Page 52 of Savage Trap

“One theory is they’re planning to kick off the omega trade again,” Link says through a gritted jaw. “It would give them a remote but accessible base of operations, including a private airfield.” He taps the map to display a small but professional-looking airport only a few miles away. “This could potentially give them direct access to and from Europe.” Link sends me a furious glance. “And we know the estate is already set up to hold omegas.”

He’s talking about the basement where Kelly was imprisoned for nearly a year, along with an unknown number of omegas who were sold off to a network of abusers and defilers.

“We need to check it out,” Cam says, getting to his feet. “And we need to double our security on the omegas back home.”

My stomach roils as they start making plans, and I close my eyes so they can’t see how furious I am with myself. This is negligent in the extreme. I made a promise when I cleaned this up last time: that piece by piece, body by body, I would make the world a haven for my omegas.

Instead, I’ve allowed the rot to fester and grow.

“I don’t care how this goes down,” Link says quietly at my side, “but Kelly isn’t stepping foot back on that estate.”

“You won’t get any arguments from me.” I turn to see Kelly in the doorway, and it hits me, like it always does, how beautiful he is. Even when he’s pale and sleep-mussed, and his fear is leaking into the room. “Arben, can I speak to you for a minute?”

Getting summoned by one of your omegas is like being pulled by your heart string. I growl at the rest of them to keep working on a plan, then I’m in the hallway, wrapping myself around him in a too-tight hug. But he clings to me, his feet even leaving the floor, and I feel arousal throb through our bond. “I want you to fuck me pretty bad right now,” he whispers into my neck, “only there’s a good chance I’ll start crying like a baby.”

“Let’s start with a kiss.”

He hums and leans against the wall as I cover his lips with mine. It’s a soft kiss, but a claiming one. He licks inside my mouth and strokes my tongue, winding his around it possessively. I can feel his need in his trembling hands, the thick line of his cock rubbing on my thigh, and the faint scent of omega slick in the air. Kelly is as tall as Link, with the sculptured muscles of an athlete, and I feel the strength in his hands as he grips my neck, angling my face down to his. Instead of kissing me again, he gives me a little shake. “We need you, Arben. Don’t leave us like that again.”

“Come with me,” I tell him, and taking his hand, lead him back into the bedroom.

Our angel is sitting on the edge of the bed, her tired gaze staring at the wall while she bites at her butchered nails. When she sees us, she gets to her feet, her movements slow and heavy. “This is so wrong,” she whispers. “They have to pay, Arben.”

Angel leans heavily against me as Kelly moves to her back, and we both wrap her in our arms. She gives a shuddering sigh, her scent like burned sugar, and I cup her face. Her eyes are red and swollen, but her wolf is glittering in her golden irises. And maybe she sees the monster in mine, because she stiffens. “You’re leaving again,” she says, her voice cracking. “You know who did this? You’re going after them?”

“We have an idea.” I briefly outline what Nate and Link discovered about Phillip Prior and the European packs, omitting any mention of Luca. They both look incensed to hear Kelly’s uncle is up to his dirty tricks, and that other omegas might be in danger. “But I promise it will only be a short trip. We’ll deal with Prior, and then stop home to check on our omegas.”

“Then I’m going with you.”

I’ve been expecting this, so I keep my expression guarded as I pull up a chair and pat my lap. “Sit. There’s something I haven’t told you.”

They take a thigh each, wrapping an arm around my waist and tangling their legs between mine. When their cheeks press to my chest, their faces only inches apart, a tremor of pure pleasure ripples through me. If I could sit like this for the rest of my days, I’d consider my life complete.

“To keep you safe, I need to understand why others might covet you. Beyond the obvious, of course.” I run a hand down their spines, soaking up their shivers. “I also need to understand our strengths and weaknesses. We’re stronger and more connected, but the omegas at the center of a fated pack are the heart in every way. We can’t live without you.”

They go still, studying each other. “You mean if we die, you die?” Kelly asks, sounding horrified.

“I’m sure all your mates will tell you the same thing. If we were to lose you, we wouldn’t want to go on anyway.”

Elvi sits up straight, her hand fisting my shirt and her eyes snapping. “But you mean that? Literally?” Her mouth drops open before she hisses at me, “Arben, why the hell didn’t you mention this before we became a fated pack?”

I smirk at her outrage. “Because it wasn’t a choice, my love. We were always destined to be together. That’s the fate part of the equation.”

She rolls her eyes at me. “I. Chose. You.” She narrows her eyes at me. “I didn’t sign up to take you with me if fate kicks me off a cliff.”

“And I’m not telling you this to add to your burdens.”

She huffs and rubs her head. “No, you’re telling me this so I stay home when you go kick Prior’s ass.”

I nod. “It’s the only way to keep you both safe.”

Kelly wraps a hand around her flushed cheek. “You won’t get any arguments from me. I can’t – I won’t - go back there.”

Elvana lifts her head. “Back there? Where are you going?”

“Connecticut. The Crouch Estate.”

The words settle between them like poison and she clutches Kelly’s hands. “You’re not going back. Ever.” But she looks equally fierce when she regards me. “You’re taking backup this time, Arben. No arguments.”

---