chapter 2- On the run

I didn't go home.

Home was the 12th floor studio with a window that didn't open and a landlord who asked too many questions, if Voss Biotech was already tracking my scent, going there was suicide.

Instead I took the underground to the red petal, an illegal club no scanners, cash only if I was going to ride out a heat alone I would rather do it somewhere it could at least earn back the cost of the suppressant I would need tomorrow.

I worked the back room tonight.

Stitching up a knife wound, dozing and Omega through a bad heat ignoring the alpha trying to buy me for the night , Beta Kade was efficient, cold and untouchable.

It was a lie but was a good one.

"Medic"

The shout came from the main floor, I sighed whipped my hands and followed the noise.

A kid, maybe 19 was seizing on the floor no suppressant, his scent was sharp with fear and pre-heat, the crowd around him had backed off no one wanted to be blamed if he died.

I knelt, checking his pulse when did his last dose wear off.

"Yesterday, he ran out of money". someone muttered.

Typical, the Scission Act made suppressant legal but the price made them luxury, poor omegas either registered and got government issued, garbage that barely worked, or they die.

I pulled out my own emergency kit.

It was almost empty, if I used this I wouldn't have anything for myself tonight.

The kids eyes rolled back.

Screw it.

I injected the dose into his neck, his body jerked then went slack, his breathing evened out.

"Get him to a clinic', I said while standing, and someone tell the security to stop charging for water in the med bay.

A laugh then your voice behind me too close.

"You are good at that'.

I didn't turn, I knew that voice.

Lucien Voss.

"You shouldn't be here", I said keeping my voice flat because I am not someone who stutter or fear.

"I shouldn't be in a lot of places, yet here we are'. he said.

I finally look at him no mask tonight, just a black suit, tie Loosened, hair slightly disheveled like he had been running his hands through it.

He looked dangerous but human.

"you're the only one in the city who's scent doesn't make me want to kill something or fvck something'.

My stomach twisted, "flattering'.

"I am not trying to flatter you I am trying to understand', he step closer to me. "what are you?'.

I smiled behind my mask. "A medic, that's all you need to know".

His eyes narrowed "liar'.

Before I could respond, his phone buzzed he glanced at it and his expression darkened.

"Scission task force is Raiding the building in three minutes, they are looking for unregistered omegas and enigmas".

my blood went cold. "How do you know that'. I asked.

"Because I used to run it'.

He grabbed my wrist,his skin was burning hot.

"Come with me now'. he said.

I wrenched my arm away. "I don't go anywhere with Alpha's".

"Then you will be in a cage by morning'.

The lights flickered footsteps echoed down the hall. They were early.

I had two choices: Run alone and hope I didn't get caught or go with the one Alpha who seemed more interested in keeping me alive than claiming me.

I hated that the second option felt safer.

"Fine but if you try anything__".

"I won't". He grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the emergency exit.

We made it to the alley just as the front doors burst open, red and blue lights painted the wall shouts and screams.

Lucien pressed me against the brick walls, shielding me with his body, his scent flared - protective, possessive and overwhelming.

Stay here, don't move ". he said softly.

I wanted to argue, I wanted to hit him but instead, I nodded because for the first time in year's, someone was standing between me and the people who wanted to lockme away.

And I wasn't sure if that made me safer or more trapped.