Page 57 of Hunted
A powerful omega could, according to my sources, calm raging storms in those around them.A happy, well-adjusted omega could, apparently, unconsciously exude calming chemicals and consciously extend their aura to those in need.I had the ability within me to offer comfort and a sense of purpose that went beyond the usual level, grounding alphas, and to a lesser extent the other designations as well.I could steady Robin the way every fiber of my being wanted to, for example, keep her together until she got her birthright magic back and help her through her coming of age.
But I couldn’t do it alone.
Sadavir never pushed.He never demanded that I act on the clear potential that lay between us.Oh, he wasn’t shy about declaring me his potential true mate, or about letting me know he would bond with me in an instant.But he never raged about it.In fact...he seemed to think it was just inevitable.That we’d get around to it when I was ready.He acted as though he was my fate, like we were a destiny that was just waiting to be fulfilled.
It was strange.Infuriating and a bit overwhelming at times—especially with my background.But it was also endearing.To have someone show such surety about you, such quiet faith in their love for you.Sadavir was strong.A prince among his people.And I suspected he, much like Robin, was overpowered even for an alpha.And yet, he looked at me—a blind, naive, mess of a person still figuring out who she was—and saw his life mate.And he was content to be patient while I got around to seeing it for myself.It was staggering sometimes.
But his utter, unwavering devotion wasexactlywhat I needed right now.And not just for cold, calculated reasons.Not just so I could manage Robin, or because she refused to bond with me.He wasn’t a fallback plan or a second choice.It was deeper than that.I loved him.I wanted to tie my life to his and accept all he had to offer, all we had to offer each other.It just so happened that giving into my instincts and desires in this instance would also help the entire rebel court.Even if they didn’t like it.
According to all my resources, there was some intangible change that would occur once I was bonded to a strong alpha.My magic would have more depth.I’d become a little stronger, physically.And I’d become better able to process and balance everyone else’s emotions and needs.
It wasn’t the giving up of free will that Robin always went on about.Bonding was me stepping into my full power.Or at least, it could be.With the right person.
And so, I’d made my decision.
The memory of Sadavir’s shock and elation when I told him what I wanted still caused a feeling of warmth to bloom all through my body.This might be terrible timing.But...it was right.I knew it in my soul.The bonding ceremony would happen tomorrow night.
A ceremony wasn’t really necessary, but Sadavir had insisted it.He said if he were back home, if we were with the naga court, the whole thing would be an elaborate celebration of two souls finding union and that the entire royal family would help us plan dancing and feasts, that there would be fancy clothing made just for the occasion, and the celebration would last anywhere from a couple of weeks to a month or more.
It hurt my heart to hear him talk of his home and the sense of honor and pride his bonding would have once garnered as a prince amidst his family.He apologized for not being able to give me all that grandeur now, like some hopeless romantic from a novel.So, when he insisted on taking one little extra day to prepare for our bonding, I couldn’t deny him that.Even if the waiting made me jittery and light-headed, now that the decision had been made.
I was doing this.I was really doing this.I just hoped Robin didn’t explode and burn down the entire theater in her rage.
A soft tap at my door brought me out of my trance, and I stood from my seat by the vanity.Cicely.I could feel him there, and I wasn’t ashamed to admit that I was relieved.I needed my beta mate.I could use a bit of encouragement.
“Come in,” I called softly, crossing the room to sit on the edge of the bed.
I’m not bothering you?he said into my mind.Thought I should check in, just in case you developed a case of the pre-wedding jitters.
I huffed a laugh.“I’m not gettingmarried.”Though, really, bonding to a true mate was even more of a commitment than a human nuptial ceremony.There were promises, then there were promises bound by magic.Breaking a true mate bond once it was established had dire consequences.
Cicley sat beside me and took my hand in his, threading our fingers together and letting me bask in his warm, soft, beta presence.You’re doing the right thing,he said in my mind, his words tinged with a sense of solidarity.I’ll be by your side.Always.I will ask your alpha to accept me into his clan as well.So we will never be parted.
I squeezed his hand as his words sank in.“You’re...afraid Sadavir would come between us?That I wouldn’t want you anymore?”
He gave a low, airy rasp, his version of a chuckle.No.But some alphas would try to be rid of the perceived distraction from their affections.I’ve refused to pledge myself to either of the alphas and maintained my primary allegiance to you.I’m not Sadavir’s beta.I’m yours.It’s an unusual way of aligning oneself.Another alpha might be jealous, or territorial.Might toss me out...maybe even kill me just to be safe.
I tensed up at his words.“What?You can’t be serious!”
I felt him shrug.I’ve seen it happen among the fae.A beta with a good alpha is the happiest person alive.But, much like omegas...we can be manipulated.That bond can be used for nefarious purposes.And unlike an omega, we aren’t as valuable or rare.We’re easily tossed aside and replaced if we do anything an alpha doesn’t like.”
I shook my head.“Sadavir would never treat you like that,” I said firmly.I doubted he’d treatanyonelike that, honestly, even an enemy.The list of people I thought he might actually harm was short—mostly dominated by Acacia and the vampire clan.
No,Cicely said, confirming my sentiment.He wouldn’t.And aside from your attachment to him...I do like your alpha.It’s an honor to stay with you.I’m just letting you know that Iwillstay.No matter what anyone else has to say on the matter.I’m yours, Ruya.I’ll still be yours, even when you share a fated soul-bond with someone else.”
I reached up and found his cheek, let my hand rest along his jaw and pull him closer for a soft kiss.“I’d never eventhinkof trying to leave you behind, Cicely.You’re a part of my heart.I couldn’t imagine not having you by my side.”
The words rang truer than ever before, having nearly lost him so recently.
He leaned his forehead against mine.I know.We are the same in that regard, my beautiful, wild witch.Then he moved away, drawing me to my feet.Now, you need to get some sleep.I would be a terrible beta if I let you stay up all night worrying and end up with bags under your eyes on your bonding day.
I huffed a tired laugh and crawled into bed, already in my pajamas.Cicely rustled around for a moment removing his shirt before he slid in with me and drew me into his arms.Sweet dreams, Ruya,he said, more a statement of his intentions than a request.He would makesuremy dreams were sweet with his dream weaving.Everything will work itself out.You’ll see.
I yawned, resisting sleep for just a little longer.“But...Robin,” I whispered, guilt still weighing heavy in my soul.
He kissed my forehead.The dragon is stronger, smarter, and more resilient than evenshegives herself credit for—and that’s saying a lot.
I chuckled with him at that.He wasn’t wrong.She did have a very high opinion of how much she should be able to endure.But still...I hadn’t told her.I wasn’t sure if I should tell her until the deed was done.Cicely was the only one who knew about me and Sadavir’s plans at the moment.I felt like if I told the others, they’d only try to stop me, or start some huge discussion about all the pros and cons and, well...it wasmylife.I would do whateverIfelt was right.And Robin...maybe it was better to just rip the bandaid off all at once, rather than letting her stew on it.Or try to prevent it.
