Chapter 28 #2
His expression softens. "I should be asking you that. You're the one who got kidnapped and went through your first heat in crisis conditions."
"I'm fine," I insist, waving off his concern. "Seriously. I had help, I'm safe now, and we're dealing with the assholes responsible. But you—"
I cut myself off, struggling to articulate the concern that's been gnawing at me since I learned about everything that happened while I was unconscious and then in heat.
Roran must read something in my expression because he pushes off the desk and pulls me into a hug.
The gesture surprises me enough that I freeze for a moment before melting into it, wrapping my arms around my twin and holding on tighter than is probably necessary.
"Fuck," he murmurs into my hair. "I almost lost my shit when I heard you were kidnapped. Cale had to physically restrain me and reassure me not to interfere until you were safe and stable."
His scent—ozone and fresh linen, so familiar it makes my chest ache—wraps around me like comfort.
"I'm fine," I repeat, pulling back just enough to meet his eyes. "Things got a little crazy, and I didn't mean to ghost you or the family. But the heat was... intense. And I'm sure you don't need to know the whole details of that."
Roran's face scrunches up in exaggerated disgust.
"Yeah, no thanks. You're my sister, and that's way more information than I need about your sex life."
I laugh—genuine and surprised—and it feels good to laugh about something that was so overwhelming just days ago.
"But are you actually okay?" I press, studying his face for signs of strain or injury.
"Being drugged sucks balls," Roran admits with a grimace. "But I'm fine and Dad found out about everything, so..." He trails off meaningfully.
I smirk despite myself.
"Yeah. We already know what's gonna happen."
Our father's overprotective tendencies are legendary. The moment Gregory Lane discovered his daughter was kidnapped, drugged, and forced into heat away from family protection, he probably mobilized every resource at his disposal to exact revenge.
At this rate, if Cale and Elias handle the situation faster than my parents, it would be a blessing.
If they don’t…well, I almost feel sorry for the kidnappers.
Almost.
"I'll give them a quick call," I promise. "Let them know I'm alive and functional and ready to get back to work. But let's catch up properly later? Maybe dinner?"
"One hundred percent." Roran nods enthusiastically. "I want to hear about these pack bonds everyone's talking about. And whether you're actually considering racing instead of just pit work."
Before he can head for the door, I grab his arm.
"Roran, wait. I'm... I'm sorry."
He frowns, genuine confusion crossing his features.
"Sorry? For what?"
"I feel like I took your spot." The words come out smaller than I intended, vulnerable in ways I usually guard against. "This was supposed to be your moment.
Your entry into Formula One racing with all the publicity and recognition.
And now I'm the one getting sponsor attention and initiative meetings because I'm an Omega who crashed a car and went into heat at the worst possible time. "
The confession hangs between us, raw and honest.
Roran's expression cycles through surprise, understanding, and then something that looks almost like pride.
"Aurora." He uses my real name, which he only does when he needs me to really hear him. "Everything happens for a reason. And I'm not going to hate on you because this is your time to shine."
I try to blink back the tears suddenly threatening to spill over, but it's a losing battle.
"You've spent years in my shadow," Roran continues, his voice gentle but firm.
"Hiding your designation, pretending to be someone else, suppressing fundamental parts of yourself just to exist in a world that didn't want you.
And now? Now you have the opportunity to be yourself and prove you belong in racing. "
He steps closer, pulling me into another hug.
"You're going to be racing on that track unapologetically," he whispers fiercely. "And you're going to show them once again that an Omega can kill it on the track. That you don't need to stay in the shadows anymore. You hear me?"
The tears spill over despite my best efforts, soaking into his shirt while I nod against his chest.
"I hear you," I manage, voice thick with emotion.
"Good." He squeezes me tighter. "Because I'm going to be in the stands cheering louder than anyone else. Probably embarrassing you with how enthusiastic I am. And when you win, not if, when, I'm going to be the first one there to celebrate."
I laugh through the tears, a watery sound that's half sob, half genuine amusement.
This is why Roran is my favorite brother in the world.
Not just because we're twins, not just because we share genetics, history, and the particular bond that comes from growing up together.
But because he sees me.
The real me, underneath all the performances and masks.
And he supports me without reservation, jealousy, or any of the toxic competition that could so easily poison our sibling-hood.
"Thank you," I whisper, pulling back and wiping my eyes with the back of my hand. "For being you. For believing in me even when I don't believe in myself."
"Always," he promises. "Now go talk to Richard about those sponsors. Make them understand that investing in Omega racers isn't charity—it's smart business because you’re talented as fuck."
I smile, feeling something settle in my chest that might be purpose.
He's right.
This is my time.
Time to stop hiding in shadows and technical shops.
Time to prove that a pit tech can become one of the top racers in the industry through hard work and skill, and refusing to accept limitations other people try to impose.
Time to show the world that Aurora Lane isn't just Roran Lane's sister, isn't just another Omega trying to fit into spaces that weren't designed for her.
I'm a racer.
A damn good one. And I'm going to prove it on the track where it matters most.
I hug Roran one more time—quick and fierce—before stepping back and straightening my shoulders.
"Okay," I say, pitching my voice back into the lower register I use as Rory. "Let's do this."
Roran grins, pride evident in every line of his face.
"That's my sister. Go get 'em."
I nod once, feeling determined to hold onto his words and carry them with me like armor.
The world thinks they know what an Omega can do.
That they've seen the limits of what someone like me can achieve.
They have no idea what's coming.
And I can't wait to prove them wrong.