Page 41 of Bitter Truths

Ezra steps forward with his pipe ready. “You have three seconds to walk away.”

“Fucking omega freaks,” the tall alpha spits, but he’s backing up. “She ain’t worth it.”

They run to their truck and peel out, tires screaming.

I’m still kneeling on the glass, shaking so hard I can’t stop. Everything feels underwater and far away.

Ezra drops down beside me, careful not to touch. “Bianca. Look at me. You’re safe.”

I try to focus on his face, but everything keeps sliding.

“Did they...” Megan starts.

“No,” Ezra says, watching me. “We got here in time.”

They help me stand. My knees are fucked up, blood everywhere, but I’m too numb to care.

“We need to get you home,” Megan says. “Where do you live?”

I tell them through chattering teeth. They walk me there, one on each side.

At the cottage, Megan cleans up my knees while Ezra makes tea. It feels weird, them taking care of me.

“You can’t stay here,” Ezra says while Megan bandages me up. “They know your therapy schedule. They’ll be waiting.”

He’s right. They know where to find me.

“I don’t have anywhere else to go.”

Ezra sets down his cup. “The refuge I mentioned. It’s real, Bianca. Safe. We patrol the perimeter constantly and have security set up.”

“How do I know you’re not dangerous too?”

“You don’t,” he says simply. “But you know what just happened. And you know it’ll happen again.”

Megan finishes with my bandages. “We’re heading back tomorrow morning. You could come with us and see what it’s like. No pressure to stay.”

I stare at them. These strangers who showed up when I needed them. They shared their trauma and offered help without wanting anything in return.

“Where would I meet you?”

“Town square. Seven AM. Bring practical clothes, sturdy shoes, and any meds you need. You can bring a phone, but you will only be able to use it when we go into town for supplies. No cell service out there.”

“It’s a four hour hike,” Megan adds. “Hard to reach on purpose. That’s what keeps it safe.”

They leave me their number and tell me to think about it.

That night, I stare at the ceiling. My knees throb. The cottage feels like a trap now.

Those alphas are still out there.

And there’s no way in fuck I want to find myself kneeling for them again.

8

BIANCA

Ezra and Megan check their gear with the same kind of care you would expect from people about to climb Mt. Everest, not hike through local woods.