Walking through the halls with Landon’s arm casually slung over my shoulders still feels a bit surreal. I’m not used to this, to the openness, to everyone knowing we’re together. But it feels good, better than I expected. Landon’s been nothing but patient and supportive, and honestly, I can’t believe how much has changed between us.I glance around, catching a few stares here and there from people as we pass. Most of them are curious, some surprised. After everything that happened, I guess it’s weird for them to see us like this—especially with how things started. But it doesn’t bother me. Not anymore.After saying goodbye to Landon for the morning classes, I spot Jacob leaning against the lockers, waiting for me. He grins when he sees me, but there’s that look in his eyes—like he’s still trying to wrap his head around all of this.“You’re still alive,” he says, pushing off the lockers and falling into step beside me. “I half expected you to disappear into some Alpha-blackhole or som
That thought lasts all of ten seconds after we step into his dorm.I sit on the edge of the bed, my hands trembling as I try to make sense of everything going on in my head. Landon’s been nothing but supportive, always patient, always understanding, no matter how much I push him. But the more he does, the worse I feel. It’s like I’m failing at being the Omega he deserves, and the guilt is eating me alive.Landon’s sitting next to me, as calm as ever, watching me with that steady gaze. He can probably tell I’m on the verge of breaking down, but as always, he’s waiting for me to say something, to let him in. And that only makes it worse.I can’t take it anymore. The pressure, the guilt, the feeling that I’m not enough for him—it all comes crashing down at once.“You’re too understanding,” I blurt out, my voice shaky. “I’m… I’m a mess, Landon. I’m pushing you away, and you just keep being there for me, and it’s not fair. I don’t deserve you.”Landon’s expression softens, and he reaches
I stand just out of sight, leaning against the brick wall of the garden shed, trying to pretend that I’m not watching them. Tyler, Noah, and Jacob are out there, talking and laughing like nothing in the world could bother them. Tyler’s smile is easy, his body relaxed, and I know he’s in good company. Jacob’s his best friend, and Noah… well, Noah’s a good guy.Pains me to admit that, though.But I can’t shake the way my chest tightens every time Noah leans in a little too close to Tyler or says something that makes Tyler laugh. It’s stupid. I know it is. Tyler’s mine, and Noah knows that. But it doesn’t stop that feral, possessive part of me from wanting to storm over there and pull Tyler away from him.I clench my fists, taking a deep breath to calm the urge. I can’t let this get to me. Tyler deserves his space, and he deserves to hang out with his friends without me hovering over him like some territorial Alpha ready to rip Noah’s throat out for getting too close.But it’s hard. It’
I stand at the gates of Ridgecrest Academy, and it’s nothing like I expected. The place looks more like a fortress than a school. Stone walls, iron gates, and high towers loom over the campus, reminding me that this isn’t just any academy. It’s where they train the next generation of Alphas, Betas, and Omegas. Correction—where they train Alphas to lead, Betas to serve, and Omegas to submit. This place is designed to churn out obedient Omegas, perfect little packages ready for Alphas to claim.I grip the strap of my bag, trying to ignore the itch of discomfort crawling up my spine. I don’t belong here. I never wanted to be an Omega, and I sure as hell didn’t want to come to Ridgecrest. But rules are rules. Every Omega has to come here the year before their heats start, learn how to be the perfect partner, the ideal submissive.Not me. I’m here because I want to survive. I’ve spent the last few years preparing to be anything but that. My hands grip the strap of my duffel bag a little
I watch him walk away, my hands tightening into fists. He’s not even that remarkable: bigger than most Omegas, curly hair, glasses and incredibly nerdy.Who the hell does this Omega think he is? What did Jacob call him—Tyler, right? I only caught a glimpse of him on the list, didn’t pay him much attention. Should have. But now that I know, now that I’ve seen the way he had the audacity to brush me off, it’s burned into my head.Nobody ignores me, especially not an Omega. He didn’t even flinch, didn’t bat an eye at me. Omegas are supposed to defer, supposed to feel the pull, the instinct to submit. But Tyler just looked at me like I was nothing, walked right past me like I was another face in the crowd.I grit my teeth, watching as he disappears into the dorm building with Jacob. Jacob’s laughing, talking to him like they’re best buddies already. Typical Beta behaviour, desperate for any Omega’s attention. Whatever. Jacob’s irrelevant. It’s Tyler who’s gotten under my skin, and that’
I head out of the dining hall, my tray still clutched in my hands, adrenaline pumping through me. I didn’t even realise how fast I was walking until I reached the tray drop-off area and slammed it down. The clattering sound echoes louder than I intended, drawing a few stares from students nearby. I force myself to breathe, unclenching my fists as I walk toward the exit.Landon’s stare is still burning in my mind, the way he sat there, smug and confident, like he was waiting for me to crack. I hate that guy. Every Alpha in this place is the same—thinking the world should revolve around them, that they can bend people to their will just because they were born with a little extra testosterone. Landon’s the worst of them. The king of Ridgecrest, strutting around like he owns the whole damn academy.I walk out into the courtyard, letting the morning air cool my skin. Students are milling about, going to and from class. I blend into the crowd, trying to get lost in it, but my mind keeps c
I give Tyler a few days to breathe. Let him settle in, get comfortable—make him think he’s in the clear. That way, when I finally move in, it hits him harder. See, people like Tyler need to learn their place, and I don’t mind teaching the lesson. He’s resistant, sure. That’s why I’ll enjoy breaking him.Every time I spot him around the academy—usually with Jacob—he’s got that same focused expression, his head always in a book, those glasses slipping down his nose. It’s almost laughable. He doesn’t even notice the stares, doesn’t seem to care that Alphas watch him with interest, or that they’re all waiting for the moment he slips up and someone claims him.But no one touches him. They know better. They’ve seen me watching him, and they know that I’ve staked my claim, even if Tyler doesn’t realise it yet.I’ve been patient. But now it’s time to push.When I catch him later, alone, near one of the quieter parts of campus—near the back courtyard, where no one goes after class—I know it’s
I rush out of the dining hall, heart hammering in my chest, barely tasting the food I just scarfed down. It feels like everyone’s eyes are on me, like the whole damn school knows I’ve got a target on my back. Landon’s not going to stop. I can feel it in the way he looks at me, the smug arrogance rolling off him every time he corners me. The way his pheromones hit me yesterday—fuck, I don’t even want to think about it.I keep my head down, weaving through groups of students still hanging around after dinner. The sky’s darkening, and I’m grateful for it. Fewer people. Fewer Alphas. I just need to get back to my dorm, shut the door, and block it all out.But as I make my way toward the dorms, my heart races faster. I hate how Landon made me feel—like I couldn’t control my own body. The way my knees buckled, the way I whined. I never want to feel that helpless again. I won’t.I pick up my pace, barely noticing my surroundings, until—Wham.I smack into something—or someone—solid. My brea
I stand just out of sight, leaning against the brick wall of the garden shed, trying to pretend that I’m not watching them. Tyler, Noah, and Jacob are out there, talking and laughing like nothing in the world could bother them. Tyler’s smile is easy, his body relaxed, and I know he’s in good company. Jacob’s his best friend, and Noah… well, Noah’s a good guy.Pains me to admit that, though.But I can’t shake the way my chest tightens every time Noah leans in a little too close to Tyler or says something that makes Tyler laugh. It’s stupid. I know it is. Tyler’s mine, and Noah knows that. But it doesn’t stop that feral, possessive part of me from wanting to storm over there and pull Tyler away from him.I clench my fists, taking a deep breath to calm the urge. I can’t let this get to me. Tyler deserves his space, and he deserves to hang out with his friends without me hovering over him like some territorial Alpha ready to rip Noah’s throat out for getting too close.But it’s hard. It’
That thought lasts all of ten seconds after we step into his dorm.I sit on the edge of the bed, my hands trembling as I try to make sense of everything going on in my head. Landon’s been nothing but supportive, always patient, always understanding, no matter how much I push him. But the more he does, the worse I feel. It’s like I’m failing at being the Omega he deserves, and the guilt is eating me alive.Landon’s sitting next to me, as calm as ever, watching me with that steady gaze. He can probably tell I’m on the verge of breaking down, but as always, he’s waiting for me to say something, to let him in. And that only makes it worse.I can’t take it anymore. The pressure, the guilt, the feeling that I’m not enough for him—it all comes crashing down at once.“You’re too understanding,” I blurt out, my voice shaky. “I’m… I’m a mess, Landon. I’m pushing you away, and you just keep being there for me, and it’s not fair. I don’t deserve you.”Landon’s expression softens, and he reaches
Walking through the halls with Landon’s arm casually slung over my shoulders still feels a bit surreal. I’m not used to this, to the openness, to everyone knowing we’re together. But it feels good, better than I expected. Landon’s been nothing but patient and supportive, and honestly, I can’t believe how much has changed between us.I glance around, catching a few stares here and there from people as we pass. Most of them are curious, some surprised. After everything that happened, I guess it’s weird for them to see us like this—especially with how things started. But it doesn’t bother me. Not anymore.After saying goodbye to Landon for the morning classes, I spot Jacob leaning against the lockers, waiting for me. He grins when he sees me, but there’s that look in his eyes—like he’s still trying to wrap his head around all of this.“You’re still alive,” he says, pushing off the lockers and falling into step beside me. “I half expected you to disappear into some Alpha-blackhole or som
I glance over at Tyler, fast asleep in the seat next to me, his head resting against the window. His breathing is slow and steady, and there’s this peaceful look on his face that makes me smile. He’s been through so much, and seeing him this relaxed, even if it’s just because he’s exhausted, feels like a win.But as I watch him sleep, that familiar tightness starts building in my chest. It’s not the kind of nervousness I usually feel. This is different. Tyler’s heat is coming soon, and I’ve never been through something like this before—not with anyone, much less an Omega as important to me as Tyler.I’ve heard stories, of course. Alphas always talk about what it’s like when their Omega goes into heat. Some of them make it sound like it’s no big deal, like it’s just a biological thing that happens, something you power through and move on from. But it’s not like that for Tyler. He’s vulnerable, fragile in ways he usually hides, and I don’t want to mess this up.I can’t mess this up.My
I’m jittery the entire flight, staring out the window as the city comes into view beneath us. My excitement mixes with nerves, the weight of what we’re doing settling in. We’re looking for a home. For my nest. It’s still strange to me, the idea of nesting and building a space that feels like mine, something I never thought I’d want or need. And now, here I am, sitting next to an Alpha and planning a future I never imagined.Landon’s sitting beside me, his hand resting comfortably on my knee. He’s been so supportive, so patient through everything. I glance over at him, and he catches my eye, offering me a soft smile.“You okay?” he asks, his voice soft.I nod, even though my stomach’s doing flips. “Yeah. Just… a lot to take in.”“I get it,” he says, giving my knee a gentle squeeze. “No rush. We’ll find the right place.”His calmness helps, but there’s still something clawing at the back of my mind. I’ve been meaning to tell him about my mother, about why I was always so hesitant when
The past three days have been a rollercoaster. At first, it seemed like Tyler was getting better—physically, at least. The bruises are fading, and he’s not wincing with every move. But emotionally? Mentally? He’s been all over the place.He’s bratty, whining about the smallest things, picking fights over absolutely nothing, and it’s driving me insane. One minute he’s fine, the next he’s complaining about how I’m doing everything wrong. I try to stay patient, but it’s hard when he’s constantly pushing my buttons.Like right now.“I don’t get why you won’t just listen to me!” Tyler snaps, crossing his arms as he paces in front of me. “I told you I don’t want that stupid blanket, and you keep bringing it out like I’m some kind of child!”I rub my temples, feeling the frustration building. “Tyler, it’s just a blanket. You said you were cold, so I grabbed it. What’s the big deal?”He throws his hands in the air. “The big deal is that I don’t want it! I want something else, but you never li
I stand by the bed, watching Tyler breathe softly, his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. He looks peaceful now, curled up in the blankets, but the bruises on his face remind me of everything that happened. My blood boils just thinking about it, and I know I can’t let it go.As much as I want to stay here with him, I need to make a call. I slip out of the room quietly, closing the door behind me as gently as I can. My fists are still clenched at my sides, the anger bubbling just under the surface as I pull out my phone and dial my father’s number.It doesn’t take long for him to pick up.“Landon,” he says, his voice sharp and alert. “What’s going on?”I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. “Dad, something happened. To Tyler.”There’s a pause on the other end of the line, and when my father speaks again, his voice is icy. “What do you mean? What happened?”“He was attacked,” I say, my voice tight. “Out of jealousy by Jace, Omega I had something with before, and two Al
I wake up slowly, blinking against the morning light streaming through the curtains. The bed is soft, warmer than I expected, and I’m surrounded by Landon’s scent. For a second, I’m disoriented, not sure where I am, but then I remember—Landon must’ve brought me to his bedroom after… after everything.I shift slightly and glance around the room. It’s huge, way bigger than our dorm. The walls are a deep navy, and there’s a sleek, modern design to everything—exactly what I’d expect from Landon. But what catches my eye isn’t the room. It’s Landon himself, sitting in a chair next to the bed, head tilted back awkwardly, fast asleep.He looks… uncomfortable. His neck is craned at an odd angle, and even though he’s out cold, I can tell he’s going to regret that chair when he wakes up. But the sight of him like this, sleeping beside me instead of in the bed, warms something deep in my chest. He didn’t want to make me uncomfortable, so he slept there. The Alpha who takes up so much space in ev
I sit there, watching Tyler as his breathing steadies, his face still bruised but peaceful now that sleep has taken him. Every second I sit here, knowing who did this to him, knowing Jace is probably out there, smug, makes my skin crawl. I can’t let it slide. Not this time.Once I’m sure Tyler is fully asleep, I stand up, my hands still clenched into fists at my sides. Jacob looks up at me, his expression cautious. He knows me too well.“You’re not going after them, are you?” Jacob asks, his voice low, but there’s no point in pretending he doesn’t know the answer.I don’t bother lying. “I’m not letting them get away with this.”Jacob frowns, standing up as if to block my path. “Tyler told you not to go after them. He doesn’t want you to get in trouble.”I glance at Tyler, still unconscious and vulnerable in that bed. “This isn’t about getting into fucking trouble; I don't give a shit about me. This is about what they did to him. You expect me to just let that go?”He sighs, running a