Ilamented leaving Willow’s nest. I had never experienced anything as fulfilling as spending a heat with my mate. My entire life had been spent working, reviewing finances for the pubs and casinos, guarding our interests, protecting my family.
For a few days, none of that existed. Willow—my omega—had been my focus, my reason for breathing.
As we wandered through the house, I kept her tucked into my side, unable to stop myself from grazing my fingers across my bite mark. Every time I touched it, my alpha beamed with pride. And it seemed the touch affected Willow as well, an endearing quiver shaking her tiny frame whenever I showed attention to the spot.
An unnatural quiet drifted down the halls. I kissed the top of her head. My strong girl continued to impress me. I was honored that she chose me. That her omega found solace with my alpha.
I found what I had always wanted. What my parents had. Something I wasn’t sure I was destined to have. Willow was a queen—myqueen. Powerful and steadfast.
Delicate fingers ran over my fitted black t-shirt and I purred louder for my omega.
A surge of happiness flared over our bond, and I tangled my fingers in her hair, tugging her head back. I claimed her lips in a bruising kiss.
The bond was a two-way street. A constant stream of emotions moving fluidly between us. Her contentment sang in the bond, eliciting a flare of protectiveness from me.
It wasn’t until we arrived in the living room that I heard the distant clang of pots in the kitchen that usually followed Aileen.
As much as I didn’t want to leave Willow, I made a promise to her. One I was happy to satisfy. I stopped, turning to look at her.
No matter how often I gazed at her, I’d never stop being in awe of her beauty. Immediately, my hands found her face, holding her like the precious treasure she was.
“Why don’t you go find Aileen? She can get you something to eat. And then Liam can take you to see your mom. I have work I need to do. I’ll find you tonight.”
Part of me wondered if there would be regret or hesitancy there, but no. The most brilliant resolve glittered back at me.
“I’m not very hungry after a certain alpha fed me this morning,” she beamed, playing with my hair.
I hadn’t tied it back yet, knowing how she loved to play with it. If anyone else did it, I’d snatch their hand away. However, I quite enjoyed it when my mate did it. I traced the freckles on her cheeks, mapping the constellations with my fingers before kissing the tip of her button nose.
“Beautiful.”
A pretty pink flush colored her cheeks, and I must have been the Grinch, cause I swore my heart swelled three sizes.
“I think I’ll spend some time with mom. I don’t need an escort to the guesthouse in the gardens.”
“Probably not, but Liam has grown fond of Isabelle. He’ll take any excuse to say hello.”
Rocking up on her tiptoes, she pressed a kiss to the corner of my mouth.
“Tonight. It’ll be done?”
The warmth of her love in the bond brightened the darkness corroding my flesh. While I wanted to draw out Sterling’s pain, I wanted to be back with my omega even more. Besides, with what I had planned, he likely wouldn’t survive more than a few hours.
Despite being an alpha, he was weak with no honor. I gave him minutes before he begged for mercy. Mercy I wouldn’t give. And then, after an hour or two, he’d beg again.
But this time, it would be for death. Too bad for him, demons weren’t merciful.
“Yes, mo chroí.”
As if I could deny her anything.
“Later then,” she murmured, disappearing into the kitchen.
I licked my lips as my gaze roamed over her delectable arse flexing in those tight pants. Leggings should be illegal. My dick twitched, clearly disagreeing with me and wanting to see our omega in more tight, skimpy things.
Rolling my shoulders, I scrubbed a hand over my face. I shook off the love-drunk look, replacing it with something harsh and indifferent.
The air grew colder as I descended the stairs into the basement. A metallic scent permeated the damp, dank space. Mixed in with it was the faint burned edge of fear. I refused to stop the sinister sneer sliding into place, enjoying the way it stretched across my lips.
