“I wish younoharm,” the alpha said, his voice soft and soothing, as if speaking to a frightened, wounded animal.
Was that not what Snow was, though?
The alpha slowly closed the gap, his face becoming ever clearer as he neared. His hair was as dark as coal, like Snow’s—and his skin was deeply tanned. It appeared he may have spent manyhours in the sun rays, but Snow couldn’t be sure. All he knew for certain was the man was large enough to black out the sun itself.
“Where are your kin?”
Snow dragged his gaze away. How did he answer that? His own family wished him dead. That wouldn’t speak of his own character.
“You’re out here alone?” the alpha asked, brows furrowed. “Who would allow an omega such as you to roam these woods?”
Allow an omega?Snow’s gaze flicked to the alpha’s, glaring.
The alpha lifted his hands, again in surrender. “I meant no harm—only that you look ill-prepared for a journey this far out into the forest alone.”
Snow fought a sob, turning his gaze away so the alpha didn’t see any hint of the shine in his eyes.
“You appear injured,” the alpha whispered. “I can render aid.”
Snow’s entire body shivered.
From fear, surely. But was it fear? A hint of a scent hit Snow’s nose. His body quickened, tensing in places it shouldn’t. The alpha’s scent, Snow was suddenly sure of it. A rich, warm scent that urged him closer.
“The sun shall soon set.” The alpha took another half step before stopping a body’s-length away and moving down onto one knee. “Nearby, we possess a cottage where we can tend your wounds and fill your belly.Andgive you a warm spot to find rest for the night.”
We?Who else roamed the woods, axe at the ready? Snow shook his head, pushing his spine as close to the trunk of the tree as he could.
“Vor!”a deep, disembodied voice roared nearby. “Where have you wandered off to, Vor?”
“Here!”the alpha yelled over one enormous shoulder, his gaze not leaving Snow for more than a brief beat of the heart.
Shortly, another massive alpha appeared from the brush. He, too, was bare-chested and muscled all over, a massive silver axe near as large as Vor’s hefted over one shoulder—though its handle was made of hardwood, not metal. He approached Snow, but the first man silently stilled him with a commanding wave of his hand.
“Whathas heaven set upon us?” the second man asked, grinning wickedly.
“Back away, Greer. You’ll strike fear in him,” Vor said, his voice grim.
“The only one he’ll fear is you,” Greer replied, adding a scoff. “You behemoth.”
Vor’s gaze narrowed. “Gather the others and head for the cottage. I believe we’ll have a guest this eve.”
“Yes,your Majesty.”
Vor lunged to his feet, spinning to eye the other man so quickly, Snow barely saw him move. Snow couldn’t see the look on Vor’s face, only the clenching of a muscled back and thick arms, but the expression on Greer’s spoke volumes. Fear and intimidation shone as he appeared to weigh his options.
“Gather the others…And boil water for the cleansing of his wounds,” Vor barked, hands on his narrow hips. “I’ll follow behind you shortly.”
Silence ticked by as neither man spoke. Snow tensed all the more, wondering if a fight might result. If so, he might have a chance to run without being noticed.
But run where?
“I’ll gather the others,my liege,”Greer spat, the words appearing to taste like vinegar as they left his lips.
Greer gave Snow another longing look before he turned to leave.
Vor slowly spun back to Snow. “Pay him no heed. Today was a heavy one. It was tough on us all.”
Behind Vor, Snow noticed Greer lean over and reach down towards the forest floor. A glint of the setting sun hit the axe and flashed into Snow’s eyes. He winced, turning his head away.
