Either we worked with him, or he worked against us. And right now, he was choosing to work against us because we’d refused his offers to collaborate.
I cursed under my breath, hating him for his existence, and hating even more that I’d translated his actions because of my link to his mind.
It made me feel trapped. Tied down.Mated.
Ugh.
I could still sense the lingering ties to the first Alpha I’d mated, and he was dead. I in no way wanted to experience that all over again.
Hopefully, killing Lorcan swiftly would limit the residual impact of our bond. Fare had been tied to me for centuries, which was why his presence seemed to linger.
Well, that and the nightmares.
Lorcan disappeared, causing Fritz and me to jump into action. But then I heard his thoughts from the other room.This will do,I heard him saying.
Rolling my eyes, I pointed to the open door to indicate where he’d shadowed to.
Fritz gave me another look, one that probably rivaled my own annoyed expression, and moved to the entryway. “Don’t expect me to bring you any sheets or towels,” he grumbled at the Alpha.
“I don’t expect anything from either of you,” Lorcan replied flatly. His mind told me he meant that in more ways than one.
I almost snorted at the lie, but then I overheard what he planned to do next.
“Hold on,” I interjected quickly, intent on stopping him from vanishing again. “I’ll show you around so you don’t spook the Omegas.” Because I could only imagine how they would feel if they found his hulking form wandering the perimeter.
While word of his presence here—and Kieran’s, too—had most certainly already spread to all the Omegas on the island by now, I didn’t want to risk anyone being uncomfortable.
Or anyone attacking him and suddenly becoming the subject of his telekinetic restraints.
Lorcan stepped through the threshold into the hallway, that fucking eyebrow of his already cocked.
Whatever, I thought, turning yet again on my heel. “Follow me.”
I didn’t bother to wait for his reply or for him to acquiesce. He might be used to issuing orders back home, but this wasmyterritory. If he wanted something, he’d have to play by my rules.
Lorcan stepped up beside me as we reached the floor below, his hands tucked casually behind his back as he moved with a predatory grace.
My inner wolf purred at the sight of such a strong male, his confidence a drug she longed to take a hit from.
Fortunately, I was only half wolf. My vampire side kept me grounded, reminding me of what happened when an Alpha got inside my head.
Just focus on the tour,I told myself.
“All the Omegas nest in the palace,” I explained, my tone sounding forced. Being polite in the presence of an Alpha didn’t come naturally to me. Not anymore, anyway.
Once upon a time, I’d bowed at their feet. Kissed the ground they’d walked on. Bent over every time they’d demanded it. Taken their knots in whatever way they’d required. Drunk from their veins. Allowed them to bite me in return. Handed them my fucking soul on a bloody platter.
I shuddered, the memories potent and unwelcome. And entirely Lorcan’s fault.
Fucking forced mating.
Was it for our friends? Yes. Would I do it again to save Quinn? Also yes. But that didn’t mean I had to be happy about any of this.
Particularly as it was permanent.
My teeth ground together as I started listing details about the palace to Lorcan in my thoughts, the words easier to form there than out loud. He was already plowing through my mind; might as well give him something to listen to.
All of those lead to Omega nests,I told him, gesturing to the various staircases along the second floor while we walked. Please don’t disturb them.
