t, I couldn't believe how blind I had been. As I stared

ust her paycheck. And Ezra... He had been obsessed with her for as long as I could remember, despite her being older than him by nearl

ping him once when he crossed the line. I'd taken her side, of course, but it had cost me. Desmond had made sure I paid for it by banning me f

avoiding the fate most Omegas feared-being sold o

er turmoil. "It's okay, Nyx.

ill in disbelief. "I can't

eyes full of understanding. "You'v

asn't

n me out, but wha

nd?" I asked, hoping Verena might have answers

t that he needed help after getting you out,

ave you two been in touch? I thought we'

ed into a sheepish smile. I felt my own eyes widen

and dismissively. "It was just a on

le. "No strings attached, huh? Well, that makes

p but smirk. "Still, too bad. I wouldn't mind having

le faltering ever so slightly. I didn't dwell on it, thou

ny idea how Nikolai found out about th

more serious. "Desmond's been spreading the news

awl. "Of course I didn't agree to it," I said, my

ith mild skepticism, and I wondered how much

ing piling up-the sudden engagement, the looming threat of Desmond-it felt like the weight of the world was pressing down on my chest. I needed to talk to Ethan

t to call Ethan," I said, the d

om the side table and handed it to me. "Go ahead.

on the third ring. Why wasn't he picking up? Then I remembered I wasn't c

the call

yx. I'm sorry I didn't

e that greeted me wasn't Ethan's. I

e dripping with menace. "Or you'll ne

e threat in his voice was unmistakable, the malice behi

, my voice trembling with fury. "

nd sneered. "Come home, now. Or I'll make sur

behind my eyes. I couldn't afford to break down, no

gritted teeth. "But if you

ts," he interrupted coldly. "You hav

n into this nightmare? Fury bubbled up inside me, mixing with fear until I thought I might explode

n't. I didn

ered as the tea