However, at the end of the day, they were all Omegas.
An Alpha of my caliber could wipe out a quarter of their population, perhaps more, if desired. Fortunately for the Sanctuary, not many Alphas in existence measured up to my abilities. But that didn’t mean the Omegas here were wholly safe.
I caressed the bows and arrows with my power before moving on to the other weapons positioned around the courtyard. Most of them were antiquated, not new. Perhaps because the majority of the Omegas here seemed to be wolves and we often fought with our teeth and claws, not guns or other tech.
But when facing a stronger enemy—such as Alphas intent on pillaging and taking Omegas against their wills—upgraded weaponry would be advised.
I continued to scan the courtyard grounds as we maneuvered past ice sculptures resembling frozen fountains and other glittering decor. It truly was a beautiful landscape, the delicate nature of it appropriate for its inhabitants.
Two petite sentries met us at the gates as we approached, their scents depicting them as shifters, but not V-Clan wolves.
W-Clan, I picked up from Kyra’s mind.
They bowed their heads ever so slightly her way, indicating they saw her as a leader among them. I confirmed the title within her thoughts. Apparently, she was their queen during Quinn’s absence. But now that Quinn and Kieran were here, Kyra would be the second-in-command, similar to the role Cillian and I shared in Blood Sector.
Although, with Quinn in heat, I supposed that meant Kyra was still very much in charge.
She glanced at me as we moved through the gates, her gaze still narrowed in disdain. Probably because she could hear me analyzing everything about the Sanctuary, including her role here.
I wouldn’t apologize. She’d admitted that Kieran and I weren’t safe here, something her thoughts continued to confirm as she mused about the various ways she’d like to kill me.
I only agreed to take a mate, not to keep one,she told herself.Till death do us part and all that jazz.
My lips twitched when she turned away to focus on Kieran. Her promises of death intrigued my wolf more than frightened him. I didn’t doubt her ability to carry out her mission—she’d killed Alphas before, after all. But I fully intended to fight back.
Most Alphas doted on Omegas and treated them like fragile little dolls.
Unfortunately for Kyra, I wasn’t most Alphas.
I respected Omegas, protected them, even cherished a few of them in the past, but I knew better than to underestimate their intentions.
Kieran took over the lead, his steps long and purposeful as he headed into the palace and up a flight of stairs without Kyra’s guidance. My nose told me why—Quinnlynn’s scent. Her sweet Omega perfume filled the air, begging her Alpha to find her, to knot her, to help her through her estrus.
I slowed my pace to give Kieran a wide berth, aware that if I followed too closely, I risked being attacked. Alphas became notoriously aggressive around Omegas in heat, especially when the Omega was a desired mate. The last thing I wanted to do was set him off.
With each step, I hung back a little more. I remained close enough to protect him should the need arise, while staying far enough away so as not to trigger his hunting wolf.
I had no desire to knot Quinnlynn. She was very much his. But in the throes of an oncoming rut, his wolf might forget our millennium of friendship and feel differently.
At the top of the grand staircase, we started down a corridor adorned in crystal glass along the walls and ceiling. It was elaborately done, the etchings artistic in nature and matching the delicacy of the courtyard outside.
The patterns shifted and changed as we moved, the corridor stretching on for minutes rather than seconds.
This part of the palace was far less populated than the outside and initial interior, helping my wolf ease back even more. These were clearly Quinnlynn’s private quarters, which meant I wouldn’t be welcome here for long.
Kieran pushed through a set of thick doors, the movement causing Quinnlynn’s scent to slam into my senses.She’s close. Very close.
Kyra glanced at me with aNo shitexpression on her face.
I ignored her, my focus on Kieran’s quickening movements. He seemed to be aware of himself enough not to hurry too much, but he was definitely moving faster now.
Another flight of stairs loomed before us, the steps ones Kieran took two at a time.
I waited until he reached the top before I slowly ascended in his wake. The glass disappeared, revealing only doors that I imagined opened to bedrooms.
Kieran headed straight for the one at the end, Kyra hot on his tail, while I lingered in the hall near the top of the stairs.
His purr echoed back to me as he disappeared into the room at the end of the hall, Quinnlynn’s responding mewl soon following.
