There’s still a lot for us to go over—such as what aheatmeans, as well as other Omega traits—but we’ll broach those topics later.
When Alina is ready.
For now, she can enjoy Reaper’streat.
And I’ll focus on the Monster City Queen.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
ALINA
Strawberry cupcakes are amazing.
It took me a while to finally eat the one Reaper brought me this morning, but once I did, I becameobsessed.
I’ve now had four of them.
Fourcupcakes.
All of them brought to me by a grinning Reaper.
While he might be a bit terrifying, he’s also kind of… sweet.
He’s lounging on the floor now with his arms tucked behind his head and his long legs crossed at the ankles, his eyes closed. He muttered something about having a nap in his new bed before lying down, then didn’t say anything else.
Flame is in the same chair from earlier.
And Orcus is taking a shower.
It’s quiet. We’ve eaten twice. Talked a little bit more. Admired the view from the windows. And discussed possibly seeing more of the city.
Because apparently the Monster City Queen can’t meet with the fae untilnext week.
“She’s otherwise indisposed at the moment, sir,” Emissary Jones said in the doorway a little over an hour ago.
“Otherwise indisposed when she’s the one who requested this meeting?” Flame replied, his incredulity clear in his tone. “Does that mean we’re free to go?”
The Emissary cleared his throat. “Our Queen kindly requests patience. She values the opportunity to meet with you and is willing to offer whatever amenities you might require, in an effort to extend your stay.”
“And if theamenityI require is freedom?” Reaper drawled.
“You’re more than welcome to wander the tower—as I believe you’ve already done several times now—or venture into the city. Our Queen simply asks that you remain within our municipality until your meeting.”
“And if we don’t want to stay here?” Orcus asked, his arms folded over his chest. He didn’t sound upset or even interested, just bored.
“Then I fear the relations between our two dimensions may not remain as amicable as we all might like.”
The words vibrated through the room, causing all three men to stare at the Emissary for a long, tense moment. Even Reaper wore a serious expression, one that bordered on intimidating.
But Emissary Jones didn’t startle. He simply stood there, clearly waiting for some sort of verdict from the three fae.
“Please thank the Queen for her ongoing hospitality,” Orcus finally said. “Perhaps your concierge could provide a map or a list of local activities for us to enjoy during our visit?”
Emissary Jones grinned. “Yes. I definitely think that could be arranged.” He bowed then and took his leave.
All three men studied the door for a beat before exchanging glances.
“We need to remain on friendly terms,” Orcus said. “There are more Omegas here. I can feel them. We can’t leave until we learn more, and we might need to return.”
