Page 113 of Omega Sanctuary

After almost an hour of loitering around the sidelines, refilling my punch myself, and eating all the little treats I wanted, I caught sight of Rayth.

He was breathtaking. Black pants tucked into knee high leather boots, vivid blue jacket that cinched tight at his waist. His unruly black hair brushed the sides of his collar, and his face furious.

If he thought he was getting out of our bet, he was sorely mistaken.

Nova cocked her head. "Isn't that..."

"Yes," I said with a frown.

He reached us. "What in the name of the twelve kingdoms is happening?"

"I've been here for an hour." I crossed my arms over my chest.

His gaze flicked down to my chest before looking up again, and a flare of heat rose at his attention.

"I know, I've been watching." He looked around the room with a growl. "Not a single one of these idiots has asked you to dance."

Nova raised her hand over her mouth, as if she could hide her smirk. "Good evening to you too, Rayth."

Rayth gave her a quick nod. "Evening, Nova. You have the appropriate amount of suitors, but I do not understand why Zara here is not beating them off with a stick."

"Her scent hasn't come in yet," Nova replied, trying—and failing—to look amused.

I smirked. He was angry because he was losing. "You wouldn't believe me. Poor little omega not getting the attention she thinks she deserves."

Rayth's nostrils flared, and he glared around the room again as if he could send waves of annoyance out to the men who shared his designation.

Maybe he could. The men started giving us more space, and a handful gave Rayth dirty looks before looking at Nova.

"This is ridiculous. Your energy is subtle, yes, but it's there." Rayth raked his hand through his hair. "You're stunning. It's everything I can do not to drag you away to some semi-secluded location."

My breath caught in my throat. "Oh, there's been plenty of offers for sexual favors, just after all the omegas are taken." I couldn't keep the spite out of my voice at that.

Rayth growled. "They're all idiots."

Mirth bubbled up inside me at his obvious annoyance. I was right and he was wrong. Something that simple made me so happy.

"Okay, okay," I said, shoving his shoulder. "Go away. You'll say it doesn't count if I don't go the rest of the night, and I have a long list of bakery items."

Nova laughed. "What?"

"This muttonhead and I made a bet." I grinned, shoving Rayth away.

He kept grumbling. "I concede, pet. It's obvious you weren't exaggerating."

I shook my head. "Give it two more hours. I want to be sure it's fair."

Rayth huffed. "I'll be back for a dance in two hours then. Come find me if you want to dance sooner."

Nova watched him leave with a laugh. "A bet?"

“He's going to bring me baking supplies since no one has asked me to dance. He's an alpha, so they can't refuse him."

Nova raised an eyebrow. "You could have managed another way if you're that desperate."

"Yes, but now this is one less thing Deja is going to nag me about." It was hard not to be smug at the thought of all that flour, sugar, salt, and butter coming my way. "I'll make you some of your favorites."

Nova's eyes lit up. "You don't have to."

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