Page 151 of Unhinged Omega

Still, what choice do I have? The Outer Reaches are vast and unforgiving. For all I know, Azarel isn't even out here looking for me. He could be searching the Capital, or maybe my father sent him on some other mission. If Raven can actually find him, or at least get a message to him...

Forty-eight hours is a small price to pay for potentially saving myself weeks or months of aimless wandering. Even with theKnight at my side, it's a journey from hell, and I'd be lucky if I survived.

"You must be exhausted," Raven says, his voice softening with concern that seems oddly genuine. "And starving. When's the last time you had a proper meal? I'm sure what this beast was feeding you wouldn't qualify as scraps for a dog." He shoots Nikolai a sneering look.

"Oh, fuck off, drama queen," Nikolai snaps.

My stomach growls traitorously at the mention of food. The berries from the forest feel like a lifetime ago, and I haven't exactly been prioritizing regular meals while running for my life.

"I need meds, too," I add. "Meds to keep me from getting pregnant. I had some help getting out of my heat last night, and I'm pretty sure if anything comes of it, I'll… uh… die."

Nikolai stares at me, then at the Knight, then back at me again.

I smirk at him.

"On it," Raven says immediately, already moving toward the door. "I'll show you to the guest room. You can get cleaned up and rest. I'll bring you food." He pauses, glancing at the Knight. "And, ah, perhaps some oil for your friend's… blade hands?"

The Knight's growl is intense enough that it rattles my teeth. I have to bite back a laugh. Even with the ornate mask hiding his face, which is too heavily scarred to have much of an expression anyway, I can tell he's deeply offended.

"Sure, sure," Geo mutters from his spot in the armchair by the fireplace. "Make yourselves at home. No need to ask me. I just own the fucking place."

Raven ignores him completely, gesturing for me to follow him through the door. "This way, my goddess."

Goddess, huh? Maybe I won't have the Knight turn this one into hamburger meat.Ifhe follows through on the information about Azarel.

I hesitate for a moment, glancing between the remaining alphas. Nikolai's expression is unreadable, but the tension in his jaw speaks volumes. Geo just looks exhausted and fed up with it all.

Good. Maybe he'll keep Nikolai in line if he gets any ideas about keeping me here.

Come to think of it, whyisNikolai here?

In all the chaos, I forgot to ask.

It takes me all of two seconds to decide I really don't give a fuck. Not when there's a shower and real food calling my name.

Maybe an actual bed, too.

The Knight's massive presence at my back is constant as I follow Raven into the hallway. His heavy footsteps echo off the walls, and I notice with amusement that his gait is even louder than usual. Probably still pissed about the oil comment.

"The guest wing is just through here," Raven explains as we walk. "It's not exactly the Capital, but it's comfortable enough. The water pressure in the shower is divine—I made sure of that myself."

I perk up at the mention of a proper shower. "Hot water?"

"Scalding," he promises with a grin. "And I'm sure I left some of my products here. Geo never gets rid of anything."

"You live here?" I ask doubtfully. He seems a bit… fancy for this place. For all its additions, it's still essentially a series of tunnels in the Outer Reaches.

"Oh. Well, I used to," he corrects quickly. "It's a long story and I'm sure you're too tired to hear it all. But there will be plenty of time to get to know each other later."

"We'll see," I say sharply. "If you follow through on what you promised."

His smile doesn't falter. "Of course. A lady who demands results. I respect that."

I snort. "You are a strange alpha, Raven."

A strange man, period.

"Wouldn't be the first time I've heard that," he muses, coming to a stop near the end of the hallway.

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