Cadence held her, and the hum from her skin was soothing. “Relax. Rest. We will sort this.”

Leska felt the panic drain out of her, along with everything else.

She heard Cadence giving them the details they had shared when they were children.

Salat said, “The reapers still have the contract out on her. She will need to speak to the council to get it removed. She doesn’t have to go alone.”

Leska recognized the scent around her, but she jolted. Sarel. She whispered, “Why are you holding me?”

“Because I am not an alpha.”

“Oh, good call.”

He was rubbing her arms slowly. “You really shredded an alpha when you were a child?”

“Yeah. I was hysterical when they came and dragged him out. He was making this horrible noise, and everything smelled like blood.”

“So, he didn’t die in front of you?”

“No.”

She turned toward him and pressed her face against his chest. He smelled nice.

“I will go with you to the reapers. Which means Etir Vinul will be with you. We are fairly impressive.”

She frowned. “You don’t like me.”

“Your predatory nature is growing on me.”

“Delightful.”

He chuckled. “I like you, Leska. You are graceful and ferocious.”

“Great. Where is Vinul?”

“He’s checking with the reapers to see what is required.”

Sarel stroked her hair. “I believe Reni has a question.”

She turned her head and looked at a sand-coloured man with dark brown eyes. “Hello, little Leska. Do you know of any other omegas who have not come to the attention of the Sethir?”

She looked at him blankly. “Why do you want to know?”

The man smiled. “We merely wish to make sure that the ladies in question are safe.”

He gently put a hand on the back of her wrist, and as Leska watched in horror, his eyes flickered gold to brown and silver in a dizzying pattern. “Thank you.”

“What? I wasn’t thinking about anyone.”

He smiled. “You did very well, but I cheat.”

He got up and walked back to the three who were talking with Raek while Cadence looked at them with the indignation of a wet terrier.

“Shit.”

“Don’t worry. Your mind couldn’t have stood against him. Reni’s a sandman. He goes in through the dreamscape in your head and gives you suggestive comments to lead your thoughts. You can’t even feel him in there.” Sarel hugged her.

Raek came over and sighed. “The others are going to try and find the omegas they saw in your and Cadence’s thoughts.”