Page 91 of The Omega's Bloodline: Part One

“Yay!” Velda beamed. “It’s about time you added some new meat to your pride.” She glanced briefly at Haru, who sat patiently a short distance away. “No offense, Haru.”

None taken.Their tail thumped against the floor.I’m looking forward to it as well.

Kendrick leapt up from his seat, his face red with fury. He didn’t challenge me, though. We all knew I had the authority. Kendrick had his dirty dozen, Velda had four claimed companions already, and Shakti had seven herself. I only claimed ones I felt compelled to, and none brought into the nest had called to me like Haru had. I would trust his dreams that these new three were who I was meant to claim.

“Kendrick,sit down.” I growled, turning my gaze on him. “They’ll be here soon and it won’t do for the nestlings to see you looking like a pissed-off strawberry.”

It was a shame that so few of us had the power to actually keep a nest safe. A nest this size needed multiple Protectors, which meant we got stuck with dipshits like Kendrick.

Everyone put on their partial forms—Kendrick grew his antlers, and our fangs and golden eyes came out, claws tipping our fingers. It was mostly just a flex on our power and control of our forms, but it did make an impression. The others knew the difficulty in maintaining any partway transformation when the natural inclination was to slide into the next form immediately.

Inhabitants from the nest filtered into the throne room a few minutes before Cora led the three new arrivals in by the chains at their throats. They weren’t permanent by any means, but it was humbling for arrivals and set the tone for their place here.

They were safe at our leisure.

Exhaustion slowed their steps. I wasn’t sure what they’d been through, but whatever it was, it wasn’t cured by a meal and a shower. I’d have to dig into it once I got them out of here. The panther in his animal form looked ready to fall over, but it didn’t stop his fiery glare from sweeping over me.

Cora attached their chains to the loop in the floor and stepped back.

The panther lay down in front of his omega, his black fur gleaming under the lights. Curious that she was bonded to the beta of the pair and not the alpha. The witch was pretty enough. Her damp brown hair hung in waves around her face, her dark eyes wide and curious. She worried a plump bottom lip between her teeth and stood close to her companions. The panther in human form had a strong jaw, stubble coating it nicely. His black hair was damp but swept back from his face, and his hazel eyes were alight with unease. He kept his arm protectively around the witch’s waist and stood like he had a stick up his ass. Being under my power wouldn’t be an easy transition for him, but he would learn.

Cora bowed to us before turning back to the newcomers. “Welcome to the nest. While you remain within the confines of the wards your lives are under the care of Protectors Kendrick, Shakti, Yelena, Velda, and Calliope. Protectors, may I present the panthers, Caden and Seth Ashford, and the omega witch, Logan Murphy, for your appraisal.”

I slid off my throne and walked toward them. The witch’s sweet mouth dropped open as I approached. The panther at her feet let out a growl. I smirked down at him. Even on death’s door he was still trying to protect his omega. Noble. I grabbed her chain and tugged it, catching her by the collar as she tipped into me.

Her earthy scent spiked with arousal.

Interesting.

“Hello, little kitten.” I purred and leaned closer, pressing my nose to her cheek. Oh, she smelledgood. I pulled in a deep breath, the jasmine and forest scent mixing with the spice of her response was heady. “My, what an interesting treat you’ve brought me.”

The panther on the floor growled again. Neither panther liked me being so close to their witch. The human one lookedlike he’d rather bite my head off than stand quiet, but he held himself in check.

Good.

They were going to be fun.

I was keenly aware of the gaze of the other Protectors on me. Perhaps they needed a reminder. I picked up the chains with a laugh. “You’re mine now.”

Cora glanced from me to the other Protectors. “Mistress?”

“Bring them to my suite.” I stepped closer to her. “If Kendrick gives you any trouble, you come directly to me. Is that clear?”

Cora’s eyes widened and she nodded. “Yes, Mistress.”

“Haru.” I didn’t have to turn to get their attention. They were always watching. Haru trotted to my side and I stroked their ears while they sniffed at the panther.

He’s really not well. We need Dr. Atling.

I reached out and put my hand on the panther’s head. He bristled, but otherwise didn’t respond to the contact. “Haru will stay with you. I’ll have them bring a stretcher from the infirmary. You two, go with Cora. I’ll see you in my suites.”

Neither of them spoke, but I wasn’t here to babysit them in public. I wove through the crowd and stopped briefly at the infirmary to issue my instructions before hopping on the elevator to my penthouse suite. I couldn’t let anyone see me waiting. I had to simply trust that my orders would be followed.

I paced my suite. It was massive for just Haru and me. Truthfully, even adding three others, there probably wouldn’t be any space constraints. I’d have to get them to bring in additional beds.

I phoned down to the infirmary and Dr. Atling answered. “I want the panther in my suite, not the infirmary.”

“He is…quite unwell, Mistress Yelena.”

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