Epilogue
CAEL
“They’re already mated,” I tell Kieran O’Callaghan. “What would you have me do?”
“Alpha Grey should have followed proper protocols,” the Blood Sector King replies, his displeasure clear. “They were both part of the program.”
“Yes, and while I respect the purpose of the mating program, Ashlyn and Grey were never meant to be candidates. And we both know that Ashlyn also didn’t join to find a mate.”
“Intentions doesn’t automatically remove an Omega from the candidate list.”
“But choice should,” I counter, making the Alpha’s jaw clench visibly on the screen. “She chose Grey, Kieran.” I forgo the title formalities, something I rarely do. But the Blood Sector King has started to feel more like an ally lately than an adversary.
I like that he cares about Omegas.
It’s a trait we share.
“I realize this may put you in an awkward place in terms of explanations, but nothing untoward happened,” I stress.
He snorts. “And how long did Alpha Grey have Ashlyn in his care before finally returning to V-Clan Territory?”
I smile. “Perhaps you should ask Ashlyn that question?”
His dark eyes hold mine, the intensity causing my wolf to stir inside me. “As it is, she’s already sent me a note via a secure channel she shouldn’t have access to.”
“I would feign surprise, but I’m tired,” I admit. It’s not a lie. I’m fucking exhausted.
I’ve spent the last few days avoiding a certain Omega.
Nikiski.
My best friend’s little sister.
The poor girl seems to have a hero worship complex, thinking that because I saved her life, we’re destined to be mates.
And my inner wolf is far too intrigued by the prospect of what kind of hero worship she might be into.
It’s so fucking wrong.
What’s even more wrong is the fact her naked body and all those damn curves will not leave my mind.
We fucking saved her from being held hostage in a cave. And my knot is over here wanting to give her a different kind of recovery therapy.
“Then I suppose we can discuss your call with Oros another day then,” Kieran says, yanking my focus back to him with a sharp tug.
“Oros?” I repeat, feigning confusion. “What call with Oros?”
Kieran considers me a moment. “You know, Dixon and Lorcan would make a good team. Perhaps we can let them play together some day… online.”
The call does dead with that not-so-cryptic statement and I sigh.
Dixon has notoriously been my means of gathering data on others, his technology skills superior. He’s very aware that Lorcan, the newly proclaimed Night Sector Prince, is equally skilled. Or perhaps even more skilled.
Because it seems he somehow learned of my call with Gold Sector.
A call I need to follow-up on to schedule time to meet in person.
Another day, I decide, lounging in my office chair. Another day that will undoubtedly be very soon, though.
Obsidian Sector.
I’ve been gathering research on that Drakon-Clan domain since our call. But there isn’t much information available.
And there hasn’t been much time to thoroughly investigate Kodiak Sector since our raid last week either.
But it’s all linked somewhat.
The estrus parties.
The Omega slave trade.
Whatever the fuck Obsidian Sector is doing in those Omega labs.
I tap my pen against the desk.
For the first time in a very long time, I feel we’re close to uncovering the truth.
Once we do, we can take it all down.
Dismantle the horrific activities for good.
At least until the next asshole makes a power grab and decides to re-create it all over again.
I grab the back of my neck and growl, irritated with the fate of the world. Irritated with Alpha kind. And irritated with my wolf’s new found obsession with fucking strawberries.
That’s what Nikiski smells like.
The scent is everywhere.
Taunting my inner beast.
Making me think of her naked body pressed against mine for safety.
How my purr roared to life.
How she fit perfectly into my side.
How she boldly looked at me and said, “Take me home, Alpha. I’m ready to be yours.”
The female was in fucking captivity yet seems to be perfectly fine. It’s an act, I’m sure. But it showcases how damn strong she is, which is an aphrodisiac to my beast.
I just want to go toe-to-toe with her and push all her buttons.
Which is ridiculous. And never going to fucking happen.
She’s an Omega under my care in Lunar Sector now. I would send her to the Sanctuary in Night Sector, but Grey will likely want to keep her close.
So she’s under my jurisdiction now.
And very much off limits.
Fated mates, I think with a grunt. There is no such thing as fated mates for an Alpha like me.
Pushing the foolishness away, I focus on wrapping things up in my office. Then I close everything down.
It’s time for a run in wolf form.
I have anxious energy to expel.