Page 76 of Carmichael's Omega

"Is she an omega,Hijo?"Papásays quietly.

I roll my eyes, feigning nonchalance. "Papá,I have two new fucks,sí? I know better. I know to avoid omegas. Renee is just sticking up for her jealous friend,sí?" Leaning forward, I keep my gaze steady onPapá."I stopped sleeping with our pack. Promiscuity is destroying our pack's matings."

It says a lot aboutPapáthathe believes my explanation. I just spewed some shit I've never even thought about before. But, as I watch, his shoulders relax. My wolf bristles. IfPapáknew the LoboGris was suffering, why do nothing?

I think about what I would feel if my mate... my mates... were gone and understand. He's a broken alpha with a broken pack.

For the first time, a spurt of excitement rushes through me at the thought of my... my mates. If I can clear out the deadwood of this pack, make it safe for my... mates. Then what will it mean for LoboGris?

"You-" Renee starts to scoff.

My wolf curls his lip at her as we pin her with a stare again. Her voice trails off into nothing. "Adriana and Miguel are good examples of this, ey?"

The angry flush dies in her face, leaving her pale.

"What about these two?"Papáasks.

"They are struggling,Papá.It is something I'm working on." My wolf stands proud of his little female omega. The truth, of course, is Adriana is something my Cassidy is working on. I sit back against the couch.

"Miguel doesn't-" Renee begins before once again falling silent.

"It is admirable that you want to help your packmates,"Papáinterrupts. He looks at Renee, "tu hermanoknows better than to have an omega,si?"

Renee huffs like the spoiled pup she is, crossing her arms over her chest and pouting.Papáignores her, looking at me with dark eyes. "Mi Hijo, how long are you here?"

"A few hours," I say. "I just have some questions about the Diamorte Cartel." My wolf is on his feet, scanning the room. He wants answers as desperately as I do.

Papá'seyes widen. "The Cartel?" He looks at Renee and Uncle Hugh. "Later, Carm-"

"Now,Papá," I interrupt him rudely. "I don't have time." I don't know what's gotten into me. Maybe finding my mates has made me more on edge, but even my father's growl can't make me back down.

"I need to know everything you do about the Cartel,Papá."

Mipapá'sdark eyes rest on me before he nods. "In my office, then. Hugh, Renee, we will rejoin you."

I take in his house as I walk behind him. It's not modest. Only two stories, but the central foyer goes up the entire house's height, with windows that have to be opened with a crank from below. The first floor is supposed to be public rooms, offices, conference rooms, and even a large dining space, butPapádoesn't have many guests. We all moved out years ago. Upstairs are his private rooms, his bedroom and study.

The entire house is built in Spanish hacienda style, airy and flowing, but the paint and tile are dark colors, reds, blues, blacks, and browns. Dark shades, even the grout lines of the tile are a deep brown or grey.

It's not welcoming. Cassidy won't like it. Maybe... maybe Mattie will?

I push the thought of my mates away. I can't think about them right now. I have business.

"You have driven them from our territory,no?"Papástarts off our conversation as he pours himself some of themezcalNico loves to steal.

"When I find them,sí," I shrug nonchalantly. I stay quiet, lettingPapácollect his thoughts. Taking a seat, I stay relaxed.

"They have been a thorn in our sides for two generations,"Papásays quietly. He takes a swallow of hismezcal.

"Why not take them out? End thependejoscompletely, ey?" I ask casually, crossing my hands behind my head and leaning back on the sofa.

"Don't use those words, Carmichael," he reprimands.

I bare my teeth but don't comment. Who cares what I call a bunch ofputos,pup-stealingculeros?

"I heard rumors," I say, "of trafficking." I watch him. My wolf watches him. Close. Intent. Waiting. "It's not just drugs and guns."

He doesn't flinch. His eyes flicker to meet mine before he looks away. "It's not a surprise,no?"

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