Page 30 of The Queen

“No!” Saphyra’s big gold eyes looked up at me. “You will not hurt them.”

My rolling growl turned into a purr, and I lifted her into my arms.

She poked me in the sternum. “Stupid alphas and their stupid control issues.”

I barely heard her words, but she wasn’t wrong. She was still trembling though, and I didn’t like that at all. My attention was split between her and the other alphas left standing in the corridor.

Valyx was thanking the women for stepping in, ignoring my simmering rage.

Albion gave me an understanding smile. “Don’t worry, big guy. She smells nice, but not my type.” She walked past me, giving us plenty of space. The other two women followed, hugging the side of the hall, and watching me as if they expected me to pounce.

Valyx glared at me with his arms folded across his chest. “Are you going to attack me now, too? Or are you done?”

My attention slammed back into my teammate. Saphyra was calming in my embrace, her rapid breathing subsiding with every inhalation.

“Somewhat.” I was still on edge, but with my omega cuddled up against me, my anger seeped away. Her warm presence helped after having been forced to keep my distance all day. We couldn’t keep staying away from her. The effects of denying the bond were too strong.

Valyx smirked as if I was overreacting, but I saw a hint of unease in his eyes, as if he was dangerously close to losing control as well. “We had that under control, you know. You didn’t have to break them all. We were taking her to the lift to move to a secure level.”

Maybe I had overreacted. Not being able to complete the bond with my mate and having her threatened set me off like nothing before. If we didn’t find a solution soon, I was worried about what might happen. Alphas can be volatile, but it’d never been this bad. There had never been an incomplete mate bond before, either.

Grey’s words came back to me. It was affecting all of us, and until Saphyra was safe, everyone was at risk for so many more reasons than just my rage. The other alphas had less control than I did, even on a good day.

“We should go.” I glanced over my shoulder at the groaning alphas that lay strewn like broken dolls across the floor. They’d heal soon enough, and I wanted my mate far away from them when they did.

Chapter Twenty

Saphyra

Iwas 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.

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