THE OMEGA WHO RAN FROM THE HEAT

AVERY CRUZ'S POV The forest wasn't asleep. The air rang with deep howls that chased Avery Cruz through the darkness like living things, while branches cracked under rushed steps and leaves tore at bare skin. Her lungs burned. It would end with one incorrect step. Breath came out of her chest in sharp gasps as she forced herself harder, her boots slamming into the ground. Behind her, the sounds became closer and louder, heavy paws purposefully hitting the ground. They were pursuing her. A low branch whipped across Avery's arm, and she muttered a curse. She did not slow down as the pain flared. To slow was to die. irresponsible. She had always had that issue. Her hands scraped bark as she staggered forward, barely catching herself after tripping over a fallen log. She thought, "This is how I die." being foolish. The forest blurred, and her heart pounded. She didn't turn around. What she would see was already known to her. Too many. This was not what she had planned. The night had not involved running. It had been punching a cheating jerk. It had been leaving with a smile. Wolves pursuing them had not. How could she have known he was Alpha? The man bore a striking resemblance to the jerk who devastated her best friend. The same arrogant mouth. The same hands believed they owned everything they came into contact with. She had felt strong an hour ago. She felt hunted now. The memory pulled her back, causing her legs to scream. An hour before. Lights flashed across bodies crammed too closely together as music thundered through the bar. Leaning against the counter, Avery forced a smile she didn't have. Opposite her, the bartender stood rigid, eyes wide, hands fidgeting with a glass. Hi there, my love. What's your name? In an instant, his cheeks flushed. Miss Ethan Morales. What am I able to get you? His voice faltered. "New," she thought. New. His eyes dropped as she leaned forward and rested her elbows on the bar, pressing her chest just enough. I must have some ice. I have blood on my knuckles. He gazed, perplexed. They appear fine. Slowly, enticingly, she waved folded bills before him. Ethan, that's not your problem. Grab the ice. I'll cover it. He nodded after taking a deep breath. Immediately. Her hands were awkward as she watched him scoop ice into a plastic bag. Keep it cold. I'll be back. Before he could respond, she turned. She instantly fixed her gaze on the VIP area. He was there. calmed. Grinning. encircled by women who adhered to him like ornaments. The infidelity of the jerk. Avery walked after smoothing her dress. Her hips rolled with each slow, purposeful step. Long before she got to him, she could feel his eyes. With a wave of his hand, he dismissed the guards. He was left alone as the women followed his example. "You're running late," he said. Take a seat. She came to a halt. I'm having fun here. Not assurances. He got up and laughed. In one fluid motion, she pushed him back into his seat and climbed onto his lap. She moved against him, the music thumping through her body. He gasped for air. He grabbed her dress. She brushed his ear with her lips as she leaned in and slapped his hand away. All set. He gripped her hips tightly. She then gave him a punch. Hard. Once. twice. Once more. Blood sprayed as her fist struck bone. Guards rushed forward, drowning out his shout with the music. She continued to swing until she was pulled away by hands. As she ran, she laughed. She thrust her knuckles into Ethan's face back at the bar. told you. Ice. She threw more cash down after grabbing the bag. Ethan yelled before she could get away. Miss. That guy. The Alpha is him. Her blood froze at the word. Alpha. Her smile vanished. She fled for her life now. A howl tore through the trees, shattering the memory. Too near. Avery swerved when she saw a tall oak ahead. trees. Trees are inaccessible to wolves. She leaped, catching bark with her fingers and getting to her feet. As she ascended, branches scraped her legs. Her chest heaved as she sat on a thick limb. Men rushed into the clearing below her. At least thirteen. Perhaps more. They raised their gaze. One person chuckled. Sweetheart, what are you doing up there? Then there was another voice. Come play down here. She tightened her grip on the branch. A man sneered. I caught you dancing on our Alpha. I had no idea that cats enjoyed wolves. Her belly twisted. That is ill. Lucas Reed lost his temper. "Good," she thought. A sane person. Ronan Vega let out a loud, ugly laugh. Yes, I would. Lucas snarled. I'm not gay. Ronan said, "Then we can all have her." Avery spat. Go away from me. Go find a bone to chase. There was a tense silence. Someone urgently whispered. Before Mateo Knox gets there, get her down. Ronan moved to the front. Why me? since you are light. Ronan grabbed the branch, and Avery's breath caught. Then the clearing was thundered by a growl. You all. Take a step back. Everybody looked around. As heavy footsteps drew closer, Avery's heart raced. Knox, Mateo. The Alpha. Staring into the darkness, she tightened her hold. Would he pull her to the ground? Or would he complete the task she began? Would anyone hear her scream if she fell?