Easily

“Stop,” Remington orders and his voice echoes across the chamber, making them shut their mouths immediately, “That doesn’t change anything, Ivy is still technically an omega, her wolf was dormant for majority of her life and there’s still omega scent on her, they can still hunt her.”

“Powerful omega scent,” Damian adds, eyes scrutinizing me. Damn it.

“Powerful how?” I scoff, “I’m just as useless as the rest of you.”

“Yes, powerful definitely isn’t the word,” Tatiana adds, finally agreeing with me on something, “It’s tumultuous energy and it’s always been a part of her, it just feels enhanced now. As if… the prophecy is at full effect.”

“That’s why we’re taking precautions,” Remington says, his voice getting stronger. His mom still gets on his nerves more than anyone, I suppose.

“We should simply get rid of her like I proposed yesterday, that would fix everything,” Tatiana growls at her son before giving me a mean look. I can’t call her a fucking bitch right now, but I scratch my nose with my middle finger.

Remington hits the table with his hand and it makes me jump just like everyone else. I drop my hand.

“That is not going to happen,” he declares as if he’s tired of repeating it, “I apologize, Ivy. I think this is everything we needed to discuss with you… and I’m sorry about your plans for today, but I think it’s better if you stay here starting right now.”

I’m not surprised, but it’s going to make things a lot harder for me. Thankfully, I have someone out there who can help me.

“Fine. I’ll get my guest to bring me what I need,” I murmur and give everyone one last look, “Thanks for your always lovely input, Council. I’m sure you’re all excited to see me around in the next few days.”

“No, we’re not,” Tatiana spits out. Remington turns to give her a tired look.

“Well, I am,” I smile and walk to the door, not giving them a chance to say anything else. I step out of there with my spine straight, pretending I'm not about two seconds away from losing it completely.

The young omega, Felicia, is already waiting outside the door, trying not to fidget as she smiles nervously at me.

"Your room is on the third floor, Miss Doreen. I'll show you."

I nod once.

We walk in silence through the halls, the heavy weight of old memories pressing down on me like a second skin with every step I take.

Every corner we pass is one I remember. Especially that alcove where Remington used to kiss me when we thought no one was watching. And the hallway I sprinted down the day I left, my throat raw from screaming, my heart in shards.

"Here," Felicia says, opening the door to the bedroom at the far end of the third-floor corridor. This feels like a bad fucking joke, "It's been cleaned and prepared. I can bring you some clothes or anything else you might need."

"Thank you," I manage to let out, forcing myself not to explode at her because it’s not her fault. She opens the door and I take a step inside, letting the scent hit me.

God, it’s too strong.

"I'll let you settle in," she says, bowing her head politely and then scurrying away.

I step inside. Neutral colors. Warm lighting. Bigger than my entire apartment downtown. The windows open to a view of the northern ridge, where the mountains cut the sky into jagged pieces. It's just as beautiful as it is suffocating.

And it smells like him. Strongly.

Remington's scent—spice, pine, something darker I can't name—but my wolf stirs and tries to take as much of it as possible, like a fucking scent junkie.

I have to lean against a wall and press my forehead against it.

Get a grip, dude.

I thought my wolf hated Remington just as much as I did, I thought we were in the same page... so why is the bond humming again? Why is she so desperate for his scent?

A knock snaps me out of my thoughts.

I walk to open the door and there he is again.

Alpha posture. Clean black shirt. Eyes like frost and thunder. Seeing him here brings me back to seven years ago when we used to share this same room.

It was our little cocoon of warmth and love, the only place in this huge house that didn’t feel cold. I lost my virginity here, I spent every night with him in here, I got pregnant with my son here and I thought we would spend our whole lives in here.

I truly loved every second of living with him.

Until he blew up my entire world and forced me to walk away.