Page 9 of Thief

“Yes, Alpha.”

“And how many of those work for me?”

“Nearly all of them.”

“Mm-hm. So how many mouths depend on this shipment?”

“Two thousands and three.”

The sole source of income for this village is fishing. Males go out to fetch fish, then take them to Ohala market and pray they sell. Since the seas are unstable, the price of fish is their life. I’ve provided them with another way. They work for me, keep me informed and happy, and I put food on their tables. All of their tables.

“We need that shipment because people need to eat. Nolis, you and I will retrieve the shipment,” I say.

He gapes at me.

Elbow on the railing, I scrub my jab. “Is that ayes, Alpha?”

“Yes, Alpha.”

“My inder is cold,” I deadpan.

“What inder?” he asks.

“Exactly. The one nobody served me.” I scan the crowd and not a soul is on their way to the kitchen. What the hell is wrong with my people this morning?

“What of the girl?” a female asks.

I tilt my head and lock eyes with the Beta female who asked the question. Ah, Indle. “Which girl?” I ask.

“The one brought here. I don’t see her in the servants’ quarters.”

“I bought her for me.”

Indle winces. She hopes I’ll mate her, but it will never happen. I don’t fuck my Betas. Which reminds me— “Food. Bring her breakfast.”

“We are to serve a slave?” she asks.

“Yes.”

Indle storms off. I glance at Uliya, Nolis’s wife, and she nods in understanding. Indle needs to be watched. These are turbulent times, and the stress of having the Horde and my Omega mother in the house can bring the worst out of people. Only the most loyal Betas will survive this. I hope I don’t have to get rid of too many.

Indle returns and hands me inder, her eyes hopeful.

I stare down at the brew. “There’s only one,” I tell her.

“Right.” She side-eyes me.

“Two. From now on, I will have two inders. Thank you.”

Indle and my entire staff still stand there, and the females are gaping at me more than usual.

“Anything else?’ I ask.

“No, Alpha.” A collective answer, and they stay at the entry hall.

“Is there no work?”

“You’re naked,” comes from behind me.

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