Page 138 of Unhinged Omega

The Knight makes another sound, this one questioning. When I glance back, he's studying the tunnel with obvious wariness.

"It's okay," I tell him, though I'm not entirely sure it is. "Just... try not to kill anyone unless they attack first. And maybe not even then, depending on who it is. We don't want to draw attention."

I swear I see confusion in those glowing eyes. Like the concept ofnotimmediately murdering potential threats is foreign to him.

Which, given what little I know about his origins, it probably is.

"Look," I sigh, pinching the bridge of my nose. "I know this isn't ideal. But we need supplies, and this is the only place formiles that might have what we need. Just... follow my lead, okay?"

To my surprise, he nods. The gesture is still jerky, unpracticed, but it's there.

I take a deep breath, squaring my shoulders. "Right. Let's do this."

The metal stairs leading down into the darkness look sturdy enough, though they creak ominously under the Knight's weight as he follows me. Each step echoes off the concrete walls, announcing our presence to anyone listening.

So much for stealth.

But as we descend deeper into the underground market, I can't shake the feeling that we're being watched. The hairs on the back of my neck stand up, and beside me, the Knight lets out a low, continuous growl.

I lead the way into the crowded tunnels, grateful for the Knight's looming presence behind me. Most people give us a wide berth, their eyes widening at his massive frame before quickly looking away. The stolen raider clothes and lingering cologne mask my omega scent well enough, but I still feel exposed.

A merchant catches my eye. Well-dressed, pockets bulging with what's probably a decent stack of currency. I flash him my most seductive smile, swaying my hips as I approach. "Looking for company?" I purr, channeling every ounce of omega allure I can muster through the cologne.

His eyes rake over me hungrily.

Perfect.

The merchant's eyes darken with interest as I sway closer, making sure to accentuate my curves. His gaze lingers on my chest, then drops lower, exactly as I'd hoped. Men are so predictable.

"How much?" he asks, his voice husky.

I resist the urge to roll my eyes. Instead, I trail my fingers down his arm, leaning in close. "Why don't we discuss that somewhere more... private?"

He nods eagerly, already reaching for his coin purse as he follows me into an alley. Just a few more seconds and I can?—

His hand shoots out, grabbing my wrist in a bruising grip. "Actually," he growls, yanking me against him, "I think right here is fine."

Shit.

This isn't going according to plan.

I try to twist away, but he's stronger than he looks. His other hand grabs my hip, fingers digging in painfully as he shoves me against the wall. The impact knocks the breath from my lungs.

"Let go," I snarl, abandoning the seductive act. My nails rake across his face, drawing blood.

He just laughs, pressing closer. His alcohol-soured breath washes over me as he leans in. "Feisty. I like that."

Before I can knee him in the balls and turn him into a permanent soprano, something dark and massive moves in the shadows behind him.

The merchant freezes as an inhuman growl fills the narrow tunnel. His eyes go wide with terror as he slowly turns his head.

The Knight emerges from the darkness like a demon straight from hell, his blue eyes blazing with murderous fury. Before the merchant can even scream, the Knight's massive hand closes around his throat. The Knight lifts him off his feet like he weighs nothing, slamming him against the wall hard enough to crack the concrete.

"Holy shit," I breathe, watching as the merchant's face turns purple. His feet kick uselessly at the air as he claws at the hand crushing his windpipe.

The Knight's growl deepens, becoming something primal and terrifying. His other hand—the metal one—comes up, razor-sharp claws poised to tear the merchant's face off.

"Wait!" I grab his arm, and those burning blue eyes snap to me. "No killing, remember?"

---