Page 43 of X-Clan The Origin

Which meant he hadn’t gone far. Just far enough for me not to be able to feel his presence.

So perhaps he’d set up a perimeter sweep, one that kept me safe while guaranteeing I went through this alone.

Asshole, I grumbled. But even as I considered the insult, I realized that he wasn’t being an asshole at all. He was giving me what I’d wanted.

Which meantIwas the one punishing myself.

How appropriate.

I stood again and started pacing.

I would need more linens. Water. And maybe a leash. Without restraints, I’d probably end up leaving the house to find Jonas. Or another Alpha.

Or anything that could fuck me.

This is why I hate being an Omega.

But rather than sit around and brood over it, I needed to prepare for it.

I was a renowned infectious disease physician.

I could handle a heat cycle.

I just needed to find the right supplies and barricade myself in a room.

I’ve got this.

CHAPTERNINE

RILEY

Somewhere in North Carolina

I soooo do not havethis.

I’m going to die.

Because I’m currently on fire.

I curled into a ball in the closet, shivering despite the heat surrounding me.

I’d chosen this small space for my nest because it’d made me feel safe. At least initially. But as the tremors had continued to rock my core, I’d begun to feel restless and claustrophobic.

A soft mewling sound slipped from my lips, my inner wolf begging for relief. Not necessarily sex, justsomething.Even an ice cube would do.

Because it was so damn hot in here.

Suffocating.

Lonely.

This was the path I’d chosen, though. The path I deserved.

A tear betrayed my inner sadness, making me want to growl.I am not this pathetic being. I’m Doctor Riley Campbell. I don’t need an Alpha. I don’t need anyone.

Except that didn’t stop me from craving company.

And not just any company, but Jonas.