Page 26 of Omega Tricked

“Shit.” My pulse sped up. “God, this is so confusing, and… and terrifying.”

“Yes.” He shifted so that he faced me. “I overheard something when they first grabbed me. I’m trying to decide if I should tell you.”

“What is it?”

“It might upset you more to hear.”

Fear rippled through me. “Oh, God. What? What did you hear? Are they going to torture us?”

“No. No. Nothing like that.” He leaned toward me and said softly, “They said they have the local cops in their pocket.”

My eyes widened. “Seriously?” Was that true? Did they have the police on their side? “All of them?”

He shrugged. “Well, I don’t know. But if there are dirty cops involved, how would we know who to trust?”

“Right.” I closed my eyes, attempting to control the panic trying to take root. “So, if we do escape, we can’t go to the police?”

“I wouldn’t risk it.”

I frowned. “I’d go to the compound… but where would you go?”

“I’d have to try and get out of town.”

“But if they have the cops on their side, they might grab you again.” Uneasiness ate at me. “I wish I knew what they wanted. If we get away, I have no idea if dirty cops would search for us or if you’d be safe leaving town.”

“Me neither.”

I studied his still form. “Maybe you could come to the compound… with me. Just until we’re sure you’re safe.”

His head turned toward me, but the darkness hid his expression. “Not sure about that. From what I’ve heard, the compound doesn’t like outsiders.”

He was right. We weren’t supposed to bring strangers into the compound. The solar eclipse omega’s safety was a top priority, and there were protocols that had to be followed. Anybody who worked at the compound, or entered even, had to go through background checks and interviews. Especially after what had happened when Jack and Carter had been here. One of the guards had betrayed the trust of the compound and taken a bribe. Jack and Carter had almost been murdered by some mobster. I didn’t know all the details; it had been very hush-hush. But because of that breech in security, the regulations were now even tougher. But surely under these extreme circumstances, an exception would be made? Lex’s life would be in danger as much as mine. I couldn’t just leave him vulnerable, while seeking refuge myself.

“If we escape, I’ll bring you with me. I’m sure I can convince them to let you in.”

“I don’t know, Dylan. I don’t want to go where I’m not welcome.” He sighed. “I don’t know anything about the compound. It all sounds very secretive.”

I frowned. “Yeah, it is. But trust me when I say there are reasons for that.” If I did take him inside the compound, what would be his reaction if he found out about the solar eclipse omegas—if he found out about me? Would he be repulsed by us? Fascinated? Could he be trusted with that information when he finally returned home?

“It might be best if I just try to get home.”

I frowned. “Well, I can’t force you to come with me. But I do think it would be safer for you.”

“Hmmm.” He didn’t sound convinced.

“What’s your hesitation?”

“I guess… the compound is an unknown for me. It’s hard to feel safe about going somewhere I know nothing about.”

“I understand. Butifwe’re lucky enough to escape, and if there are dirty cops looking for us, I think it might be the smartest move. Just temporarily.”

“Perhaps.”

I touched his shoulder. “If we get out of here, it will be your turn to trust me.”

I saw his nod in the dim light. “Okay. If we make it out alive, I’ll go with you to the compound. But just for a little while, just until we’re sure it’s safe to leave town.”

Relief filled me. “Good.” I grimaced. “Now all we have to do is escape.”