Page 20 of Omega's Reign

Again, no one appears. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think this was some sort of sick joke to mess with my head. That maybe one of the alphas decided to fuck around out of hatred.

“Have the captain draw the anchor. We’re heading back to shore.” Beckett taps his ear, talking through his communication device.

I should’ve known things wouldn’t go as planned. Brutus should’ve been my first warning sign. Maybe this is a good thing. I’ve already made my decision clear about the omegas to these alphas. And maybe seeing how incredible Beckett and the rest of my pack handle the situation might finally get them in line. There is no better way to bring people together than a common enemy, and whoever is hiding on our yacht is the biggest threat.

“Holly,” Beckett says, drawing my attention from my thoughts. “I said to go. Hide. This is not a fight you need to participate in. Trust that I can handle it.”

He’s asking me to step down as our leader, at least, for a little while.

I thin my lips and nod my head, giving in to the desperation in his voice, knowing that his biggest concern in life is my safety. He’s not the type to willingly risk my life despite my position on the Pack Regimes. And I get it. This is more than about our rule of Platinum Shores. This is about protecting me as his mate. His future wife and hopefully the mother of his children.

Andrew accepts my decision and presses his palm to the small of my back, forcing my feet to move even though my muscles would prefer to stand frozen. It almost feels as if I watch from outside of my body, my curiosity overwhelming to discover what happens next. To see what kind of trouble we face.

Pushing me along, Andrew guides me to the elevator that will take us deeper into the yacht and into the cabins where the rest of the omegas now hide. I’m thankful that he let me be the one to decide whether or not I was going to obey Beckett instead of forcing me into doing what I’m told. It shows how much Andrew respects me as not only his client but also his leader. His boss.

“I want to check on the others,” I say, waiting for Andrew to exit the elevator first to check our surroundings.

“I must advise you to reconsider. If the intruders get in, it is best if we’re separated.” Andrew nudges me to keep walking, following the hallway of wooden doors to the guest cabins on each side. At the end of the hall lies the captain’s suite and my personal quarters.

I want to ask him why he feels that it’s better to stay away from the omegas, because I know he wouldn’t advise it just to do so. He’s a bodyguard. He’s excellent at strategy and safety.

“Will you check on them, then? Once you know I’m protected?” I don’t resist his directions, keeping up his pace and staying at his side.

“I can’t make any promises until I assess the situation better. You’re my biggest priority, Holly.” Hearing my name on his lips sends a shiver through me. Most people would call me by my title. They wouldn’t dare say my name, even with my permission, which Andrew does.

And I love that Andrew says it. It’s a strange thing to think about in this moment. I should be terrified. I should be rushing to hide, not knowing what kind of enemy we face. Instead, I’m now ultra-aware of how close he is to me. How sweet his scent smells with every inch of his movement.

I don’t respond and keep my gaze focused on the world in front of us. I shouldn’t be so attracted to this man.

Andrew slows when we reach the last door in the hallway, and he cracks it open to take a peek. Swiveling, I glance behind us, hearing the soft murmur of voices. I hope the omegas aren’t scared. I hope Jordan manages to keep them calm. I hope this is all over soon.

“It looks clear,” Andrew says, widening the door. “Let me search around really quick. Stay right here.” He points at the wall next to the door. “I don’t want you in the hallway alone.”

Again, I don’t argue and instead plant my back against the wall, keeping my hand on my weapon.

Andrew strolls into the suite and opens the tall, narrow closet first, aiming his gun at the emptiness. Making his way to the curtain, covering the door leading to a balcony, he quickly eases it open to look at the dark ocean. It would be difficult but not impossible for someone to reach this balcony.

Striding toward the private bathroom, Andrew swings open the door and points his gun.

A woman screams, startling me, and I step forward raising one of my hands.

“Andrew, that’s—”

A gunshot cuts off my words, and I stumble back and hit the wall. Andrew topples backward, landing on the floor.

I stare at the familiar omega leaving the bathroom with a man behind her. A man I had hoped to never see again.

“Hello, Holly.” Hector smiles at me, keeping his gun trained on me.

I don’t scream.

I don’t move.

My vision shadows with an unwanted memory. This is the leader of Righteous Waters. He was the one accused of my murder.

He’s the one who’s going to make me pay.

10

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