Page 58 of Omega Inked

Olivia dials the number and puts it on speakerphone. The line rings twice before a man's voice answers.

"Who is this? How did you get this number?"

She inhales a shuddering breath, then heaves it out in a bigwhoosh.

"It's me, dad."

He's silent for a second. I'm sure he's shocked; she said he hasn't heard from her in two years. But when his voice comes again, he sounds completely unbothered.

It makes me hate him even more than I already did.

"Olivia, my darling," he says. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

His voice makes my skin crawl. I glance at Phoenix and see that he's tense, ready to jump into action if needed. I know we can't do anything over the phone--but I'd lay into him if we were in the same room.

Olivia takes a deep breath before speaking. "Father, I need your help," she says.

There's a pause on the other end of the line before Eduardo speaks again. "Why should I help my ungrateful daughter?"

"Hang up," Phoenix hisses, but it's loud enough that Eduardo can hear.

"Are you with someone?" Cruz asks. "I should have known...alphas, right? You fucking whore."

"Dad, please listen," Olivia says, shooting us each a glare. "I need to ask you for your help...and I'll give you whatever you want."

I can see the desperation in Olivia's eyes as she speaks. She's willing to do whatever it takes to save Kendra, even if it means dealing with her father. Eduardo Cruz is dangerous, but he's also her only hope. We all hold our breaths, waiting for his response.

"Whatever you want?" Eduardo repeats, sounding skeptical. "You always were a selfish girl, Olivia. What makes you think I'd fall for such a cheap ploy?"

"I'm not trying to trick you," Olivia says, her voice shaking. "I need your help. Please. My friend, Kendra...she's set to go up for auction, and I want you to release her."

There's a long pause, and for a moment I think he's hung up. But then he speaks again, his voice cold and calculating. "Fine. I'll help you. But you need to come to me, Olivia. Alone."

Oh, fuck no. My chest rumbles in a growl before I can stop myself, and Phoenix reaches out to squeeze her knee.

Olivia's face pales. "Alone? I can't--"

"That's the deal," Cruz interrupts. "Take it or leave it."

I watch as Olivia's shoulders slump in defeat. She knows she doesn't have much of a choice. If she wants to save Kendra, she'll have to face her father alone.

"I'll do it," she says, her voice filled with resignation. "But you have to promise me that you'll release Kendra and let her go."

Eduardo chuckles darkly. "I always keep my promises, darling. But you better come alone. I'll see you at the marina downtown--tomorrow at midnight."

I feel a shiver run down my spine at the thought of Olivia going to meet her father alone. Eduardo Cruz is not to be trusted, and I can only hope that Olivia knows what she's doing.

"I'll come," she says, her voice firm. "But you have to promise that you won't hurt me or Kendra. And I need your word that you'll release her."

There's a pause on the other end of the line before Eduardo finally speaks. "You have my word," he says, his voice dripping with false sincerity. "I'll see you soon, Olivia."

With that, the line goes dead. Olivia puts the phone down and lets out a shaky breath. Phoenix and I exchange a worried glance, unsure of what to do next.

"You can't go alone," I say finally, my voice filled with concern. "It's too dangerous."

"I have to," she replies, determination in her eyes. "Kendra's life is on the line."

Phoenix puts a hand on my shoulder, silently reminding me that we have to trust Olivia's judgment. She knows her father better than anyone, and if she thinks she can handle him, we have to let her try.

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