12. Sloan
O ur omega is a vision tonight in Namarian green, one who has the king thoroughly mesmerized. With Cillian wound so tightly around her little finger, there’s nothing he would ever deny her. But would she deny me if she knew the truth?
Jealousy is an ugly emotion and I, for one, have never had much use for it. But after all this time spent waiting, she still doesn’t even know my name. I’ve had to be a very patient alpha—more so than the others. At least they’ve gotten to experience the warmth of her affection, however brief.
Meanwhile, I’ve been courting her from afar, watching as Cillian gets all the credit. I can’t fault my packmate, as he’s done me no wrong. If he were his father, I would have never been allowed the chance to win her heart. He would simply hoard her away for himself, watching as the warmth of her light was slowly extinguished. But regardless of reason, I crave the recognition the king has received from our mate.
I desperately wish I could have seen her when she received her flowers this morning. I spent hours agonizing over the arrangement—one that would not only fill her quarters with a lovely fragrance, but also mimic her soft beauty. The latter was an impossible feat, but I tried my best just the same.
Our omega deserves to be spoiled with silks and jewels, but such fine courting gifts are more suited to Cillian and Oran. Better I express the intention to make her mine in ways unique to me. Especially while I’m being kept in the shadows.
I was never meant to attend tonight’s feast, and if I were a smarter man, I would’ve stayed far away. Regardless of Cillian marrying Ivy, her family is still on Namarian soil. Who’s to say what a powerful alpha like King Hawthorn would do were he to learn his sister was scent-matched to the likes of me. Imagine what a riot it would cause if my petal-soft mate scented me in front of all these people. Were she to rush into my arms, as she did with the king, all our agonizing waiting would have been for nothing.
I need to leave before some drunken, noble prick gets his knickers in a twist at my being here. Though I’m not sure if any would speak up, given my friendship with Cillian is no secret among the court. The triplets and I grew up like kin inside these halls.
Castle Ancaire is the only home I’ve ever known, being that one of my fathers was the groundskeeper for decades. My parents now live in the country, having left after the loss of the former queen whom they loved so dearly. I stayed on to work in the gardens—Fate keeping my feet planted where my pack needed me.
It’s one thing for Cillian to acknowledge me, and quite another for others to accept they might have to mingle with the staff. Still, my restless heart led me straight to the banquet hall for a glimpse of our woman. Too many nights have passed since I’ve seen her deep blue eyes or felt the comfort that only comes with her nearness.
Seeing her happy and well is a balm to my soul after many nights apart.
I meant only to stay for a moment, but when Cillian dragged her onto the dance floor, I was instantly enthralled by the way they moved together. The trust she offered him as he led her through the steps, the lilt of her laughter each time she stumbled—I wished it were me. I want more than anything to experience her in all the ways an alpha courting his omega is meant to do.
I was about to leave Cillian to enjoy his special night when Ivy locked eyes with me from across the room. Even from my distant vantage point, I swear I could smell her perfume bloom for me—swear I could feel the heat of her wanting me—and fuck if my teeth didn’t ache to sink into the porcelain paradise of her unmarked neck.
Sealing my claim on my omega, showing the whole kingdom how Fate has smiled upon me, extends beyond desire at this point. I need Ivy—need her to feel grounded in the knowledge that, even far from her country, she will always have a home in my heart.
Until her family leaves, I’ll do my best to keep my hands—and my teeth—to myself. But each passing day without speaking to her is a day I drift further into madness. It’s not natural, this waiting. The deceptive politics of the nobility have no place in the bond between a pack and their mate. Power and authority have truly been wasted on alphas who ignore the simple, innate instincts to protect at all cost.
Pack living is what the gods always intended for us, and my four alpha fathers have never taken the calling lightly. Together they have worked to provide my ma with everything she could ever want, and in return, she has given them an unshakable foundation built on love. All I’ve ever wanted for my life is the same happiness I witnessed firsthand.
My packmates, while blessed with wealth and influence, have been raised to ignore these deeply ingrained instincts in favor of “good breeding” and legacy. Luckily, they’ve got me to guide them through the insecurities they harbor around our nature.
Though idealistic, my hope is that, together with Ivy, my pack will lead our kingdom into a new age. One where the divide between the nobility and common folk isn’t so vast—where omegas don’t suffer because of the consequence of their birth. And one where my pack can openly love our mate the way she deserves.
With Cillian as king, I have confidence Namara and its people will prosper like never before. Just as I trust him to rule, I must trust him with our Ivy until the moment is right.
Until then, I’ll be watching over her in my own way, eager for the day I can show her my heart and all it has to offer.