Page 24 of Omega's Dream (The Hartwell Sisters Saga 4)

“Your new pack will break hearts across the city,” she said with twinkle in her eye. “There’ll be betas and alphas prostrating themselves for a taste.”

“You flatter us. Begone. I have business to take care of.”

She bowed at the waist, a hangover from her time as a pageboy in some lord’s service. She had never been upfront about it and I had never asked. But a month or so after she had knocked on the Hell’s door she had come to this very office to tell me her name was Divinity from now on. Raising her head, we nodded, a simple sign of respect, and she left.

Not a minute later, Puck came in with a tray holding coffee things which he quickly served us both.

“Tod’s still not back.” Puck sipped his coffee. “Do you think it’s because of Polly? He’s been the centre of our care his whole life and we bring in an omega without letting him know.”

“How could he know?”

“You nephew is far smarter than is good for him. For example, what was his plan for leaving the night Polly came?”

“Always my nephew when he is being sly. You suspect him of finding some sport in the matter?” When silence spoke volumes, one’s ears practically rang. “Set everyone on his tail. Bringing him home is the top priority.”

“Maybe ask her if she’d be willing to help.”

“No. I don’t want her knowing about Tod until she has to.”

“Probably does.” He poured another coffee.

“Then I don’t want her knowing he is missing,” I snapped.

“Ask her,” Puck barked, raw and visceral. “Take that goddess damned pride and set it aside for the boy. We lost Sarah. I’ll not lose Tod because you refuse to use the tools the goddess has given you.”

“Damn you, get out of here!”

“No. I’d like to finish my coffee and discuss what’s to do with her aviary of spies and thieves.” He sat back sipping the black coffee and glowering at me. “Besides, I like to watch you squirm when you know I’m right.”

The contrarian inme rejected Puck’s good advice, but I was too practical an alpha to ignore him. Thus, roundaboutly, I asked her assistance.

“What will it take to join forces?” I stood before her cage, arms crossed, and face blank. She’d see the way my eyes tracked every movement and from how I stood she’d see Puck lurking at the door. She’d see what I wanted her to and nothing more.

“How do you propose we split the spoils?” she countered with a quickness that told me she’d been expecting my question. Then she cut me off at the knees. “From what I know your whores make you very little, though they gather information which is its own kind of wealth. The betas you train as guards are useful but cost to train. Your profit there is negligible. The Hell makes a pretty penny but primarily through its illegal book making than at the tables. You neither do extortion nor more mercenary avenues for raising the ready. My exploits are far more profitable.”

“Not when you donate the monies.” I held firm and did not smile as her hand twitched, itching to reach for the thin blade tucked into her sleeve. Moth had passed it to her this morning when he’d brought her meal. If it gave her comfort, I’d let her keep it. If it gave her a boldness to stick me or mine, I’d confiscate it.

“I’m no banker,” she said at last. “Money means nothing to me.”

“Lady Bountiful, how could we forget,” Puck scoffed. They burned hot and cold. That first night and following morning I’d almost thought my schatz and my little bird had made friends. Now they glared daggers and Polly’s hand fisted around the handle of her blade.

“Enough. Let us talk seriously. While you are my guest, I, uh, insist on relieving you of your responsibilities.”

“In short, a takeover by force.”

“Dear me, no. You shall willingly hand me the reins. No matter their ability, you are the intelligence and leader. You’ll lose business—”

“A game of cards,” she interrupted. “We play. If you came out on top.” She smirked, unafraid of her effect on us. “I’ll give the word and my people will me with you. If I am on top, then I… I will tell you what I want from you after I’ve won.”

I looked at Puck and was not pleased with the martial glint in his eye. A competitor to the last, he’d risk it all for he knew his skill… except it was not cards. That burden fell on my shoulders.

“If you wish, but we’ll play in The Hell. I’ve no interest in…”

“It isn’t safe for her,” Puck growled. Oh, yes there was the alpha I knew and loved. How I desired to nurture this side of him. To demonstrate to our recalcitrant guest that we had her best interests at heart.

“Not while we are open to guests, schatz. The world does not deserve to look upon our little bird until her plumage is its brightest. Hippolyta, even you would agree, your looks are not at their best.” Goddess, I was a damned lucky devil to look at her in time to catch the playful smirk she sent Puck’s way. A heartbeat later and I’d have missed it. “No, during the daylight. I have yet to see how the sunlight plays with the golden strands in your hair.”

Polly barked a laugh and fell back amongst her pillows. Her breasts pressed against her bodice of her dress and save for her humour, she looked a woman panting during the throws of passionate love making. At last she quieted and propped herself on her elbows. “Oberon, you couldn’t woo the most willing woman or man. You’ll have to improve your lover’s words if you ever hope to dip into my quim.”

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