Page 42 of The Omega Thief

“I have servants waiting to show you to your rooms and serve refreshments,” Raz said dismissively.

Johannas smiled faintly, as if he knew what Raz was doing, but it was Markell that spoke.

“Your Highness, it is indeed appropriate you have decided to receive us in a formal setting.” He smiled, and Raz struggled to stay still because his wolf practically went berserk.

“I understand that your omega meets the requirements for the trial challenges under Cadmeera’s rules of ascension, and I hereby stake my claim to the Cadmeera throne.”

Raz froze. Every single lesson his father taught him in diplomacy went straight out the window. He couldn’t have come up with an answer if his life depended on it.

Attiker stood as if to cover Raz’s silence. “As the challenge concerns me, Your Highness, perhaps you would allow me to reply?” But he didn’t wait for a response Raz couldn’t give. “You do me a great honor,” Attiker said confidently. “I accept the challenge.”

Chapter eighteen

WhatdidIjustdo?

Nothing Raz liked clearly because he grabbed Attiker by the wrist and marched him through the palace until they got to their rooms. He rounded on Attiker, and Attiker was expecting anger, but Raz just enfolded him in his arms and pulled him in tight.

“Why?”

Attiker unashamedly snuggled, putting his nose in the exact spot between Raz’s neck and shoulder, just before his collar started, and breathed him in. This had to be a wolf thing. Raz always smelled intoxicating. Really, he should bottle the stuff. He wouldn’t have to work another day in his life.

“You’re welcome,” he mumbled.

Raz pushed him back. “If you think, for one minute, I wanted—”

But Attiker had been expecting that, and he’d worked out at some point after he woke up in the healing chambers that the best way of silencing His Royal Bossiness was occupying his lips by doing something else. Raz groaned in surrender and fastened his lips against Attiker, so much so that Attiker forgot it was just a distraction.

When he remembered, he drew back panting, and Raz immediately chased after his lips. “I need a plan.”

It was enough to stop Raz, and for a moment, they just stood with their foreheads touching. “Yes, we kind of do.” He lifted his head up. “Do you have any idea what you just agreed to?”

Attiker shrugged. “What choice was there?”

Raz opened his mouth, and Attiker pressed his finger against his lips to silence what he knew in his gut. Raz was going to say he would give up the throne, and it humbled him.

“Cadmeera needs you.”

Raz looked shamed, which wasn’t what Attiker had meant at all. “But I need you more,” Raz whispered. “I don’t want you to belong to Cadmeera like I do. I just want you to belong to me.”

Attiker didn’t even bother protesting the outrageous way Raz thought he could own another person because he was so stunned that someone else would actually want to. What had he ever done to deserve the way Raz looked at him? When had he ever been the center point of someone’s world? Attiker didn’t understand any of it, but he wasn’t foolish enough to turn his back. Raz had stood for him, come to rescue him from Grape. Laid his kingdom out almost. Made him family.

It was Attiker’s turn to step up. He went to the corner and pulled the rope bell. He wasn’t surprised to see Pinkerton rush in. The man had probably been standing outside wringing his hands. Attiker smiled. “We need you, Thakeray…” He paused and looked at Raz.

Raz pursed his lips. “Carter.” He looked at Attiker. “He’ll know how the challenges are made.”

Attiker bit his bottom lip in concentration. “Can you get Her Highness here alone?” Because there was no way he wanted that idiot with her.

Pinkerton’s eyes flashed. “Yes, Highness.”

“And Laronne,” Raz said.

Attiker nodded his agreement. “I also need you to send a runner to the Two-Headed Salamander, or the tent they’re using while the building work is completed. Go to the bar and ask quietly for someone to point out Ashford Enberry. Tell him Attiker needs him.” Pinkerton gave a half-bow. “But you have to tell whoever goes not to do a song and dance. I don’t need twenty soldiers marching to the bar. This has to be done discreetly. And none of that His Highness nonsense. If he looks reluctant, say it’s time to pay his May Day dues. He’ll follow them then.”

“Ashford Enberry?” Raz asked when Pinkerton left.

“Good man. Steady. Clever. Used to be a sergeant in your cavalry. We’re not allowed to use anyone currently in your employ to help me, but Ash has had my back for years. He’ll have ideas. More importantly, he plays both sides of the fence.”

“He what?”

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