Page 100 of Omega Hunted

“No one leaves,” I said.

Ronan met my eyes.

“No one leaves.”

Chapter Thirty

CASSIAN

I opened the panic room, Ronan right behind me, and Soren looked up immediately. He was sitting on the sofa I’d dragged in there, with Asha wrapped in one of my sweatshirts, asleep in his arms, only a tiny fist and a shock of silver-white hair visible. The room was warm, soundproof, stocked with enough food, water, and supplies to last for days if necessary, but all I saw was the two of them together.

Family.

The word hit so hard I nearly stopped in the doorway.

My wolf leaned forward, quiet but utterly certain.

Ours.

Soren’s gaze went from me to Ronan who was behind me, and I watched the wariness settle over him, his arms tightening around Asha before he caught himself doing it, then his eyes widened.

“Ronan,” he said.

“Hi, kid,” he murmured. “Glad you’re both still breathing.”

“Same,” Soren said.

“And this is the little one,” he cooed, bending closer as his smile softened. “She’s perfect.”

Asha stirred, a small whimper of protest at being disturbed by nothing at all, and Soren’s whole focus dropped back to her instantly, one hand smoothing over her back until she settled again. Ronan straightened and watched the two of them with an expression I hadn’t seen on him before, something unguarded, and when he glanced back at me there was a question in it I didn’t need him to say out loud.

This is what we are protecting.

Then he turned and left, as if he knew I needed time with my mate. My bonded. My Soren.

Soren didn’t wait long before he said exactly what I thought he was going to.

“I want to help,” he said.

“No.”

“I have claws, Cassian⁠—”

“No.” I crossed the room until I was standing in front of him.

“I’m not completely helpless⁠—”

“You have Asha; that is your job, okay? Stay here.” I gestured at the box in the corner. “You remember the code for the weapons?”

“Raff,” he said. “18166.”

I crouched in front of him and rested one hand on his knee. “The only job you have is looking after our girl.”

His eyes filled.

“‘Our girl’?”

I glanced down at the sleeping bundle tucked safe in his hold. “Mine to protect,” I said roughly. “Both of you.”