Zeke's unexpected encounter with Finn nagged at him in the days that followed, like a fly that wouldn't leave him alone. The Omega's confidence was bad enough to contend with, but Azia also continued to steadfastly ignore him. It felt akin to throwing salt into a large, gaping wound.

Frustrated with his predicament regarding the pair of them, Zeke threw himself into his duties, determined to distract himself from the turmoil in his personal life. He worked long hours, trying to ...