I storm out of the dining hall, my blood boiling, fists clenched so tight I can feel my nails digging into my palms. The moment Noah touched Tyler, the moment I saw how easily Tyler let him… it was like a switch flipped inside me. I could barely breathe through the anger.But it’s not just the anger. It’s something deeper. Something that twists in my chest like a knife. Hurt. Because I know—damn it, I know—I was in the wrong. I pushed Tyler away. I became exactly the type of Alpha I always swore I wouldn’t be. The type that takes, that dominates just because he can. The type that corners someone like Tyler, that makes him feel trapped, like he has no choice.I didn’t want to be that. I never wanted to be that.I slam my door shut when I get back to my dorm, not bothering to turn on the lights. I can feel the rage simmering under my skin, but it’s not just directed at Noah. No, Noah’s just doing what any Alpha would do—stepping in, claiming what’s available. What I left vulnerable. I
Life at Ridgecrest has been… better. Not perfect, but better. It’s been three weeks since I last saw Landon, and everything feels like it’s shifted. Noah and I have become closer—not in the way people seem to think, though. It’s not romantic, not even close. He doesn’t push me, and I’m grateful for that. It’s just... easy between us. As much as anything can be easy for me now. But there’s still this undercurrent of anxiety every time I’m around him. Not because of anything he’s done, but because my body doesn’t know how to relax around Alphas, not even ones like Noah.The memory of Landon still lingers, though. It’s like a pit in my stomach that hasn’t gone away since he disappeared. It’s not like I miss him—hell, I’m better off without him breathing down my neck, right? He was suffocating, intense in a way that had my instincts screaming to run. But now that he’s gone, that absence feels strange. Unsettling, even. I thought I’d feel relieved, but instead, there’s this gnawing feeli
Weeks have passed, and it’s been more or less the same. I’m no longer the special Omega Landon is terrorising. No more intense stares, no more dominance games, no more confrontations that make me feel like I’m standing on the edge of a cliff. It should feel good, freeing even. But for some reason, it doesn’t.Instead, it bothers me. A lot.I can’t make sense of it. Isn’t this what I wanted? To be left alone? To not have Landon’s overbearing presence looming over me every time I step into a room? But every time I see him across campus, completely ignoring me like I’m invisible, there’s this sharp pang in my chest. It’s not anger. It’s not relief. It’s something else, something I don’t want to admit because it feels too much like disappointment.Life’s been easier without him, or at least it should be. Noah and I have settled into a comfortable routine. We hang out a lot, but it’s always casual, nothing more. He doesn’t push, doesn’t ask questions I don’t want to answer, and I’m gratef
“That’s it… fuck. Such a good Omega…”Jace is on his knees for me, looking up at me with those golden eyes as he takes my cock in his mouth, gagging. I grip the back of his neck with one hand while the other strokes his cheek as I fuck his face.But it’s all wrong. I don’t want blond hair and golden eyes; I want unruly brunette curls and green eyes looking at me like I’m something. I want him on his knees for me, begging for my knot. I want my cock so far down his throat that he’s gagging my name; that fucking apple pie scent bringing me to my knees.“Fuck!” I growl; hot ropes of cum shooting down Jace’s throat as he moans for me. “Gods, you took me so well… Good Omega.”Jace practically purrs at the compliment, looking so damn proud of himself. I lean forward, pressing my lips to his briefly, but it doesn’t ignite anything inside me. Not like I want it to. I pull away, staring down at him, and a strange emptiness settles in my chest. This is what I should want. This is what an Omega
I wake up the next morning with a feeling I haven’t had in… I don’t even know how long. Light. Free. It’s like some invisible weight I didn’t even realise I was carrying has been lifted off my chest.Landon’s words keep playing in my mind—his apology, his explanation, the way he looked at me like he was really seeing me for the first time. It wasn’t just the apology itself, though that was huge. It was the way he said it, the way he owned up to everything he’d done wrong.It was real. And it mattered.I stretch, yawning as the sunlight filters through the blinds. It’s early, too early for classes, but I can’t stay in bed. I feel… good. I want to move, to do something with all this energy buzzing through me.As I get up, my mind drifts back to last night. To the way Landon’s voice softened when he told me he wasn’t that guy anymore. To the way he stood there, waiting, not pushing or demanding. Just… there. Honest. It’s strange, but the anger and frustration that used to bubble up when
Jacob and I head to the dining hall, and I’m still riding the high of this morning—feeling light, almost carefree. Everything feels easier today, and I can’t stop smiling. It’s strange how much better things seem after last night, like finally letting go of all that tension with Landon has opened up something inside me.We grab our trays and start filling them up. Jacob’s talking about some ridiculous project we have coming up, and I’m half-listening, still caught up in my thoughts. It feels like the first time in forever that things are going right, and for once, I’m not looking over my shoulder, waiting for the next disaster to strike.But then, I see him and suddenly, all that happiness, all that lightness, is ripped right out of me.He’s sitting at one of the far tables, leaning back casually in his chair, his legs spread wide. And there, right between them, is Jace. Landon’s whispering something into Jace’s ear, his lips so close to his skin it almost looks like a kiss. Jace’s f
I sit back, my arm draped casually over Jace’s shoulder, but my attention isn’t on him. Not really. It’s on the other side of the dining hall, where Tyler sits with Jacob and Noah. From here, it’s impossible to ignore the tension rolling off him in waves. Even with Noah right next to him, trying to talk him down from whatever’s brewing inside, Tyler looks like he’s barely keeping it together.And I don’t know why I’m still watching him.I should be focused on Jace. He’s leaning into me, his soft laughter filling the air every now and then when I whisper something in his ear. It’s easy, almost too easy, to get lost in this moment. But I’m not lost. I’m not even here, not really.My eyes flick back to Tyler, just as he glances up from his tray. For a split second, our eyes meet across the room, and it feels like the air is stolen from my lungs.Tyler’s green eyes flash that unmistakable Omega silver, cutting through whatever front he’s trying to put up. It’s only for a moment, just a b
I’m pacing my room, running my hands through my hair, my heart racing. It wasn’t supposed to happen. I wasn’t supposed to flash my silver—especially not to him. What the hell is wrong with me? Landon isn’t my Alpha. He’s not even supposed to matter anymore. So why did I do it? Why, out of nowhere, did my body betray me like that?I keep pacing, my chest tightening more with every second that passes. Jacob’s out for the night with the other Betas, and I have no one to talk to, no one to help me figure out why I’m feeling like this. I’m stuck alone with my thoughts, and they’re spiralling out of control. Every time I close my eyes, I see Landon looking at me, his eyes locked on mine, the shock in his expression clear as day.He saw it. He saw me flash my silver to him, there’s no way he didn’t. And now, he probably thinks I’m some needy, messed-up Omega who can’t even keep his emotions in check. I’ve always been so good at controlling myself, at keeping my distance from Alphas, but La
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
I’m already furious before I even get to the infirmary. The second I got the call, everything inside me snapped. Tyler, hurt—unconscious, beaten? The words don’t make sense. None of this makes sense. The rage bubbling inside me is barely contained as I push open the door, my heart pounding so hard it feels like it’s going to explode out of my chest.When I walk in and see him lying there, my anger spikes. Tyler’s face is bruised, swollen, and he’s lying completely still, his eyes closed like he hasn’t moved since they found him. Jacob is sitting at his bedside, his face tight with worry, and the sight only makes me angrier.Whoever did this—whoever touched him—was going to pay.“Jacob,” I snap, storming up to Tyler’s bed, “what the hell happened?”Jacob glances up at me, his expression strained. “I don’t know, Landon. I don’t know what the fuck happened.”His words only stoke the fire inside me. How the hell could he not know? I look down at Tyler, the bruises on his cheek, the cut ne
I’m practically floating through the day, everything feeling lighter and easier than it ever has. Even the usually dull classes seem tolerable, and I can’t help the grin that keeps tugging at my lips. It’s not like me to feel this way, this… happy.Jacob notices, of course. He’s been side-eyeing me all morning, clearly freaked out by how calm and relaxed I am.“You good?” he asks as we walk to lunch, his voice full of suspicion.“Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?” I reply, trying—and failing—to keep the smile off my face.Jacob stops in his tracks, grabbing my arm to pull me to a halt. “Okay, spill. What the hell happened? You’ve been smiling like a lunatic all day. It’s weird.”I chuckle, shaking my head as I continue walking. “Nothing. I’m just… in a good mood.”Jacob snorts, falling into step beside me. “Bullshit. You’ve been floating around like someone hit you with a bliss pheromone bomb. Did you and Landon…?”I glance at him, raising an eyebrow. “And what if we did?”Jacob’s eyes go wide
I smirk and draw my hand to his neck, running my thumb over his scent gland. “Do you want to come to my room with me?” I ask, my voice rough with need, and I watch as his eyes widen. He bites his bottom lip and I watch as the wheels turn in his head. I know he’s scared; scared I’ll take advantage, but that’s the last thing I want to do to him.I lean toward his ear. “You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do, but I would love to show you just how much I want to worship you, my perfect Omega.”Tyler sucks in a breath, and his scent overwhelms me so much that I feel the desk splinter as I hold onto it. He turns his head to face me and I watch as his green gives way to silver; not just a flash, but pure fucking Omega silver.“Will you take care of me, Alpha?” he murmurs and my heart fucking twists.I cup his face with both my hands and bite back a growl. “With my life. I’m yours, Tyler. You’ve ruined me for anyone else. Please allow me to show you just how ruined I am for you.”