Page 66 of Omega Inked

"Which is why I'm giving you all an assignment," Rafe says. "There's an old tattoo shop out on the fringes of the city--Enclave Ink, where the ACB doesn't have a hold--and I want you four to go out and run it."

Liam scoffs. "No way. That old place still exists?"

"Sure does," Rafe says. "And I've been looking for just the smugglers to get it up and running again. I think your pack is the perfect fit."

Phoenix laughs, even though it sounds like it hurts. I glance back to find him lying in the throes of what must be a good amount of painkillers, his tattooed body bare--but the stitches finished. "What's the catch?"

"You go back to what you were doing before," Rafe says, "smuggling omegas out of Solstice Bay, keeping them safe...but you don't cock it up this time."

"Don't worry," Liam snickers. "I don't think we're going to be accidentally marking a smuggling client again anytime soon."I roll my eyes, but can't help the small smile that tugs at my lips. It's nice to have a moment of levity, even in the midst of all this chaos. But Rafe is quick to bring us back to reality.

"Seriously, though," he says, his face solemn. "This is important. We need to make sure we're not caught off guard. We need to be ready."

I nod, understanding the gravity of the situation. "We'll do it."

"Good," Rafe says. "And Liv...I know this is a lot to take in. But we'll make sure you and your friends are safe, and that you're taken care of. You're one of us now."

I feel a lump form in my throat at his words, feeling a sudden wave of gratitude for this ragtag bunch of rebels who have become my family.

"Thank you," I whisper.

Rafe nods, then turns to leave. "I did want to say though...Jade is staying."

I frown. "You can't just claim her."

"No--she wants to," he says. "But you can talk to her before you go. Just...wanted to tell you."

I nod, still feeling a bit wary about Jade and her sudden allegiance to the Enclave. But I trust Rafe's judgment, and I know he wouldn't let just anyone in.

"Thanks for telling me," I say. "I'll talk to her."

Rafe nods, then turns and leaves the room. The rest of us stand there for a moment, not quite sure what to do next. But then Phoenix groans and pushes himself upright, wincing again when he puts weight on his injured side.

"Come on, let's get out of here," he says, his voice low. "I want a damn drink."

I laugh, despite myself. "You just got out of surgery, babe. I don't think that's a good idea."

Phoenix grins, his eyes sparkling. "Who said anything about being smart?"

We all laugh at that, the tension and fear of the last few days slowly easing away. But as we make our way out of the hospital, I can't shake the feeling that this is just the calm before the storm. The ACB won't take our actions lightly, and we'll have to be ready for whatever they throw at us. But for now, I'll enjoy this moment of respite with my pack. We'll celebrate our victory, mourn our losses, and prepare for what's to come.

Together.

Epilogue

Mynipplepiercingsgrazeagainst the tattooing bench as I sit down and straddle the leather seat...completely naked. Liam sits in front of me, holding my hands, Mercer stroking my back, and I hear Phoenix moving behind me as he gets his inks ready to add onto my brand new thigh piece. I'm getting a cactus flower to symbolize resilience, beauty amidst the thorns.

It's something Mercer has started calling me--Prickly Pear.It annoyed me a little at first, but now I love it.

We've been at Enclave Ink for six months now, and it's going spectacularly well. I've met so many amazing, strong omegas running away from--or towards--Solstice Bay, and our movement is still growing.

And there are, of course, the perks of living in this sanctuary with my pack.

Over the past few months, I've gotten more than a few tattoos and piercings, and it's always come along with pleasure. My nipple piercings are still new--courtesy of Liam--and he's been sure to rub ointment on them every morning...right after he kisses them better, of course.

Mercer sketches little doodles, and Phoenix tattoos them on me. Flowers on my shoulders, a skull to commemorate where I came from, how I left my past behind. And their initials at the nape of my neck, intertwined like we are every night.

My men.

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