Page 217 of Filthy Royal

A flash of envy shot through Scarlett, but it was quickly overwhelmed by a greater sense of relief. These females would be there for Damien when she couldn’t be, and their young would give him a reason to keep going as their protector and Enforcer until he found a different motivation. Perhaps—her heart clutched, but she continued with the thought—with someone who could give him young of his own. Because, above all else, Scarlett wanted Damien to be happy.

“So, you know why I’ve summoned you.” Anya’s brisk, business-like manner pulled Scarlett from her musings. “We’ll do lengthy intros another time because it won’t be long until Damien returns to claim Scarlett’s time, and this needs to be discussed sooner rather than later. I know your Alphas have filled you in on what the doc had to say about Scarlett and her gift and the fact that it’s killing her.”

Apparently, there was no such thing as boundaries or privacy when it came to the Skolov omegas.

But then Scarlett registered their sharp nods. The flattened lips. But also the fact that no one was losing it or staring at her as if she were already an invalid.

She was suddenly beyond grateful for Anya’s no-nonsense approach.

“We’ve heard.” Dahlia’s lyrical voice vibrated through the monitor. “We’re sorry you’re going through this.”

“Thank you.” And she meant it. Not just for the voiced sentiments, but also for the way they all kept looking at her as if she was still alive and well and not a ghost in the making. Anya was right. Sometimes Alphas were a lot.

“Each of us has struggled with our gifts.” Tess spoke up next. “While we don’t know if any of our struggles will be relevant to yours, we do think it’s worth discussing.”

“The doc,” Keira added, “is one of the foremost galactic experts on the fated-mate bond and omega gifts thanks to data accumulated by combing galactic history and, more recently, observing us.” She made a face. “Sometimes, way too closely.” Her expression shifted to one of defiance. “But even he doesn’t know everything.”

Dahlia nodded. “He has no idea what it’s like to be an omega. Or all the ways this galaxy chips away at our power. Or how, sometimes, that only makes us stronger in the end.”

“He also has no idea just how complicated—and healing—a fated-mate bond can be.” Keira’s kind smile returned.

“Damien and I no longer have our marks,” Scarlett felt it wise to admit. “I’m not even sure what to make of that.”

The three females exchanged glances before Tess leaned forward. “The bond is tricky. For each of us, there was a time when it offered as many challenges as it did advantages. Mastering control of our gifts didn’t come until each of us found not just extraordinary love but extreme trust and faith.”

Scarlett told them honestly, “I have that for my Alpha.”

“Yes,” Keira said, “but what about for yourself?”

Scarlett stilled. Her mouth opened and shut.

She absolutely did not trust herself.

Dahlia nodded as if they’d found their answer. “So simple, and yet one of the hardest things of all.”

“Well, hells.” Scarlett plopped back down on the mattress. “How do I fix that?”

Dahlia smiled. “Anya, we think you can likely give Scarlett the most help on this front.”

“Me?” Anya looked shocked.

“Yes. Out of all of us,” Tess said, “you’ve had the least trouble with your gift.”

“Why do you think that is?” Keira pushed.

Anya considered. “Because I’m awesome?”

Scarlett laughed.

“Exactly,” Keira agreed. “You have confidence. Life’s handed you some ugly moments, but you’ve had enough love and support from your brothers to keep it from eroding the core of who you are.”

Anya nodded, her expression softening. “That too.”

“So, what would you suggest?” Heart beating fast, foolish hope once more surging through her veins, Scarlett leaned toward the other omega.

Anya remained silent for a long while. Then, finally, she said, “Maybe don’t worry about trying to stifle your gift so much.”

Scarlett recoiled. “But… but that’s all I do. Push it down. Lock it away. It’s the only way to protect everyone.”

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