Chapter Twenty
Saphyra
I was beginning to think my alphas were unhinged, driven by instinct and violence alone, beating others bloody for fun. Was I so sheltered that I never saw the truth of it? But something about their protective nature was comforting. I thought watching them fight and maim would scare me, but it just made me feel safe. Even though I wasn’t safe. Not even here.
Ghost cradled me, nuzzling against my hair and kissing my face, purring as he carried me to the lift. I relished those soft, gentle touches, cuddling into his arms. My omega instincts preened under the attention, but I wasn’t a child and we still hadn’t sorted out our issues. Things were happening around me that I didn’t understand, things I wanted to know.
With some effort, I convinced myself that I needed to stand on my own. I squirmed out of his grip and dusted my skirts down. “So, what was that about?”
“Your scent. It’s…” Ghost’s voice was rough with emotion as he paused to consider his words. “Very powerful.”
“But the soap, isn’t it supposed to stop that from happening?”
He ran his fingers through his messy white hair. “Yeah, it is, but it doesn’t seem to be working. Listen, I’m sorry you had to see that.”
The shame on his face made me wonder if he was talking about the fight or about something else. Shadow fiddled with the control panel on the lift, punching in the code to allow access to the upper levels.
“See what?” My eyes narrowed and my heart sped. “You beating up alphas that were in a mindless rage? Or seeing a pair of naked maids in your bed?” I didn’t plan to be this direct, but I couldn’t get it out of my head. I couldn’t let it go. Maybe it was my adrenaline from the earlier confrontation talking, but I was ready to hear him now.
Shadow folded his arms across his chest as if daring Ghost to lie.
Ghost’s icy blue stare held me captive as I waited expectantly. There was a sadness there in those chilly depths, but his attempt at puppy dog eyes wouldn’t sway me. At least, not very much. I cared for him, the draw of the bond notwithstanding. What he had done hurt me, and I needed him to explain himself.
“I went to my cabin, I checked the camera feeds, everything was fine. I took a shower and when I came out you were there. I didn’t even know they’d come in. I kicked them out immediately.” He ticked the points off like a checklist.
I looked to Shadow, who shrugged.
“There are access logs and surveillance if you don’t trust my word.” The statement seemed wrenched from his soul. As if the thought of my distrust was the most painful part of this entire situation.
The lift stopped, and the door slid open. I backed out into the hallway, my eyes stuck on Ghost’s face. He looked sincere. He’d offered proof. I trusted him, but the pain was a visceral memory. My throat thickened with unshed tears. I believed him, but the hollow ache still burned. A heaviness settled on my heart, and my lungs struggled to draw breath.
I needed a minute.
My shoes scuffed the slick metal floor as I turned from the lift and hurried to my quarters, skirts swishing angrily around my legs, and my eyes prickling with moisture.
The scent of sun-warmed oak trees cradled me as I approached my cabin. Lex was standing outside my door, looking agitated. The footfalls behind me faded to nothing as I rushed into my alpha’s arms.
He didn’t hesitate for one second to wrap me in his strong embrace. I wasn’t ready to face him, or anyone, but he held me while I wallowed in the pain that flooded my chest. Emotions threatened to overwhelm me, but something about Lex’s calm presence was like a soothing balm. It took time, snuggling into his strength and warmth, before I was ready to face him.
Composing myself, I breathed in his scent, taking heart in the familiar comfort, before I stepped back.
“I heard you’ve been busy,” he said.
Oh, Stars. What had I done this time? I wasn’t ready for more disappointment directed at me.
I glanced over my shoulder and saw the others lingering down the hall. At least I wouldn’t have to take the fall alone.
“Inside, now,” Lex said, opening the door for us all.
I followed him in, but wasn’t sure what to do with myself. Nervously, I walked to my bed, then a few steps toward the dining area, then back toward the bed. I settled for clasping my hands behind me and rocking on my heels.
The alphas made the room feel smaller than it was. Their presence filled the entire space, barely leaving enough oxygen to breathe.
“Can someone explain why the fuck there was a riot in the military ward?“ Lex’s emphasis was entirely on the word fuck.
“Her scent. Can’t you smell it?” Shadow asked. His voice was a smokey curl in the otherwise still air.
“Yes, I can. Why aren’t you using your soap, Saphyra?”
Lex’s accusation stung. I had been using it. I’d been very careful to always use it.
“I have,” I choked out, a myriad of emotions making it hard to reply.
“It doesn’t seem like you have. It’s incredibly dangerous not to.” He paused for a moment and turned to look at Shadow. “Not to mention the fact that you were taken out of your secure room on a secure level. To go outside of all places. With no additional security.“ The muscle in Lex’s cheek pulsed as he grit his teeth.
Shadow’s normally cocky grin diminished under the accusations, but Ghost’s return from where he’d snuck off into the bathroom stopped the conversation in its tracks.
He held up a white lump that looked like my scent neutralizing soap. “You talking about this?”
Lex studied the object and took a sniff of it. “That’s not what I sent you.”
A spark of boldness rose in my chest. “And yet, that’s what they gave me. What I was told to use.” I was starting to feel like a chastised child, and it was grating. “I didn’t do it on purpose. Why would I purposely not use a safety measure that was put in place?”
“You went outside today. Which was a measure put in place for your safety. So you can see why I might be skeptical.” Lex towered over me like an angry, golden storm cloud. I wanted to scratch his eyes out. Probably because it was true.
“I realize the danger now. I won’t do it again,” I said.
He didn’t look convinced, but what else could I do?
“I’ll have more soap sent up. We have dinner tonight in the Regent’s suite.” His gaze left me and turned to the other alphas. “You’re both invited as my guests, but I can understand if you prefer not to attend.”
I looked back and forth between them, but zeroed in on Ghost as he dropped his eyes to the floor. “Wait, why wouldn’t you want to attend? You should come.”
“Axion might not want to attend because Aster and Hazel are my step-sisters,” Lex said before turning to the door.
Anxiety rolled over me in a wave. My fingers tingled as my body went into shock, shutting down. The only thing I could choke out was, “I see,” before he left.
“If you want me to be there, I will be, princess.” Ghost walked up to me, but I flinched away.
I wasn’t ready for that unhealed wound to be prodded. Real or not, the feelings were still fresh in my thoughts. “No, not tonight. I need some time.”
“If you change your mind, just let me know. I would walk through the center of the suns if it would make you happy.” Ghost pressed a kiss to the top of my head and left.
Then I was alone with Shadow again. “You got me in trouble,” I groused, trying to lighten the weight on my heart.
“If you recall, it was your idea. It seems to me that you got me in trouble. If we’re splitting hairs.“ He smirked and pushed off the wall he’d been leaning on.
He didn’t look repentant as he approached, but I didn’t back down. From his place in front of me, he tipped my chin up on a single crooked finger. “Behave and I’ll see you tonight, little omega.” With that, his lips landed on mine, demanding entrance, which I was happy to give. He delved into the silky confines of my mouth. His tongue teased into a dark, seductive dance, bringing to mind the other naughty things I knew he was capable of.
He left me breathless as he walked out the door, and the sound of the lock engaging punctuated his exit.
Stars!