Page 33 of Omega on Fire

I pace the length of the window, watching my reflection move against the backdrop of city lights. "I'm going to stop him, Brookes. With Pack Hudson helping me, we can expose Justus and whoever's behind the kidnappings. There has to be a connection."

"And then what? You come home and we go backto normal?" There's doubt in his voice that mirrors my own feelings.

"I. . ." I’m unable to lie to him.

Silence stretches between us for a moment before he speaks again. "You're not coming back, are you?"

The question lands like a stone in still water, ripples of truth spreading outward.

"I don't know," I whisper. "I want to say yes, but something's happening here, Brookie. Something I can't explain yet."

He's quiet for so long I think the call might have dropped. Finally, he exhales loudly. "Well, shit."

"I'm sorry," I say, knowing that’s not what he wants to hear. I just need time to figure it all out. I have a shit ton of trauma that for now I seem to have a lid on. I know it’s only a matter of time before it will come flooding back. I’m here for my safety in more ways than one.

"Don't be sorry. Just be safe." His voice softens. "And if these Alphas hurt you, I'll find a way to poison their protein shakes or something."

That pulls a genuine laugh from me. "I love you, you know that?"

"Hard not to. I'm very lovable." I can hear his smile through the phone. "I'll call you every day untilyou're sick of me. And when you figure out whatever this 'something' is, you better tell me first."

"Promise." This one, at least, I can make honestly.

"Good. Now go do your Charlotte Matthews thing and save the world. Or at least our little corner of it."

After we hang up, I stand at the window a while longer, watching the city pulse below me. Houston has always been home—the place I fought for, bled for. But deep in my gut I feel a certainty taking root: I might never go back.

Maybe, just maybe, I've found somewhere else to settle. The thought should terrify me, this pull toward Pack Hudson, toward these Alphas who saved me and want to help me.

Instead, it feels like standing at the edge of something vast and unknown. Frightening, yes, but also thrilling.

But I'm not diving in headfirst. That's not who I am. I step away from the window, my reflection growing more solid as I move from the light.

I have work to do. A senator to expose. Omegas to protect.

And three Alphas and a Beta to figure out.

One step at a time, Charlotte. One fucking step at a time.

A soft knock interrupts my thoughts, pulling meback from the edge of the rabbit hole my mind was tumbling down. I place my phone on the bedside table, the ghost of Brookes' concern lingering in the air.

"Coming," I call out, my bare feet padding across the cold marble floor.

I'm expecting Beaux—that man has appointed himself my personal shadow since I woke up. Not that I entirely mind. There's something oddly comforting about his protective presence, even if I'd never admit that out loud. My feminist card would get revoked faster than you can say ‘independent Omega’.

When I swing the door open, it's not Beaux's intense gaze that meets mine. Instead, Josiah stands there, hands behind his back, rocking slightly on his heels.

"Wow, your face fell so fast I think I just witnessed gravity in action," he says with a crooked smile. "Sorry to disappoint. Were you expecting a taller, more tattooed model?"

I snort, leaning against the doorframe. "I was just preparing my mental arsenal for another round of 'Beaux knows best'. My brain needs recovery time between bouts."

"Fair. That man could argue with a brick wall andsomehow both would walk away feeling misunderstood." Josiah's eyes crinkle at the corners when he smiles—a genuine expression that softens his entire face. "I come bearing gifts of peace, though. Or at least, a break from Alpha posturing."

He produces a tablet from behind his back with a flourish worthy of a magician revealing their final trick. "Thought you might want to see what I've been digging up on our friend, Senator Justus."

My heartbeat quickens. "You’re serious? Damn that was quick. I’m impressed."

"Dead serious. Deadly serious. Seriously dead serious." He mimics a drum roll with his fingers. "May I enter the sanctuary, or should we discuss the downfall of corrupt politicians in the hallway where any passing Alpha can stick their nose in?"

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