Page 36 of Omega Sanctuary

"You do have an omega priestess," Wells said suddenly. He had apparently sized Hashir up and realized there was no chance in hell.

"That I do." Hashir's grin went feral. "There is no treasure like her in the entire world."

The threat was there. I followed Valens into the carriage house. I hoped for time to make quick plans, but no luck. The soldiers were there, getting their own horses situated. By the time they were done, so was Valens. He grabbed our bags, and we all went inside through a side entrance. Valens never paused, so he was either a very fast study or he had been here before.

The living room was a large open area, comfortable and stylish without being too much. Nova was already sitting on a couch with her feet tucked under her legs, leaning against Hashir. She was still too pale, and her hands shook slightly when she held her tea cup.

Nova smiled at me. "You need to rest too, after such a journey."

"As soon as I get lunch settled," I smiled. "I'm excited to be cooking in a real kitchen again."

"Of course you are, darling," Valens said. "I can help you prep."

I grinned. "I'll never turn down help from a big, strapping man."

Hashir rolled his eyes. "You would think the two of you are still newlyweds."

I waved my hand at him. Hashir was so charming and relaxed it was easy to pretend we were all family. "Devotion isn't just for alpha bonds, you know."

"Of course, of course." Hashir winked at Branson. "Must'in upset the cook, or she'll burn your share."

Branson chuckled. "Indeed. She was a good little cook on the road."

Valens looked murderous for a moment, so I grabbed his arm and dragged him into the kitchen.

The kitchen had a door that could shut, an odd feeling after being in the open for so long.

I let out a deep breath. The prickly energy racing over me subsided now that I wasn't stuffed in a room with the soldiers.

Valens frowned, looking me over. "Are you alright?"

"I am. They're just so..."

He nodded. I didn't bother trying to finish my thought.

"Nova is..."

"Nova is okay," Valens said.

"I assume you know Hashir..."

For once Valens looked amused. "I'm talented, but not so talented to conjure a stranger who knows what I'm planning out of thin air."

"The raven?"

"Yes." Valens scanned the kitchen. "Let's hope he actually has food stocked."

I laughed. It wasn't that funny, but Valens sounded so abject about the hope that Hashir had food in his kitchen. Some of the stress of the day released, and I found basics. Flour, butter, sugar, salt. Some fish. Enough to make a meal.

Valens left a few times to check and see if anyone wanted cookies or coffee, but probably also to make sure everyone was playing nicely.

I was almost finished with lunch, when Valens leaned into me. "Zara, if they overstay their welcome after lunch, you pretend to have a migraine and lay down."

I frowned. "They don't even know I'm..."

Valens's face was solemn. "I want you around their energy as little as possible. They are alphas."

The door opened, Branson poking his head in. "Sorry to bother you."

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