Page 56 of Feral Omega

"Your objections are noted," he replies, tone clipped. "But you would do well to remember your place, Captain. This is an order from the highest levels of command, not a request to be debated."

I open my mouth, a scathing retort burning on my tongue. But my father has always been a master at the art of the immovable object, utterly unwavering in the face of any argument or opposition. If anything, arguing with him is more likely to get him to escalate.

He's nothing if not a stubborn, prideful, arrogant asshole.

So I swallow my anger, the bitter taste like ash on my tongue, and nod stiffly. "Understood, sir," I bite out. "We'll make preparations to move out as soon as the briefing package arrives."

"Good man," he says with a curt nod. "I'll be sure to pass along your 'concerns' to the Council. But I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you."

The screen goes dark before I can say a damn word, leaving me alone in the dim stillness of the briefing room. I sit there for a long moment, the silence ringing in my ears like the aftermath of a deafening blast.

Slowly, the simmering rage coalesces into a hard knot of grim realization in the pit of my stomach. The Council doesn't see Ivy as a person—a living, breathing omega to be cherished and protected. To them, she's nothing more than a tool to be exploited, a weapon to keep their attack dogs in line.

With a low growl, I shove away from the console, the chair skidding back with a harsh screech of metal on concrete. I stalk from the briefing room, my blood thrumming with barely contained rage.

My father himself is no better than the Council pulling our strings from their ivory towers. Just another ruthless bastard willing to use any means necessary to consolidate his power and keep this twisted system running smoothly.

And none of them give a damn about the collateral damage.

As long as their agenda moves forward.

Chapter

Twenty-Three

IVY

Isink deeper into the nest of worn wool blankets and faded pillows, the coarse fibers scratching my skin. Despite the meager surroundings, an odd sense of comfort settles over me. It's been so long since I've been able to make my own nest, to cocoon myself in familiar textures and scents.

The far more luxurious fabrics, pillows, and trinkets in the boxes and crates scattered around my room call to me, but I ignore them.

I'm perfectly content with what I'm used to.

The thick collar still weighs heavy on my throat, a constant reminder of my captivity. But for now, I can almost pretend it doesn't exist.

Almost.

A soft knock at the door shatters the fragile illusion. I tense, every muscle coiled as the scent of smoke and pine drifts in.

Thane.

The door creaks open before I can respond, the alpha silhouetted in the harsh fluorescent light of the hallway.

"Ivy?" His deep voice rumbles through me, setting my nerves on edge. "Can I come in?"

I eye him warily but give a curt nod, bracing myself. He steps inside, the door swinging shut behind him with a dull thud, casting us into shadow.

"I have a mission briefing," he says without preamble. "We're going after an oligarch running illegal arms deals in the Outer Reaches."

I blink at him, caught off guard by the blunt announcement.

A mission?

They're taking me on a mission?

As if sensing my confusion, Thane continues. "The Council has ordered you to accompany us. They seem to think your presence will have a 'stabilizing' effect on the team."

I laugh before I can stop myself.

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