Page 16 of Dark Goodbye

My vision blurs as my gaze follows the myriad of sharp lines and curves, my mind seeing, but refusing to believe. It’s the omega symbol, clear as day. The one thing I tried so desperately to avoid stands out in bloody relief for all to see.

Some part of me, the lost, childish naïve part hoped I wasn’t remembering correctly, hoped that something else resided on my skin. But of course, it’s not. Sorrow swamps my brain, forcing me to not think clearly. All I know is I have to remove it. Some way, it needs to come off.

CHAPTER 8

Davix

Blood boils in my veins as I make my way to Jaxxon’s throne room. At least it’s no longer a tent. That’s the one good thing. Everything else, however, is a disaster. Rough-hewn pillars stand out in stark contrast to the polished marble, still riddled with pockmarks.

Though I applaud the fact that they’re not using Stanlion funds for vanity, on the other hand, shouldn’t there be something allocated to the stature of the new king? What would visiting dignitaries think? Gods forbid if ambassadors from other planets decide to check things out.

Internally, however, I know I’m stalling. I don’t actually give two shits about where the king does his business or what it looks like. I’m merely keeping my mind occupied on anything other than the reason I’m being called here. Only one thing would grant me a forcible audience with King Alpha Jaxxon — he somehow knows about the omega stashed at my house.

What I don’t understand is how. Malus was very meticulous. He had to be. Stealing her away from all the other Alphas proves he used his vast intelligence. How then did Jaxxon figure this out? Perhaps I underestimated the new king. In my mind, he was just a figurehead, a person in power with no real experience or ability to rule.

At best, he was a warrior, but that doesn’t always translate to other types of intelligence. Just because he knows one end of the blaster from the other doesn’t mean he can puzzle other things out. But again, as with everything having to do with this whole situation, I’m somehow behind everyone else.

An odd lump forms in my throat as my brain travels down the path of inevitability. If Jaxxon orders me to give her up, then I’ll have to figure out another way to chain her back to my side. Though I’ve never been one to even consider claiming an omega without their consent, to keep Ladria with me, I’m strongly considering it.

But then, that would make me no better than Malus. Fuck him. Fuck that asshole all the way to the deepest recesses of Arnakas. Again, that anger that continues to smolder for the pestilent scum fans to life, nearly driving me to my knees as it engulfs my brain. The torture that I have planned for him isn’t enough. It will never be enough.

Nearing the door to the throne room, I take in a deep breath, calming both mind and spirit. It wouldn’t do to show up in front of King Jaxxon already at a disadvantage. I need my wits about me. I need to remember why I’m here — to save my omega and earn the chance to explore a life with her.

Leaving Ladria with Mogen was torture, but it needed to be done. My delicate, injured omega couldn’t be left alone, not with her being so helpless. My cock pulses as I conjure up the memory of her chained up to my bed, waiting for me to return. That is if I return.

If King Alpha Jaxxon demands for me to return her, then I’ll challenge him, fighting to the death if need be. Hopefully, he can be a practical man and not just a warrior Alpha like he was trained. If there’s even a chance at being able to reason with him….

Taking a deep breath, I rest my palm on the handle and push forward but freeze when I hear my name. I glance about, my eyes seeking out anyone that might watch me spy on the king, but thankfully, there is none.

Jaxxon’s rumble pierces the door, and I lean in to hear him more clearly. Besides his, I can also make out both Altris, Langston, and Annora. Instead of a council like the High Echelon formed, he seems to only get his advice from the other two men, eschewing all others.

“But can the man be trusted?” Jaxxon questions, and my gut clenches with concern.

“He saved my life.” Annora’s voice is barely audible, and so I have to strain to hear it.

“That has nothing to do with this, my mate,” Jaxxon counters, his tone even, measured.

“It means everything to me.” Her voice is tight, shrill.

Something else is going on here, something that seems to have nothing to do with Ladria. But what, I can’t possibly know. Nothing in their conversation is revealing anything except the lack of knowledge they seem to have about me. Anger burns in my gut as I listen to them weighing the pros and cons about me though none of them have any actual knowledge of what makes me tick.

“What do you propose?” Jaxxon’s voice takes on a tired edge, making me uneasy. Nothing good ever happens when people get to that point.

“I have a proposition. It’s radical, but it will not include violence.” This time, Langston’s deep baritone rings out, cutting through the mindless chatter I have no hope of following.

“I’m listening.” Jaxxon intones.

A long silence floods the space, leaving me hanging there in rapt anticipation. Finally, Langston speaks. “To my knowledge, the doctor is unmated. Now that omegas are no longer forced to be stashed away in the High Sanctum, perhaps we can find some willing to bond with him, that way we have an inside into what he’s doing?”

“My love,” Annora starts. “I hate the idea of anyone being forced to do this.”

Langston rebuttals, laughter lacing his tone. “I’m not talking about forcing, my Queen Omega. He’s a well-respected doctor. I’m pretty sure we will have to put a limit on how many try to sign up for this mission.”

“He’s coming here later, so we need to come to a decision now. I don’t wish to draw this out any further. It is done. Matter concluded.”

My vision hazes as I pull back from the door. I already have an omega I want to mate with, to bond with. How dare they try and manipulate me in this way? Turning from the door, I pace back and forth for a moment, my thoughts going around in a circle but never landing.

The only saving grace I have is the respirators I keep hidden in my office. Nearly invisible, practically undetectable. If they want to play this game, then let them try. No amount of omega pussy is going to make me stray or even want to.