Page 152 of Unhinged Omega

We reach an ornate wooden door that looks like it was salvaged from some pre-war mansion. Raven produces a brass key from below the doormat with a shake of his head, as if he can't believe it's there, and unlocks the door to reveal a surprisingly luxurious suite.

"Your sanctuary awaits," he says with an elaborate bow. "The bathroom is through there, and I'll have food sent up shortly. Is there anything specific you'd like?"

I eye the massive bed longingly, wondering just how desperate I am for a shower. The exhaustion I've been fighting suddenly hits me all at once. When was the last time I slept in an actual bed? The tower doesn't count. I was too terrified to really rest there.

Even if there is a traitorous—and apparently, clinically insane—part of me that misses the nest I made with Nikolai's scent all over it.

I've been out here too damn long. The radiation is starting to get to me.

"Anything that isn't irradiated or previously owned by raiders will do," I say dryly.

Raven's face lights up. "I know just the thing. Give me twenty minutes." He pauses in the doorway, his expression softening. "I know you have no reason to believe me yet, but I'm so glad I found you. And I promise, you're safe here." He pauses, glancing up at the Knight. "You and the… gentleman."

Before I can respond, he's gone in a swirl of golden hair and expensive cologne, leaving me alone in the opulent room.

Well, not exactly alone.

The Knight's gaze drifts down to me, and I feel my own bewilderment echoed in those intense blue eyes.

"Tell me about it," I mumble, gesturing for him to come into the room with me. "But it's a chance to rest and recover, and you have my permission to eat anyone who gets out of line. Care to make sure it's above board?"

The Knight moves to inspect every corner of the room, his growl a constant low rumble as he looks for any sign of… well, I'm not sure what he's looking for, but I guess he'll know when he finds it. I let him do his sweep before he gives me a stiff nod I'm pretty sure means it's safe to come in.

I make a beeline for the bathroom and my breath catches at the sight of the massive clawfoot tub. An actual bathtub. With actual hot water.

I haven't had a proper bath since...

Since before the Ghosts took me.

That frigid shower in Nikolai's tower doesnotcount.

I waste no time stripping out of my clothes, deciding I really don't give a shit if there are invisible cameras somewhere the Knight missed. Let them have a fucking show as long as the damn water heater doesn't give out.

I twist the taps and nearly cry when steaming water gushes out. There's an impressive array of bottles lined up on a shelf. Soaps, shampoos, oils, all clearly expensive. Raven wasn't lying about having the good stuff.

As I sink into the hot water, I can't help the moan that escapes me. The Knight's growl takes on a different note at the sound, and I remember exactly what he's capable of. What that long tongue can do.

But now isn't the time for that.

Is it?

"We're going to have to figure out a way to get you in here," I tell him. "You're covered in dirt."

He looks down at his new cloak in what appears to be confusion.

"Maybe one limb at a time," I muse, sinking into the water. I blow bubbles up to the top, my hair swirling around me. I'm going to have to empty this tub a few times before I feel remotely clean, but it's a start.

A luxurious one, at that. Even if I do have to deal with a few strange and overbearing alphas in the meantime.

Gods know I've dealt with worse.

Chapter

Thirty-Nine

KNIGHT

water

---