The Bedroom #2
My nerves ease a bit when I glance back toward the bed. Cass’s arms are open, and Beck steps right into them. With a low grunt, Cass pulls the beta in closer, making Beck’s feet lift slightly off the floor.
I watch, frozen, as Cass’s big hands move over Beck’s back in a slow, soothing sweep, one of them sliding up to tangle into the hair at the nape of his neck. He pulls back just enough to press a soft kiss to Beck’s nose.
“I’m sorry,” Cass says softly. “I shouldn’t have snapped at you.”
Beck shakes his head as he rests his fingertips on the edge of Cass’s jaw. “It’s okay,” he whispers. “You’re sick. I know that.”
Cass lets out a slow breath, like he’s thankful the beta isn’t upset. “I actually feel better,” he says. “My knee’s still a mess, but I can think. I haven’t been able to do that in days.”
Beck smiles sweetly, tension easing out of him. “That’s good.” He nuzzles Cass’s bearded face. “Really good.”
I stay where I am, hands tucked behind me.
Honestly, I’m not sure what to do with myself. It feels like I’m watching something private. For a second, I wonder if I should have stayed in the hallway after all.
Cass cups Beck’s face. “Can you get Tansy some breakfast?”
The beta looks surprised for a second, then he eagerly nods. “Of course.” His voice is bright, like nothing would make him happier. “I’ll make everyone breakfast. Do you think you could eat?”
Cass opens his mouth to answer, but my stomach chooses that exact moment to betray me with a low, unmistakable growl.
Heat creeps up my neck as I press my lips together, suddenly aware of how hollow I feel. I can’t remember the last time I ate. Yesterday? The day before?
The chaos over the last few days has blurred everything together.
Beck turns to look at me, then he smiles. He looks…normal. Harmless, even. He’s about my height, maybe a little shorter, with narrow shoulders and a thin frame that doesn’t read threatening in the slightest.
I could take him if I had to.
Cass glances toward the door. “And ask Dr. Pace to come in on your way out.”
“Okay.” Beck leans in and kisses Cass on the lips.
It’s quick but unmistakably affectionate, like he needs the contact just to make sure he’s really there.
When the beta pulls back, he lingers for half a second, eyes scanning Cass’s face with open relief, like he’s still a little stunned the alpha is awake and breathing and talking.
Then Beck turns to me.
“All right,” he says, easy and gentle, like this is a totally ordinary day. “Let’s get you fed.” He hesitates just long enough to add, “I’m Beckett, by the way. But everyone calls me Beck.”
I blink, caught a little off guard by his friendly energy.
He smiles when I don't say anything. “Um,” he clasps his hands together, then points past me. “Can I…get to the door?”
I tremble when I realize I’m in his way. I quickly step to one side, and Beck reaches past me and pulls it open.
Warren stands in the doorway.
He’s all lean muscle and long lines, broad shoulders just shy of brushing the frame. His hips are narrow, but he’s solid, strength packed tight instead of sprawling. His blue eyes lock onto mine, and something in my chest stutters.
It’s bizarre how his cozy sandalwood and oakmoss scent is already so familiar. It feels….safe.
I have to fight the sudden, irrational urge to step forward and tuck myself against his chest. My knees threaten to go soft, and I force myself to stay where I am.
“Are you okay?” Warren asks quietly.
I nod. Once. Fast.
He isn’t your savior, I remind myself. The instinct to be near him doesn’t mean safety.
Just because he didn’t violate me doesn’t mean he or Gray are good men.
“Warren?” Beck says, breaking the moment. “Can you grab the doctor?”
Warren’s gaze lingers on me for half a second longer, then he nods and turns away, the space he leaves behind feeling colder than it should.
A moment later, Dr. Pace moves past him and into the room. His gaze snaps to me immediately, sharp and assessing. As he passes, he presses a hand briefly to his breastbone, the gesture subtle but deliberate, like he wants to remind me that I kicked him.
Not sure what to say, I drop my gaze.
“Come on.” Beck’s hand circles gently around my wrist. Not tight or forceful. Just enough to guide me. Then he gives me a quick, reassuring smile. It’s boyish and charming. “Let's get you some coffee.”
We step into the hallway and turn—
—and nearly collide with Gray.
He’s a wall of alpha, so immense that I have to tip my head back, my neck straining, just to see his face. Dark hazel eyes look down at me, and to my shock, they hold an almost kind expression. It’s a look that clashes wildly with his sheer, intimidating size.
“Sorry,” he says softly as his big body angles out of our way. As he passes, his fingers brush my arm with a featherlight touch.
A slow warmth spreads through me, making my breath hitch.
Beck pulls me forward by the wrist, a gentle guide as he leads me down the hall, but I’m barely aware of him.
All I can feel is the ghost of Gray’s touch on my skin, a phantom heat that’s already sinking into my bones, and Warren’s soft scent still filling my lungs.
My omega instincts scream for me to turn and run back to them. To bury my face in Warren's warm neck, and snuggle deep into Gray’s strong arms. I don’t know how they’ve done it, but they’ve somehow convinced my body they're safe.
The realization is cold and nauseating, fear spreading like a wildfire through my chest.
I have to stop this. How do I stop it?
I’ve seen what happens when omegas bind themselves to dangerous men.
I’ve watched them dismiss cruelty because it came from their alpha. Watched them turn a blind eye, even blaming their children for the horrible things their alpha did. Pathetic omegas will twist themselves into knots defending monsters over their own flesh and blood.
And now it’s happening to me. No warning. No permission.
Just my body forming a bond, whether my brain wants it or not.
I have to get the fuck out of here.