e Hal

re out of me befo

oed off the

ned slowly, slate-gray

say to me?" he

ache shot down my spine, threatening to drop me onto the cold floor. I dug

aged, breath ragged. "Doctor Foster handles the elite units. Ca

Each thud of his leather sole

e Hardin family answers to me. Even a useless Omega doesn't collapse

y eyes. I counted each second, praying for an interrupti

esigner heels br

ke bracelet that caught the light with every step. The real daughter, welcomed back t

racticed smile. "You returned earlier than e

yed on me, tracking every shallow breath

of venom crossed her face before

ian cares about your health, don't throw a tantrum. You've always been frail. Just

ugh her family's social ties. I was an expendable dependent. Neither of them knew the

cutting through Aliana's voice without ackn

to the parlor, settling

d. I took the armchair furthest from him, pulling my knees together and p

g leg over the other. His sharp eyes

tray with two cups of black e

ved. Bitter acid rushed into my throat. I clamped both ha

linked

down hard enough to spla

Daphne?" he demanded, voice

ry heaves. "Nothing... my stomach is empt

ow fell over me, blott

ectrum blood panel wil