Page 129 of His Stolen Omega

“I shot him.” Elm sniffled. “In the heart.”

Zan. He was referring to Zan.

“It’s all right,” Levi reassured. “You were scared. It was self-defense.”

“No it wasn’t. He was unarmed.”

“He had a blaster.” Levi had seen it next to the body. Perhaps Elm hadn’t noticed, probably too distracted by the walkie talkie that had been in the man’s other hand. “He wouldn’t have killed you, but he may have crippled you to prevent you from fleeing. You did what you had to do.”

“I’ve never…”

Killed someone before.

“No, I imagine not.” Kian was annoying, but he’d done one thing right in keeping his brother out of their world for as long as he’d been able. “Put it in a box, shove it in a corner. Or acknowledge that it wasn’t your fault. Blame me if you must. The arrow was meant for my heart, not his.”

In more ways than one.

Elm hesitated, then seemed to come to a decision and sighed. “I saw you first.”

Levi frowned. “Oh?”

“Had a clear shot and everything.” He licked his lips. “I couldn’t take it. Does that make me pathetic, alpha? Weak? I never thought I was easily manipulated before, but now…now I’m not sure.”

“You care for me.” A spot in the center of his chest heated.

“I shouldn’t,” Elm said.

But he didn’t deny it.

For now, that was more than enough.

“You’ve had to murder your own people thanks to me,” the omega stated then. “Aren’t you angry? Shouldn’t you be doing something? Getting revenge for them? Making me suffer instead of…this?”

“This?” He wanted to hear him say it.

“No one has ever looked after me like this.”

“I adore you,” Levi expressed. “A good alpha cherishes his mate. I’ll punish you for running, but never for protecting yourself. No matter whose life is sacrificed in the process. Keep yourself safe, omega, that’s an order. Compared to you, no one else matters.”

Elm pulled away and Levi allowed it, catching sight of the perplexed look on his face. “You’re making it sound like I’m actually important.”

“You’re the Possessio of the White Frost,” Levi reminded. “That makes you the most important. Higher than even myself.” He took one of Elm’s hands, ran his thumb over his fingers. “It was my fault. I was waiting to announce you. I didn’t think you were ready to accept the title, and I didn’t want to risk causing you more panic. If I’d followed protocol and done so, however, the situation with Zan and the man in the cabin never would have occurred.”

His intention had been to settle things with his omega first, then ease him into the mafia as much as he was comfortable with. Aside from having to take the title, Levi had no interest in forcing Elm to be involved with the White Frost if he didn’t want to be. If he chose to exist on the outskirts and avoid the members, so be it.

“I’ve corrected my error in judgement. Word has spread that I’m mated. Your name has been kept secret for the time being, but anyone who comes into contact with us will know you’re my Possessio based on the way we act with one another. If there’s ever any trouble, they’re under strict orders to place your safety above all else.”

“You’re telling me if it came down between the two of us, they’d save me over you?” Elm’s brow furrowed. “How does that make sense? You’re their Dominus.”

“The Dominus who would slay anyone who allows harm to come to you.”

He dropped his gaze. “Don’t they hate me? For hurting those workers, and getting all those people killed?”

“You’re an extension of myself,” Levi stated. “There’s a reason I’m considered cold blooded. Removing unworthy members of the White Frost isn’t a new concept. I rule with absolute control, my word is law, and now everyone knows that anyone who offends my Possessio will die.” He captured Elm’s chin. “They’ll respect you. Fear you.”

“I don’t want anyone to fear me.”

“Yes, well. Some things are unavoidable.”