Page 58 of Alpha Hunger

“There is no need to keep watch, Ben. The Horde guards the house.”

“How many you got on us?” Dad pokes his head around the curtains.

“Enough.”

“Haven’t seen a single one of you buggers all day.”

“Of course not. If you see us, it means you die.”

Dad shakes his head. “What’s really happening? All this manpower you got on the streets is scaring the bejesus out of people.”

“Necessary, I assure you.”

“The Omegas will register. We learned the lesson from the war. The new generation will come around, I swear it. Pull your males back.”

“It’s not just Omegas, though they are my main concern.”

“What is it, then?”

“I don’t know yet. It’s too quiet.”

Dad nods. “This is bad business.”

“It certainly is. Anna should be inside the Stronghold. I should be inside the Stronghold, but I’ve chosen risk over safety.”

I frown. “Why?”

“Because.”

“Because?”

“The shed.”

Since Raven’s holding my hand, I drag him into the kitchen. I let go of him and open the bottom cupboard, pick up a box, and hand it to him. He takes it and nods.

“Um, what do you want to bring?” I ask. My heat will go on for two or three days, and I’ve got my box of supplies. Mom and Dad don’t go into the shed while I suffer alone, wishing for any dick to serve me.

“I won’t be eating or drinking for a while after I bond you.”

“Bond me?”

“Of course. We are a match, and I intend to show you just how well matched we are.”

“I will never unhear this either,” Dad says. “Get out of my house.”

Chapter 21

Anna

I unlock the shed and step inside, leaving the door open for Raven. We never installed electricity here, so it’s dark. The candle flames soothe me during heat, and I light the big one on the floor across from my nest. Three stacks of clean sheets and blankets at the foot of a thin mattress piled with fluffy pink pillows comprise my nesting space. I’ve spent many days curled up in here, cursing myself, wondering how I can cure the urges I get whenever I see Regha males, the very same Alphas who conquered us. And yet, they make my body buzz with need.

Accepting Betaren was a no-brainer.

Seeing as I haven’t thrown myself at the prince yet, Betaren works, though not as it should. My uncle promised more. He promised freedom from Hunger’s influence. I chuckle. Betaren has no effect on the heart.

Raven is still standing outside. I frown. “Aren’t you going to come in?” I ask.

“Take your clothes off. Lie down on your nest, spread your legs, and invite me inside.”

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