Page 23 of The Omega Switch: Part 2

Chapter 13

Ronan

The happiest moment I’d had in the past six months, outside of hearing that Ivy had been found safe, was hearing her say that one word.

"Yes."

I’d hoped beyond hope that she would want me to stay. After seeing her fathers gang up on her and attempt to alpha bark her into compliance, I nearly tore them to shreds. How could a father do that to his own daughter? It took every ounce of my willpower not to hurt them. But I noticed something - Ivy had changed. Despite their alpha posturing and attempt to force her will, she didn’t cower in front of them. She’d fought back. I’d never been more proud of anyone in my life.

And yet, she was still so shaken by the experience that I was worried for her. I could smell her distress, and her body was trembling. I could tell she was in a state of shock. So when she said I could stay, I knew I needed to do everything I could to make sure she was comfortable.

“Alright, I’ll stay right outside here and guard,” I responded, not knowing what her boundaries were yet. She just looked at me, her eyes almost glazed - as if she had dissociated. Then took a deep, shaky breath.

“You can come in. I’m just going to rest here for a moment.” She said, then sat down in a chair. I knew her body was flooded with adrenaline and stress. She was going to crash from the shock of it all.

I stepped inside, the boutique smaller than what I was used to. The doorframe barely fit my large frame. I grabbed some soft blankets I spotted nearby and slowly approached her. Once I was close, I wrapped them around her. She seemed alright with that. Then I looked around and spotted a shelf with some treats.

“Here, have some chocolate. If you want, I mean. It will help keep your blood sugar up.” I said, and grabbed a bar for her. She held it, and I could tell she was still processing what had happened.

“Hey,” I said, kneeling down until I was face-to-face with her. “That was intense. But what you just did was very brave. I want to help you. Let me know if there is anything you need while you take time to recover.” Her eyes lifted to mine, and she nodded, slowly opening the candy bar.

“How - how were you so close when that happened?” she asked, and I felt my face heat.

“I’ve been keeping guard down the street,” I admitted. “I can’t be inside the neighborhood gates; no alphas allowed. But I wanted to keep an eye out, just in case anything happened.” I admitted. Maybe she would hate that. Maybe she’d ask me to leave and never come back. Her brows knitted.

“Where?” she asked.

“In my car,” I said sheepishly. I’d been monitoring the neighborhood ever since I found out where she was. Most alphas didn’t hang around this area, although a few nefarious characters were known to linger where omegas were. But this neighborhood was well policed. I’d recognized her family when they drove past, and immediately knew something was up. It was only when I heard alphas yelling in the distance that I came running. I couldn’t believe the sheer arrogance of Ivy’s own family coming here to harass her.

“Oh,” She replied, and I still had no idea what she was thinking.

“I’ll grab some food, if you want?” I suggested. She needed to eat and relax for the rest of the evening. Standing up to an alpha bark can take a lot out of an omega.

“Okay.” She said, then took a breath. “There’s a good Thai spot nearby. They have comfort food.” I nodded and stood up.

“I’ll get you some. Be back soon.” I said, and made sure her family’s car was long gone when I left.

Ivy had let me stay. She was letting me help her, and though it wasn’t forgiveness, it was a little bit of trust. After six months of wondering whether she'd ever willingly spend another minute in my company, hearing her allow me to take care of her made something ease in my chest. I caught myself smiling like an idiot halfway down the sidewalk before forcing my expression back under control. Hunter would probably tell me not to read too much into it. Elias certainly would. They'd both be right.

Still… She'd allowed me to stay. That was enough to get me through the next few years if I needed to hold onto something to get me through my days.

When I reached the little Thai restaurant she'd mentioned, I wasn’t sure what to get. But I figured the popular dishes were listed for a reason. I ordered two noodle dishes, an appetizer, and a dessert. Ivy hadn't said she liked sweets, but something told me she'd spent far too many years denying herself little pleasures, or maybe being denied by her family.

As I walked back, my body felt tense. Every few steps I found myself looking toward the boutique, expecting to arrive and discover she'd changed her mind. She had every right to. She owed me nothing. I certainly hadn’t earned another chance.

When I finally stepped back through the front door, a ball of white fur was the first to greet me. The tiny dog Ivy had been cradling earlier ran across the wooden floor, stopping just short of my boots before barking enthusiastically. I crouched instinctively, setting the bags beside me, and held out the back of my hand.

"Am I allowed in?" I asked the dog.

“That’s Puff,” Ivy said, looking a little better, although she was still sitting wrapped in blankets. Puff sniffed my hand, sneezed, then rolled onto his back with all four paws in the air. I couldn't help laughing a little.

"I think I've been accepted," I said, giving the small animal a gentle pat.

"I think you've been manipulated," Ivy said from behind the counter.

She finally stood and left the blankets on the chair. Now that everything had calmed down, I took another look at her. She looked like a brand new person. Six months ago she had hidden herself inside oversized cardigans and muted colors, always trying to disappear into the background. Now she finally came out of her shell. Her clothes were different, and she looked healthier. She’d gained some much-needed weight, and her cheeks glowed. I already thought she was gorgeous, but somehow she got even more stunning.

Puff demanded another belly rub with a little whine. Then he put his paw out and scratched at the takeout box. Ivy giggled. I realized I’d never heard her laugh before. It was bright and genuine, and the moment it reached my ears, she covered her mouth as though she'd accidentally revealed too much. I smiled without thinking.