XXVI

His disbelief was palpable as Luke shook his head, his heart aching for her. Anger boiled inside him, threatening to consume him entirely. Rumors had spread like wildfire, twisted tales of the rescue of a group of omegas.

They were called "rescued," or so the Dome Broadcast claimed.

But Lyla was gone. Luke couldn't shake the feeling of responsibility, the gnawing guilt that he should have seen the signs, should have known what the omega would do. He despised himself for his obliviousness.

As he woke up on the uncomfortable couch, his neck throbbing from an awkward angle, realization struck him like a lightning bolt. Jumping to his feet, a torrent of curses escaping his lips, Luke stormed out the door.