. “It’s important. I need this if I have any chance at all of getting my fated mate back.”
He leans back in his chair and sighs, rubbing a hand over his face before looking at me over his glasses. His eyes are tired, but there’s nothing sharp in them. Only concern. “Aksel… I can’t promise we can get her clean. You know that. All we can do is make sure she knows the option is there. We’ve already covered her court costs, and I’m not sure she’ll let us pay for rehab too.”
“I know,” I say softly. I’ve had time to think this through. “But if she knows someone believes she’s worth the effort, that might be enough to start something. Please try. For me.”
He doesn’t answer right away. He never does when it matters. Finally, he nods once, decisive and sure. “We’ll try. That’s all I can promise.”
