Page 47 of Fever

I smile politely.

Footsteps follow behind him, and suddenly, we’re surrounded by Alphas. The scent of aggression and general maleness practically rub against my girly bits. Being an Omega ain’t easy. Their dynamic makes my body buzz. Blushing profusely because this gown reveals most of my legs, I try to sit up again.

“Stay,” an Alpha says. It’s not a bark of command but may as well be, because it makes me freeze in place, searching for the Alpha who spoke. Loven moves, and the king steps closer, eyes dark, chest heaving. Claw marks mar his chest, blood seeping through. He follows my gaze and swipes at the blood, then smears it on Sotay’s cheek. “Smell that, boy?”

Sotay rattles, a gurgling sound. I don’t know what to make of it, but the hairs on my arms stand on end.

The king continues, “They tried breaching the Stronghold again. Little did the assholes know I stayed behind, waiting. I knew they’d come.”

The former Horde Alpha smiles. “I love Earth. There’s always something to kill here.”

The king nods and speaks in Rahkan, then steps back to allow a Telean to squeeze between Loven and Sotay’s dad.

“Good evening, Leah,” General Dreikx says. “I’m happy to see you’re feeling better and mobile. How is your left arm?”

I try moving my fingers, but can’t feel anything. “I don’t know.”

“With time and exercise, the nerves will kick in again, and you will move the muscles. Not to worry. You have the finest physician on the planet.”

“Thank you.”

“Welcome. Now, Sotay, dearest, would be a good time for you to wake so we can get back to work.”

Sotay’s rattle reminds me of a curse word.

Dreikx stares at him. “I need the control.” He reaches for Sotay’s pocket, and on impulse, I throw my hand up. “Don’t take it from him.”

Dreikx stares at me like I’ve grown horns. I swallow, my mouth suddenly dry. “The control thing is so important to him. I can’t…I can’t let you have it until he gives it to you on his own.”

The king smiles. “That a girl.”

I exhale a breath. “What of Mike?” I ask Dreikx.

Dreikx sighs. “I don’t believe this is a good time for an interview. I can wait until you’re in full recovery to ask about him.”

“I don’t know anything. I was hoping you caught him.”

“I will. Right now, the gate takes precedence over a traitor. Rest assured that when I capture him, Mike will never hurt anyone again.”

“Why does it smell like pigeon crap in here?” Loven asks.

Kori hands him the feather. Loven walks to the long end of the bed. He removes Sotay’s boots and runs the feather along his foot. Sotay ceases breathing, then rattles off horrible sounds, and I can’t help but laugh. These Alphas are merciless.

More footsteps enter the room, and chairs scrape the floors as Alphas line them up against the wall. They sit, all eyes on us. Are they going to hold a vigil over us? Arkin, Raven, and Seer have arrived. There’re over twenty Alpha males in the room emitting their breathing sounds, and the king purrs for me shamelessly. It’s soothing and makes me want to sleep. But I’m also uncomfortable with my ass practically hanging out. I look around for Sam, but she’s not here. Swallowing, I whisper, though I know everyone hears me clearly. “Kori,” I say to Sotay’s dad. “Would you please get me a blanket?”

All sounds cease.

Except Sotay’s. He chuckles, mumbling something I can’t understand.

“Certainly,” Kori says, and nudges Dreikx. “Where are the blankets?”

Dreikx stands and walks behind me, then I feel gentle cotton draped over me. He pats my shoulder. “His name is Vemlox. Kori means Daddy, and it’s not a fatherly thing. You are welcome.” Dreikx leaves the room.

I widen my eyes.

Vemlox winks at me.

Epilogue

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