“He’s always been a handful.”
I tried not to roll my eyes. But failed. “That’s a nice way of putting it. I thought if I got him an omega he’d be grateful, want to go a different direction. Experience love. Have a family.”
Danon held up his hand. “Wait. Did you say you ‘got him an omega’?”
“I did.” I took a quick sip of my still hot coffee. “I—I went to a set omega auction.”
“You?” His eyebrows rose high. “I’m surprised. Still not judging. Tell me more.”
I described Rohan’s palace, then Kirion, the princeling. Danon’s eyes grew wider but he didn’t interrupt. My heartbeat harder as I unfolded the story of Malin’s rejection, of me changing my mind and not wanting Malin to have anything to do with Kirion. Then I stopped.
“Well, that sets the stage. But I’m thinking you have more to say.”
“I do.”
“Are you thinking of returning him?”
“No. I can’t do that to him. He’s under my protection. If I let that go, I wouldn’t be able to live with myself.”
“Why? How long has he lived at your place?”
“A few days, but?—”
“That’s not very long. But your sense of responsibility has taken over already.”
I nodded. “It was a contract I signed.”
“A business agreement, yes. I hear you.” Danon slowly took a bite of pastry, put it down and licked his fingers. “But you didn’t come here to talk to me about business, did you?”
“I—I—” He was astute. He’d helped me through the worst time of my life and I would’ve recommended Danon to anyone who needed a calm, therapeutic presence.
“Take your time.” Danon reached out and patted my arm which was leaning against the tabletop. “Tell me more about Kirion.”
What could I say? Sunlight hair and ocean blue eyes. Beauty that drew the eye. A scent like a favorite day. He had the grace of a deer, not a wolf, and the experience of discovering he was different which gave him a unique strength of mind. Then he’d been taken from all he’d known, the good and the bad, and placed in an alien environment.
I looked up at Danon. “Kirion is what he is. Stolen from all he knows and without power.”
“I know what a set omega is. But what is he like?”
I frowned. “Like anyone else. Unhappy.”
“You think everyone is unhappy?”
“I meant that people never seem to be content.”
“And you?”
“I like my life okay now. Malin’s gone often. I enjoy doing what I want and working in my garden. I have a routine. I have a life where I have everything I need.”
“Yes. You do.” He sounded hesitant. Challenging.
“What’s that tone supposed to mean?”
“You can do anything you want. That’s the truth. But you are alone.”
“So? Some people like it that way.”
“I’m just stating a truth. You’re allowed to enjoy peace and quiet. You’re a little young for that but allowed.”
