Page 6 of Warlord’s Prize

"And I think," he adds, his voice dropping to a rumble that seems designed to vibrate through my core, "you'll find my terms both generous and non-negotiable."

CHAPTER4

BARGAINING WITH THE BEAST

My mind racesas Kazuul looms over me, his massive presence blocking any escape. The negotiations I carefully planned have crumbled to dust. I'm an unclaimed omega before the territory's most powerful alpha, and my body betrays me with every passing second.

I force my voice steady. "My omega status doesn't change the needs of my community. Haven Valley still requires food supplies to survive the winter."

A rumbling laugh-growl emerges from Kazuul's chest, vibrating through the air between us. His golden eyes fix on mine, vertical pupils dilating with predatory interest.

"And what do you offer now, little omega?" One claw traces a pattern in the air near my face. "Now that we both know what you truly are?"

I square my shoulders and meet his gaze despite every instinct screaming to lower my eyes.

"I offer myself," I state plainly. "Temporarily. In exchange for food deliveries to Haven Valley through winter."

The words hang in the air. Five years fighting my biology, building a life where my secondary gender doesn't define me—now I offer that very thing as a bargaining chip.

Five hundred lives against my temporary captivity. The math is simple, even if the reality won't be.

Kazuul laughs, the sound echoing like thunder. The stone floor vibrates beneath my feet. I catch his scent—hot metal and something spicy that makes my nostrils flare.

"You misunderstand your position." His massive hand grips my chin with cruel strength. His claws dig into my skin, not enough to break it, but a clear threat. His touch burns like a brand. "Under Conquest law, you're already mine to claim. The only negotiation is whether your people benefit from your surrender."

My stomach drops. Of course. The Conquest law: all human omegas belong to Prime alphas by right of conquest. I've been outmaneuvered before I began.

My body responds to this realization instantly. Heat blazes through my core. My skin flushes. My breathing quickens. Worst of all, slick gathers between my thighs, warm and mortifying.

I squeeze my thighs together, but that only intensifies the emptiness growing in my core.

Kazuul inhales deeply, nostrils flaring. His golden eyes brighten with predatory triumph, pupils narrowing to slits.

"Your body understands what your mind resists." His voice drops to a rumble that vibrates through my bones. One finger traces my throat where scent glands have activated. "It knows what it was made for."

I clench my jaw against a shudder and fail. His touch awakens responses I've denied for years.

"My people," I manage, grasping for the reason I came. "What happens to Haven Valley?"

A calculating look crosses his features. For the first time, I glimpse the intelligence that's made him a successful warlord beyond mere strength.

"An interesting question." He releases my chin but stays close, his scent enveloping me. "Most in your position would be begging for personal mercy by now."

The implication sends a chill through me. How many omegas has he claimed? How many are still here in this fortress?

He circles me. I stand rigid as a post while he paces, each footfall silent despite his enormous size. His eyes rake over me like he's already undressing me, assessing what's soon to be his property.

"Stop that," I snap when his scrutiny becomes unbearable.

He bares his teeth in what might be a smile but resembles a snarl. "You don't give orders here, omega."

He completes his circle, coming to stand before me again.

"I offer terms," he announces. "Regular food deliveries through winter and spring. Protection from raiding parties. Medical supplies when needed."

My heart leaps at the unexpected generosity—more than I'd dared hope for.

"In exchange?" I ask, already knowing the answer.

---