Swallowing hard, Zayden shoved Ren away from him. The movement was far harsher than he intended, causing the omega to stagger backward.
For a brief moment, silence settled between them.
Ren froze. The hope that had illuminated his face moments ago faltered.
As for Zayden, the ache in his chest only deepened. It felt as though he had just torn away a piece of his own soul. Every instinct screamed at him to pull Ren back into his arms—to ask whether he was hurt—to demand who had left those bruises on his skin—to make sure he was safe.
Yet, all those thoughts were buried beneath the memory of Zion's words.
Beneath the truth—the evidence Zion had given him. Beneath the countless lies Ren had told him. And the secrets.
The feeling of betrayal was perhaps the worst part of it.
His hands trembled slightly at his sides before he clenched them into fists.
"Don't touch me," Zayden said, his voice rougher than intended.
