Page 24 of Sweet Omega
“I’ll find whoever’s behind it,” Tarymn promised.
“I know you will,” Deltta replied, already heading back toward the pod.
Tarymn followed, sliding back into his seat as the doors sealed shut. Silence stretched between them, heavy, as both alphas thought about what lay ahead. Tarymn exhaled slowly, before glancing at Deltta. “My stepbrother’s having a party this weekend,” he said. “You should come. I’ll invite Sirhe and Wulfric. Could be fun”
“You have a stepbrother?” Deltta asked, one brow arched in curiosity
“It’s a long story,” Tarymn muttered.
“That sounds interesting.” Deltta’s gaze lingered on him, and Tarymn fought the urge to fidget. “But I have a feeling you don’t want to talk about it right now.” A faint smile tugged at his lips as though he was seeing more than Tarymn wanted him to. “I would’ve liked to meet him, but I can’t. Maxus has already roped me into some work thing.”
“No problem. Just thought you could use a break and have a little fun. You should try taking a break yourself. You’ve been at it nonstop since you became Alpha King. Though I have to admit, you seem to be enjoying it.”
“I am,” Deltta admitted with a small smirk. “But you’re right. A break wouldn’t kill me. Maybe after you catch whoever’s been stealing from the council. Maxus can handle things while I’m away.”
Tarymn raised a brow. “He won’t like that. He already resents being your second.”
“He’s the second strongest alpha on the planet,” Deltta said with a dismissive shrug. “He’ll get over it.”
Tarymn doubted it.
Maxus despised being in the council of alphas, yet he endured it for one reason only—Deltta. It was as though some stubborn part of him wouldn’t let him stop looking out for his brother, no matter how much he hated the role.
Did Maxus know what was going on now?Tarymn doubted it. The alpha would be here if he knew. The folded papers Deltta had pressed into his hand earlier felt heavier with each passing minute.
Chapter 5
Ludiin
“Be careful!” Luci shouted beside him, as Ludiin wobbled down the stairs with a heavy box clutched against his chest. “Let me help you!”
“I’ve got it,” Ludiin grunted, his arms straining under the weight. The unassembled machine inside clinked and rattled with every precarious step. He’d thought dismantling it would make the load easier, but it was still heavy.
I can do this,he told himself as he carefully placed one foot in front of the other, until the burden suddenly lifted from his arms.
“Are you trying to hurt yourself?” a hard voice cut in.
Tarymn.
The name slammed into his chest, stealing his breath. The alpha’s piercing gaze pinned him in place, waiting, demanding a response.
“I…I’m not trying to hurt myself,” Ludiin stammered. “It’s my project. I have to take it to school.”
“Okay,” Tarymn said simply, and without hesitation carried the box the rest of the way down. Ludiin could only gape as the alpha moved steadily ahead of him. He glanced back at Luci, who looked equally stunned.
“At least he saved you from breaking your neck,” Luci said. “Go on, or you’ll be late.”
“Uh… right,” Ludiin mumbled, still dazed. He hurried after Tarymn, catching him just as the alpha loaded the box into his pod. “What are you…? I was going to order a hover shuttle. It wouldn’t take long.” He fumbled to take out his connector from the satchel slung over his back.
“I’ll take you.”
“Uhmm…” Ludiin’s eyes darted between the pod, the box, and the connector in his hand. “It’s fine, I can…”
“I thought you were uncomfortable around strangers,” Tarymn interrupted, stepping closer. His sheer presence filled the space, his scent wrapping around Ludiin in a way that made his pulse trip over itself. “Wouldn’t it be easier to just go with me?”
No!The word exploded in his mind, but it stuck in his throat.
“I just… didn’t want to be a bother,” he whispered instead.
