Page 66 of Claimed Omega

Rusty grinned encouragingly at Shadow, as if willing him to accept it. My Alpha faced Daniel, then all of us.

“We need a family vote on this,” he said softly. “Raise your hand if you think we should accept the role. We can change the entire structure of the city, how Omegas are treated, and the threats these two families pose.” His eagerness betrayed his own preference.

The reality of inheriting my father’s vast fortune and power sank in, and a thrill of excitement pulsed through me. I wasn’t sure I’d ever come to terms with it, but the sensation was exhilarating, like winning the lottery.

I raised my arm, as did all the guys, though Daniel’s was more of a slight hand lift.

“Seriously, how could you not when you’re sleeping with the enemy?” Viper laughed.

I was grateful to hear that carefree sound again, free from the constant life-or-death struggle.

Shadow’s infectious smile spread across his face, and he turned to Rusty and the elder.

“I accept my role. I won’t run things like my great-grandfather did. I plan to make substantial changes.”

“I wouldn’t expect anything less,” the elder acknowledged, with Rusty nodding in agreement.

Of course, it wouldn’t be that easy, as many would likely resist, but I knew I’d have to do the same with my father’s estate.

After bidding farewell to the elder and Rusty, Shadow confirmed, once Daniel was healed and we were ready, we would begin our takeovers. He then came to us, and we all shared a moment of stunned silence, our faces reflecting the enormity of what had just happened.

“Well, looks like our families are still merging,” Shadow declared, amused.

I squealed with delight. “Oh my god, is this really happening?” I rushed into his arms, with Viper and Aspen joining us, while Daniel beckoned us to embrace next to him. That led to all of us piling onto the bed, and I was convinced we were about to break a hospital bed.

“I don’t even know where to begin with all this,” I confessed, the earlier elation transforming into a happiness I never thought possible. I’d struggled my whole life, and now this… Tears of joy began to flow.

Viper and Aspen set about kissing them away.

“No crying,” Aspen murmured. “Only smiles from now on.”

I hugged my four men, and for the first time in my life, I felt a sense of relief, as though I could finally breathe freely. I looked forward to the future with newfound optimism, knowing I would be surrounded by love, support, and an endless supply of delicious men.

Someone must have just given me the keys to the universe. It was the only way to explain the unimaginable joy dancing through my body. I wasn’t a girl who had good things happen to her, but at that moment, I was ready to enjoy being blessed.

Twenty-One

TRINITY

Three Weeks Later

Dragging the hoodie over my head and down my body, I inhaled the most delicious pumpkin pie smell—Viper’s Alpha scent. It curled around me like a comforting blanket, reminding me how far we’d come. How the first time Viper gave me his hoodie, we were still at odds, how I couldn’t stand his arrogance, and how he bit me to mark me and bond me to him… Now, he was like the air I breathed, and we were inseparable. I couldn’t stand to be away from him.

I pushed the wet hair from my shower out of my face. The floorboards were cool beneath my bare feet as I made my way downstairs. The familiar grandeur of Shadow’s mansion filled me with a sense of ease and nostalgia as my footsteps echoed through the spacious hallway. The place seemed quieter, more serene, and something about it felt like home. It had been where the Alphas brought me after the Glass Slipper Ball and where the chaotic rollercoaster of our lives together kicked off.

I skipped down the last few steps.

Shadow and Daniel had ventured out in the early hours, likely engaged in finalizing legal documents to secure ownership of his family’s wealth. Meanwhile, unbeknown to me, my father’s entire fortune and estate went to me as the only surviving heir until I bore my first son, then he would get it all. It also explained why my father was so eager to sell me off. If I was married, I would lose the right to take any of his wealth for my first-born son. Asshole. I didn’t want a cent from him, but now that it was mine, I’d make the most of it to spite him.

To avoid external influences while we worked out our next steps in managing the vast wealth and extensive workforce associated with both families, we temporarily moved back into Shadow’s mansion.

We had a rough plan of what we’d do but agreed not to rush anything until we were ready to step into those roles. Until then, everyone could wait. There was a ceasefire between the two mafia families, and the streets were eerily quiet, as though no one knew what to do to occupy their time now that they weren’t busy seething at their enemies. Although, in the meantime, I’d heard the smaller gangs were stealing territory—which led to both families working together to eliminate them.

We’d taken Frannie back to her mother’s place after I thanked her endlessly for saving me. The day would have turned out very differently if it wasn’t for her, especially since she went against Axel, her boyfriend. I had so much more catching up to do with her, but I hoped being with her mom would help jog her memories. Again, it was a temporary fix until we got ourselves organized, then we’d help her, my friends, and other Omegas from the Institute.

I strolled along the floorboards, the wood resonating as I moved quickly. The living room awaited, where my partner in crime, Viper, was sprawled on the velvety couch, completely absorbed in the pages of an ancient leather-bound book. His feet were propped up on a cushion, and he might as well be miles away on a tropical island with the air of serenity he exuded.

His indifference to my arrival pricked my insides, igniting a wicked urge to make sure he noticed me. Butterflies burst through my stomach in anticipation as I concocted my plan. His presence pulled me to him, and it was close to impossible to resist looking at him. Dark, reddish hair sat messily off his face, framing a perfect canvas of strong, chiseled features. Eyes the color of ferns seemed to ignore me but held secrets I was determined to uncover. How was it fair that this man was so beautiful?

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