Page 72 of Shared Omega

Kane leads us to the ruins of a cathedral somewhere deep inside the center of the city.

“Wow, look at this place,” I say to Dog as we step inside.

Even though my voice is pitched low, the sound echoes and bounces around the soaring stone walls that support the high, arched ceiling. After a hundred years without maintenance, the roof has started to crumble away in places, allowing brilliant, slanting columns of sunshine to illuminate the dark space. Around the sides are windows of colored glass, many of which are broken, providing an entrance for the creeping green vines that seem to grow everywhere in this place.

I am startled by a flutter of wings overhead—a small flock of pale doves disturbed by our entrance. They fly away through one of the many holes in the ceiling.

Dog’s eyes are darting everywhere, but I can tell he’s less concerned with enjoying the ancient architecture and more focused on sussing out any possible dangers.

Truk, on the other hand, is gazing at everything with an expression of raw wonder. He’s been on cloud nine ever since we came into the city.

And surly Kane, well, he’s all business of course.

More Alphas and a few omegas file in behind us, curious to watch the proceedings and check out the strange Outsiders who have turned up unexpectedly. Other Alphas cluster in the broken out windows, and yet more perch overhead in the thick rafters.

“I don’t like this,” Dog rumbles in a low voice.

He’s right to be nervous. We’re completely surrounded and totally outnumbered. But surely if the Alphas meant to take us by force, they would have done so already.

Nevertheless, I slip my hand inside Dog’s much bigger one, enjoying the comfort it gives.

Kane continues forward until we reach the altar area at the front, then he pauses and waits, arms folding across his bulging chest. Not sure what else to do, the rest of us stop too.

“What are we waiting for?” I ask after a minute.

Kane doesn’t answer. He doesn’t even look at me. He just stands there, stock still, like some ancient statue. The only sign that he’s even alive is the ticking of his jaw.

He’s annoyed.

Scratch that, he’s frigging pissed.

I can’t blame him. I still feel bad for tricking him before, but it had to be done.

Since he’s stonewalling me now, there’s nothing left to do but wait and see what happens. I face the gathered Alphas who are looking on from the windows, rafters, and haphazardly scattered pews.

All eyes are on me right now.

I give Dog’s hand a squeeze, and his massive warm body draws closer to mine. Truk also senses my discomfort, and he places one callused hand on my shoulder. I’m glad these guys are here. I couldn’t do this alone. But with both of them here, I feel protected.

In fact, in a weird way, I’m glad Kane is here too, even though I know he hates me.

There is a bustle of activity near the entrance of the cathedral. The crowd parts to let someone through.

A deep voice thunders through the vast interior of the cathedral.

“Kane! What is going on here?”

A pack of three Alphas stride down the central aisle. They are pierced and dressed in primitive leather loincloths similar to Kane’s attire. In their midst, protectively surrounded by their three hulking bodies, is another much smaller figure. I catch a brief flash of wavy auburn hair, and my heart skips.

It’s her. It’s Lily.

We have found our target.

Suddenly, the advancing Alphas halt in unison. The one in front, a hulking warrior with a mane of silvered hair, flares his nostrils as he tests the air. His eyes fall on Dog, and his body immediately shifts into combat mode. His muscles ripple with tension, and his fangs flash white in a threatening snarl. His companions follow suit, and all three of them form a tight, defensive triangle around Lily.

“You!” the leader growls. “Is this some kind of Outsider sorcery?”

Lily peeks out from behind the protective Alpha, eyes wide with shock and fear.