Page 87 of Omega Hunted

“The night I presented. I was fourteen. Eight years.”

The words sounded impossible when spoken aloud.

“I shifted because I couldn’t stop it.” I swallowed. “My body was changing, my instincts were everywhere, and my father wanted proof. They all did.” I laughed once without humor. “The family gathered to watch the doctor’s assessment. I remember thinking it was supposed to feel… special. Everyone talks about their first shift as something wonderful, something you’ll never forget.”

“You never forgot it.”

“No.”

I took a slow breath.

“I shifted into my snow leopard, the doctor pronounced me omega and fertile, and everyone was so pleased. My father kept saying how valuable I was, promising my brother every child I could produce.” The words tasted bitter, and Cassian’s jaw tightened. “That same moment, they started the suppressants.”

I hadn’t spoken about it before.

“The doctors told me they were to help stabilize my hormones after presenting. That it was normal while my body adjusted.” I shook my head. “I believed them for a while. Then every time my cat tried to come forward, they’d increase the dose. They said it kept me calm. Said it would make pregnancy easier one day.” My voice grew quieter. “Eventually… my cat just stopped trying.”

“I’m sorry, Soren.”

“He never disappeared,” I whispered. “He was always there. Curled up somewhere deep inside me. Watching. Waiting. Every now and then I’d feel him through whatever wall the drugs built around us, and I couldn’t reach him.” My throat tightened. “I spent eight years knowing half of me was alive and trapped.”

Cassian reached up with both hands and cradled my face. “Soren.” I lifted my eyes to his. “They took enough from you.” Such quiet fury filled his voice stole my breath. “They don’t get your daughter as well.” His forehead rested to mine. “Not our sweet Asha.”

My eyes stung.

“They don’t get your future,” he added, and his thumbs brushed away my tears. “They don’t get you.”

I closed my eyes for a moment, leaning into his touch.

“What if I can’t shift?” I whispered. “What if eight years is too long? What if he doesn’t know how anymore?”

Cassian didn’t hesitate. “He knows.”

“How can you be so certain?”

“Because every time I shift, my wolf waits for him.”

A tear escaped despite my best efforts.

“He’s there, Soren.” His voice was gentle. “I’ve seen him. I can feel him. He’s pacing every morning while my wolf patrols. He’s ready.”

I laughed through the tears.

“He’s impatient.”

“He is.”

“And I’m terrified.”

“I know.”

His hands slipped from my cheeks only long enough to take mine before bringing them to his chest, pressing my palms over the steady beat of his heart.

“I want you,” he whispered so quietly that I almost thought I’d imagined it and waited for more. Because of your bloodline. Because I’m alpha and it’s my right.

But he didn’t add any of that, and it made everything inside me go wonderfully, terrifyingly still.

“I want you,” I murmured, and he smiled, then nodded as if we’d come to an agreement.