Page 209 of Filthy Royal

“How about that retinal scan now?” His expression amused, Maxheim leaned in and, after shoving his brother’s face aside, positioned the monitor to scan her eye. “Done.”

“Excellent.” Nikolai wrapped a hand around the back of Damien’s neck and squeezed. “Now, I have my own omega I’d like to be kissing, not to mention a son I’d like to tuck into bed as soon as possible, and a few enemies I’d like to wipe from this planet sooner than later, so I’m going to help speed this along by placing Damien over there”—he pointed toward the other side of the room—“while Doc works on you here.”

A testament to the fact that he was the head of the family and a little scary, no one argued with Nikolai’s decision. Except for Damien.

Proving he made his own rules when it came to her, her Alpha lingered. “That okay with you, Omega? I’ll be just over there.”

“Yes. I’ll be fine.”

He didn’t seem to want to go even after that, but after a reassuring smile from her, he went.

Which was sweet. But also useful, as the poor beta scientist was clearly nervous about being near her with a touchy, protective Alpha Enforcer underfoot.

Plus, the Alphas’ chatter from across the way gave Scarlett something to concentrate on as the doc stepped forward and waved several different shiny, tubular devices over her skin while muttering to himself.

His bedside manner was clearly not one of the doc’s strengths, but if Damien trusted him, so would she.

“It’s a good plan.” Nikolai’s deep voice boomed from the other side of the room.

“Glad you think so.” Damien actually sounded like he didn’t care either way but was being polite.

“These Consortium accounts from Scarlett are invaluable.” Maxheim tapped away on a portable screen. “I can compare these with her personal accounts to better track what Darvish has done with the funds once they leave the Golden Dome. At some point, it has to lead to him.”

That news pleased her immensely. Again, it was nice to have some use—since she was once again stuck in this bed, and not for the right reasons.

A loud beep sounded.

“Hmm.” The doc waved another device over her.

This time, Scarlett watched him work, and this time, she didn’t like what she saw. His frown deepened, and his fur bristled.

Equally troubling, she could feel her gift stirring, pushing against her now-healed ribs. The invincible, feel-good sensation dissipating, replaced by familiar, unwelcome exhaustion.

Another strident beep.

With lips pressed tight together, the doc repeated the same steps. However, this time, his hands shook.

“Doc?” Proving he’d been watching too, Damien appeared by the bed. “Everything alright?”

“Umm.” The doc yanked at the collar of his lab coat and studied the small screen connected to the device he’d just waved over her. “I, ah…”

“Spit it the fuck out,” Damien snarled.

A big hand landed on his shoulder. “Calm, brother.” Nikolai squeezed tight.

Maxheim came to Damien’s other side. “He can’t explain or help if he’s curled up in a ball.”

“Right.” Damien blew out a breath. “Sorry.” He reached for her hand, then sat beside her on the bed. “Sorry, Omega. It’s all good.”

She wasn’t sure it was, but she gripped his hand anyway and, grateful for the warmth of Damien’s thigh against her hip, gave the beta scientist an encouraging smile. “Whatever you have to say, please feel free to say it.”

The doc cleared his throat. “As you know, light exhibits both wavelike and particle-like properties. Color is the visual perception of different wavelengths of light, and this exceptional omega has the ability to wield it.”

Scarlett sat up straighter. That was nice. She smiled at the doc.

The flash of sadness he gave in return scared her more than his previous distracted bedside manner.

“Even more amazing,” he continued, “her gift somehow enables her to take those wavelengths and their resulting electric and magnetic fields and propel them outward, creating enough energy to melt crystal or knock down ceilings.”

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