Page 19 of Born to be Broken

On closer inspection, it had been impossible for Jules to miss the split lip and the discoloration on Miss O’Donnell’s neck. Even more, he had recognized the look in her eye when Shepherd approached outside Undercroft; every nuance of her expression Jules had read with precision. The Omega was devastated—not just afraid—emotionally crippled, and clearly suicidal no matter Shepherd’s denial on the subject.

And that was where the issue lingered. Jules presumed the obvious assumption was correct. Shepherd had mated with his long time consort… and he was aware of their habit of sharing heated Omegas.

Claire had reacted badly to whatever the Alpha female’s visit had inspired.

The situation was irreparable in the allotted time. Shepherd’s denial and Svana’s vindictive nature had done the damage. If what Jules suspected was true, Miss O’Donnell now had good reason to hate the man beyond just the initial fear of her situation and misunderstanding of his true agenda. Even more, Shepherd’s current demands that Miss O’Donnell be returned to resume her position as his mate made the situation far more complicated.

It would almost be more convenient if the little Omega just died, the entire situation being nothing but troublesome. But she was carrying what would be Shepherd’s heir.

Claire was important now.

The ground was hard beneath her, the unyielding floor setting her hip to aching. But there was the smell of safety… a well-known Beta. They were wrapped together, covered in his coat like an overripe bug cocoon.

She cracked open an eye, finding Corday already watching her, his expression too controlled to read.

Claire admitted guilt. “I knew you’d help Nona if she used my name.”

Corday put his lips to her forehead; he held her tighter. “She told me what you did. You held a gun to your head, Claire.”

She had done that… and she had been very scared. “I did.”

He could play the belligerent game just as well as she could. Still holding her, he moved his face until their noses were touching. “Claire, please.”

Claire glanced to the side and absently worried her lip. “I’m not sorry for setting these women free.”

“I don’t want you to be!” Urgent, Corday whispered so the spying women might not hear. “What I want is for you to trust me. You don’t need to fight alone.”

But she did… both Corday and Senator Kantor had explained their position. “I am not going to attack Shepherd or his pig army. The Omegas are free, it’s done.”

“I don’t believe you.”

Still bone tired, Claire sighed. “I give you my word that I will not attack Shepherd. Such a thing would be pointless.”

“Look at me,” Corday urged, face grim and determined. “Swear it.”

She held his gaze. “I swear I will not attack them.”

The Beta seemed satisfied. “How long has it been since you’ve eaten?”

“I ate at your house.”

Frustrated, he squeezed her. “That was three days ago, and you threw up afterwards.”

“I had more important things to worry about than food.”

“Claire, you are not superhuman.”

No. She did not even feel regular human. She felt quasi-formed and misshapen. “I will eat.”

A twitch curled Corday’s lips. “Good.” He sat her up, rubbing at her neck when her bones cracked. “And while you are eating, I am going to ask you what other crazy schemes you have planned. You don’t need to keep secrets from me, Claire. Let me help you.”

They had an audience, several sets of eyes watching their low, murmured exchange. Corday went to pillage through the crates he’d brought. A piece of fresh fruit and a packet of protein rich supplement in hand, he returned to her.

Others approached Claire.

A few even sniffed the black-haired Omega, backing away quickly as if she might taint them once the rumor had been confirmed.

If Claire noticed, she did not react.