UNCLAIMED, THE MOON OMEGAS

Chapter 6

Week four. Days still set to Lathan’s schedule. Mornings for training with the bonded Alphas. Usually, the king’s second. The Commander Ky. A fellow soldier I had formed a friendship with while he was in the company of my queen. I looked forward to my time with him. Despite the growing feeling of guilt that marked me the traitor I was. From there, I would shower and spend time with the Rosemarye. Lathan using his mother’s gentle and pleasing demeanor to teach me etiquette and court politics, assaulting my heart with arrows. The aging Omega was loving and patient with me, which, in and of itself, was a war tactic — only reinforcing the fact that I was unsuitable. I’d never wanted to be a part of this deceitful and malicious conquest of another’s power or kingdom. I was not comfortable or capable of doing what my queen was demanding of me. Only adding to the true and dreaded reality of my relationship with Lathan the Alpha king, whose body and bond were rapidly breaking me down. This man, his mother, this place was becoming vital and precious to me. The truth was I needed to leave, and soon. My heat was a dark spot threatening my view. If I stayed and bonded with Lathan during my heat, I’d be...broken. If I had any hope of protecting my heart from irreversible heartbreak, and saving them from my queen, I needed to escape. In the long run, I saw a future that despite my pain would protect them all. If I defected, I would not betray Lathan, his mother, or his kingdom. I could not be used to harm anyone. My path was clearly marked. I had made peace with this decision days ago. A plan I had already acted on. I breathed deeply gathering myself before I knocked on the queen’s door.

“Neisa dear, come.” I smiled brightly back at the fragile little woman who greeted me as I entered. “What news do you have for me today?” She asked me enthusiastically.

“Let me see.” I pretended to be deep in thought. “I have already upset your son, the Commander, and most of the staff.” All of which were true statements.

“How did you accomplish all this by such an early hour?” I laughed.

“To start with, I have not fallen headfirst into estrous, which is a fact that has greatly offended your son. Apparently, I didn’t get the memo that he is the epitome of the Alpha species, and demands I immediately comply. Ky is moody because he misses his mate, and the staff wants to care for me like they would a newborn.” I told her. The woman I’d grown very fond of laughed robustly.

“Oh Neisa, I don’t know how you have managed to frustrate, outwit and create chaos as effortlessly as you have.” I smiled back and shrugged my shoulders.

“We all have hidden talents. Chaos is apparently mine.” I told her, sitting across from Rosemarye. “How are you feeling today?” I couldn’t keep the worry out of my voice. The older woman had been battling colon cancer for years.

“Very well. I took a page from your playbook dear.” The sound of mischief in her voice was intriguing and worrisome at the same time.

“Which page would that be?” I asked her.

“The good doctor keeps pestering me about my cursed bowls. Always asking me about private things.” The queen adjusted herself in her chair, sitting up straighter and taller. “I told him if he needed precise records, he could damn well sit in the bathroom with me. Or I could defecate in a bucket and send it to him. Either way, I left him speechless.” Well, it wasn’t a true Neisa play it was very off-the-cuff for this prim and proper queen. I could not help but laugh.

“So, if I see Sadie marching around with a bucket that bears the family crest, I won’t ask her to bathe me.” I teased. Rosemarye giggled.

“A bucket with the family crest. How entertaining.”

“You know I already catch a lot of grief from your son. If he finds out that I’m a bad influence on you, he may yet ship me off.”

“Oh, that’s horseshit.” The queen proclaimed. I froze, looking shocked around the room. Confirming it was just her and I in here before I burst out laughing.

“I’m so screwed.” I howled with laughter.

“You are, my son is head over heels in love with you.” The queen said. Fear killed my humor instantly. “I’m sorry.” I shook my head. “I don’t think I heard you.” I tripped all over myself.

“Which part, dear. The part about being screwed or my son being in love with you?” She asked me. I felt the look of panic stain my face. I blushed bright pink from head to toe. The old queen found my speechless state amusing.

“I don’t think that is the case,” I said, trying to regain some state of composure.

“Don’t you think I know my son Neisa?” She asked me.

"Of course, you do. It’s just. He doesn’t know me.” I stammered. “I find it hard to believe he feels more than… instinct for me. Love seems… Like an emotion that requires time.”

“Isn’t that what love is, instinct? The instinct to protect, care, and nurture. Time is meaningless without instinct.” She offered me her point of view.

“I can’t really say. I never spent time with any Alphas, or men really.” I told her truthfully.

“How curious. Your queens effectively raised an army of Amazons.” She mused. “It’s completely normal to be frightened Neisa. A bond is already all-consuming. Love makes it precious. Even after all the years, I’ve lived without my Alpha I still live for it. Death did not weaken our bond. Know that Neisa when love finds you it’s eternal.” I tried to recover. Tried to move us on to a different subject without looking as rattled as I was. I left the queen’s chamber feeling more guilty and scared. I had already given my body to Lathan. My desire had taken over my mind. I had not taken the decided agreement to wait for my estrous to help my body accommodate an Alpha. My body so much smaller and untouched, we’d risked damage. But my instinct had taken over reason, and I had given into it. An action that had done nothing but set Lathan’s bond deeper into my chest. A fact that had instantly pulsed with gratification strong and true. Just remembering had me fluttering with pleasure. I was losing valuable time. Lathan was blowing through my defenses. One’s he knew nothing about. Early afternoon found me back at the training square. An action that would definitely be frowned upon by my Alpha. But my mind was restless and agitated. I needed to purge the troubling emotions if I had any hope of escaping. I spent an hour shooting arrows into targets. Muscles finally fatigued from stringing a bow designed for an Alpha, not me had taken the fight from me. I caught Lathan’s scent before I caught his silent approach.

“Is that Ky’s bow?” He asked me disbelieving.

“Yep.”

“He gave you permission to use it?”

“Only because he didn’t think I could string it.” Which was true, the Alpha Commander laughed at me as he handed it to me. Well, guess who’s laughing now? Me, an incredibly sore me. I changed hands, nocking an arrow, and pulled the string with great effort, bringing the bow to the correct height and position before I lined up my sights. Deep breath, I paused before releasing the arrow.

“Left-handed?” The king voiced his amazement. “A skilled Omega through and through.” The king said.

“A skilled warrior.” I corrected him.

“A warrior I don’t need.”

“Who doesn’t need warriors?” I asked.

“The king, this king in particular.” He said as he stepped in front of me taking the bow from my reluctant, fatigued hands. “You were supposed to come to me this afternoon.” He reminded me.

“Between your demanding moodiness and your mother’s dooming prophecy, I decided to deviate from your schedule,” I told him truthfully. He bristled instantly. The ever-present agitation I caused in him took center stage in his eyes along with a flash of anger.

“Two statements that will be demanding an exclamation and correction in the very near future.” The broody Alpha king warned me with a dark look that trembled me from head to toe. “Fortunate for you I don’t want to test the loyalty of my soldiers by rutting you against the weapons rack.” Lathan’s hand cupped the back of my neck. A firm grasp, expressing his unhappy mood a second before he leaned down to my ear. “Make no mistake; you’ll be corrected roughly and repeatedly.”

“Add it to the lengthy list of my many crimes against the king.” I stood unwaveringly in his distemper. “What madness has blackened your mood today, mate?”

“Your madness. I get tired of being under your overbearing, disappointed thumb.” I replied. Lathan’s hand was large enough to hold my head confined as he ran his thumb across my lower lip.

“This overbearing thumb?” He asked as he pressed it firmly against my lip. “The same one I used to rub you into heaven? If memory serves me mate you called out my name as I claimed you.” I gasped at his accurate verbal account of our morning.

“Does it make you feel powerful to talk like a vulgar, inconsiderate asshole?” He laughed.

“This inconsiderate asshole makes pleasing you his priority. Perhaps I should be less concerned with your needs. Would that help your cause?” Lathan demanded.

“Help my cause?” I asked, truly confused.

“The war you wage against me. The battle to keep me out of your heart.” I stood still under his accurate accusation.

“Greatly.” I didn’t bother to lie to him. A humorless smile turned his lips.

"Of course, it would. Another viper that has slid out from the Sea Queen’s pit” Lathan’s words hurt when they hit my heart. Mentally I recoiled with the blow they struck. It would have been easy to backpedal. To apologize and tell him the truth. The tension I had been creating would break me or help me escape. All I had to do was keep the pain from escaping. My silence sealed my fate. Lathan withdrew his hand and stepped from me. “I expect you in the council room within the hour.” He ordered me.

“Is that wise? Vipers are known to be deadly.” I asked hotly, my heart still throbbing in pain.

“The clock is ticking Neisa.” The king warned me as he left. The shower drowned out my crying. Heart-wrenching sobs that dropped me to my knees, I needed to leave. Time was a factor. In less than four weeks Lathan King of the Silver Mountains had broken me. Proving I was nothing but a weak-minded, duty-bound, instinct doom Omega, doing nothing but confirming the depravity of my breeding. I was only an Omega, not the skilled, determined assertive warrior I had trained to be. And once I left him, I would be even less. I dressed and headed to the Council room. Grateful to find it occupied with more than just Lathan

“Queen Neisa.” Ky addressed me formally. “How are your arms feeling?”

“Amazing, why did you want to arm wrestle?” I asked him. And he laughed.

“You won’t be feeling so amazing tomorrow.” The Commander informed me.

“I don’t know about that, Commander,” I replied.

“I look forward to sparring with you in the morning.” He smiled at me. I nodded in response. I wandered into the back of the room. I looked at the old leather-bound books that lined the shelves, knowing damn well that none of them would hold my interest today. Grabbing one without reading the title, I walked to the window. Oblivious to the knock on the door and muted conversation.

“Neisa did you summon an herbalist?” Lathan asked me. I turned to see the Beta guard Neil standing by Lathan.

“Yes, your mother suggested it,” I said, having total forgotten about this appointment.

“For what purpose?” Lathan’s hard eyes demanded an answer.

“She said the herbalist could help with estrous,” I replied not bothering to keep this private conversation from being heard by his men. “But since you have decided that I am a viper, and you’re an Alpha, I won’t be needing her after all.” I stood, placed the book on the seat, and buzzed with my own victory. “I will go apologize and send her on her way.” I ignored the shocked looks from Lathan’s men, and Lathan’s eyes altogether.

“Stop.” Lathan barked, snapping the room to attention. Effectively stopping all of us. The dominant Alpha rose from his chair. Angry and agitated his scent altered with warning. “Gentlemen, please excuse us for a moment.” The words cleared the room instantly. I remained where I stood. Not at all worried. I needed to keep my emotional armor on. “Come here.” The king ordered me to him.

“Should I slither or walk?” I jabbed him. Boiling brown eyes told me he was not impressed with my sarcasm.

“Walk.” He said, not the least bit amused. I apparently felt very spiteful because I curtsied.

“Thank you, your grace.” I walked to the side of the table, where the angry Alpha stood stalking my approach.

“The herbalist how did this meeting come to be?” Lathan asked, trying to control his temper.

“I told your mother about your repeated bitching about me not toppling into your bed like a hormonal nymphomaniac. She offered advice.”

“Forgive me for my eagerness to solidify my claim to my treasured mate. According to my returned men, they clearly remember your Alpha starved sisters falling into estrous within days. Yet you’ve managed to be unaffected.” He sounded almost accusatory.

“Again, you should’ve gone with option one.” I reminded him sharply. Lathan interrupted me.

“I swear to all things sacred, if I ever hear you say that to me again, I will not be responsible for the punishment that befalls you.” Lathan’s eyes burned with black outrage.

“Punish me for your bad choices. Why?” I asked the thick, headed Alpha.

“Why can’t you fathom or reason that I wanted you from the second you crept into my tent. You were going to be mine.” He said enunciating each word as he burned me with his eyes.

“Because it doesn’t make any fucking sense. If you’re a king looking for a queen, you start in a castle, not in the barracks.” I verbally lashed out. Lathan slammed his hand down on the table with such force I jumped. Big hands shot out and snatched me up. Lifting me up and throwing me over his shoulder. “Really?” I demanded. Pissed off that he was acting like a caveman. Lathan ignored my question and the curious looks of his men as he walked us out of the room and to our chambers. He kicked the door shut, tossing me on the bed. I was alone for a nanosecond before he pinned me down with his hard body. Completely and irrefutably confined. I was forced to look at the pissed off Alpha that radiated nuclear hell. His scent angry and aroused was filling my body with need. I wanted to deny it. But my body wasn’t in agreement. My body wanted him to take me. To prove to me, I was his Omega. One he had chosen of his own free will. To remind me physically, I had won the Alpha king’s claiming marks. That I alone anchored this man’s body and bond. All my desires and my fears. One last time, I wanted to remember this as the most gratifying rutting of my life. “I get it you’re stronger than me.” I broke the weird silence. “Am I? Truly Neisa, am I stronger than you?” Lathan demanded. Dammit, he was good. Turning and changing tactics, throwing me off track.

“I don’t understand?” I lied.

“Before you leave this nest you will understand.” Lathan rose up far enough to be able to grab my clothing. Shredding whatever material, he came in contact with. “You will know why I chose you.”

Chapter 7

It was hours before Lathan let me out of our bed. Hours of him rutting me and making good on his promise. I had no doubt about his feelings for me. Passionate words that he had slammed as deep in my heart as his knot had been in my womb. Words that a proper mate would have cherished. But I was not that mate. Heartbroken, exhausted and sore, I entered the parlor where herbalist had been waiting. “My queen.” An elderly beta woman bowed, a gesture that was more offensive than the title.

“Please, I prefer Neisa.” I tried to keep my resentment out of my voice. She gave me a confused look I’d seen far too much of.

“My lady?”

“I’m sorry. I’m having a hard time with the undeserved title that comes with this position.” I tried to make her understand. I was as common as the day was long.

“Undeserved?”

“I have no royal or privileged blood running through my veins.”

“That’s not true, my lady. All Omegas are royal and privileged.” She smiled at me. Verbal battles were just as exhausting as physical ones. All soldiers know when to retreat. I smiled, retreating gracefully. “That is a view I have never really looked at,” I said, opting out of that subject. The staff offered refreshments as I got to know the Beta. Time spent talking about nonimportant topics before we settled on me again.

“Such a young, healthy Omega you are. We should have no trouble calling you into estrous my lady. Tell me when was your last heat?”

“April.”

“And how long does it last?” She asked, making mental notes.

“Three days at most.”

“Do you have men to help you?”

“Men?” I asked, confused.

“Betas who lay with you? Not that they will feel the void, but they are helpful to ease the frustration.” She clarified.

“No.” I blushed, horrified, and embarrassed with the thought. Helena smiled, warmly at me, moving us past the moment.

“There are a few things we can do. I like to work with nature. Synthetics can induce estrous, but they taint the heat and alter you chemically. I will have a series of elixirs mixed and ready for you tomorrow.” She beamed at me. “Send a courier around 10:00.” She said as she picked up her shawl. “I have to say lady Niesa the King has done well in his choice of a mate.” The woman’s unwanted praise pierced my heart.

“Oh?” I stammered.

“Yes, you have a good and true heart. You spent an hour making this old woman feel like I was talking to a dear friend, not the queen.”

“I have enjoyed my time with you to Helena,” I replied, smiling at the friendly, clueless woman. Happy to see her go. I sat on the terrace in the early evening. Listening to the night sounds creeping in to claim it’s time over the villa. The cool fresh air was a welcome balm on my wounded heart. Pain waited for me tomorrow.

“Neisa?” Lathan’s voice startled me.

“I didn’t hear you come in,” I remarked, sitting up straight in my chair.

“Why are you out here?”

“It’s a beautiful evening. Don’t you like sitting out here?” I asked as I pulled my thoughts away from their wandering.

“I had little use for this before you came to me Neisa.” Lathan’s voice to familiar to my body. It pulled at my desire as hard as it pulled at my heart. Lathan picked me up, arranging me in his arms before setting us back down.

“Who doesn’t have use for a terrace on a beautiful evening?” I tried to calm myself. Mindful to keep my emotions in check.

“An Alpha determined to find an Omega.” Lathan’s words froze me instantly. Shooting my attempt at calm right out of my hands.

“Nothing to say?” He asked me.

“What would you like me to say to that?” I asked truthfully as he watched me closely, gauging and waiting for my response.

“A man could consider himself blessed to call the ocean his. He could feel powerful, important to have such a claim. But it does him no good if he can’t live with it. His power turns to loneliness, his treasure to grief, his claim to nothing. Man cannot live without water just as an Alpha cannot live without his Omega. Moments like these meant nothing before you. They were just minutes. Blocks of time that reminded me I was an Alpha without a claim.” Lathan’s big hand traveled across my cheek. Pushing damp hair behind my ear before trailing down my neck to rest on his claiming marks. “I am no longer that Alpha, am I Neisa?” He pressed on the bond. Reminding us both of the power it held over me, demanding that I acknowledge it and his words.

“I can’t speak for you,” I said, fighting his mental, physical invasion.

“Can’t you?”

“I’m not an Alpha. My life was not spent searching for someone to claim and force me into submission.” I couldn’t keep the bitterness I felt at bay any longer.

“Ever the rebel.” His chuckle didn’t hide his pain. But I was too upset to comfort him.

“Wouldn’t you. To be told your life, your wants, and dreams are not important. To have your will and control taken from you because DNA decided to fuck you over. In my land, I was important. I was respected as a friend and soldier. My life had value.” I ranted hotly.

“Do I not value your life, mate?” Lathan demanded.

“Not for the right reasons.” I snapped.

“I disagree; your life is the most precious thing I own.” Lathan arrogantly declared.

“You don’t own my life.” I seethed.

“The marks on your neck tell the truth mate.” Lathan’s honey eyes looked on them with pride.

“The truth that you claim a body. But you didn’t claim my will.” I continued to fight.

“Not yet, Omega. Time will give me that, as well. A victory I will take with more satisfaction than you will ever know.” He was far too sure of himself.

“Go to hell,” I said as I attempted to remove myself from his arms. The laugh that left the Alpha king chilled me through my blind rage.

“I’d like the company.” He said as his big hands dug painfully into my sore muscles. Lathan’s mating had been one of dominance and possession. One I didn’t try to fight, face down on the bed covered in sweat and anger. He’d taken me without restraint or mercy, determined to remind me that he truly owned my body. He didn’t embrace his release until I came hard and loudly. All but begging for more. With the mating high gone and my mind clearing. I was washed in new feelings. Ashamed and more pissed off than I was before. I laid panting with my face buried in the bedding. He ran his big hands up and down. From my shoulder to my hip as he continued to shudder with his climax, purring that he was pleased and content, adding another splash of gasoline on the fire of self-loathing and pity that burned hot in my heart.

“There is no shame in surrender Neisa. Not when it’s that beautiful.” He said his breathing interrupting his stupid words.

“How the fuck would you know?” I snapped. “What have you ever surrendered dog?” The sharp bite on my shoulder told me he wasn’t happy with my question or mood.

“Alpha, not dog.” He corrected me. ” And the terms of my surrender are not something I will discuss with my confused mate,” Lathan said.

“I’m not confused. I’m fucking mad, hungry and thirsty.” I told him hotly. Pushing his caressing hands off my body. An action that he did not intend to stop doing, despite my mood.

“Dinner being delayed is your fault, not mine.”

“Really, you could’ve walked away.” I reminded him.

“Only a foolish Alpha leaves his Omega undisciplined.” Lathan the wise dropped his bullshit delusions on me. I hissed, again pushing his hands away.

“Does it ever occur to you to shut up?” I asked him. He chuckled.

“Does it ever occur to you to practice what you preach?”

“You want me to be quiet? Say the word my king,” I challenged him, daring him to tell me to be quiet. I laid still my discontent billowing off me as I waited forever for Lathan’s knot to release me, which given the foulness of my mood seemed to take forever. I counted to 100 and tugged tentatively. Only to find I was still locked onto his knot. I counted to 300, moved, nothing. My frustrated brooding only earned me unwanted laughter from the dog tied to me. More than 30 minutes passed before I felt him recede. I wasn’t waiting a second longer, pulling free from his slightly engorged knot was worth the twinge of pain.

“Careful.” He cautioned me. I shot him a black look before slamming the bathroom door and locking it. The solitude and my anger would be what got me through this night. It had to be. I had to move forward. Circumstances out of my hands could only be stopped if I left now. There was no going back, no undoing what I’d done. My only hope was minimizing the damage and keeping the kingdom safe. You are a warrior. I told my reflection. I dressed in my robe and returned to the suite. Unashamed by his nakedness Lathan had ordered the Beta to enter with a tray of food. The King lounged, pulling himself up against the headboard.

“My lady.” The Beta nodded at me.

“Thank you, Sadie.” I smiled, warmly at the woman. She was nice to me. I was going to miss her. The door closed behind her, and I ignored the stalking eyes of Lathan. I was fully intending to take care of the needs of my stomach. I heaped a plate with food. I had a lot of ground to cover tonight. Between Ky’s torturous bow and Lathan’s exhausted mating, I was physically drained. That didn’t begin to touch the emotional tsunami that was beating relentlessly at my heart. I sat down at the table to eat a hearty meal. Energy would be in short supply in me tonight, and the days that follow.

“It’s rude to not wait for me.” Lathan teased; I continue to ignore him. All women were good at giving the silent treatment. But I was exceptional at it. “As the king, I demand you feed me in bed mate.” He ordered from the comfort of his bed. He really is stupid, I thought. I surveyed the contents of our meal, opting for a big warm roll. Picking it up, I fired it right at him. The buttery lump of dough hitting him in the chest. The look of disbelief was utterly priceless. Another treasured memory I’d be taking with me. I struggled with a smile that threatened me. It only grew as the shocked Alpha looked down at the roll that sat on this defined abs. “That could be construed as an act of violence against the king,” Lathan told me as he picked up the roll. I shrugged my shoulders shoving a piece of cheese in my mouth to keep from laughing. I watched him through my long lashes pick up the roll and take a bite. Something I never thought I’d ever see the proper king do. And it looked hot. He was fucking hot. All large, looking like a hot mess eating like a caveman. He even chewed the damn thing sexy. “I’ve heard men remark how angry women are attractive,” Lathan said, chewing on his roll. “It never really seemed accurate. Not until now.” Lathan smiled at me. I set my fork down to look at him. I was trying to understand where he was going with this. “Be it your defiance, the realization that our mating, even though you fought, was exceptional. Or the fact that you are trying to ignore me.” He said, taking another bite. “You look more beautiful than you already are. And I would love to rut you right there on the table.” I blinked in total confusion. He was so far off his rocker. I didn’t want him to think I was beautiful and I sure as shit didn’t want to be rutted. I wanted food and freedom. Clear heads win battles. I took my knife and jammed it into the table as a warning. The clueless Alpha laughed at me, winking as he slid from the bed. “Your childishness is amusing,” Lathan said as he walked towards me. Still naked, he sat down across from me. Pouring himself a large glass of hibiscus tea. “Tell me, Neisa. Would you rather speak to me or ride me?” He eased down in the chair. Devilish eyes telling me he hoped I take option two. I took my time chewing my food. Watching the muscles in his neck contract and expand as he drank deeply.

“Why do you speak so crudely?” I asked. I was only giving in to his demands because time was a factor. Lathan chuckled.

“Crudely? it’s honest.” He paused to take another drink of the fragrant tea.

“I don’t understand.” I shook my head, ignoring him and the blush that dusted my cheek.

“You don’t understand that you’re beautiful and I love your body.” He asked, leaning back in the chair as he popped a piece of cheese into his mouth. A moment later, he washed it down. I felt my pulse quicken. A slight cough rumbled the massive Alphas chest, alerting me to the time. Lathan finished his drink. The anticipation of my plan and the urgency made my heart begin to race.

“Can’t we talk about something else?” I asked flustered by Lathan. His smile only grew. Knowing I wasn’t a fan of his complements.

“How did the meeting with herbalist go?” He asked, reaching for another piece of cheese.

“Fine, Helena is a very knowledgeable woman. I like her.” I told him truthfully. He nodded, clearing his throat again. The annoying cough shook Lathan. I watched as he went to pour more tea. Worry and guilt made me intervene.

“Water might be better,” I said, pushing my glass towards him. He took it, drinking almost all of it. “Thank you," Lathan said as he reached for more food. Again, he coughed.

“I want you to know that I feel bad about this,” I said, wanting to make him understand.

“Feel bad about what?” The Alpha missed nothing. His eyes narrowing on me. I was shaking so bad. It was all happening faster than I had planned for. I’d never actually had to drug a person before. “Everything. You are right about me. I am a viper. And my queen is the devil.” I trembled with the adrenaline that was surging through my blood with each beat of my heart.

“Don’t trust her, never,” I warned him. I held his gaze. Praying I could make him understand.

“What have you done?” Lathan’s eyes darkened; his voice demanded as his hand shot out snapping around my wrist. I stilled, letting him believe he had some control.

“As much as I could.” I watched the powerful paralytic I poured into the tea take control of his body. The outrage and disbelief burned with such anger in his eyes. He tried to pull me to his body, but his arm fell limp at his side. Inertia rocking him back into the chair.

“You… I will find you...” The drug was even taking his ability to speak. I panted, shocked to see what I had actually done to him. Knowing it was the only way to keep him truly safe, from me. The drug didn’t stop the look of betrayal from filling his eyes — a truly painful sight. One I would have to live with. The tears started to sting my eyes — time to leave. I raced to dress. Black fatigues head to toe. I wound my long hair into a bun before pinning it. With it safely tucked under my hoodie. I grabbed the pack I’d hidden with minimal supplies. Traveling light, I would need to live off the land. I pulled the duvet off the bed, wrapping it around Lathan. Ignoring the garbled moans that no doubt where threats and promises of bodily harm.

“I gave you a powerful paralytic. Given your size, it will wear off in a few hours.” I said, tucking the blanket around his shoulders. “Call for the herbalist. Tell her I gave you a large amount of Maiden’s tears. She will know how to counteract it and prevent the headache.” I hesitated, pulling out a letter for his mother. I was torn apart with the raw emotions that were shaking me to the core. “You owe me nothing. But I am begging, give this to your mother.” Just saying this made the tears sting more. “Find an Omega that deserves to be yours.” I kissed him before I ran for the terrace.