Page 7 of Beneath His Alpha's Wings
“I think it’s possible,” Tagger said grimly.
I almost wanted to open the door and argue. I sure as hell wasn’t in love with Knash. I didn’t even trust him. But I didn’t trust these wardens either.
“I agree,” said Larkin. “We can’t risk him escaping or contacting the feral. Or hurting anyone he stays with.”
“That sounds out the Silvanus clan. Too many babies running around. But that private island would have been perfect,” Tagger said.
“What about my place?” Kessel said suddenly.
Chapter Two
Kessel
“That’s perfect!” Tagger said. “Are you sure?”
Was I sure? I frowned. Did I really want the omega staying at my house? My extremely secluded house that I had chosen deliberately for the isolation?
I supposed I was. It certainly made the most sense. He wouldn't be able to leave and the feral bear would never be able to get him there. And even if he tried, I'd see him coming from a mile away. Probably literally, although I'd never tested just how far I could see in owl form. Plus, there were plenty of places for me to get away if the omega decided to shift and become violent. A bear wouldn't even be able to get into my bedroom. And I could always dive out the window and be just fine.
Then again… I thought of the way the omega had looked when he saw Larkin. I didn't think he would be violent. Scared, yes. Confused, absolutely. Maybe even considering going back to the feral bear… but not violent.
“Yeah,” I said. “I’m sure.”
Tagger nodded. “Fair enough. We'll get him set up there as soon as Avery checks him out. I gotta get back to work.” He headed away down the hall with a parting nod.
I considered going for another cup of coffee, but decided I should check in with the omega first. I knocked on the door and heard some movement that sounded quite close to the door. A moment later there was a soft, “Come in?”
I poked my head in, expecting him to be by the door. Instead, he was sitting on the bed, looking wary. Was I imagining it or did a bit of relief wash over his face when he saw that it was me.
“Kessel,” he said softly. “Right?”
“Right,” I said pleased he remembered.
“I’m Lucas,” he offered, before I could say I knew it.
“Lucas,” I repeated anyway. I liked it. “Well, now that the introductions are over,” I laughed. “You're going to be coming to stay with me for a while.”
“Am I?” he said flatly.
The sudden declaration probably wasn't what he needed to hear. I reminded myself that this wasn't exactly a friendly invitation.
“Will I be able to leave?” he asked.
I hesitated. “Of course. I mean, after the feral shifter is taken care of. Absolutely you'll be able to leave whenever you want. And you'll also be free to move about my property as you choose,” I added. “I know it’s—”
“It's okay,” Lucas cut me off and fixed me with a strange look. “I understand. It's too dangerous to leave.” Before I could reply, he continued. “It's safe inside your house. Away from the humans. And the wardens.”
I frowned. “Uh, we're the ward…” I trailed off and groaned. “That's what the feral shifter told you. And now I'm telling you the same thing.”
He kept his face neutral and shot me a challenging glare. I thought of my conversation with Tagger and Larkin. “Are you in… in love with him?” For some reason the question was harder to ask than I expected. I supposed I was worried about him trying to run from me.
“No,” he snorted immediately. I found I believed him. “Relax, you don’t need to worry about a case of Stockholm Syndrome.”
My words. Shit. Had he overheard the conversation? I frantically went over it in my head, wondering whether we had said anything that would make him more or less likely to trust us.
“I just…” Lucas continued.
“Just?”
