Page 178 of Psycho Pack

I told him not long before we left that I could imagine staying in Surhiira. Maybe not in the city itself—I'm not sure my wildness could handle the walls surrounding us, at least not for long—but close. There's a lakeside villa that caught my eye last night while I was looking out at the sunset with the pack one last time, and I hinted something like that would be perfect.

Safe, yet protected.

If he even wants to come back here, of course. I know that would be a major decision for him, and right now, we're all in survival mode.

I watch Thane and Valek play cards at a small table across from me, both of them looking far more refined than I'm used to seeing them. Thane cuts an imposing figure in his deep charcoal suit, a stark contrast to Valek's extravagant white ensemble with silver accents that match his eyes.

Wraith dozes in the corner, his massive frame filling out his black suit and crisp white undershirt. An inky silk scarf covers the lower half of his face, the fabric shifting slightly with each steady breath. But even half-asleep, he looks ready to spring into action at a moment's notice.

Whiskey sprawls in an armchair near them, his legs stretched out in front of him. The dark navy blue of his suit brings out the warmth in his chestnut hair and honey-brown eyes. He keeps tugging at his collar, though, like the fabric is bugging him.

I get it. I'm not used to my midnight blue gown, either. It's soft and silky, but it feels foreign against my skin.

But all this work makes them look the part of a pack of wealthy, powerful alphas with an omega binding them together. No one would guess they're trained killers.

The illusion is perfect.

Almost too perfect.

I catch Valek palming cards when he thinks no one is looking, and I have to bite back a smile. Some things never change, no matter how fancy the packaging.

I lean my forehead against the cool glass, watching the barren landscape blur past. Part of me already misses the gleaming spires and impossibly delicate architecture of Surhiira. The pristine white stone and intricate gold filigree feel like a dream now, fading with each mile we put between us and that impossible oasis.

But another part of me feels more alive than I have in years. We're hurtling toward danger, getting closer to the very heart of the corruption that's poisoned our world. And for the first time, I feel like we might actually have a chance at changing things.

We're wolves in sheep's clothing.

And we're about to walk straight into the lion's den.

"You're thinking too hard again," Whiskey's gruff voice breaks through my spiraling thoughts. I blink, realizing I've been staring blankly out the window for who knows how long.

"Just... nervous," I admit, forcing a weak smile.

Whiskey's eyes soften. "Hey, we've got your back. Ain't nobody gonna touch you in there."

"It's not me I'm worried about," I mutter.

"We can handle ourselves," Thane rumbles from across the compartment. "Just focus on playing your part. As long as we seem normal, we'll be able to move freely."

"And we don't seem normal easily," Valek reminds me, his lips curving.

I nod, swallowing hard. Right. I just have to pretend to be a pampered, high-class omega.

Easy.

Totally natural for a feral omega who grew up in the wilderness.

"You'll do fine," Plague says softly, as if he can read my mind. He reaches over to squeeze my hand. He's wearing gloves today, but they're cotton and white, not the usual black leather. "Just relax."

I nod at Plague's reassurance, but anxiety still churns in my stomach. The gentle sway of the train does little to soothe my nerves as we hurtle closer to our destination. Every movement reminds me of what we're about to do.

Outside the window, the barren landscape of the Outer Reaches gives way to the bombed-out ruins of what was once a thriving city. Crumbling buildings and twisted metal loom against the darkening sky, a stark reminder of the world we're fighting to fix.

"You got this, wildcat," Whiskey says, nudging my shoulder. "Just remember, you're supposed to be a spoiled little princess. Act like you own the place."

I snort. "Right. Because I have so much experience with that."

"Just channel your inner Valek," he says with a wink. "Nobody does entitled asshole better than him."

---