I winced at the memory. “When he, er, abducted me? No, I was scared, but he didn’t hurt me.”
“That’s a relief, then,” Bastian said. “King Blaze sent him because he’s our fastest, but he’s not the most sensitive gryphon around.”
“I noticed,” I mumbled. “He doesn’t seem to think much of omegas.”
Bastian frowned. “He’s a young alpha. Well, young for a gryphon anyway. He’s from the same round of clutches as me, so he’s never known an omega in his life that wasn’t Tholan.”
“Tholan?” I asked.
“Our oldest and only omega, besides you. He’s the only one that’s still alive, but he’s retired now.” Bastian shrugged. “That means you’re the only person in this entire pride who can bear a child, Matheson.”
“Great. No pressure at all,” I mumbled.
“There are really no other omega wolves in your pack?” Bastian asked.
I shook my head. “None. There’s four packs around the lake, and I’m the only omega.”
Talking about the lake made me homesick, and I was eager to change the subject. There was only one other pressing question I had, and it quickly replaced my homesickness with anger.
“So, how did Blaze find out about me?” I asked.
Bastian’s expression was conflicted, like he was excited about my presence and what it meant for his pride, but also recognizing I didn’t want to be here.
“A wolf came to us,” Bastian said, half a smile on his lips. When my frown deepened, the smile disappeared. “You seem upset.”
“I am,” I growled. “That wolf that was in the hall, Neil, he’s the one who told Blaze, isn’t he?”
“Yes.”
“Damn him,” I muttered. “There’s no way for me to talk to him, is there?”
Bastian seemed confused. “Well, yes. You’re not a prisoner. You’re free to do anything as long as you don’t leave--”
“Really? Great.” I headed for the door.
Bastian yelped. “W-wait! You’re going right now?”
“Yeah. I have a bone to pick with him.”
Not knowing what to do, Bastian followed me. “I’m coming with you!”
“Fine by me. It might be good to have some gryphon backup.”
“You don’t plan on fighting him, do you?” Bastian asked frantically. “Because I should probably not let that happen.”
I smirked. “I won’t fight him, as much as I’d like to. But hypothetically, if I did… He couldn’t fight back, could he?”
Bastian’s eyes widened in horror. “No. Absolutely not. To harm you in any way would be unthinkable. You’re much too valuable.” Seeing my expression brighten, he added, “B-but I’d recommend not fighting him in the first place. That seems like a very bad idea, un-parentlike…”
“I’m not letting some asshole push me around just because I’m pregnant,” I growled to Bastian. “Are you coming or not?”
“Yes,” Bastian said quickly. “I wouldn’t dream of letting you go on your own.”
“Great. Then let’s go.”
Determination lit a fire under my ass. I was going to get to the bottom of this. Why did Neil sacrifice me? What was his end goal? After all he’d done to hurt me, this was the last straw. I would never forgive him for putting not only my life in jeopardy, but the life of my unborn child.
Watch out, Neil. You’re going to get what’s coming to you, sooner or later.
