“I see,” Delta said. “And Gunner knows about thisactivity?”
“He does not, but I’m sure you can waste his time by telling him about it,”Virgilsaid.
I almost choked to stifle a laugh. The flustered, embarrassed look on Delta’s face was priceless. He stepped aside and let us through without any morehassle.
Virgil walked through the aisle like he owned the place. His confidence and high rank within the pack was a huge helpafterall.
When we reached Niko’s cell, I laid him gently down in his bed. It was small, creaky and old. I hated having to leave him here again, but it was the safest course of action right now. Looking down at him, vulnerable and weak, I wanted nothing more than to hold him in my arms and keep him safe. I longed to kiss him, so I did - I pressed a small kiss to hisforehead.
He stirred. My heart fluttered with excitement as he came to, sitting up and holdinghishead.
“What happened?” hemumbled.
“You passed out earlier,” I explained. “You’re backinthe…”
I couldn’t bring myself to say it, so Virgil did. “The omega compound, inyourcell.”
“Oh. I see,” Niko said. “Um… So, what’s goingonnow?”
Virgil and I exchangedglances.
“First, I think Virgil owes us an explanation about what the hell’s going on with him,” I said, “because, frankly, I don’t think you’re the person you’re pretendingtobe.”
The other alpha sighed in resignation. “Yes, I suppose first I should explain.” He spoke quietly so that we were the only ones who could hear him - although I didn’t think it really mattered. Most of the other omegas were either asleep or spacing out as usual,unfortunately.
“Let me ask you this first,” I began. “Why exactly did you want Niko and I to meet outside the compound? I’m assuming his reason for being out there had something to do with you, and why you pulled me out into the middle of nowherelikethat.”
“You’re correct,” Virgil said. “I did want you both outside and in a novel location to help stave off some of Gunner’s influence, and I orchestrated thatincident.”
“It really scared me when I got abducted like that,” Niko mumbled, rubbing his arm. “I thought it was David stealingmeaway.”
My feelings were hurt a little hearing that, but I didn’tcomment.
“I apologize for the confusion,” Virgil said. “However, I feel it was necessary for you both to get a fresh start, so tospeak.”
“Yeah, butwhy?” I asked. “You don’t even know us. Not to be rude, but why the hell doyoucare?”
Niko watched Virgil intently, as if he was wondering the samething.
Looking over his shoulder, Virgil quickly scanned the surroundings. Finding nothing, he turned back to us and spoke with a hushed voice. “This must staybetweenus.”
Niko nodded. “Ofcourse.”
“Obviously,” Imuttered.
“I’ll get to the point. I’m an outsider to this pack, the same way you are, David,” Virgil saidcalmly.
That shocked me - and Niko, too, judging by the expression on his face - but neither of usinterruptedhim.
“I come from a place far away from here, high in the mountains - an even wilder, more treacherous mountain range than your own pack, Indigo Mountain. My people are shifters, like yours, but with slightly different abilities. To make a long story short, I left the tribe of my own volition and found mywayhere.”
Niko and I listened to Virgil’s story with wide eyes. It almost sounded like a fairy tale, but I knew from the genuineness of his voice that it mustbetrue.
“But why did you stay?” Iasked.
Virgil’s eyes flashed. “I have my reasons. But just to ease your suspicions, I’ll tell you that I found someone here that I’m…partialto.”
“You mean, youlikesomeone?” Nikoasked.
