I wanted to tell him I desperately didn’t want to be here, but I held my tongue. I wanted to trust him, but I didn’t know if I could yet.
“Have you ever had any children?” I asked hesitantly.
“Of course I have,” Tholan grumbled. “One. And you’ve met him already.”
I blinked. “I have?”
Tholan lashed his tail angrily. “Blaze is my son.”
That shocked me. “Um. I’m sorry, I didn’t know.”
“It’s all right, wolf. You wouldn’t,” Tholan mumbled.
“I didn’t know that either,” Bastian said quietly.
“What was it like? Bearing children?” I asked.
“Blaze is going to use you up, is he?” Tholan asked bitterly, and I knew from his tone he felt as badly about it as I did. “He’s an idiot, that boy. He thinks this will save the gryphons. But he’s wrong. Stealing the only omega from the wolves is only asking for a war. And what does he think will happen? You’ll pop out another litter of omegas?” Tholan shook his head. “No. He’s cursed us all. That’s what I think.”
Bastian and I exchanged glances, and he gave me a look that indicated he thought Tholan was a little bit off his rocker.
“I’m surprised he’s not leashed you to him by now,” Tholan mumbled.
“Well, I’m… I’m already pregnant,” I told him. “Not with Blaze’s child, though.”
Surprise flashed across Tholan’s expression. His pale eyes widened, then grew soft, the same way Bastian’s had. “You are?”
I nodded, holding my belly. “It’s still early. But there’s definitely a baby in here.”
I thought I saw tears in the corners of Tholan’s eyes before he shook them off, reverting to a scowl.
“Well, you’re lucky then. That means Blaze will have to wait, impatient as he is.”
“I just wanted to talk to another omega,” I murmured. “I’ve never known one but myself.”
Tholan looked sympathetic. “That’s too bad. And I’m sorry I can’t be more help. I’m old and dried up.” He scoffed. “My own pride barely recognizes me as an omega, since I’m no use to them anymore.”
“That’s not true,” Bastian said gently. “Everyone respects you.”
Tholan sneered, like he knew that wasn't the truth but didn’t feel like disputing it.
“You need to eat well, and rest,” Tholan said. “Which shouldn’t be a problem. Blaze will treat you as a prized possession. But make no mistake. Thatiswhat you are. A possession. A tool for him to use.”
I cringed. “I’m aware.” I paused, then risked asking the question. “Bastian, do you mind if I talk to Tholan privately for a moment? It’s about pregnancy related things.”
He looked deeply and genuinely disappointed to miss out on the conversation, and I felt a bit guilty for depriving him of it when I knew how badly he wanted to be an omega. But my escape was more important. I had to prioritize myself and my baby first.
Bastian left the room.
I crouched and lowered my voice to talk to Tholan. “I don’t want to be here, and you know it. Can I escape?”
He sighed. “I don’t know. No one has ever tried.”
I was at least reassured that he wasn’t going to rat me out.
“Do you think it’s possible, if I had inside help?” I asked desperately.
He smiled wryly. “Wolf, if you’re asking if I can help you get out… I’m sorry, but I can’t. These old bones won’t carry both of us.”
