Elowyn's fingers trembled against the open page. She shut the book hard, as though the sound might silence her thoughts. Her chest rose and fell in uneven waves.

She took in a deep breath. Then another.

"Instincts," she whispered to herself. "That's all it is. Just instincts. I'm an Omega. Nothing more. My true scent is OMEGA."

The words tasted thin, like she was trying to convince the air.

She pressed her palms against her knees, grounding herself - willing her pulse to ...