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Rowan gasped,then dropped the yule log, running toward the lodge. I grunted as it hit my foot, glaring at my friend.
He rushed to shield Lily from the wind as she exited the lodge. "It's freezing out here," he said, hovering his hand at the small of her back, careful not to touch her. "Let me take you home."
The shy omega tucked her chin down at Rowan's adoring gaze. She smiled sweetly at her feet, allowing him to stand close. I had never seen an alpha able to get so near her before. Perhaps Rowan had won her over.
"Omega Summer." I greeted the young omega as she stepped outside. Her eyes met Lily's for the briefest of moments before giving me an odd smile.
"Where's Mina?" Nix asked as he rounded the side of the building. I gave him a nod as he approached. "Hey, Ivor. Are we still on for tomorrow morning?"
I glanced up at the thick gray clouds. The air tingled with electricity. It had been a while since we had a winter thunderstorm, and it was clear from the cutting wind this storm would be rough. I just hoped it didn't put a damper on the festival.
"I think the weather is going to be hard tonight," I said. "We should wait until after the winter solstice to work on your tracking."
"I was thinking the same." He forced a tight smile, clearly disappointed. He was a damn good guard, eager to learn and quick to admit when he needed help. I had been working with him one-on-one for a few months, but it wasn't out of the kindness of my heart. It was a desperate attempt to get a little closer to his sister, and so far, I had failed miserably.
The wind whistled and blew so hard both Lily and Summer jerked forward. Rowan circled his arms around Lily's slight form, letting her hold onto his forearms to stand upright. Nix gripped the back of Summer's coat, jerking her back toward him. She glared at the young alpha, and he scowled right back.
Once Summer was steady on her feet, Nix turned to the lodge door. "Where the hell is Mina? I swear she takes forever just to annoy me."
"She left already," Summer said rather quickly. While I didn't know the young omega well, she was known for speaking fast and laughing loud.
"She left with a few of the service betas after they finished up in the kitchen," Summer continued. "Alpha Ivor," she turned her fierce energy on me, "I knocked some garland down inside. Can you fix it for me? My mother would box my ears if she knew I left the lodge worse than I found it."
I agreed, but before asking where the garland was located, Summer grabbed Nix's arm and dragged him into the flurry of snow and wind. Lily scurried after her, making Rowan jump to stay at her side. I didn't miss the way his hand lingered near the box tucked securely in his pocket.
I hitched the yule log over my shoulder, then stepped up onto the porch, curious how Mina might react if I got her a token of my affection. Would she be offended if I didn't go through her brother?
Pushing the thought away, I reminded myself that it didn't matter. It was inappropriate even to consider pursuing her with Ari so clearly staking a claim. While I had a respectable rank within the guard, I wasn't an officer like him. Surely, Mina would prefer an alpha with more prestige. Most omegas would, and I couldn't fault them for it.
The air inside the lodge was cozy and warm, the distinct scent of spice, cloves, and pine tingling my nose. Lights and garland strung from the windows giving the storm outside an overly festive feel. With the tree, decorations, and pleasant smells, the whole space was something out of a picture book my mother read to me as a pup.
I moved to the crackling fire, the charred wood glowing white and red, and dropped the yule log on the hearth, hoping it would dry by morning. There was nothing worse than the stench of burning wet wood.
The clatter of a metal tin came from the kitchen. I paused, listening as something rustled. Keeping my footsteps light, I pushed open the kitchen door, then froze.
Mina stood on a wooden ladder, fiddling with a tin at the top of a tall shelf. She dug through scraps of string, ribbon, and what looked like twine.
Her brown hair cascaded down her back in thick waves. The long tresses were always a little unkempt, but I loved it. It made her look witchy and mysterious. Her black dress showed off her trim waist and the curve of her hips, but her red and white striped leggings looked far too thin for the weather.
I inhaled deeply, pulling in her soft scent. She smelled sweet—like all omegas—but the gentle touch of vanilla that rounded out her perfume was so intoxicating it made my mouth water.
Glancing around the room, I realized we were alone, and my wolf was alight at the opportunity to speak to her privately.
"Omega Mina." My voice boomed in the otherwise quiet room.
Mina squealed in surprise and jerked, making her feet slip. I instantly reacted, racing across the room and sweeping her up into my arms before she could hit the floor. She dug her fingers into my biceps, breathing hard and staring at me with wide brown eyes.
She was so small and delicate in my arms. My heart quickened, and I softened my hands, feeling the curve of her back and thighs. I had never touched her before.
"Alpha Ivor," she gasped as if not believing it was me. She pressed her palm to my chest, and I wondered if she could feel my thundering heart. As if suddenly realizing she was touching me, she jerked her hand back, balling it into a tight fist. "You scared me," she whispered, her cheeks flushing bright red to match her leggings.
"Are you okay?" I asked, my voice surprisingly deep and a little husky. Her eyes dilated at the sound, and she licked her plump bottom lip.
She mumbled softly, suddenly pushing me away, and I reluctantly released her. She took a few steps back, clasping her hands in front of her. I stared at her pretty face, enchanted by her big brown eyes. She had rounded cheeks, soft curved lips, and a little pointed chin. She had to be the most beautiful omega in all of Madra.
Unable to help myself, I moved a little closer, casting a shadow over her slight form.
Her gaze fell to the kitchen floor, her scent blooming. My wolf leaned into her nervous energy. My beast liked her flustered, and honestly, so did I. Omegas' perfumes were so fucking potent when they were bothered, even if it was mean to keep the gentle creatures in such a state.
