Page 108 of The Omega's Bloodline: Part One

“Yes, precious?”

“Do you know of a witch named Anya?”

“I’m not familiar, but we can ask the residents if anyone has any connections. Why?”

“I was told to try to find her, that she might be able to help me figure out some ancestral stuff. I don’t really know enough to be useful and I haven’t had a chance to look over the information Melinda left me yet.”

“I’ll look into it. In the meantime, I’m assigning you the task of learning everything you can about your magic. That is how you will be most valuable to the nest. Panther—” She turned to Caden. “—what skills do you have that might benefit us?”

Caden bristled. “Why can’t I help Logan?”

“I never said you couldn’t, but that wasn’t the question I asked.”

It was kind of fun watching them interact. Caden caredsomuch and Yelena seemed like she couldn’t be bothered when it came to him.

“I don’t have formal training in anything,” he replied.

“Again, not the question I asked.” Yelena’s smirk only made Caden bristle harder.

“The only place I'd feel confident is the kitchens,” Caden finally replied, “but I would really prefer if you’d put me in a role that can keep Logan safe.”

“There, now, was that so difficult? I ask such simple questions and you run around them like a child on the playground.”

Caden’s growl was low and threatening, matched instantly by Haru’s from the other side of me.

“Okay, let’s all relax,” insisted Logan.

“I’m perfectly relaxed.” Yelena crossed her legs and patted Logan’s again. “What will you need to complete your education?”

“I don't really know. I guess I’ll see what knowledge gaps I have once I’m done with Melinda’s book.”

Yelena nodded. “Fair enough. I’ll gather a list of people who might prove helpful in the future.”

“Thank you, mistress.” Logan’s fingers curled into mine and Caden’s hands.

“You’re quite welcome, precious.”

“What does Haru do all day? What’s his role?” Caden asked.

Haru glared at him and took up my hand.I help run the nest.You don’t have to be snippy about it.

“Exactly, darling.” Yelena trailed a reverent hand down Haru’s arm. “Haru is…I suppose the title executive assistant would be applicable. Their skills are varied and they are all used in service of the residents here. The sooner you get on board with the concept for yourself, the better.”

“My loyalty is only to Logan and Seth.”

Yelena’s eyes flashed golden and Caden shrank away. Damn, she was impressive. “Panther, we are all on the same gods-forsaken boat since you all brought a monster to our door. If we go down, we go down together, and I will not allow your stubbornness to be what sinks us.”

Riding atop Haru as he navigated the hallways of the nest was a unique experience. The residents parted easily for us. I was sure part of it was the fact that he was a wolf as tall as they were, but there was also a deference that they showed them outside of that.

Spot of privilege being a Protector’s only chosen,Haru explained.Though I suppose I’m not the only one anymore.

“Definitely still the favorite, though.”

Haru huffed a sort of laugh.

Yelena didn’t trust the other Protectors to leave us in peace, so the only way we were allowed out of her suite for the time being was with her or Haru, and Caden wasn’t as chill about riding on the wolf’s back as I was. He was keeping an eye on Seth while Yelena was in a meeting with the other Protectors to sort out how they could deal with the lockdown.

In the meantime I was getting a full tour of the nest. The top level belonged to the Protectors, with the third and fourth floors being general housing for the nest residents. The second floor housed the library, gym, theater, entertainment space, salon, and spa, with the main floor housing the utilitarian spaces—kitchen, dining hall, infirmary, housekeeping, and the throne room. I hadn’t expected the nest to be so thoroughly equipped but I suppose it made sense if they were isolating themselves from the rest of the world.

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