Page 218 of Filthy Royal

“Except yourself.”

She had no response to that.

“Only another omega truly understands what we have to contend with every rotation,” Anya continued, her voice low, as if imparting a secret. “The rage, the bouts of helplessness, the restrictions that corrode the soul.” Her voice trembled, but not with sorrow, with unapologetic fury. “So perhaps it’s not such a surprise that you’re angry and striking out. We all are. Even those of us lucky enough to have great brothers know a thing or two about dark despair and rage. Perhaps what’s surprising is how long you’ve lasted, keeping it locked in and directed at yourself instead of at the bastards who deserve it.”

Stunned, Scarlett could only nod.

Because every beautiful, wise word was so true. And even more shocking, the darkness inside her seemed to think so too, roaring to full wakefulness at Anya’s words but not slamming against her ribs in fury as it usually would. Instead, it simply quivered in watchfulness, as if waiting for a sign—or, more aptly, a new target.

Could it be that simple?

But if it wasn’t… If she stopped trying to tamp down her rage and power, she could bring down ceilings and rip open floors. Worse, she could destroy those she loved and become as much of a monster as the ones who’d made her.

It was a huge risk.

“We have no idea whether this avenue of exploration is enough to keep your gift from killing you.” Dahlia spoke once more. “But we do think if anything can, it’s this.”

“You can trust yourself, Scarlett,” Tess urged. “The doc can speak of science and what he observes with his tools, but we have proven time and again that so much more is possible. We know because we are like you. We have the same power surging inside us. We have the same rage and hate, and we know how powerlessness can twist it. But we also have the same extraordinary love.”

“We know you can handle both.Usethem both. Fuse them inside you to take back what was stolen from you,” Keira added. “Because it is possible. Especially with the kind of love and support you have now. From all of us, and most especially, from an Alpha who might be terrified of losing you and ridiculously overprotective at times but will always be there to remind you of just how amazing you are.”

“Because he knows,” Anya finished, “you’re a force to be reckoned with.”

Their confidence fueled her.

“Omega.” Damien prowled into the room, something clutched behind his back. “I…”

He stopped short, taking in the scene before barking out his questions in a rush: “What’s going on? Where’s Luc? Why aren’t you in bed? Why does Anya look like she’s worried I’ll be pissed? And why are there three familiar omegas on screen, staring at me way more intently than the doc ever did?” He hustled closer. “Is everything okay?”

“Everything’s better than okay.” Scarlett opened her arms.

He walked right in and swept her to him. Holding her close, he buried his face in her neck. “Good to hear.” His lips traced the column of her throat up to her ear, where he whispered, “I fucking missed you.”

Collective omega sighs of approval echoed from across the room.

She barely noticed.

Damien didn’t seem to either.

Instead, he just stared down at her. Long enough and with enough hunger for her to realize the panic and desperation were gone from his gaze. What he looked like now was… determined.

Uncertainty whispered through her at his mood, so different from before he left. “Damien, what’s going on?”

He didn’t answer. Instead, he pulled back and held out something red. “I need you to put this on.”

“Put this on?” Scarlett repeated, taking the soft fabric from him while trying—unsuccessfully—to get a read on his expression.

“Yes, and then come with me.” His tone grew even more commanding. “And the rest of you will come too.”

40

DAMIEN

“Where are we going?” Scarlett hurried by his side, her palm soft in his, the silky fabric of the red gown that showed off flashes of her taming chain and fit her to perfection—replicated in record time thanks to Maxheim—fluttering behind her as they hustled down the shuttle hallway.

Anya, having transferred the other females to her portable comms, followed close behind. Alexi had been summoned and joined the females as well.

“You’ll see.” Impatient, Damien swept Scarlett into his arms.

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