Page 40 of Omega Sanctuary

Hashir cocked his head. "Something wrong?"

Valens brought me a cup of tea and gestured at the chair. "Sit."

"I was going to make—"

Valens gestured at the chair. I obeyed with a grin. "After breakfast, I guess."

Hashir looked between us with a speculative look.

"You and Valens know each other?"

"Never met the bloke before in my life," Hashir said with a straight face.

Valens rolled his eyes. "Many years now."

"What sort of code can you fit on a tiny piece of paper that says "I'm coming to the city, pretend to be this omega's alpha."

"Valens is terse, you know." Amusement rolled off Hashir in waves. It would have been harder to handle, but Valens was nearby and they had a bond.

It didn't feel the same as Zabir and Sabine, but the sort that came from knowing someone a long time.

"Am I allowed to know why you're transporting an omega out of season?" Hashir looked at Valens and then Nova. "Or is it a secret?"

Nova grimaced, and looked at Valens like she needed permission.

"Nova needs to go to the Sanctuary," Valens said finally. "Soldiers came across us on the road."

"And what utter bastards they were." Hashir shook his head. "I'm going to do some digging today. Something isn't right."

"I'll go speak to the Temple Omega today." Nova put her teacup down. She looked like a fine lady, despite the dark circles under her eyes. "I want to make sure she knows I'm here in case Major Branson stops by."

"We'll stay for a few days." Valens brought me a plate. "If we leave right now, they'll follow us."

"I can go to the market," I said. An afternoon spent smelling spices would be just the thing I needed to recharge.

Nova and Valens both looked at me.

I sighed. "Or I'll stay here. And nag someone to bring me the stuff I need."

Hashir shot me a curious look but didn't ask. Maybe that was why he was friends with Valens.

"I want to go to the market anyway." Nova looked at Hashir. "Are you okay to go with me?"

"Of course." He brushed his hand over her arm. "I would love to parade a pretty omega around the marketplace."

"You'll be okay?" Valens looked at Hashir, holding a piece of bread.

"We'll be perfectly fine." Hashir smiled at Nova. "We made short work of them last night."

"We did." Nova grinned.

Valens grunted. "I'm going to get some work done on the cart before you two leave."

Before he was stuck babysitting me. Hashir went with Valens to the carriage house after breakfast, and Nova followed me upstairs. I wanted to get my clothes aired out before spending the day in the kitchen.

"You're okay?" I asked as soon as Nova closed the door. "I didn't want to leave you alone last night."

"I was fine." She looked at me, concern etched into her face. "They were throwing their alpha energy around like it was some sort of contest."

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