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Probably because she can See everything coming, the idea of that level of control is so enticing it makes me sick.

The Omega turns her bright smile on Caelan, and when she looks at him, all the menace is gone. “You don’t know me, but I’m Branwen. I'm here for her,” she nods toward Idril. “There’s a lot these idiots haven’t bothered to update you on, but there’s one big thing you should know.”

Without asking, the Omega takes it upon herself to explain how Soren discovered Idril and their Bond, his arrival, and everything that came after. Caelan sits the whole time stoically, letting her speak.

“He’s a nice bloke,” Branwen says when she’s finished. “And despite your Pack doing their damnedest to convince him Idril was a lying, manipulative bitch, he never fell for it. She told him the truth, and that was enough for him.”

Caelan glances down at Idril, who blinks up at him with tired eyes, like his proximity alone is enough for her to relax for the first time.

“He took care of you?” Caelan asks. Idril nods.

Caelan shoots me a glare. “You tried to convince him she was lying?”

What is wrong with this Omega? For fucks sake, if she’s that hell-bent on sabotaging our relationship further, she doesn’t need to be here to do it.

“You know, there’s a Hotel 8 about fifteen miles down the road. I’m sure they have vacancies. I can call now and reserve a room for you. My treat.” I flash her a biting smile.

“Oh no, thank you,” she replies, being purposely obtuse. “I actually quite enjoy the bed in my room. Oh!” Her eyes widen like she’s just thought of something, and she spins in her chair to face Gavran. “Do you think Idril can sleep in an actual bed now? I mean… surely you won’t make her return to that cell in the dungeon again, right? With no bed and no Nest and no bathroom?”

She cocks her head, blinking innocently.

I’m going to explode.

“Honestly, I was kind of shocked you sent her back there after you Alpha Commanded her so many times she seized, and her body shut down from the pain. Then again… I don’t run an organization full of warriors who haven’t got the sense the gods gave them, so what do I know?”

Her smile is feral.

So is the growl that explodes out of Caelan.

“Oh fuck,” Vae tenses, like he’s seconds from running out of here as fast as he can. Gavran’s eyes narrow on the Omega, nostrils flaring when her only response is an exaggerated blink.

Before Caelan can launch across and tear out our throats, the doors to the War Room swing open.

Soren and Kane enter, and Soren’s eyes go straight to Idril. His shoulders relax, and he exhales in palpable relief.

Branwen’s eyes gleam with mischief, making my stomach roll. “Oh, good! Soren, be a doll and take your Mate from Caelan for a moment.”

“Branwen.” Gav barks her name, speaking up for the first time since we all arrived. “Stop.”

She taps her finger on her chin and pretends to consider before replying primly, “Thank you for the suggestion, but I don’t think I will.”

Soren crosses the room, coming to a stop next to Caelan and Idril. There’s a tense moment as both Alphas stare each other down. Then, to my shock, Caelan pushes back from the table and stands. He turns, muscles strung so tight I can see them through the fabric of his henley, and carefully passes Idril into Soren’s arms.

The wolven cradles her to his chest, inclining his head in thanks.

What the actual fuck?

My Packmate pivots and turns to me. He takes four determined strides in my direction. I stand, bracing myself for what I know is coming. He doesn’t slow down, using his momentum as he cocks back his fist and swings, landing a punch on my face that would have sent a human to the emergency room.

He doesn’t hold back. I stumble, trip on the leg of my chair, and fall, sliding across the floor.

I lay there, blinking bleary eyes at the wooden beams of the ceiling and probing my tongue along my split lip until I feel the flesh start to tingle and heal.

It takes much longer than normal thanks to the number of times I re-healed my burns while killing Cage.

Worth it. It’s not like I had any regrets before, but now I’m even more sure in my decision to end his life for what he did, and what he tried to do.

At least I did one thing right. At least I saved her from that fucker.