Page 21 of Puck Your Neighbor

It hurts that on top of everything, today is the anniversary of the day I nearly died. If I hadn't been smart enough to play dead when they dumped me, I would be dead now. I outsmarted them, and that's the only reason I've made it this far, but now life tempts me with promises again.

Answer our alphas!

My hand moves to fish for my phone under my pillows. I try to stop it, but as the heat haze sets in, the less control I'll have, and the more my instincts will take control. It's my worst fear imagined. She's going to win, and we'll have to end up trusting these alphas.

I wish I could just go comatose for several days so that I don't have to worry about any of this or be in pain.

Turning the screen on, the glow makes my eyes squint in the black-out darkness of my nest, though it's doing little to ease the migraine sitting at the back of my eyes. I swipe down on my notifications.

From two hours ago.

Maverick:

We won! Just checking in, do you want us to pick you up something to eat?

From an hour ago:

Leo:

We just got done with all the press and fan stuff we had to take care of. If you're in the zone, totally get it, but we hope you're okay. We're going to pick up burgers. We'll leave one outside your door in about half an hour.

Now:

Jenson:

Food is in front of your door. We hope you're okay, if you need us, for anything, we're here.

Right now, I have no desire for food, not at all, but I have a desire for them. At least part of me does, while the other feels as if I'm going to die from a heart attack from the fear.

Alphas.

My fingers type as I fight my inner omega, but she's winning. She's stronger than me right now, for the first time in a decade.

Anya:

I need help.

My thumb hovers over the send button as I try to hold back and just force myself to live through this hell.

We don't have to live like this, and I'm not going to let you make us be miserable because of your fear.

It is the most she's ever said, and it's clear we're not on the same page, even though she is me. I wish I knew if having an inner omega so different from my typical self is normal. Will we ever line up with our desires, or will she only ever be driven by instinct and feel separate from myself?

It goes back to wishing I knew other omegas, but I've never been one to want to branch out and get to know people. Not after everything.

Before I know it, I'm hitting send. Panic and euphoria swirl up from my core as hurried footsteps thunder overhead and then down the stairs outside my apartment. My legs swing out of bed, and I stand, making my way to the front door.

I have many locks in place to keep my inner omega in the apartment. While in a haze, they should be too complicated to figure out, but my inner omega is on a different level right now. I'm in a haze of pain but not outside of logic.

A light knock sounds at the door.

"Anya, are you okay? We got your text." Maverick speaks through the door, and my shoulders shiver as slick warms my underwear.

Our Alphas, they care. Open the door or I will break the sliding door to let them in.

That shocks me.

For a moment, clarity settles in my mind as my inner omega gives over enough control to unlock the door.

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