Chapter 7 An Omega

I pushed myself to run faster, the ache in my limbs fading as adrenaline took over. The town was mostly deserted, and I thanked whatever gods were watching that I didn't have to worry about being seen. I darted through alleys and side streets, avoiding the main roads like second nature.

The familiar streets of town came into view, bathed in the soft, warm glow of streetlights. Slowing down, I caught my breath, mind racing. There was only one place I could go. The thought of it made my chest tighten with a mix of relief and dread.

Ethan.

He was only a few blocks away. His small apartment was safe, and more importantly, he was there-Ethan, with his easy smile and those warm eyes that always made me feel like I wasn't drowning. He'd hold me, tell me everything would be okay. That I was safe with him.

But was he safe with me?

The thought dug into me. If Desmond found out, Ethan would be in more danger than I could bear. I couldn't drag him into this nightmare, into the twisted reality that had become my life.

I stood at the entrance of his building, my hand hovering above the door handle. What was I doing? Ethan didn't know the full extent of what was happening-about the marriage, about Dominico, or the darkness that Desmond wielded over me like a noose.

He knew my family was abusive, but he didn't know the full truth. I had told him what I could, but how could I explain to him the danger I was in now? That my uncle was planning to marry me off to one of the most dangerous werewolves in the region? How could I bring Ethan into a world he couldn't possibly understand?

My heart pounded as I stood there, staring at the door, unable to move. What would Ethan think of me if he knew the truth? Would he still love me? Would he see me the same? The strong, independent woman I tried so hard to be?

After what felt like an eternity, I stepped back, my heart sinking. I couldn't drag him into this. Not now. Not yet.

With a heavy heart, I turned away from his door. I couldn't go to him. Not like this.

By the time I reached the address Nikolai had given me, the sky was growing lighter, a dull orange creeping over the horizon. The house was a modest two-story home, sitting quietly at the edge of town. The wind rustled the trees nearby, and I paused, nerves tingling as I scanned the area.

Was this really where I was supposed to go?

I shifted back into human form, every inch of me sore and exhausted. After taking a moment to catch my breath, I finally rang the doorbell. The anticipation made my heart pound.

The door creaked open, and I was greeted by someone familiar.

Her strawberry blonde hair fell below her shoulders, her green eyes wide with shock as they landed on me. She wore a floral dress, her posture stiff with surprise.

"Verena?" I blinked.

She looked around quickly, then grabbed me by the arm, pulling me inside. "Nobody followed you?" she asked, her voice low, urgent.

I shook my head, still processing the situation. What was going on?

Verena Lorenzo, one of my colleagues at Evangeline Interiors, was the last person I'd expected to see. She was older than me by almost a decade, but she had always been kind-almost like a mother figure to me. But now...

Did she know I was coming?

Verena closed the door and pulled me into a tight hug. "Oh, sweetie, you look wrecked," she said in her soft Australian accent. Her warm embrace surprised me, but I found comfort in it.

After she led me into the living room, I couldn't hold back my question. "What's going on, Verena? Did you know I was coming? And what about Niko?"

Verena's face softened with concern, her brow furrowed. "Yes, your brother told me Desmond was up to something, but he didn't give me details. He just said you needed a place to stay for a while. And of course, I couldn't let you stay out there alone."

The tension in my chest loosened slightly, but suspicion lingered. How much did Nikolai tell her?

"What do you mean by that?" I asked, narrowing my eyes as I studied her expression.

Verena hesitated, then sighed, the weight of something unspoken in her gaze. "Nyxia..." She smiled sheepishly, her eyes flickering with a strange glint.

Suddenly, I felt something shift in the air. A strange warmth spread through me, calming every nerve, making me relax in ways I hadn't in years. My eyelids grew heavy, and before I realized it, a quiet purr slipped from my throat.

I froze, startled by the sound. Wolves don't purr.

I sniffed the air, my senses sharpening. My heart pounded as I caught the scent-pheromones. Strong, comforting pheromones meant to calm wolves in distress.

I whipped my head toward Verena, eyes wide with shock. "You're a wolf?"

Verena chuckled softly, nodding. "Took you long enough."

My mind spun, trying to process this revelation. How had I not known? More importantly, did Desmond know?

"Does Desmond know?" I whispered, anxiety spiking.

Verena's face darkened, her expression serious. "No, and I'd appreciate it if you kept it that way."

I nodded, feeling the weight of her trust. "I won't tell anyone. But... why didn't you tell me before?"

Verena sighed, leaning back in her chair. "Because being an Omega isn't something you advertise. Not in our world."

The words hit me like a punch to the gut. Verena was an Omega? The rarest and most coveted type of wolf. The only ones capable of carrying an Alpha's child to term safely.