Page 95 of Petals and Strings
He soaked in my words, not reacting outside of a deep frown. “When we leave, we’ll be leaving together. Help me get stronger so you aren’t the only alpha that can stand between what’s out there and our omegas.”
“Omegas,” I said, raising a brow. “Honestly, I was curious how the rest of you felt about two omegas, but only one that’s ours in the direct sense.”
He pulled the band out of his hair, shaking it out as he thought it over. “I don’t have romantic interest in Ansel. He obviously doesn’t in us. But he’s still one of us. I’m protective over him, but in the sense of like… a little brother. I care for him and want him safe and protected, want to give him what he deserves, but I want nothing in return.”
“That’s how I view it,” I agreed. “He’s mine in the ‘pack’ sense of the word.”
“Exactly,” Caspian said, pushing his way into the shower stall next to mine.
Our heads were visible, the short walls and half-door the only real privacy we got in here. They didn’t trust us enough to be secluded away. Not to mention, the guards oversaw the feed from here and the gym, meaning they weren’t really here to stare at our bare asses, just keep us from fighting.
I adjusted the water and started washing my body. The barely-scented soap cleared away the sweat and warm water loosened my abused muscles.
“How are things with your sister?”
“She wants to come for a visit. I’m not sure if I should let her,” he admitted. “She doesn’t trust this place and I don’t want her to try and fight for me to get out early. Though, she did put into my file, as my legal guardian, that she is to be made aware of medication changes. That’s a fucking relief.”
“When I get out of here, I’ll find the men who ruined your life, Caspian. I’ll repay the favor.”
He glanced up, shocked at first. Then I saw the truth behind it. The flicker of vengeance that burned within this alpha. We were protectors and he’d been forced to endure a situation he couldn’t control.
“Thank you,” was all he said, not trying to talk me out of it.
“Going to do the same for the others. It helps to have something to look forward to,” I said, flashing a grin that was dripping with every ounce of malice that ran through me. I may keep my mask calm, but inside, I burned with the need for violence.
For ensuring that no one could touch what was mine. My alpha and I knew that this group was all mine.
Caspian and I finished our shower, changed, and walked to the conservatory where we knew Audrey had to be.
The music swelled in the air as we entered. I followed the siren’s song to the back wall to find her. She opened her eyes as if she sensed us, a smile playing across her pretty face as we stood side by side. Amusement flickered in her eyes and she glanced to the side.
Ansel and Kane were sitting on the pathway. Behind them was our new shadow. His stance was rigid but he was as captivated as we all had been the first time she played.
“Sing for us,” I mouthed to her. I knew damn well it would only draw him in more. She truly was a siren, and we were willing to drown for this omega with smiles on our faces.
He would be no different.
The more invested he was, the safer she would be.
When her soulful voice joined the melody, the words were foreign to me. She sang them with ease, as if they were pulled from her very soul just for us.
I watched the others, smirking at the devotion shining on all of their faces.
The song came to an end and she rested her instrument in her lap, taking a breath. Ares cleared his throat.
“Come back to the wing. We have some things to discuss.”
He turned and walked away, but the door never opened. He was waiting and ensuring we didn’t run away again.
We shared a look as we helped Audrey pack, then walked toward our new warden.
Time to face the music.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Audrey
It felt like we were being marched to the principal’s office. There was something so dominant and commanding about Ares and I couldn't wrap my mind around how he could possibly fit in with this pack.
