Page 30 of The Omega's Bloodlinem: Part Two

The day caught up to me instantly now that I was safe. Exhaustion tugged at me and I drifted off to the sound of contented purring, the scent of jasmine in my nose.

“That was very stupid,” Shakti snapped, but after a breath, her expression softened. “And very brave.”

I stared at her, not sure how to respond. “Thank you?”

“Getting between shifters fighting is dangerous. You’re too delicate to be doing that.”

I bristled. “I’m notthatdelicate.”

Shakti leveled a deadpan expression at me. “And yet look how easily someone got their claws into you.”

“It’s a risk I was willing to take. More people could’ve gotten hurt if we hadn’t calmed her down. How is Courtney doing?”

“Better. For now, anyway. It was a good reminder for everyone how tenuous the balance of things is here, how easily it can be upset.”

“How many times do you want me to apologize for coming here?”

Shakti surveyed me carefully. “I don’t know yet. The number could very well be infinite depending on the outcomes.”

“I’ll apologize for putting everyone in danger, but I willnotapologize for doing what I had to to protect my mate.”

Precious.

I jolted at Yelena’s voice in my head.Yes?

When you’re finished with Shakti, we should recharge the wards. I suspect that will have to be a daily occurrence, if not more often.

I’ll set up camp down there if I have to.

A brief silence followed, the bond with Yelena shivering in anticipation.That might actually be a brilliant idea. There would be enough space for your nest, and if your heat is coming, you would be close enough to supercharge everything

Shakti glared at me. “Whoever you’re talking to, tell them this is my time with you.”

Shakti doesn’t like the interruption.

I could practically feel Yelena’s eye roll through the bond.I’ll leave you be for now. Let me know as soon as you’re done.

Will do.I turned to Shakti. “Sorry, that was Yelena.”

“She’s very good at monopolizing you.”

“Wearemated. I’m pretty sure she’s allowed.”

Ignoring the statement completely, Shakti moved on to a new topic. “You worked in finance before coming here?”

“I did.”

“Good. I would hate to leave the nest with someone incompetent when I go.”

“Go? You’re leaving?”

“Assuming we all survive, yes. I’ve been intending to for some time, though this has hit pause on everything. The nest will have to reevaluate its finances once I withdraw.”

“Why?”

“Kendrick and I have the most generational wealth of all the Protectors. I won’t be continuing to support this nest when I join another one.”

I looked her over carefully. She was immaculate in an orange sari, her hair braided and glossy, and makeup flawless. It would be obvious to anyone how much she liked control just from how tidy every inch of her was—from the sharpness of her eyeliner to every sari pleat perfectly arranged—and how difficult this whole situation probably was for her.

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