Page 67 of Damaged Princess

"Hey, Vik," Ana says, walking over and climbing into his lap.

"I'm on edge, princess," Vik warns, closing my laptop that he's been on.

"You know I love you, right?" Her voice is small, like maybe she didn't mean to admit that or possibly she's afraid he doesn't feel the same way.

"I love you, too," Vik growls, pulling her in for a filthy kiss that has her grinding against his lap.

My heart pangs, but I know they have more history than she and I have. I'm not jealous per se, I think I'm more anxious for a time when she's that open with me. The shower seemed to be a step in the right direction. Well, hopefully. Except I shut her down. Fuck. My head hangs as it shakes.

No, I won't let my own insecurities get the better of me.

No way. She said she wants to bond one day and that's more than I ever expected to hear come out of her mouth. I want that, too, more than anything.

I head over to the counter to make Ana a plate of food.

Wolfe brought trays of everything, from breakfast meats and pancakes to casseroles, and even pre-made sandwiches. It's the middle of the night, but Ana needs to eat whenever she's coherent.

An omega's system is set to fast for long periods during heats, but I'm especially concerned because she doesn't eat much in general. She told me once she doesn't get hungry when she's stressed, and I'm the same way.

While I can understand it, I still would feel better if she ate something. It's never been so hard for me to be an alpha. I'm not pushy or overly assertive; I don't usually feel the need to try to control situations like most alphas do. But apparently my instincts are okay with being more forceful when it comes to caring for Ana.

I grab half of one of the turkey clubs out of the tray from the fridge and apple slices and grapes from the fruit platter. I'm going to need to thank Evie since I'm sure she's the one who set this up.

I snag a bottle of water and the plate, heading for the table.

"Wolfe and I are going to run out and check the cameras on the driveway," Vik says, gently lifting Ana out of his lap. "I thinkit's smart if one of us stays out of the nest at all times. Someone should always be clear-headed."

"Are you really that worried?" Anastasia asks, glancing between us.

"Dimitri and two of your father's remaining inner circle have decided that having you will make it easier to take over for your father. They'd like to have access to you to ease the ownership of his properties or possibly use you as a trade to Barrett, since Keeley was lost on their watch." Vik freezes. He blanches like he can't believe he let that detail slip.

"My new step-mother," Ana says, biting into an apple slice. She takes a seat in the chair Vik vacated.

Vik's eyes slide to mine. I give him a nod.

"I told her in the shower." I grab my laptop, moving it aside so I can set the plate closer to Ana.

"It's better to be over-prepared than to be caught with our pants down," Wolfe says, leaning over and kissing Anastasia's cheek. "It'll give you and Cas a chance to spend some one-on-one time together."

"We'll be back soon, princess," Vik says. He palms the back of her head and bends over to give her a kiss.

Those two head out and it's once again me and Ana.

"I know you guys were all in the military. I trust that you can take care of yourselves," she says, trying to push the plate away. "But my anxiety is through the roof."

"It's a natural response for omegas when you're faced with stress. Do you have the urge to burrow or run?"

"Both," she says, snorting a laugh. "Simultaneously. So explain that ridiculous impulse."

I run my hand over her hair, giving her a smile. "It's just one of those things. Impulses don't always make logical sense."

"Always? They rarely do," she says, tilting her head as she blinks up at me.

"Come on, let's take this into the living room," I suggest, grabbing the plate and her drink.

I offer her a hand up. I'm going to show her that I can look after her. We head into the living room.

Once we're at the couch I put the plate down on the coffee table and take a seat, pulling Ana to sit on my lap. She kneels over me, but I put a hand on her lower back as I lean forward.

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