Page 37 of Omega Sanctuary

Valens caressed my face, and I leaned into his touch. For a moment we looked at each other, and the tender energy inside me flared.

"Didn't mean to interrupt," Branson said, interrupting. I glanced over at him. "Yes? More coffee?"

"Please."

"Lunch is nearly ready," I said. "If you want to tell the others to go to the dining room."

Branson left.

"Damn, I hope there's a dining room."

Valens smiled. "There is."

We sat down to lunch and managed to get halfway through the meal on pleasantries and compliments on the food.

I noticed the difference in energy not plastered to Valens's side. The soldiers took turns glancing at Nova. She looked better, and kept brushing her hand against Hashir's arm.

"How did you two meet?" Wells asked, looking between the two of them.

"I went to Temple," Hashir said. "She was still training, and I said to myself I wouldn't be bonded, but I wouldn't mind spending some time with her."

Nova rolled her eyes. "He loves to spin it like that. But really, he followed me around wherever I went."

"He did," Valens said quietly. It only lent weight to the story.

Hashir sighed. "You couldn't have told my side for once?"

Valens ignored him. "It was funny, to see him so lovelorn. He brought her gifts until he started bringing random things he found at the marketplace."

"I thought she would have to like something I brought," Hashir muttered.

I could almost see this alternate history playing out.

"I did," Nova smiled at him. "I was glad you kept coming back. I was afraid if I was too happy with a gift you wouldn't return."

"Of course you did," Wells said. He shot Hashir a look. "She is a rare jewel."

I hoped no one called me that after I started scenting like an omega. It would be too hard not to laugh in their faces.

"Are you going to the Temple here?" Branson asked.

"After I rest, of course."

"Of course."

"You'll be able to stay with her?" Wells asked, his tone hot. "She's not well, and you left her."

Hashir held up his hands. Nova started to speak, but he put his hand on the top of hers gently. "I've got this. I have no more business. It's a known issue, and we're getting it resolved." Hashir returned Wells's look with his own.

It was like hot water being thrown at the other man. Wells tried to maintain his glare, but Hashir was a force of nature. I sucked in a breath, my skin shivering.

Fireflies flashed in my vision. I blinked a few times to clear my mind.

"Are you alright?" Valens stroked his hand down my arm.

I looked at him, and I knew I was supposed to do something. I couldn't remember. The soldiers were here. They were angry and suspicious, like being in a room filled with stinging angry bees.

Nova frowned. "Sister, you should let your husband make up your room. The journey has taken its toll on you as well."

---