The Rebellious Omega

Blair POV

Finally, the man was satiated, the empty plate sitting on the coffee table, littered with hardly a crumb. He burped and then sat back, patting his stomach and looking a little more alive, color returning to his cheeks. I saw Sarah wince out of the corner of my eye. I was surprised she had chosen to stay, but then again, concern for her mate might have caused her to remain sitting where she was. I knew I wouldn't have been comfortable leaving Braedon alone with this man, even looking as weak as he was. "Thank you for the food," the man said gravely, his voice broken and cracked.

It was hoarse, as though he hadn't used it in a long time.

Braedon dipped his head "You are welcome. You looked hungry" he added with a frown.

That was an understatement. The man had clearly been starving.

The man gave a wry grin. "You are very polite. I was starving" he admitted "It's been a long time since I've had anything decent to eat."

"My patrol caught you just as you entered the border in your wolf form," Braedon said tightly "Normally they would have been no match for you in your wolf form as powerful as it is, but they said that your wolf was weak and disorientated. Even staggering about like it was drunk. It was relatively easy to bring you to heel and you shifted once they commanded, which led them to believe that you posed little to no threat" he explained.

"It's been a very long time until I have been able to shift as well. I have been running for days and I fear that lack of strength, combined with lack of food and water, caused me to lose sight of where I was and become confused."

"It's lucky that you made it to my territory then. Well, actually our territory then" Braedon amended, looking at me apologetically.

"Yes. A few more hours and I would have no doubt been unable to keep going."

"What was your goal? Where were you aiming to go?"

The man's eyes met Braedon's and something flashed in them. "Your pack your Highness. I was attempting to get to your pack and I made it."

He sounded triumphant, his tone filled with satisfaction and even a hint of pride.

Braedon nodded. His expression was grim. I realized this didn't come as a surprise to him. I was shifting on my feet, trying not to let out my anger or frustration as it continued to build. I didn't want this man here. I didn't want him anywhere near this pack and yet it was hard not to feel sorry for the pitiful state that he was in.

Patience. Let this man divulge the reason for coming here in the first place Blair. Perhaps there is a significant reason. I know that you're angry, but push it aside and put yourself in the role of Luna Queen. That has to come first. Not your emotions. That's all very well Dusk. But you know what this man has done. You know what he did to me. How can I just ignore that as though it never happened?

I'm not asking you to let it go. I'm merely asking you to act as the Luna Queen that you are. You have all the time in the world to get angry later. This man doesn't look as though he's running away anytime soon. His wolf is weakened. Almost to the point of death. He was lucky to make it this far. That shows incredible determination. If anything, you have to admire that.

I feel for his wolf, who is innocent in all this, but that is all Dusk. I'm not about to become some champion for this man. I despise him with every fiber of my being. I'll be the Luna Queen, but once we've established an understanding of what's brought him here, I will ask the questions I want, whether you like it or not Dusk. You're more forgiving than I am.

Very well Blair. I understand.

I cut off the conversation and stared hard at the man who was staring blankly at the floor. James was silent, awaiting Braedon's orders, looking at ease. Braedon glanced at the warriors and clenched his jaw. "You may leave," he told them and they hesitated. "This man is no threat" Braedon instructed as I frowned "Please go back to your normal duties as I have instructed you to do."

"Sarah you should go too" James insisted and Sarah nodded, biting her lip and then standing up, quietly making her way out of the room.

Now it was just the three of us in the room with the man.

I deliberately held his gaze and sank onto the sofa, while Braedon joined me, crossing his ankles. I let out a breath I hadn't been aware I was holding.

"Do you require medical assistance?" Braedon asked evenly "I can have a doctor here within minutes. Your wolf seems weak and your heartbeat is slower than I would like."

The man hesitated. I studied his face. His eyes had dark circles underneath them and his hair was matted and tangled. He looked broken.

"No Your Highness, Food and rest should be enough to get me back to normal" he finally said "but I appreciate the offer. I have no desire to stay longer than I'm wanted" he added with a sidelong glance at me.

I almost scoffed. I wanted to scream that he wasn't needed here at all. Or wanted. But that would not be befitting of a Luna Queen. So instead I drew my shoulders back, my back nice and straight, and rested my hands on my lap. I made the effort to look gracious while my husband raised an eyebrow.

"Perhaps then," Braedon said delicately, looking at the man questioningly "You could tell us exactly what brought you here, and has you looking as though you've been locked away Alpha Johnathon?" he asked gravely.