Page 40 of The Blue Path

I didn't like the idea of someone stumbling upon our camp to find an unclaimed omega. Even though my wolf had already staked a claim on Blue, he was still unmated, and I wanted to take my time with him. I wanted to capture his affections before taking what was mine.

I had no interest in forcing a bond, even though so many alphas did. I needed Blue's approval of my wolf too much. His happiness was too important.

Cracking my knuckles, I reached for my belt, prepared to shift.

"By'," the siren smiled, gesturing for me to keep my clothes on. "Allow me."

He sauntered off, his form slowly changing with each step. He was almost out of sight by the time he finished phasing. A sweet female beta replaced the image of the young man.

"It's okay," I said, turning to Blue.

He nodded. He didn't look scared, and his scent didn't hold any fear. He just sat next to the fire, his bright eyes on me.

"You don't seem worried," I said, not understanding how he couldn't be. There were so many fierce predators in these woods, and he was defenseless and small. A smart omega would be scared right now.

"I'm not worried," he said simply.

I shook my head, suddenly angry. The thought of him being unconcerned with a threat so close enraged me. "Do you not understand what rogues would want with an omega like you?" His eyes widened as my anger flared, but I couldn't calm down. He was too fragile. I needed him to take this seriously. "How can you not be frightened?"

"I'm with you," he said, confusion clouding his delicate features. "I know you…." he shifted nervously, his fingers twisting together, "...you'll save me…like you did before…in my village."

Pride burst from my wolf, and I instinctively puffed out my chest. The urge to snatch Blue up and mate him hard and proper pounded in my veins.

I couldn't wait until the moment I had him in safer lands.

My omega needed to be within the safety of a proper village, not a borderless patch of land surrounded by a flimsy invisible wall. Then I would have him without the fear of any threat.

My mind drifted as I thought of how easily the palace guards were able to slip through the village's magical barrier and kill so many. Blue's desperate, tortured expression after the carnage pulled into the front of my mind. The way he cried on the shore of the river and the deep shiver in his bones.

Even now, I could still scent his grief as he sat so calmly only a few feet from me. I was suddenly incensed at what he had been through.

What was my father thinking, doing this to his own people?

I prayed the attack of Blue's village was that of an overly excited patrol. I wanted to believe the King's orders weren't so harsh. He was a stern ruler, but he would never torture his pack like that. At least, I hoped.

"Are you okay?" Blue asked.

My eyes focused on his curious expression, and I nodded, trying to shove down the storm clouding my mind. "My apologies for losing myself for a moment," I said. "You're right. I'll protect you no matter what. You have my word."

Blue smiled and patted the spot next to him. My wolf was alight with renewed energy, and I struggled not to race to his side. Instead, I sat carefully, keeping a bit of space between us. He wasn't mine yet, and I wasn't an animal. I would court him properly like a civilized wolf.

"Why do you talk so funny?" he asked.

"Do I…talk funny?" I cocked my head, not understanding what he meant.

"Yes," he smiled. "You talk different from other wolves I've known. You speak very," he narrowed his eyes, thinking it through, "formal."

I suppressed a snort. "Yes. I suppose wolves from Ossory tend to speak in a formal manner. As a pup, my tutors encouraged this manner of speaking." I hesitated, feeling a little self-conscious. It was a foreign feeling and one I didn't care for. "Does it bother you?"

"No!" Blue grabbed my arm with both hands. His warm fingers curled over my dark skin. "I really like it," he said. "Please don't think I don't. It's interesting. It's like you're speaking in a poem sometimes."

"I've never heard it described that way." I stared at his hands. His touch felt so good and right.

And I wondered if he felt a pull to me too.

He had to. This was too strong, and if he didn't feel the same, I'd burn down all of Havre to sate my rage.

"Alpha Byriel?"

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