Tangled

31 Ava: Omega? (IV)

It’s a man–no, a shifter–with a mane of auburn hair pulled back in a practical ponytail. His sharp features are softened by warm amber eyes that crinkle at the corners as he offers Clayton a respectful nod.

“The rogues have been taken care of,” he says, his tone clipped and professional. “The authorities have been alerted, and our people are cleaning up the scene.”

Clayton returns the nod, his expression grim. “Good work, Rowan. This is Ava–she was the target.”

I study the newcomer with a mixture of curiosity and trepidation. His nostrils flare as he takes in my scent, and his eyes widen almost imperceptibly. Before I can react, he takes an impulsive step forward, his gaze locked on me with an intensity that makes my breath catch in my throat.

Alarm bells blare in my mind, every instinct screaming at me to flee. But then Clayton moves swiftly, placing himself between Rowan and me in one fluid motion. He extends an arm, effectively halting Rowan’s

advance with a subtle shake of his head.

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31 Ava: Omega? (IV)

Rowan freezes, his eyes fluttering shut as he draws in a deep, steadying breath. When he opens them again, a flicker of shame crosses his features, and he dips his head in a silent apology.

“My apologies, Ava,” he murmurs, his voice strained. “It isn’t often we run into a true omega entering heat.”

My brow furrows in confusion as I glance between the two shifters. “A true omega?” I echo uncertainly. “I’ve seen many omegas enter heat. It doesn’t seem rare.”

Clayton shifts his stance, angling himself towards me as he studies me with a contemplative frown. “There are omegas by birth and omegas by rank,” he explains, his deep voice measured and even. “Omegas by birth are rare, and their heat can affect any male in their radius. They’re the only ones whose heat can influence the rationality of betas and higher ranks.”

the way he did–because I’m supposedly this “true omega” they speak of. A shiver runs down my spine

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Ava: Omega?

gaze holds mine, his expression unreadable. “Is

clenching instinctively. Memories of my family surge to the surface, bitter and unwanted. I can’t bring myself to answer, to reveal any part of that

silence stretches between us,

questions and lingering tension. Finally, Clayton gives a

for now.

when you’re ready.” He turns to Rowan, his expression hardening ever so slightly. “Keep your distance for now. I’ll have one of the healers take a

look at her.”

of remorse and something else–something I can’t quite place. “Of course, Alpha,” he murmurs, taking a

in my ears as the

Ava: Omega?

what they’re saying

fuck is Selene when

fuck are you?

me, and I clutch Clayton’s jacket tighter around my shoulders, seeking the meager comfort it

to go back home. I want to be in my apartment, far away from so many shifters. From the alpha of this region. So

the ocean and pines once again–Clayton’s scent. Oddly

in my seat, wincing as the movement aggravates the aches and

stands guard outside the vehicle. His broad shoulders

Ava: Omega?

his stance unwavering, every inch the powerful alpha he is. Yet there’s a quiet strength about him, a sense of

the feeling of

I haven’t experienced much.