Page 52 of Terror

“I can explain.”

“Go on.”

“You never said you were a twin.”

“So?”

“So I presumed he was you.”

“No.”

“Mmmmm.” Moaning comes from the kitchen. “Omega pussy cookies. Glory of balls! Unbelievable. Arkin, hear me, brother, whoever made them needs to pack their things. They’re gonna ride with my lords.”

Arkin rolls his eyes and extends a hand, and I take it. We join Seer in the kitchen. But it’s not just Seer in there. The four Hordesmen are gathered around the tray, and they’re all releasing pheromones. My kitchen smells like a brothel and a bakery. And dear Lord, the four Hordesmen are in my house. What…what’s a girl to do about this? “Would you like some tea with the cookies?” I ask.

“No,” they say collectively.

A knock on the door. “I’ll get it!” I shout and get the hell out of there. I swing open the door and stare. Loven, the former Horde Alpha and Arkin’s dad, stands there smirking. My toes curl when he purrs. This is so embarrassing.

“Dad,” Arkin shouts, “quit flirting with my Omega and come in.”

I widen my eyes.

“You will give me fine grandkids,” he says.

I manage a smile.

He tilts his head, clearly expecting something.

“Yes, Alpha?”

“Mm-hm. Did you buy me chips?”

“In there.” I point at the kitchen and move away from the door, then push it closed after he enters. Something stops it from closing, and I push harder. I peer around the door and step back. There’s one more Alpha. Big one. Correction. The biggest. He wears a serpent pendant around his neck. I swing the door open for him and step back, unsure if I should curtsey. “Welcome, King Tayseer.”

“Thank you.” He comes in and kicks the door closed, then stands there. He locks his eyes with mine, and I can’t look away as heat crawls up my cheeks. He sniffs and starts purring just like Arkin.

Fan. I need one.

“What is it I smell, dear?” he asks.

“Omega pussy cookies,” I say.

“Excuse me?”

“You heard her,” Arkin says and comes to stand next to me, grabbing the back of my neck in a clear display of possession. The tension leaves my body.

“You’ve set up compounds,” the king says. “Many, many compounds.”

“Yes, Uncle.”

The king grabs Arkin by the back of his head and smacks his lips on Arkin’s forehead, then steps back. “My heart is full.” He proceeds to the kitchen, Arkin and I at his heels.

The king stares at the empty tray.

“The kids ate everything. That’s why Kingsley hides the candy in our room.” Loven leans against the fridge and munches on chips. He offers a bag to the king, who shakes his head and sits on my counter. “Where is the baker?”

“Took off after the sniper,” Arkin says. “Hasn’t returned.”

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