I’m blown away by the large communal bathroom. An oversized bathtub, which could easily fit twenty people, takes up a big section of the room Or four Alphas and an Omega—the thought sends a buzz down to my cock. I savagely miss my little fox.
“Well, this is my stop, if that’s alright.” Nikos glances my way with a raised eyebrow. “I stink like a corpse, and the promise of hot water is too much to refuse, even for me.”
“You’re good.” I pat his shoulder. “Go for it.”
Leaving him behind, I ask Dušan, “Where’s Narah?” We walk past more guards, so it’s good to see there’s protection.
“Just ahead. I gave you a bigger room.”
When he opens the door, my heart is beating faster to see my gorgeous girl again and ensure she’s safe. I stick my head in to find her in the middle of an enormous king bed, with the sheets tangled around her, the way she always sleeps, hogging the entire bed and blankets. She’s breathing deeply, and as eager as I am to join her, I step back and shut the door.
“Okay, let’s go talk before I fall asleep on my feet.”
“Good,” Dušan agrees.
We make our way back the way we came, past the balcony into a grand room, which looks as though I’ve stepped back into another timeline. The place might have existed before the virus ravaged our world. Light bulbs twinkle from brass light fixtures, and staring at them, it takes me a moment to realize they’re not candles but electric. It’s been too long since I’ve seen such luxury. Back in Denmark, we had running electricity and water, something my father had arranged with the use of magic from the local witches—when he wasn’t killing them. Everyone had been disposable to him.
Hatred unfurls in my chest, but I force myself to release the thoughts. It won’t do me any good thinking of him.
Dušan laughs, distracting me and drawing my attention to him staring up at the light fixture.
“I do a lot of trade with other packs, especially with the X-Clan. They are extremely well off and have an abundance of technology, so I make the most of my relationship with them.”
“Smart idea.” I’m envious, yet it makes me more determined to secure Savage Sector and create a home for my family. More reason to keep my relationship with Dušan strong.
We approach the fireplace, where two brown couches face each other. Bookshelves line the walls, filled with old books, and moonlight spills through the window.
“Are you hungry?” he asks.
I shake my head. “I crave more than anything a hot wash, then my Omega pressed up against me.”
“I understand. It’s way past midnight, so I won’t keep you long.” The Alpha reclines in the middle of the couch, arms by his side, legs spread. He stares at me, waiting for me to explain how the fuck I ended up on his doorstep with my immediate pack and my pregnant Omega.
So, I gave him the lowdown on what I’d endured in taking over the Savage Sector, our dealings with the witches, Martell’s rising forces, and even Narah possessing magic. I had no intention of entering this Alpha’s land and being untruthful about the things that mattered to him. I trusted him to be fair and suspected he was the kind of man who wouldn’t take lightly to being tricked.
I have too much to lose not to reveal the truth, and what I need is an ally.
I omit a few things, like the ordeal with Narah’s parents and how magic got her pregnant, since I don’t see them as critical and are unnecessary details for him. Additionally, I left out the mention of forty females. With Mihai dead and the pack now under my rein, his demands are no longer a problem.
“You’ve taken on a lot.” Giving me a reassuring nod, he leans forward and rests his elbows on his thighs, staring at me. “It seems as if I was your last resort escape plan. What are your intentions in Shadowlands Sector?” His gaze settles on me, and there’s silence in the room with the underlying question of if I’m here to claim his pack.
“You’re right,” I admit, leaning back, showing no aggression. “I found myself in a tight spot. Martell is hunting us down, and after he killed the Bane Wolf leaders, I couldn’t risk Narah’s life and our unborn child. I find no shame in running when the time calls for it. I am here for the purpose of safety for a short time, nothing more.”
Dušan stands and goes over to one of the shelves, where he picks up a glass decanter and pours honeyed liquid into two glasses. He hands me one, then takes a seat.
“You look like you need a drink.”
“Fuck, yeah.”
“So, you need a haven for your Omega to safely give birth. Then what will you do?”
Lifting the glass to my mouth, I inhale the rich sweetness of honey and charred wood from the whiskey before I press the rim to my lips and drink it in one go. No heat rushes down my throat, only a caramel, spicy aftertaste. It’s delicious. Setting the glass on the table between us, I meet Dušan’s gaze.
“I would be indebted to you for your help with Narah. All I ask is for her and her sisters to remain here a while longer when we return to finish off Martell. In exchange, you’ll have my unwavering loyalty. We will be neighboring packs, and there will be no war waged from my end. We will welcome your pack to my land anytime.”
He swirls the whiskey in his hand, then takes a sip. “Only if you succeed in removing Martell, right?”
I grin and move forward in my seat. “Everything I do is with the intention of succeeding.” I suck in a harsh breath, more concerned about how Narah will react to me leaving her behind, but I won’t put her in danger, especially with a child who will depend on her. “I ask for your generosity to seek refuge at your home for a small time.”