It was Gadreel who pulled her out of the wall. Alex had refused to come out on her own, still afraid that Lucifer would be there. But when she emerged, his scent was quickly fading. She dropped her bag on the floor, glancing uneasily at the bedroom door.

Gadreel noticed. "It's okay. He won't be back." He held out his hand.

Alex hesitated. "What if he does come back?" she whispered. "I need to get away."

The alpha nodded in understanding. "I know. And you will. Just one more day. I can get you out tomorrow night."

Tomorrow. Alex swallowed nervously. "Where will I go?"

"Somewhere safe." Gadreel's hand was still outstretched. "I'll take you to a friend's. You'll stay there for a while, and then he'll pass you on to another friend. We'll get you out of town without Lucifer knowing."

"Can't I just leave?" Alex's eyes darted over to the open window. "I-I'm fast. I can run -"

"No!" Alex jumped at his tone, and Gadreel lowered his voice. "You won't be able to escape. Lucifer is desperate. He's put out an APB. Every officer and hunter within twenty miles of here will be looking for you."

Alex shivered as she remembered the hunters who had first found her. "But you can get me out?"

"Yes. They'll never know."

Alex took his hand. "Okay. I trust you."

"Thank you." Gadreel squeezed her hand comfortingly. "There's . . . there's one other thing we need to do." He pulled something out from behind his back.

Alex immediately pulled her hand away. She reached for the Source, and it flooded through her, filling her up. "Don't touch me with that," she growled menacingly.

In the alpha's hand lay a small silver collar. Gadreel dropped it on the bed, hands facing palms up in a nonthreatening gesture. "Alex, it's okay. Just listen."

Alex didn't let go of khul'Shalkrum, but she relaxed slightly. "Listen to what?" she growled.

"These hunters. They have omegas, and they can sense the un-leashed." He motioned to where the collar lay on the bed. "If you wear this, they won't be able to recognize you as unbonded. They'll think you're just another omega, and they'll leave you alone." He stepped back.

Alex hesitated. "And if I don't wear it?"

"They'll find once they're within two blocks." Gadreel's lips twisted into a concerned frown. "Alex, you know me. I want you to be free. If you wear the collar, you'll still be able to channel, and once you're out of the city, we can take it off."

Alex gripped the Source tightly. She didn't want to let it go, but if what Gadreel said was true . . . She didn't want Lucifer to find her. "Are you sure this is the only way?"

"Positive." From his pocket, Gadreel produced the silver bracelet. He dropped it beside the collar. "Here. Without this, I won't be able to control you. You'll still be able to channel whenever you would like." He stepped away again. "It's your choice."

"You promise you won't touch the bracelet?"

"We'll keep it in your room." Gadreel stepped forward and picked it up. Then he placed it on the topmost shelf on the wall. "I won't touch it."

Alex nodded. "Okay." She dropped the Source, reaching for the collar. Gadreel stepped forward, and she jumped, still on edge about doing this. She watched as the alpha took the collar from her and swiftly fastened it around her neck.

Alex immediately panicked. "I can't feel it." She reached desperately for the Source, but it was just out of reach. She turned to look at Gadreel. He had backed up, and was now reaching for the silver bracelet on the shelf. She felt her panic and anger grow. "You promised -"

"Calm down." The alpha slipped the bracelet onto his wrist. "You're going to be fine. I just have to open a channel first."

Khul'Shalkrum flooded through her, and she reached for it desperately, letting it flood through her uninhibited. She let out a shaky breath, eyes closing.

Gadreel slid off the bracelet and placed it back on the shelf. "There. Are we feeling better?" He stepped forward, taking her head in her hands.

Alex nodded. "Thank you."

"It's no problem." Gadreel leaned down, kissing her quickly. He noticed how she reacted, and he sighed. "Listen. If you're really that uncomfortable, I can call my friend, and I can see if he can come by tonight. Would that make you feel better?"

Alex hesitated, then nodded. "Will he take me out of town?"

"Don't worry. He'll take you somewhere safe." Gadreel went off down the stairs.

Alex listened to him go with a sigh. She reached up, feeling the smooth finish of the silver collar. She detested the feeling. But at least she could channel. Speaking of channeling . . .

Alex hurried out of the room, pausing by the stairs. She heard Gadreel's voice, and she deemed it safe. She returned to stand in front of the locked door's room.

The Source flooded through her veins, and she reached out, fingers closing around the brass knob. She let the energy flow into the lock, twisting and pushing -

The lock sprang, and the door opened. It squeaked as Alex pushed her way into the room. She felt blindly for the light switch, and then the room was lit with a dull glow. Alex frowned.

It was fairly empty. Papers hung on the wall, many containing pictures of certain people. A silver cage sat against the far wall, the small door half open. Next to it, on pegs, hung silver collars similar to the one Alex wore. Otherwise, the room was completely empty. Alex frowned. Nothing of real interest. She was honestly quite disappointed.

The stairs creaked, and Alex quickly jumped out of the room, closing the door behind her. A second later, Gadreel's head appeared. "Alex." He looked up the stairs at the omega, who quickly hid her hands behind her back. "My friend says he can swing by tonight."

Alex grinned in relief, and she felt herself immediately relax. "Great." She'd be out of here in no time.

...

The night came far too slowly. But eventually, it did. Alex was pacing through the kitchen when there was a knock on the door. Gadreel came down from upstairs - when had he been up there? Alex hadn't seen him go up. But it didn't matter. She was getting out of here.

Gadreel walked over to the wooden door. He peered through the peephole, and he grunted. With a flick of his thumb, the door unlocked, and Gadreel slowly opened it. "You're here."

The alpha stepped in. Alex froze, eyes wide. "W-What?" She took a step backwards.

Michael Novak pushed his way into the room. "Good. You have her."

"Of course I have her." Gadreel frowned. "I told you I did."

"What's going on?" Alex looked desperately between the two alphas. "He's going to free me?" Her eyes focused on Michael. He was wearing a dark suit under a black trench coat, hands shoved casually into the pockets. His black hair was neatly combed, and his blue eyes were locked onto her. In that small room, his presence alone was overwhelming.

Michael's lips twitched into a thin smile. "Is that what you told her?" He stepped towards Alex. "That I would free her?"

The omega immediately backpedalled. She reached for the Source, but it wasn't there. Panic bubbled up inside of her, and Alex let out a startled cry. Unable to fight, she turned and ran. Alex managed three steps towards the backdoor before she fell, hissing out in burning pain.

Gadreel twisted the silver bracelet around his wrist. "It was easy to lie to her, once I had her trust." The alpha let out a sigh. "A little too easy, honestly."

Michael approached. He crouched down beside Alex, who curled up, eyes wide. She was obviously in shock. Michael reached out, running his hand through her blonde hair. "Well, good work."

He held out his other hand, and Gadreel dropped the silver bracelet into his open palm. "Anything to get back at Lucifer."

Michael smirked. Then he slid the bracelet onto his own wrist. It fit snugly against the other. "Alex. Come along."

Alex raised her head to look up at Michael. "Why?" Her voice was rough with disbelief.

Michael smiled, hiding it by dipping his head. "You have a lot to learn." He stood up, and his voice grew crisp. "Come on. Get up." Alex refused, and he nudged her in the ribs with a foot. "On your feet. Let's go."

Alex pulled herself to her feet. "I don't want to go-" Her words were cut short as pain gripped her lungs.

Michael had his fist balled. When he let it go, the pain faded, and the female omega slumped. "I'll tell you one more time. Let's go."

This wasn't a battle she could win. Not right now. Alex stepped towards Michael. He grunted in indifference before turning to Gadreel. "Thank you for your help. You will be paid later this week."

Gadreel looked like he was going to protest, but he held his tongue. "Very well." He opened the front door for them.

Michael briskly exited the house. Alex had no choice but to follow.