Page 54 of Hidden Fates

Without being bonded to Skye, his instincts may ride him harder than usual, which could lead to an unwanted altercation if he perceives another guest as a threat.

Sly shifts so that he, Bellamy, and Onyx are closer to Caleb and ready to intervene if needed.

“Omi, I told you not to bother them while they are enjoying their vacation.” Isolde’s voice draws my attention away from my newest packmate. She gives our grandmother a pointed look, one filled with the exasperation she refuses to air.

I step forward and throw my arm around her shoulders, careful not to crush the curls falling down her back. “What are you talking about, Issy? I’m offended that you thought my vacation was more important than celebrating your achievements.”

“We always want to support you, Isolde,” Skye adds. “The same as you do for us.”

Isolde rolls her eyes, but the twitch of her lips belies her happiness. She appreciates our being here, even if she believes it is a burden to us. “Well, the catering company they used this time is supposed to be phenomenal, so at least you won’t have to force down dry chicken while you’re regaled with the hospital’s successes from the past year.”

“And what of your success?” Oskar asks, returning to our group with a server in tow and a tray of champagne flutes for each of us. “Are you going to tell them about your research?”

We find our table so that Omi can sit, and listen as Isolde shares with us her accomplished research into the treatment of Omeovania, a genetic mutation some Omegas experience that affects their ability to produce pheromones normally. She leaves a few moments later, pulled away to introduce herself to a potential donor.

Our evening passes in a flurry of quick introductions to her colleagues, downed drinks when she has a moment to sit with us, and an incredible dinner that we enjoy while the hospital announces new projects and grants it has received for the following year.

Isolde is one of four staff members being honored for their dedication to advancement in their field. We cheer loudly when she accepts her award, her cheeks pinkening as she gives an acceptance speech dedicated to her continued research into Omeovania and her hopes for a future treatment.

When Omi finally stands, announcing she’s ready to return home, I find Isolde and give her a quick hug. “I’m proud of you, Issy. You amaze me, and I cannot wait to watch where your brilliant mind takes you next.”

“Thanks, little brother,” she jokes with teary eyes. I squeeze her shoulder as she brushes the wetness away, and then she walks back into the crowd, already being called away by another guest.

Chapter Eighteen

The morning after Isolde’s award ceremony, Quentin gets up early and takes Caleb’s car back to Starburgh. He doesn’t say anything about his plans, just that he will meet us at home this afternoon.

Peeking into the bedroom of Emmett’s grandmother’s chateau, my Omega is still curled in the blankets. Her soft lips are parted, and she has one arm tossed over the side of the bed where Emmett was sleeping.

The past few weeks have been full of unexpected stressors, so waking her will be a struggle.

Warmth at my back accompanies the comforting scent of a freshly sharpened pencil. “I’ll carry her to the car. She can sleep during the drive home.”

Onyx’s voice rumbles through my back like a purr. One hand moves to splay across my stomach, holding me against him. His possessiveness is something I’ve always loved. When we lived in Kolcruz and had to hide the love we share, I could always see it in his eyes and feel it in his heart.

“Leave her be until we’re ready to leave.”

Lacing our fingers together, I tug him through the house and to the large dining room where the rest of our pack eats breakfast. Isolde sits with them, exhaustion lining her face.

“Don’t fall asleep in your coffee, Issy.”

Her eyes fly to mine, a half-smile on her face. “I’ll try my best.”

“You should go back to bed,” Oskar, the youngest of the Kingston siblings, chimes in. “You have the day off and should be resting.”

Laughter bursts through the room when she reaches out and scruffs his hair, dislodging his carefully mussed style. Despite growing up with wealth and the weight of expectation that comes with it, these three embody classic siblings, always teasing each other but also having each other’s back without question. Like last night, when we showed up at the gala to celebrate Isolde’s achievement.

Sometimes I imagine what life would have been like with a little brother or sister, but then I remember all the awful shit that happened to me and my mom growing up. I would never wish that on anyone.

Silke trots into the room, her steps slow as she cradles her coffee in one hand and holds a cane in the other. I step away from Onyx and take the mug, silently helping guide her to the spot at the head of the table.

“Did you see this morning’s paper?” she asks after she’s settled, her nose wrinkled as she waves it in the air.

Onyx claims the chair beside me and grabs it. His scowl deepens as he reads. “This is horseshit.”

Leaning over, I read along with him. And quickly agree. After the dismantling of two anti-designation cults and a breeding ring operating alongside them, one would think the things happening there would horrify the world. The organ harvesting, illegal experimentation, torture, and mutilation should turn anyone’s stomach.

Yet congressmen from several anti-pack states are attempting to weaponise the testimony of those victims as an excuse for a nationwide ban on packs.