Page 25 of The Omega's Unexpected Bounty
Caan screamed for him to stop while three, long blades sliced through his upper hand and stopped near Matros throat. If either man moved forward, a king would have a slit throat and for the first time in Augo history, open war between Volardi kingdoms.
If looks could kill, Matros’ hateful glare would have done it quickly.
“Matros,” I whispered quickly. “I’m giving you a diplomatic option. Stand down.”
Being an Omega made Caan’s life complicated, but now it kept us from fighting to the death. Honorable Volardi never take another’s mate. The only crime more monstrous was harming one.
He was passionate but not unwise. I was in front of him, while Ryba guards surrounded us both. Caan’s weapons, fighting ability, and the desire to protect his father could kill someone. Defeating Matros wasn’t the issue, but rather what would happen after. Thankfully he stood still while he bared his teeth at Nate.
In my peripheral vision, Peter approached. I suspected he was more than capable of defending himself. He strolled toward us with the confidence of royalty. There’s a swagger some men have while others have a quiet assurance. I knew what I saw even if his fingers shook.
Again, I whispered, but louder. “Matros, step away from my mate. Now!” I slightly leaned to Caan and whispered. “You too. Back…”
It was only another few seconds, but that’s all it took for the silver security orbs to approach with my father and brother. Caan’s father made the excellent decision to remain still.
Peter spoke loudly. “This is the man who attacked me back on Earth.” I suspected since it was an official function, he didn’t use that other word.
Matros breathed in quickly and purple specks stretched over his broad chest. “Graden, tell your mate to withdraw his claws.
“You are in our kingdom,” I whispered, “as a guest, yet you behave like this?”
“And,” said Matros, “you invite the person who attempted totakePeter decades ago. It’s bad enough your kingdom wishes to leave the empire, but this affront is unforgivable.”
“Who invited this man?” asked my father.
Nate’s eyes flickered back and forth. Whatever crimes he did, he was a survivor although foolish. Coming to a royal function wasn’t wise. I was unsure if he knew Peter was here, but he knew he was on the planet. My lips pressed together hard. To say I was unhappy was obvious. Despite the ‘insincerity’ of Caan and my courtship, every Soturi looks forward to his Announcement Day. This was supposed to be one drop of purity in a basin of deceit.
Peter was short as an Omega, but he stood with a Soturi’s presence next to his mate. Matros spoke slowly and softly. “I’ll take care of this for you.”
I wish I knew what was in Peter’s mind. I’m sure it was fascinating. The Earthlings weren’t like our Femeni. Their ‘water boiled hotter,’ and Caan proved it. Nobody would ever try to take me in that way, but I understood the fury in Peter’s eyes.
Matros opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted by Peter. “CombatRecessa,” he said. The surrounding crowd gasped. “I seek retribution.”
“Peter,” whispered Matros. “This is madness.”
“This man,” yelled Peter, “violated the most sacred Volardi tradition. He tried toforcehimself on me twenty years ago.”
Gooseflesh roses on my hair while the crowd murmured around us. Volardi have many rules, but Peter was right. That was a sacred tradition and mates belonged to each other. Even if Nate was Human, he tried to take a Volardi mate and was bound to its punishment.
I shook my head slightly to Caan so he wouldn’t aggravate the situation. To his credit, he retracted his claws and stepped to the side. The implant gave him the information, so I didn’t have to explain it to him. If someone gravely offended you, trial by combat was an option. Typically it was between Soturi and sometimes Dara – a practical way to satisfy disagreements. Most times it worked, and it was only after other options failed. The third sex never did it, although, there was nothing forbidden about it either.
The other two Omegas glared at each other. “P-Peter,” said Nate. “I didn’t know you’d be here.”
“Like you didn’t know I’d be outside that night? They told me they took care of you.” His eyes misted while he frowned. Around me, guests, family members, and the Ryba listened to my mate’s lineage.
“I’m sorry,” said Nate. “There ain’t a day that goes by I don’t regret what I did. I was hoping we could make peace.”
“That’sallyou have to say?” screamed Peter. “You tried to stick your dick in me for no other reason than to prove you could. Do you have any idea how many nightmares I had? I thought you were light years away and you’re here... on this planet,my home? I’m not afraid of you. Come on Nate. You used to push me around back on Earth. Can’t you do it again?”
Nate opened his mouth to say something, but nothing came out. After several seconds he spoke. “Is that what you want?”
“Peter,” whispered Matros. “We can find restitution another way...”
Peter didn’t look like the kind who would disrespect his Soturi. From his red flushed expression, I presumed he was so full of rage he couldn’t see another path.
He turned and looked up. “Remember what you said that night Matros?”
“I do,” he said flatly.
