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“I’mtrying,” I bite out.
“Tryharder, babe. I am knee-deep in Alpha dick-measuring and we haven’t even made it to dessert.”
My knees buckle. I hit the door behind me again, desperate now.
It still. Doesn’t. Give.
I can’t do this. I can’t-
“Enough.”
The hallway stills at the sound of the new voice, and all eyes turn toward him.
Theo.
He moves into view with that quiet steadiness that somehow cuts sharper than yelling. He doesn’t need theatrics - his presence alone resets the temperature in the corridor.
He takes in everything with one sweep: the unconscious beta, Kai’s bloodied knuckles, Lucian practically vibrating with murder, Ash a living wall of restraint, Lexi standing with me against the door -
Then his gaze finds mine, and everything in his face changes.
His nostrils flare. His jaw flexes. His hands curl once at his sides before relaxing again.
But his rage isn’t toward me - it’sforme.
“Back off,” Theo says to the others, his voice even, but commanding in a way that leaves no room for argument.
His gaze stays locked on Kai, just a little longer than strictly necessary.
Kai sighs - dramatic and theatrical, like he’s being personally victimized by basic consequences - and holds up his hands in exaggerated surrender.
“Fine, fine. I’m backing up. No need to alpha at me, bro.” He actually steps back, hands still up. “Some people don’t appreciate helpful public service.”
Lexi, still gripping my arm like she’s ready to commit battery in a gown, scoffs. “You punched a man unconscious.”
Kai shrugs. “And yet, I didnotpunch Lucian. Growth.”
Lucian makes a sound low in his throat that suggestsgrowthis about to get him killed.
Theo doesn’t break eye contact with Kai until he’s satisfied. Then - finally - he turns to me.
His voice lowers, soft and reverent as he moves closer.
“Omega,” he says, like it’s a promise and a prayer all at once. “Can I touch you?”
Lexi blinks. “Okay, that’s hot,” she mutters under her breath. I shoot her a look, and she just widens her eyes at me. “What?! I’m just saying. If I were in heat and hadn’t just punched the other one -”
“Lexi,” I breathe, shaky. “Not. Helping.”
“Iamhelping. With moral support and light commentary.”
But I don’t hear the rest of her snark, because Theo is still watching me.
I nod.
And everything finally starts to shift.
Chapter Ten
