Chapter 8
Zayd
“Iwould like to keep them at the Center while I run more tests. We still do not know what effect Sutton’s venom could have on us or another human or other omegas,” Razyr says, seated next to me in Strykr’s office.
“What about his heat suppression? Will it affect other omegas?” Strykr asks.
“I do not believe so. From the scans I have done, there is no evidence to show that Sutton can form a knot. My theory is that while he was able to trigger an omega’s scent and bond with her, he does not possess the anatomical ability to care for her heat. So, instead, he suppresses it.”
“If that is the case, I see no problem with the couple staying at the Center. Zayd,” Strykr looks at me, concern laced in his brow. “I am sure this will not be easy for you. Having to see Layla with another male. Are we going to have a problem?”
I have mostly sat in stunned silence, listening to Razyr’s report.
I do not regret my time with Layla, but I cannot stop thinking about how devastated she must be, knowing that it was not necessary.
My desire to comfort her, as I am sure her husband currently is, wars with the logical part of me that knows it is not my place. She is not my omega.
“It will be no problem, sir. What is done is done. I have moved on,” I lie.
Mostly.
I will not cause a problem for Sutton and Layla. I will control my impulses. Ignore my instincts. Adhere to the Accord I swore to enforce.
“Very well. I will ask Willow to assign the couple their own living quarters. When do you expect Sutton will be discharged?” Strykr asks Razyr.
“At the rate he is healing now, in a couple of hours, he should be able to walk right out.”
“Incredible.” Strykr sits back in his chair, sighing heavily.
“Thank you, Razyr. Willow will join you in the med comb shortly. She can explain to Sutton and Layla how we do things here and show them to their room when they are ready,” he says, dismissing Razyr, but not me, when he adds, “Zayd. Stay.”
As soon as Razyr is gone, Strykr stands and comes around his desk to sit next to me. “You cannot fool me, Zayd. Your heart aches to be with her.”
“I can control myself.” Though I want my words to be true, I know they are a lie.
“Kydax dismissed you from duty.”
“Only until Sutton recovered. Now that Layla no longer requires my care—”
Strykr places a hand on my shoulder. “I will speak with him about extending your leave.”
“No. I cannot appear weak to the other officers. I will control myself. Layla is not my omega. My duty to the pack comes first,” I say with such conviction that I start to believe it.
Strykr pats my shoulder and takes a deep breath before standing again.
“Very well. But if you sense any distress or give into your instincts and start a fight with a mated—” Strykr cuts himself off when he remembers he cannot call Sutton an alpha because we still do not know what he is.
“Well… Layla is claimed. Even if our senses do not recognize her as such.”
Why is that? How is it that Sutton can have a claim on Layla, but we cannot sense it? Why do my instincts still scream at me that she can and should be claimed by an alpha? By me.
That is not a conversation we should have now that I have finally convinced Strykr I am fit for work and can be trusted around Layla and Sutton.
“I will not cause trouble for them or the pack. You have my word.”