Page 23 of Fever

“You may call me Raven. I think I’ve already said that. And you will stay.”

I side-eye him, and it seems as if the eye of the serpent on his temple watches me. It’s creepy. “Anna mentioned a list you’re very strict about, and I’d like to get working on that list.”

“If your things to do have nothing to do with your nesting or your heat, at this time, I’m not interested.”

“If I am in heat, I’m not able to work, sir.”

“Raven,” he corrects me again. “Your heat and nesting are at the top of my list. Number one item, the only item I’ve identified as important. Such an item is called a priority. You understand there can only be one priority on that particular list. Yes?”

Oh, the attitude of this one.Grrr.“Yes, Alpha.” I stand to leave.

“Sit, Leah.”

He points at the bench.

“Say the magic word.”

He smiles. “Pussy.”

I chuckle but stay standing.

The prince purrs. It’s a soothing one meant for my nerves, maybe his way of apology. He’s my boss, and I’ll give him a chance. Maybe he’s having another bad day. Maybe he worries about Sotay. About Anna. About a great many things. I worry about my mom, and I’ve also been edgier than usual. I sit back down. Terror Hordesman joins us and sits on my other side. He’s not wearing a cape today. In fact, he’s covered in bulky armor. He smiles and lifts his nose. “You smell good, Omega.”

“Thank you.”

“Your name?”

I frown. He knows my name. We first met at Tabby’s, his Omega’s house, and have spoken numerous times since.

“It’s Leah Jenkins,” the prince answers for me.

“Exciting.”

Terror scoots over and throws a hand over my shoulder. My spine stiffens instantly, and I try shrugging him off but can’t.

“Don’t overreact to my gesture. Is Sotay watching?” He points in the direction of the gate. Sure enough, Sotay’s teeth are bared. He steps forward but bumps into a gate barrier and lifts his armor.

“Good thinking, Seer,” the prince says, then shouts, “Sotay! You better get out of there soon, or Seer’s gonna steal her.”

This is Terror’s twin. I remember that Tabby mentioned he has a twin, and the manner in which she found out by sitting in the wrong twin’s lap.

Sotay tries running through the barrier. He bounces off. He tries again, then fidgets with the crystal in his hand.

The prince purrs. “Nothing motivates a male like the threat of another taking his Omega, especially one that hasn’t been claimed yet. I’d kill you for this, Seer.”

“I’m sure he’ll try,” Seer says.

I shrug off the male’s hand and stand. “I’m not a prop for your jokes.”

“Nobody is joking, Omega,” the prince says as he stands with me. “I need that gate functioning. There is nothing I won’t do to make it happen.”

I open my mouth to argue with the arrogant ass when the gate pulses. It’s an audible thud, presumably of energy, and a Telean comes running up to Sotay. It’s General Dreikx, whom I met, briefly, at Tabby’s. He’s shouting something in Rahkan, one hand waving in front of Sotay, but Sotay’s eyes are focused on me. The Telean follows his gaze, widens his eyes, and marches over to stand chest to chest with the prince.

“Why are you provoking him?” Dreikx asks.

“Is it working?” the prince asks.

“Yes, but at a risk to his life.”

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