Scout
He couldn’t stop thinkingabout the night before. Everything that had happened in the orchard was overshadowed by the amazing experience in the bath. That hungry glint in Killian’s eyes, the way his hands curled perfectly around him, like they were made for each other… Just thinking about it made Scout shudder.
He crawled out of bed to see his mate was already awake and getting dressed.
“Do we have a surprise date?” Scout asked, rubbing his eyes.
“No,” Killian said as he tightened his tie. “I have to attend a geopolitical unrest address.”
All of that flew right over Scout’s head. “I… don’t know what that means,” he admitted.
Killian threw him a half-smile. “Me neither. It’s just some fancy term for ‘war bullshit.’”
“Oh.”
Killian shrugged. “I won’t take long, hopefully.” He crossed the room to give Scout a kiss. “I’d be lying if I said I wouldn’t be thinking of you the entire time.”
Scout blushed. “Shouldn’t you be paying attention to thegeopolitical unrestmore than your fantasies about me?” he asked, playfully pushing Killian away.
“Probably.” Killian cracked his back and sighed in exasperation. “It’s just… always the same thing. The other packs want our resources, and we argue about what we’re supposed to do about it.”
“Resources?” Scout asked. “Like territory?”
“Partially,” Killian said. A grim look spread across his face. “Actually, recently they’ve been targeting… something else.”
Judging by his tone, Scout was suddenly afraid to know the answer. “What?” he asked hesitantly.
“Omegas,” Killian stated.
A cold chill ran down Scout’s spine. “Targeting omegas? What does that mean?”
Killian sat down next to Scout and put a hand firmly on his knee. “I want you to know that you’re safe, okay?” he said. “The omegas that were targeted were—” Killian paused, pinching the bridge of his nose, “what my father refers to asbreeding stock.”
Scout felt a wave of disgust. “Oh. I see.”
“My father’s been trying to keep it under wraps not to cause a panic, but Silvercreek pack has been stealing omegas from our territory,” Killian said under his breath.
Scout stood abruptly. His heart pounded with sudden anger. “What do you meanstealingomegas? Has anyone gone to look for them? Save them from Silvercreek?”
“No,” Killian said, shaking his head. “My father and the guard haven’t considered it… a priority.”
Scout was overwhelmed. He sat back down, suddenly dizzy. Killian’s arm wrapped around his waist. “I’m sorry, Scout,” he said. “I promise I’ll bring it up at the meeting. You’re right. There’s no excuse for not helping our fellow pack mates.”
Scout sighed and leaned closer to Killian, wanting more of his warmth. “Thank you… I’m sorry I got so angry.”
Killian shook his head. “No, don’t be. You should be.” His eyes darkened as he thought of his father. “Weallshould be.”
Scout suddenly felt embarrassed at his outburst, but at the same time was relieved that he voiced his concerns. It made him happy to have a mate caring and willing enough to listen to his opinions.
There was a knock at the door a moment.
“Who is it?” Killian called.
“Stark, your highness,” came the calm voice from the other side.
“You may enter,” Killian said.
The door crept open and a tall alpha stood in the doorway. Scout recognized him as one of the king’s guards. Behind him was another figure — Scout tensed as he realized it was the king himself. Killian must have noticed him stiffen, because he squeezed his hand in reassurance.
