Page 61 of Storms of His Wrath

“I’d like that too,” Oppo said softly. “I’ve missed how we used to be.”

“I will say, Oppo, I have enjoyed having you back since Naya arrived. You felt passionate about how she was treated, and I know why now.”

Oppo nodded, shooting him a wry look. “Your jealousy is insane, Akoro.”

He instinctively scowled, and Oppo chuckled.

For the first time in days, genuine warmth passed between them. Oppo carefully unfolded the drawing again, smoothing it against his knee. The stick figures looked back at them—Naya with her wild copper hair, little Nnimi with her carefully drawn braids.

“She’s clearly beautiful,” Akoro said, studying the child’s artwork. “And strong, like her mother.”

“Naya says she’s stubborn too. Tries to escape when it’s time to braid her hair.” Oppo’s voice carried a mixture of pride and longing that made Akoro’s chest tighten.

As they sat together for the morning, Akoro couldn’t help but notice the bitter irony of their situations. Here was his brother, separated from his true mate by duty and circumstances, yearning for even a glimpse of the woman he loved and the child he’d never known. While Akoro had his mate in his bed everynight, yet lived with the constant knowledge that she wanted to leave him in days.

Oppo had everything that mattered—a connection that couldn’t be broken, a child that bonded him to Oshrun forever—but couldn’t touch any of it. Akoro had all the physical intimacy he craved, but nothing that would be allowed to last.

“I’ll speak to Naya tonight,” Akoro said finally. “We’ll find a way to arrange this meeting.”

Oppo’s smile was the first genuine one Akoro had seen from him in years. “Thank you, brother. But no. I agreed to respect the Omegas’ rules five years ago and I must continue to do so. At least now, there is a day in sight when we can be together. I’ll respectfully wait until then.”

The word carried more weight than anything Akoro had heard in a long time. Akoro found himself remembering what it meant to put family before crown, respect before selfish wants. It was a lesson he needed to learn, one that applied to his own impossible situation with his mate.

When the time came to choose between holding on and letting go, would he have his brother’s courage, or would his desire to possess prove stronger than honoring what she truly deserved?

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

That evening, after they’d lost themselves in each other with the desperate intensity that marked all their sex, Naya lay sprawled across his chest, her breathing smooth and low. The lamplight painted her skin in shades of amber, and Akoro found himself stroking her skin, savoring the boneless satisfaction in her limbs.

“The training went well today?”

“Better than well.” She lifted her head, her brown eyes gleaming. “They’ve decided to create a staff specifically for me—one designed to work with my abilities rather than Omega methods of this land.”

He couldn’t suppress the satisfied curve of his lips. “That’s a significant honor.”

“It is. And the tensions in the community have finally begun to ease somewhat. Everyone’s united behind the same goal now.” Her smile was soft, genuine. “I can feel this quiet hope spreading—like people are starting to believe we can truly make this work.”

The way she said ‘we’ sent possessive contentment coursing through him. She claimed ownership of this solution in a way that satisfied the primitive and territorial heat in his chest.

They were quiet for a few long moments, enjoying the feel of each other.

“Did you see Nnimi today?” he asked.

“Yes.” Naya’s grin was wide, her eyes full of amusement. “She’s so bright, so curious about everything. Shy and demanding at the same time.” Something shifted in Naya’s face, her eyes growing distant as her smile turned gentle. “Watching her with the other children reminded me of when I was growing up with my siblings. We were not born that far apart, so when we were young, it was loud and unruly with lots of tears, but so much fun!”

Curiosity stirred in him about what she was like as a child. “Tell me about them.”

“Well, you know about Lili. There are three others. Idaya, Azarn, and Drocan.”

“I saw him when I came to get you,” Akoro said, recalling the very angry-looking young Alpha. “He looks like your father.”

“He is him, through and through!” Naya exclaimed. “Drocan is only a year younger than me. He’s a warrior at heart and always looking for the next battle.” A fond smile crossed her lips. “Papa says he’s too much like him at that age. He was so angry when I disappeared. Mama said he wanted to lead a rescue mission himself.”

“Sounds like a brother and an Alpha.”

“Very much so. He’s been training with our army commander since he was nineteen, but Papa still won’t make him a marshal. Says he needs more battle experience.”

“And what about this Lonn?” Akoro tried to keep his possessiveness in check, but it was impossible. His grip tightened on Naya, and a growl he didn’t even realize was forming, released from his throat.

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