Ryan and Jackson start laying out the roster—half our warriors will stay behind to defend the pack while the rest will come with us. We’re expecting resistance but not a full-scale battle. The monsters holding the omegas keep them under lock and key, but they’re not starving them. They’re being fed, given basic care… stripped of dignity and abused once a month at the events we don’t know much about.
Caleb still hasn’t told us exactly what happens at them, and we haven’t pushed. I guess we’re afraid of what we’ll learn. And I suppose it’s not our priority. We're sure it’s awful. What’s important now is getting them out.
Emily and I report on the supplies we’ve been gathering. “We’ve got sweats, hoodies, and blankets ready,” I say. “Basic medical supplies and toiletries, too. Nothing fancy, just enough to give them some comfort once they’re free. And Doc’s agreed to travel with us. His full team stays here, but he’ll handle triage on-site.”
“That’s great, Fia,” Ryan says. “Thank you. You too, Emily.”
Emily’s cheeks flush under the praise of her new alpha, and it’s freaking adorable.
“Caleb’s brothers will move in at the same time from the rear,” Jackson adds. “The warriors will hold the perimeter and pick off any strays that get past us. Our goal is clean and fast—get the omegas out, kill every warrior on duty, and vanish before reinforcements arrive.”
The words hang heavy in the air. Kill every warrior. It’s not the kind of battle we can half-ass. Luca’s arms tighten around me, grounding me in the planning and logistics. The meeting goes on for another half hour, and as time goes on, I almost start to feel bad that I’m hiding my plan to be there from Luca.
He won’t be okay with it. I’m sure of that. As much as he’s showing he values me and my opinion more, he’s still protective and overbearing. I’m not sure that will ever change. Could he ever be okay with me being in any level of danger? I think that might be the last piece of the puzzle. Like maybe if he can trust me to take care of myself, then I can trust him that he really has changed.
Chapter Thirty
Sofia
“I thought I told you not to wash off my scent?” Luca growls, grabbing my hand and pulling me into the back office of the training area.
“You wanted me to walk around with your cum smeared all over my tits?” I shoot back through the mindlink, conscious that there are at least half a dozen warriors right outside the door.
He pushes me against it as soon as he shuts the door, his cock already hardening and pressing into my hip. His mouth finds my throat, heat and hunger rolling off him until goosebumps scatter across my skin. It’s been less than an hour since we last fucked, and yet I’m frantic for him again already. My body aches as if it’s been days or weeks, and need coils low in my stomach.
“Until you let me mark you, I want my cum dripping out of your pussy or coating your skin every time you’re around other wolves. You’re mine. And I don’t want anyone—especially you—forgetting it.”
His hands roam my body, sending currents of electricity through me
“That’s insane! What happened to scent marking? And anyway, who said I was letting you mark me?” I ask, my tone teasing, partly because I’m in the mood to push some buttons but mainly because he’s being completely ridiculous.
“Really, you want to play it like that?”
“I’m not playing. I haven’t decided if I want to be marked by you or someone else.”
A snarl tears from him. His hand clamps around my throat, not tight enough to hurt but firm enough to pin me in place. Fur pricks along his forearms, and his eyes flash silver. His wolf wants out. His canines extend, and his breath comes in heavy pants as he reigns in his wolf.
His eyes bore into mine, and, for the first time, I start to realize how hard it is on him that I haven’t let him claim me fully. It’s not normal for wolves to wait. Usually, it’s simple—scent your fated mate, claim and mark them, live together happily ever after. But I’m not there yet. Not ready for forever.
What happened to Emily is a complete anomaly. I’ve heard of people not meeting their fated mate. I’ve seen people not wait long enough and taking a chosen mate that isn’t right for them. But usually, fated mates are perfect for each other. It’s what I wanted.
And I see how frustrated he is. How much he needs me. But he’s not pushing me to accept the bond.
“Such a brat,” he murmurs, spinning me and tugging my ponytail until my back arches. His palm lands sharply against my ass. “I should bend you over that desk and punish your bratty ass.”
“So, why don’t you?” I challenge. I’m pushing his buttons, but he needs this. Needs to claim in the only way I’m ready to let him.
“Is that what my girl wants?” he grits out. He lowers a hand inside my shorts and underwear, plunging a finger inside me, finding me wet and ready for him. I shiver at his touch. It gets better every time. The electricity as our skin connects, the desire that pools low in my belly, the way my breasts ache, and my pussy weeps.
“Dripping wet for me, even with all those warriors standing outside the door?”
“Yes,” I pant as he curls his finger inside me and rubs the heel of his hand against my clit. “Goddess, yes.”
I whimper when he pulls his hand away from my aching pussy and brings his finger to my lips.
“Suck,” he whispers.
“Make me.”
