Page 77 of The Librarian and Her Alphas

Before I can stop myself, the words spill out, “How did you know where to find me?”

“I wasn’t looking for you. You’re not that important, my dear,” he says, chuckling. “When your pack killed Thomas, I had to investigate. And what a surprise when I find out you’re spreading your legs for them in that god-awful library of yours?”

I gulp, thinking about him watching me get knotted during my heat in the library. There were giant windows surrounding the library, and there was a chance he could have been watching me the entire time.

“They should be the ones you’re mad at,” I say, as I take a shaky sip of my water. “I’m not the one who killed him.”

“The only way to get back at them is to steal something that’s precious to them. Isn’t that right?” says Zorin, cracking his fingers over his cup of untouched water. “So you’re going to be my omega now.”

“You wanted me dead,” I whisper harshly. “Don’t think I’ve forgotten that night.”

“It won’t happen again unless you do something out of line,” he says, leaning back and closing his eyes. “I suggest you get some rest before I take you to your new home.”

I take deep breaths to calm myself.

For weeks, I felt like someone was watching me until I saw the camera footage of Zorin. Initially, I thought it was Damon and his pack keeping an eye on me for protection, but now I realize it was Zorin all along.

They had been watching me for weeks, possibly months, and I hadn’t known. I suppress a shiver. Nothing is as I thought it was.

The two-hour flight from D.C. to Little Rock passes agonizingly slowly.

Flying is usually my time to relax and nap, but this flight has me on edge. It feels like time is moving in slow motion.

My mind races as I try to devise an escape plan. Zorin won’t let me out of his sight once we land.

I need to be smart and slip away without him noticing.

Finally, the captain announces that we’re descending and will land at the airport shortly.

“Don’t even think about trying to pull a fast one on me,” Zorin growls in my ear as soon as we land. “You know you can’t outrun me. You’re an omega, and I’m an alpha. Remember that.”

I nod mutely, knowing it’s in my best interest to act meek and mild. Zorin is relying on my fear to ensure compliance, and that’s exactly what I’ll do. He has no idea I’ve grown stronger over the past few years without him constantly belittling me.

We disembark from the plane and head to collect our luggage. Zorin stays close, like glue.

He keeps a firm grip on my arm, watching me like a hawk. Suddenly, an idea pops into my mind, and I seize the opportunity as I grab my luggage.

“Zorin,” I say quietly, hoping my meek act is convincing. “I need to use the bathroom.”

“Can’t you hold it?” he grunts.

I shake my head. “No, I don’t feel well. I’ve been battling morning sickness, and I feel like I might throw up. I feel faint.” I place a hand on my stomach and wobble on my feet, trying to make my sickness more believable.

“Fine. Just go,” he mutters under his breath, shoving me toward the bathrooms. He follows closely behind, keeping a watchful eye on me despite my claims of illness.

“Thank you,” I say gratefully.

“I’ll be right outside waiting, so no funny business,” he warns.

I nod and open the ladies’ room door, disappearing inside.

I quickly hurry into a stall and shut the door, digging through my handbag for my scent-blocker cream. Thank God I had the foresight to pack it in my carry-on luggage. Although I had hoped to remain hidden from the alphas, Zorin’s reappearance is as good a reason to make myself invisible.

Heart pounding, I strip off my clothes as quickly as possible, furiously rubbing the scent-blocker lotion onto every inch of skin I can reach. The scar on my arm is puckered and ugly, a stark reminder of what Zorin can do if I don’t escape. Not willing to take any chances, I apply more lotion to my toes.

I would rather be safe than sorry.

Once I’m dressed again, I shove the lotion back into my handbag and spot the perfume I also packed. An idea occurs to me, and I spray some on, hoping it will further mask my scent. The fragrance is entirely new to me, one I’ve never used before, so I’m hopeful Zorin won’t recognize me beneath it.

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