Page 5 of Examining the Bond

“I’m not joking,” I snap, my sadness replaced by prickly annoyance. A wave of burnt marshmallow scent pours out of me, soaking the room. “This isn’t funny.”

“Of course it is!” He chuckles, wiping away a tear. “Have you smelled yourself?” He takes a deep inhale, letting his chest swell dramatically. “That's all omega, baby.”

A smile tugs at the corner of my mouth, but Ziel’s humor isn’t enough to make me completely forget how serious this is. Sure, I exhibit a few traits of an omega, but the test…

“They probably just don’t know what they’re doing,” he goes on, rolling his eyes.

I try to take comfort in his words, but they fall flat. Doctors study for years to know what they’re doing, right? Shouldn’t they know what the issue is? Even if they messed up and misread the test results, it wouldn’t explain my issues, mysymptoms.

“But if they’re right?” My voice threatens to break.

Ziel waves a dismissive hand. “They’re wrong. I know you, and no matter what some stupid test results say, Iknowyou’re an omega. You belong here.”

“Thanks, Z.” A weak smile breaks across my lips. “But the academy wants proof, and I have to figure out a way to get to Boston to prove it.”

He grimaces and immediately purses his lips to cover it up. “I’ll admit, that’s a bit far, but if they can give you answers, it’s worth it.”

“How am I supposed to pay for a plane ticket, though?” I stare at him. Ziel, more than anyone else on campus, is painfully aware of my situation. “It’s bound to be outrageous.”

A flash of sympathy softens his features, and he grabs my hand, making me tense for a second. Sure, we’re friends, but my instinctive reflex to avoid other omegas still catches me off guard sometimes.

“Easy. I’ll pay for it,” he says earnestly.

“Wha— No.” My jaw hardens. “Ziel, I can’t take your money.”

He drops my hand and places both of his on my shoulders, rooting me to the spot. His glittering gaze pierces mine, making me antsy. “It wasn’t a request.”

I huff and shrug out of his hold, stepping back without breaking eye contact. As generous of an offer as it is, I can’t accept it. Our friendship isn’t transactional, so I don’t feel like I’ll owe him forever if he does me a favor, but it’s too generous. He’s bought me things before—like snacks and birthday presents—but nothing this expensive.

No one has done anything like this for me… not since my parents died.

“Listen, until we both find drool-worthy alpha packs to take care of us forever, we have to look out for each other.” He flashes me a smile. “Let me do this for you, Riann.”

My insides seize. The tiniest voice at the back of my mind is screaming for me to take the offer, but I’ve already been given so much. Taking something else—yet again—feels greedy.

I don’t deserve all the help I’ve gotten, and I definitely don’t deserve this.

“It really is nice of you, but I can’t…” I say, crossing my arms to keep my heart from exploding out of my chest. “I’ll just figure out something else?—”

He holds a hand up to cut me off. “Don’t make me tie you up and toss you on a plane headed to Massachusetts. I know what I’m offering, and I promise it’s no big deal. What you need are answers, so we’re going to get them for you.”

My eyes prickle as I stare at him, tracing the details of his face. Ziel really is a much better friend than I deserve.

I just hope that one day I can pay him back tenfold.

After several tense seconds, I sigh. “Okay, fine.”

“That’s what I’m talking about.” He nods enthusiastically. “So, what’s the plan?”

I take a deep breath and blow it out slowly, letting my cheeks puff up as I contemplate. There really is only one answer, despite how much I wish for options.

“I guess I’m going to Boston,” I say finally, chewing the corner of my mouth. “I’ll call and make an appointment in the morning.”

Ziel grins, the gesture lighting up his features as he pumps a fist in the air. “Atta girl.”

CHAPTER THREE

SKYLAR