Page 75 of Gold Sector
“Sounds like you have a loyal sister,” I mutter, though his commentary about Wes has me paying attention a bit more.
“She’s a brat, but she has a beautiful soul, and I refuse to let Wes have her. However, I need to figure out how he learned of her existence, and I want to know where he’s keeping Basalt. Because Basalt might be the only one who can stop this nonsense. Assuming he’s even alive.”
I pause my walking once more and look at the screen that’s been following my every step. “How long have you suspected that Basalt isn’t truly in charge?”
“Since the day Keegan arrived in Obsidian Sector,” he informs me. “Wes is the one who greeted him, which isn’t necessarily a red flag, but he made the decision to grant Keegan entry. It would be akin to Xavier letting your brother enter my sector without talking to me.”
I nod, agreeing with that assessment. “Maybe Basalt and Wes have a unique agreement. They’re brothers, after all.”
Although, I certainly don’t have that power dynamic with Onyx.
Most Alphas and Seconds maintain similar power structures whereby the Second only stands in when the prince requests it. But that doesn’t mean a deviation ofpower is impossible. So perhaps Basalt and Wes just operate differently.
“I considered that,” Rio says. “That’s one of the reasons Keegan offered to poke around. But he couldn’t find Basalt anywhere.”
“Which is a feat, considering he’s supposedly a Stealth Royal,” I say, still unable to mask my sarcasm.
But if Riordan notices it, he doesn’t comment. Instead, he just says, “Yes.” Then he continues with, “Keegan stayed there until weeks before Taliana’s first heat and never once found even an inkling of Basalt’s presence.”
“And no one in Obsidian Sector is aware of this?” I wonder aloud, becoming a little too intrigued by this outlandish tale.
“The Drakonians of Obsidian Sector are too busy trying to survive to notice that the leader they all fear has been missing for years,” Riordan growls out.
“Seems like a convenient excuse,” I tell him.
His eyes narrow. “Has Taliana told you what happens to disobedient Omegas in Obsidian Sector? How they’re put in cages during the initial phase of their estrus and left on display?”
My teeth gnash together as I look at him again.
“It induces a rut,” he goes on. “And any Alphas with claims on those Omegas, or relations to them, are forced to watch as they’re freed and ripped apart.”
“Why are you telling me this?” I demand, my stomach churning at the violent visual his words just painted.
“Because that’s only one of the methods used to control the beings of Obsidian Sector. So no, it’s notconvenientat all. Everyone there is just trying to survive. Keegan originally wanted to help Helena, but she was too indoctrinated to save. So he stayed to gather intelligence, then fled with Taliana before it was too late.”
“And took her to the nomad lands,” I say, aware of that part. “Then apparently spied on other sectors and eventually brought her here.”
“Yes. But only after he knew it would be safe for her. However, he wasn’t kidding when he said he would have died fighting for her. That Alpha loves his daughter. Which is why he’ll understand if you want to kill him for what you think he’s done. I doubt he’ll even try to stop you.”
Onyx materializes beside me before I can reply to that. “I thought I might find you…” My brother trails off when he realizes I’m still talking to Riordan. “Seriously, I’ve seen enough of your face this week to last me a damn decade.”
“I understand,” Riordan says solemnly. “The competition is quite fierce, and you need some time to recover your ego.”
“Oh, fuck you, Red Rock. My ego is just fine.”
“Hmm,” he hums. “Then you’re questioning your sexuality? Are you feeling a bit too attracted to me, Silver Kiss?”
Onyx rolls his eyes. “I will not deign to respond to that.” He looks at me. “I came to warn you that your Omega knows you’re a prince.”
I take a step back, my eyes widening. “What? How?”
“Bella told her, but not on purpose. She assumed she knew.”
“Why the fuck was she talking to Bella?” I demand.
“She went up to drop something off in your office and ran into Taliana. I’d told her you weren’t around. It’s my fault she was there.” He sounds contrite, causing me to narrow my gaze.
“Did you overhear the conversation?”
