Page 42 of Shadowlands Omega

“As the wind.”

And he’s off. I watch his back disappear around the next corner and my mind flickers dangerously with images of him looming over her, their skin tones so closely matched, their limbs intertwining sinuously and seamlessly as they bring pleasure to one another inmybed. My Omega.Mine.

The slow rage that filters through my limbs is something I’ve never experienced before and I find that I…that I…

My god.

I like it.

The rage brings clarity. It sharpens my mind and my muscles. My beast feels calmer basking in that rage. I inhale and the breezy corridor smells more fragrant than it did. I can scent her on the wind. I can scent her on my own skin. Okayo will scent of her when he leaves my chambers and I will have a hard time not removing the skin from his body just so I can covet it. Thoughts of murder make my lips twitch.

“My Lord?”

I turn and see Radmilla standing there wearing a perturbed and peculiar expression. “Yes, Radmilla?”

“You’re smiling.” She frowns. “It’s terrifying.”

I chuckle.

Her eyes round in alarm.

I laugh a little harder. “All is well, Radmilla.”

“Are you sure? You seem…”

I wait for her to finish, a slow rumbling coming from deep within me. She doesn’t. Her pale lips slacken. She shakes her head and takes a tentative step forward. “I just wanted to apologize profusely. By the time I realized she was gone, it was too late. The guards at the gates saw her leave, but they had not received orders from you or me to confine her to the castle, so they allowed it. I have rectified their misconception. It will never happen again.” She pauses before wringing her hands and continuing, “I heard the Omega was injured. For my failing to protect her, I would accept punishment, my Lord. If you wish…”

I inhale again, Kiandah’s scent so clear. Crisp, crystal, perfection. Its draw is just as clear. I understand everything. What I need to do. The laws that need to be set. The festival that needs to happen. The Fates that need to be killed. The undead that need to be rooted out. TheTrashthat needs disposal first, before the rest. These are too many risks — not to my people, toher.

I speak on the exhale, voice calm, words hopefully reassuring. “You are not at fault for this. The fault is mine and, above that, those that aggressed the Omega when she was in the village. I am, however, displeased that the Omega’s family has been receiving spoiled stock. How have they been preparing food for the keep uninterrupted?”

Radmilla’s cheeks glow pink. “I stopped several spoiled tuns of grain and meat at the gates. Other stock made it in…through staff that condemn the Ubutu family in the same way the villagers condemned the Omega today. The Ubutu family hasn’t complained about the spoiled goods they’ve received. Instead, they’ve made do with what they’ve been able to source in our stores — goods that have been canned and kept as reserves. I also believe they’ve been denying themselves meals in order to ensure there’s enough for everyone else. I know that you have punished them for what they’ve done, but they also punish themselves.”

I do not like her answer and my lips twist because of it.

“I will personally inspect every food store that comes to the castle from now on, my Lord, and I will ensure…”

I lift a hand. “No. You have too much on your plate to manage such tedium. I will handle this another way.”

She nods. “What can I do, my Lord?”

“The body of the Crimson Rider, the one who attempted to rape Kiandah on the road. When he’s dead, I want him dragged by hand to the village. I want him left next to the fountain undisturbed. I want it disseminated why he died and how. I will also take Kiandah and her family to the Orias market as soon as she’s well enough. Together, we will speak to the suppliers and ensure that it is clear that the Ubutu family is not to receive spoiled goods. Her family will not miss another meal.”

“Yes, my Lord.”

“Walk with me.” I turn around and head for the south wing of the castle, Radmilla rushing to keep up. “How go preparations for the festival?”

“I… They have been…progressing…since we last spoke.”

“I’d like it ready immediately.”

“Immediately.”

“Immediately. Right away. Shall I provide additional definitions for you?” I lift a brow and her incredulous look turns flat at my sarcasm.

“Don’t you get testy with me. I was running this keep when you were still in diapers, young master.” She pushes her heavy braid over her shoulder and chuffs between her teeth.

“As soon as possible, Radmilla. I do not wish to miss the next blood moon.”

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