Page 34 of Omega Sanctuary

Valens came over with a bundle of firewood. "How are you doing?"

"Fine." I glanced at Kivai.

"A real delta?" Kivai looked delighted. "No wonder you're doing so well."

Branson looked over at Valens and me.

Valens shot a look at Branson, and put his arm around my waist. It was all I could do not to burrow into his shoulder. More than just lust, I craved his touch. Being close to him also helped with the swirling energy from the soldiers.

I would ask what a delta was later. Kivai stood up. "I'm not here long. I'll check in with you later."

"Bye, raven," I said.

"He'll come back," Nova said still looking amused. "We keep leaving him food."

"This is true," Kivai said. "I'm very motivated by food."

Before I could ask what he ate, Kivai was gone.

Lunch was a quick affair. I barely tasted my food. At least Kivai would be back.

Valens kept his eye on Nova, but he didn't move more than a foot away from me.

“Ready to go?" I asked. "We can be there before nightfall."

Nova stood up. "Thank you for the rest."

"You could ride with me." One of the soldiers, a wiry blond, smiled at her. "You know, take a break from that cart."

"No, thank you."

Branson snorted at the blond. "She's too good for you, Wells."

"She's spoken for." Valens gave both of them a look.

"Alright, alright, friendly offer." Wells held up his hands. "Just thought I would ask."

Closer to the merchant town of Ronahim, we saw more people on the road. I wanted to duck my head, feeling like we were under a huge spotlight.

Branson waved and nodded at a passing group of merchants, the idiot.

Valens tensed, and I put my hand on his shoulder. "We're almost there?"

He grunted assent. The road grew larger and instead of dirt, it became fine cobblestone.

"Where should we escort you?" Branson asked as we reached the city gates. My hands went clammy, and I tried to think of a way to shake them. They were a few minutes from finding out there was no bonded alpha.

Valens brushed his hand over mine. "We're meeting him in the marketplace. He's a merchant named Hashir."

"Excellent." Branson smiled. Disquiet crawled down my spine. I don't know what we were doing to make Branson suspicious, but he was.

We rode into the town, the noise of people out on a busy day almost too much. Everything was too loud, too bright, too many smells.

Valens headed straight for the center of the marketplace. Normally I loved marketplaces, with the rows and rows of stalls and colorful banners. I could wander for hours, touching the different cloth and blown glass, haggling over the cost of fresh fruit.

Not today. My head pounded, and I wanted to crawl inside my own skin.

Valens pulled the cart to a stop, and swung off the bench. His absence made everything worse, and I flinched at the sudden onslaught of emotions.

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