Page 118 of The Omega's Bloodline: Part One

While I was sorting through the suitcase I’d packed, Yelena smoothed a hand over my head. “Would you like to borrow something? We also have a selection of clothing on hand for anyone that needs it. You’re not as tall as I am, but I have some shorter dresses that might work well.”

“Sure, that would be fine. I packed for comfort, which doesn’t always translate well to formal breakfasts.”

“We’ll get you outfitted appropriately.” I followed Yelena to her expansive closet, standing while she hemmed and hawed over what to choose. She settled on an emerald-green dress thatcame to my knees and showed off a lot more cleavage than what I typically wore.

“You think this is the best choice? It’s not too revealing?”

“Itisrevealing, but I’m hoping it’ll keep Kendrick quiet. He’s easily distracted, but if you’d prefer to stay covered, that’s also fine.”

Was I bold enough for that? Did I want to be ogled to keep the peace?

“Here.” Yelena passed me a slinky satin coat-like garment. “You can do it up if you get uncomfortable.”

“Thank you.” I slipped the smooth fabric over my shoulders.

Caden and Seth were put in dark jeans from our suitcases and borrowed blue button-ups, both looking dapper, if not how they usually looked.

Yelena was in a black maxi dress with a wrap top and plunging neckline, and a gold chain that hung between her breasts.

“I see the same applies to you.” Yelena laughed as I whipped my gaze away from her chest. “Don’t be embarrassed, precious. If I didn’t want people to look, I wouldn’t put them out there. Every time Kendrick gets on my nerves, I play with the jewelry, the glint catches the light, draws his attention, and he usually shuts up. It’s a very effective method.”

Haru returned with the nurse we had met the first day. She pushed a wheelchair ahead of her and gave Seth a quick rundown on how it worked. It wasn’t especially complicated, just the most basic standard issue, and once Seth had gotten settled in it, Sarah took her leave of us.

“Come on now. Let’s get you introduced and have some breakfast,” Yelena said.

The five of us headed into the communal hallway that connected all the Protector suites, moving down to the next door. After a quick series of knocks, the door opened, a toweringman with dark brown skin, a bald head, and a royal blue button-up answered, ushering us inside.

“Logan, Caden, Seth, this is Murdoch, Calliope’s mate. Murdoch, these are my new acquisitions.”

A smile broke over his face and I accepted his offered hand to shake. “Welcome. Calliope has been itching to meet everyone.”

“Are the others here yet?” Yelena asked.

“Not yet. Have a seat. Pastries and drinks are here and the hot food will be sent up in about fifteen minutes.”

Caden pushed Seth along behind me, each of them shaking Murdoch’s hand in turn. Further into the suite, we found the Protector in question: a very pretty woman with warm tawny skin, and a head full of spiral curls resting comfortably in a black leather recliner. The soft pink day dress she wore was a perfect complement to her complexion and showed off her prominent baby bump.

“You’re here! Come, come.” Calliope waved us over, and we all went, Yelena introducing each of us to a beaming Calliope. “Lovely to meet you, little witch. Every person that’s come into my suite has had something to say about the three of you. Yelena’s updated us on the necessity for the lockdown, and while I’m not pleased about that portion, I do appreciate you helping to boost the wards to keep us safe from whatever you brought here.”

I wasn’t entirely sure what to say to that. It was our fault that the nest was under lockdown, but at least she didn’t seem too upset by that.

“Tell me everything before the others get here. I want to be first to have the gossip.” The large dining table set out in Calliope’s suite was laden with carafes of coffee and hot water, pitchers of juice, and full place settings for everyone in a ring surrounding the trays of pastry. “Murdoch, honey.”

The man appeared at Calliope’s side in an instant, scooping her up and carting her to the head of the table where he poured her a glass of orange juice.

“Logan, come sit by me.”

“Only until the others arrive,” Yelena added. “Otherwise I want the three of them flanked between Haru and me.”

“Yes, yes.” Calliope patted the chair next to her.

“Go ahead, precious.”

I sat down and answered her questions, filling in details in the story so that she had a clear picture of what brought us here. I would probably have to explain it all over again to the others, but Calliope was certainly happy to hear right now.

The first knock had me stiffening in my seat.

Yelena set a hand on my shoulder. “I don’t want you greeting them with your back turned.”

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