Page 24 of The Rejected Omega

“Your dad didn’t tell me.”

Connor scowls. “Talk to Mac often, do you? For someone who lives and works in this town, you’re always conveniently away when I visit.”

I start stuffing my shit into my bag, suppressing the instinct to flee. That will only excite an alpha.

“He usually mentions when you have a visit coming up.”

“So you can avoid me?”

Yes.

I shrug. “I like to camp in the summers.”

“And on random Tuesdays in November.”

He noticed my absence, which meant he was looking for me?—

Has Mac already told him?

He wouldn’t. He swore he wouldn’t.

He’s the reason his son’s scent was on that table. He’s the reason my entire life derailed, the reason my bond was a gaping wound in my chest without constant suppressants to mute it. The man has a guilt complex a mile wide.

“You owe me a conversation.”

“I don’t owe you anything.”

Connor lets out a frustrated growl, and the sound sends a shot of heat between my legs.

My scent spikes higher than it has in three years. He inhales.

I need to get out here. I need to take my suppressants.

Ineededto calm the fuck down. Panicked, my omega scent will be twice as powerful. But my instincts scream at me to flee. If he identifies me as his mate, it’s over. I can’t deal with his rejection again. It would kill me this time.

Connor rises from his seat, and a wave of his scent comes with the motion.

It’s too much. I’ve gone too long without, and now I’m overdosing on him.

My breaths are coming too fast. The corners of my vision waver.

I brace myself against the wall and slide down it.

I blink, and Connor is crouched in front of me, concern etched onto his perfect face. “Lana? Your scent’s spiking. What’s wrong?” His voice fades in and out.

Then he’s touching me, monitoring my heart rate with fingers pressed against my neck. He brushes against my mating gland through my shirt, and I shudder violently.

Fuck fuck fuck fuck.

His touch is a forbidden balm. Everything I want and can’t have.

His fingers stroke my collarbone. “Lana, it’s all right. You’re safe with me. Deep breath in.”

I obey. This man could turn me into his puppet, suppressants or not.

“Hold it. Now release.”

I follow his steady instructions until my heart stops hammering in my ears.

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