Brokk’s used to my grunts and growls. “The Arborii people deserve to meet their queen. But I understand, you wish to keep her safe.”
Yes.
“It is a dangerous time,” Brokk says. “There are more Slythin sightings now than the first time, before you took the throne. And our last queen, an Omega, was stolen when her mate the king was killed…”
My canines sharpen as if I’ve sensed a threat. No one will touch my Omega and live.
“We have no proof, of course, but if that is the case, you should introduce your new queen to the Arborii as soon as possible.” At my questioning grunt, he adds, “You cannot hide her away forever, nor would you want to.”
I give him a look. To hide Haley away forever is exactly what I want.
“All right.” Brokk tosses up a hand. “Your Omega will not want to be kept in hiding forever.”
True. My little lysia flower enjoyed my cave home, but she soon grew restless.
“Besides,” Brokk continues. “The more Arborii people who know she exists and is here, the more there are to protect her.”
He has a point. But not everyone is trustworthy. What if she is betrayed?
“I would like to meet her,” he says. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen an Omega before.”
The possessive snarl leaves my lips before I can stop it.
“Peace, my king,” Brokk says, raising his hands to show me he is unarmed. “She is your mate. I would never touch her.” He lowers his voice. “We found the bodies of Golzon and a few others in the forest. Your scent was there, along with another more puzzling one. The Omega leaves a strong perfume.”
I bare my teeth. “Mine.” I refuse to explain why I killed Alphas from my own kingdom.
“Right,” Brokk says. “We figured there was a fight over a female. The court will understand.” He sees my face and grimaces. “I know you don’t give an ulfdamn about the court.”
He’s right. I don’t. I hold his gaze until he drops his eyes.
“What’s it like? The rut? Is it as uncontrollable as the legends say?” Black bleeds into his blue eyes, and his Alpha musk grows stronger. “I never thought I’d see the day where there was a real Omega in Arboron. Ulf has blessed you.”
“Hmm.” Ulf knows, I am lucky, but with that immense good fortune comes immense responsibility. My bond with my Omega is a weight in my chest—a sweet burden, but a burden all the same. She is so fragile. A Hoo-man. She could not survive alone on this savage planet.
My tooth slices my lip and I savor the biting taste of my own blood. She will never be alone, I vow.
“So… whatisit like? The rut?” Brokk is babbling now, giving voice to all his curiosity even though he knows I won't answer. Can’t answer. Wouldn’t, even if I could. “Did you claim her?” At my nod, his eyes gleam. “Do you now feel the bond?”
I hum assent and press a hand to my chest, rubbing at the source of the constant tugging sensation. An invisible tether ties me to her, pinching when she is unhappy, flooding my heart with warmth when she is feeling contentment and joy.
“You have a bond.” Brokk’s black pupils have swallowed up the blue in his eyes. He licks his canines as if they’re throbbing to sink into the side of an Omega’s throat. I know the feeling.
“I thought Omegas were a myth.” He tugs his beard, looking lost. “Do you think there will be more now? Rumor has it that the Golden King is looking for a way to bring many Omegas to Ulfaria.”
If I hadn’t been present at the King’s Council, to which the Wanderer King brought his new mate to show us, I wouldn’t have believed Omegas to be real. But will there be enough for Brokk to claim a mate?
I shrug.
“The magicians sent word that King Aurus has been successful in his mission to bring more Omegas to our planet—at least, one more. His new queen.” Brokk toys with the beads in his beard. “Do you think that’s where your new mate comes from? Maybe she’s one of Aurus’s…”
I growl. “Mine.” If the Golden King thinks he will take my Omega, I will rid him of the delusion. Aurus already has an Omega mate. Why would he want more? Then again, rumor has it he does have a harem…
“Or maybe she was meant for you. Why else would she appear at the hunt?”
I shrug again.
“No doubt we will uncover the truth in time.” Brokk straightens, dropping his hand. “What are we going to do about the Slythin? You should address the people.”
