Scout
The truth stung. Scout couldn't deny that. But watching the hurt spread across Killian's face — watching his mate fall into despair because of his words — that stung far more.
Scout kept pace with the grey wolf, who was leading him to god knew where. But Scout's fear was the last of his worries. The only thing he could think about was how much he had hurt Killian. He wanted desperately to run back, to tell him he hadn't meant the horrible things he’d said — but with the assassin right next to him, who could overpower and out-speed him, Scout didn't take his chances.
"Where are you taking me?" he asked carefully.
"Quiet," the assassin growled.
This irritated Scout, and he couldn't keep his mouth shut. "The least you could do is tell me that after I cooperated with you."
The wolf turned on him and bared his teeth. "Shut your mouth, omega, before I shut it for you!"
Scout flicked his ears back but said nothing. Clearly this guy didn't want to talk. So instead Scout looked around, trying to map out his surroundings in case the information would be of use later. But everything looked the same to him —dark, tall trees and thick foliage that obscured the sky, day and night.
Eventually they reached a small cabin illuminated by a single porch light. The grey wolf shifted back to human form, and ordered Scout to do the same. Instantly he grabbed Scout's arm to secure him, even though Scout had no intention of running away just yet.
The assassin — who somehow managed to be even uglier in human form — rapped his knuckles on the door. A gruff grumble came from the other side before the door opened. Scout immediately shrank back. The man behind the door was huge — bigger than the assassin, and even bigger than the king. He had broad shoulders and a grizzled, unkind face. Scout was suddenly wishing he hadn't left Killian's side.
"Who is this, Thistle?" the man grunted.
The assassin bowed his head. "This is the prince's mate, sir."
Scout curled his lip, wanting to interrupt and say that he had a name and was his own person, not just the prince's mate, but he thought better of it. Now wasn't the time for that.
The man's eyes widened slightly and then he nodded. "Very well." He turned and headed inside to sit at the wooden table, and Thistle dragged Scout to a chair, propping him down into it.
Scout noticed neither of these two shifters were making a move to bar his path — with a grimace, Scout realized that even they knew he was outnumbered and outmatched. There was no way he was going to get out of here by speed alone. He sighed quietly and sank into the seat. What kind of mess had he gotten himself into?
Still, he thought, he didn't seem to be in any immediate danger. Unlike before, at least now he wasn't caged or being forcefully dragged by the arm.
The assassin — Thistle — kept his head low, but his gaze flickered back and forth between Scout and the other stronger shifter. Scout guessed he was the alpha of Silvercreek pack by the way Thistle hung his head out of deference — or fear.
"So," the gruff alpha began. "This is the prince's omega."
Scout swallowed as the man leaned forward with his elbows on the table. His eyes raked over Scout's body, sending a chill down his spine.
"Yes, Warren," Thistle said. "The very same one I was instructed to kill earlier."
Scout couldn't help but wince. The memory was still too fresh in his mind. At least now he seemed to be more useful alive than dead.
Warren, the pack alpha, let out a low chuckle. "Good thing you didn't. He's a pretty little thing. Worth more alive."
The hairs on the back of Scout's neck rose. Goosebumps crawled up his skin. It reminded him to keep his guard up. They weren't trying to kill him anymore, but he was still very much a vulnerable prisoner.
Warren hummed to himself. His eyes never once left Scout's body. Scout fidgeted uncomfortably in his seat.
"What are we gonna do with him?" Thistle asked. "They had a little lover’s spat, so I don't think his big strong alpha is coming back anytime soon."
Scout had to stop a growl that rose like lava in his throat. That wasn't true — he knew Killian would do anything to get him back... wouldn't he? Scout shut his eyes, remembering the hurt expression on his mate's face. At the time Scout was just trying to save the other captive omegas, putting on the best act he could, but had he gone too far? Was Killian really not coming back for him?
A chair scratched the floor with a sharp creak as Warren got to his feet. He was a massive alpha, even as a human. Scout didn’t want to see his wolf form. Warren paced around, stroking his chin in thought, never taking his eyes off the omega. Scout felt like a piece of meat on display — he felt sick.
"How long did you say he and the prince have been together for?" Warren grunted at Thistle.
"Not very long," the assassin said. "When I was hired to kill him, the king made it seem like it was something he wanted dealt with ASAP."
Warren considered this, but still didn't look satisfied with that answer. He glared at Scout.
