Page 35 of Omega's Reign

I close the space to her, her mouth sweeter than her scent, and I kiss her softly, exploring her pouty mouth until she parts her lips and glides her tongue across mine, kissing me deeply. It’s a kiss that awakens a deep-seated need in me, one that I thought died with my pack. And I crave Holly so desperately that I want nothing more than to call her mine.

If we weren’t in such a small space, I’d pull her closer, on top of me. I imagine what it would be like to feel her body wrapped around mine. The heat of her desire dripping over me. It steals my breath away, and I pull back and smile, rubbing my thumbs across her cheeks, hoping that she feels what her affection ignites inside me.

“I want to start over, Holly. I know that it will be difficult to forget my poor judgment, but I want you to know that I’m open to your wants. I just…it’s hard to explain. My past haunts me. I can’t promise that I’ll always say the right thing to you. I’m not good at getting out of my own head. It’s going to take time.” I need to be upfront with her. I know it’s what she wants.

“Time is one of the few things I know how to give. I’m patient. I’d like to properly introduce you to the Silversteins. I know that you’re familiar with them, but this is different. It isn’t about you being my bodyguard. It’s about possibly joining our leadership. Our pack.” Holly fidgets, playing with the tips of her pale blond hair. “If that’s okay. I know it’s weird. We kind of just threw this out there.”

I lift and drop my shoulders. “It was quite the surprise but a good one. Let me help you finish getting ready, and we can discuss everything after the meeting with the Pack Regimes.”

She nods her head and smiles, her face lighting up and so beautiful. I almost wonder if this is a dream. Something I might wake up from. The thought clenches my heart.

This is real.

This is happening.

Now I just have to ensure that I never let anyone down. It’s time for me to prove myself.

I am a worthy alpha.

Now if only I can truly believe it.

Only time will tell.

16

Omega’s Reign

Holly

I thought I was prepared for this meeting. I had a mental list of things I wanted to discuss with the Saint Vista Pack Regimes. The first one being how to handle the Righteous Waters Pack and if I should just put out a search to bring them before us for judgment. The second I stepped into the quiet meeting room, I realized that might be a mistake. We—my brothers and I—are in this position because we took it. We didn’t give anyone else a choice, not like they’d have done the same. We are all a little off-kilter when it comes to morals. Though some of us want equality and will fight for it. Others just want the power. It’s obvious that trust is nonexistent in this room.

So for now, Righteous Waters is solely my problem. I will not be seeking advice from anyone outside of my family and my pack.

As for the other things? I guess I’ll find out.

Glancing at Andrew, I bite my lip and motion for him to stay outside. There are no bodyguards for anyone who isn’t on the Pack Regimes allowed in the meeting. I close the door and turn toward the male-dominated table apart from one woman alpha who has taken over the territories of Starlight Horizon and Ginger Rain. Only one of my brothers, Arsenio, sits among them, the rest of my brothers choosing to give him control this time. They all agree on everything together, but they also don’t find it necessary to be present at every meeting.

I expect to find Beckett, but two empty seats greet me on the far right of the long table. He’s not here. They won’t wait for him either, because he is only my consultant. I’m the true leader of Platinum Shores.

I reach into my bag and pull out my cell phone. I don’t care if everyone stares at me.

Me: Where are you?

I slow my walk to the table, staring at my screen, hoping that Beckett replies quickly that he’s on his way.

Arsenio stands up and pulls out my chair, giving me a quick hug. Why am I so nervous? I’ve been in front of these people several times over the last few months. They’re not my superiors. We’re on equal levels.

“It’s nice to see you again, Holly,” Armand says, keeping his hands together on the table. He’s the leader of Midnight Meadows and one of the few original Pack Regime leaders.

I nod, offering him a smirk. “I would say the same, except I recently overheard a conversation between my brother and my alpha.”

I should wait until everybody gives their updates, but I can’t help myself. I’m still fuming about the fact that Beckett had intended to propose to me but the rest of the leaders have been playing games about it.

Armand leans forward, turning his gaze toward the other leaders. “Would you care to elaborate? I would prefer not to make any assumptions before giving an explanation.”

I sigh in annoyance. “You and the others have not approved of a formal bonding for me and the Silversteins. Beckett has been wanting to propose to me for a while. What the fuck gives?”

Cameron’s chair squeaks, drawing my attention to him. The Shadow Palms leader has always been pretty neutral toward other territories outside of his own. “We never said you couldn’t bond and marry the Silversteins—”

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