Page 40 of Feral Omega

"Sorry about Whiskey," I say with a casual shrug. "He doesn't always think with the right head, if you know what I mean."

She blinks at me, long dark lashes fanning over those high, sculpted cheekbones. Doesn't say a word. Just watches, poised like a deer catching the scent of a wolf on the wind.

Smart girl.

I can't resist pushing a little, testing the limits of that vaunted self-control.

"I'm Valek," I continue, taking a deliberate step into the room. "In case you forgot. I'm sure the initial introduction to all of us at once was a little overwhelming."

Her chin lifts a fraction, lips parting like she might actually speak. But in the end, she just presses them together again, a muscle ticking in that sharply defined jaw.

My grin widens. Oh, I'm going to have fun with this one.

"Since you're being so shy, how about I take you for a walk?" I offer, gesturing at the bare concrete walls around us. "You've been cooped up in this shithole for too long. Could do with a bit of fresh air, yes?"

Ivy's eyes flick toward the door, her pupils blown wide for the briefest of moments before she regains control.

But I saw it. That flicker of longing, that desperate need to escape these walls, even briefly.

Smart little rabbit. But she'll find there's no running from the jaws of the wolf, not for long.

"A... walk?" The words are little more than a husky rasp, the first sound I've heard from those lush lips.

I nod, holding her gaze steadily. "Just a turn around the grounds. Promise I'll have you back before dinner."

Her pupils flare again at that, a subtle tell giving away the fact that she's already weighing her options. Looking for exits, for flaws in my plan that she can exploit.

My grin widens to show a hint of teeth. Let her look. Let her plan and plot all she wants.

In the end, she'll realize the only way out of this is through me.

Ivy rises in one lithe, fluid motion, the shapeless dress skimming over curves that promise all sorts of sinful delights beneath. She holds my stare for one beat, two, those blue eyes blazing with defiance and something darker, hungrier.

Then she brushes past me without a word, heading straight for the door. It amuses me to no end to think about how unhappy the rest of the Ghosts would be about this little field trip.

Good. Means I'm doing something right for once.

I catch up to Ivy in a few long strides, falling into step just behind her. Close enough to catch her scent on every breath.

"Where are you taking me?" she asks quietly, hoarsely.

I grin, scanning the hallway for the closest exit. "Just out for a stroll, pet."

Her shoulders go rigid at the endearment, but she doesn't rise to the bait. Doesn't take the swing I was hoping for. This one's got iron discipline, I'll give her that.

We reach the heavy steel door that leads outside, and I pull it open, gesturing for her to go in front of me. For a beat, she hesitates, weighing her options. Then she ducks through, emerging into the pale morning light.

I follow, letting the door ease shut behind us with a heavy thunk. We stand in silence for a moment, Ivy squinting against the sun's glare. I watch the play of light and shadow over her features, tracing the sharp line of her cheekbone, the point of her chin.

"This way," I say gruffly, steering her toward the tree line with a hand on her lower back.

She stiffens at my touch, but doesn't pull away. Just darts a sidelong glance at me from beneath those sinfully thick lashes. Trying to gauge my intent, my threat level.

Good fucking luck, little rabbit.

I guide her into the shade of the pines, leading her along a winding game trail. All around us, the forest presses close—dark, looming shapes cloaked in shadow and dappled sunlight. An untamed wilderness, treacherous and unforgiving.

Just how I like it.

---