Page 28 of Redeeming His Omega Mate

“The patrol unit and healers are ready to move,” Grayson said quietly, the tension from what he’d walked in on still thick in the room.

“How many?” I asked.

“Twenty men, seven healers.”

I nodded. “Be careful out there, Grayson.” I paused, meeting his eyes. “And don’t forget your personal assignment.”

Grayson nodded, and for a second, I thought he was going to leave. But instead, he took a couple of steps toward me, his expression tense. “I have no right to say this,” he started, his lips pressing into a thin line when he noticed the way mine curled in displeasure. I knew exactly where this was going.

“And I don’t want to overstep,” he continued, his tone firm. “But more than my friend, Damian, you’re the Alpha. And I’m saying this not as your friend but as your subject. A lot is riding on this alliance. We’ve already slacked by sending fewer men than agreed. You can’t jeopardize everything by letting…whatever this is with Tala distract you. I get that you care about her. You’re allowed to. But right now, the pack’s survival depends on this alliance, and your promised marriage to Serena is the only thing holding it together.”

He paused, his gaze hard and unyielding. “If you let your feelings for Tala compromise this, it could mean the death of all of us.”

Silence clung to the room as he stepped back and lowered his head in deference. “May I be excused, Alpha?”

After dismissing Grayson, I made my way back to the pack quarters. His words clung to me, an incessant buzz I couldn’t shake no matter how hard I tried. He was right. I had a duty to the pack, one that should come before everything else, including whatever I felt for Tala. But it didn’t feel right. What felt right, what would feel right, was being with my mate.

When I stepped into the pack house living room, I found Aria kneeling by a shattered vase, wilted flowers scattered across the floor. Her brows were furrowed over reddened eyes that had lost their usual spark. Something foreign twisted inside of me. Her small hand hovered above the jagged shards, unsure whether to gather the broken pieces or let them be.

“Aria,” I called softly, moving toward her to pull her away from the shards.

She turned to me, strands of hair sticking to her damp cheeks.

“What’s wrong? Why are you kneeling by broken glass?” I asked. And where the hell were all the servants? They should’ve been here,keeping Aria away from anything dangerous. Almost immediately, one of the servants appeared with a broom and an apologetic look on her face.

I crouched in front of Aria, gently checking her arms, legs, and knees. “Are you hurt?” I asked. “Is that why you’re crying?”

She shook her head, her lips trembling. “I’m sorry I broke your vase,” she whispered, fresh tears slipping down her cheeks. “I was trying to water it, but I knocked it over by mistake, and it…” She sniffled. “It broke. Are you mad at me?”

“Oh, Aria,” I sighed, following my instinct as I pulled her into my arms and stroked her hair. “I’m not mad at you,” I assured her. “But next time, don’t go near broken glass, okay? You could get hurt.”

She nodded as I wiped her flushed cheeks, though guilt still clouded her small face. The urge to make her feel better tugged at me.

“How about we get out of here for a bit?” I asked, pulling back to look at her.

Her brow furrowed in surprise, and she bit her lip. “But…Mummy doesn’t like it when I go out without telling her.”

“It’s okay. I’ll let someone know.” Turning to the servant tidying up the broken shards, I said, “Please inform Tala that I’ve taken Aria out. Tell her she’s safe with me.”

The servant nodded, and I turned back to Aria with a reassuring smile. “See? All taken care of. You’re in safe hands, I promise.”

Her hesitation wavered, and a small smile tugged at her lips. “Okay.”

We reached Stonehart’s Crystal Spring after a leisurely walk through the winding paths of the town. Clear water shimmered under the soft sunlight. The gentle sound of flowing water filled the air, blending with the rustle of leaves from the surrounding trees. Rocks lined the edges of the spring, and wildflowers in different colors swayed in the light breeze.

Aria’s eyes lit up as she took in the vibrant scene before her. A wide grin spread across her face the moment she spotted the flowers, all traces of gloom vanishing. This place had that effect, its gentle embrace could wash away even the heaviest memories. Since Tala left town, it had become my refuge. After countless fruitless searches, Ifound myself returning here each day, seeking a fragment of its warmth.

Aria was practically bouncing with excitement, her small hand tugging eagerly at mine. “Can I pick some flowers?” she asked, her eyes gleaming with pure joy.

I chuckled. “Sure, but stay near the rocks, okay? Don’t wander too close to the water.”

“Got it!” she beamed, releasing my arm and dashing toward the bed of wildflowers. I watched as she cradled each bloom with delicate care.

Not taking my eyes off her, I strolled toward one of the nearby stalls and selected a simple flowerpot. After paying the vendor, I returned to find her still lost in her floral world.

“Hey, Aria,” I called gently, holding out the pot, “I got you something to keep your flowers safe.”

Her eyes widened with delight. “Really?”

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