Page 23 of Omega's Reign

“Don’t shoot,” Andrew says, stepping from the stairwell next to the elevator. “It’s just me.”

Holly gasps and yanks away from me, running to Andrew. Stretching up, she cups his face and pats her way down to his chest, stopping where the bullet sunk into his bulletproof vest. He doesn’t move or stop her, remaining firm in place as she inspects him for other possible injuries. Any other alpha would be jealous. They’d yank Holly back and scold her for daring to put her hands on another—especially one who isn’t a part of our pack, but all I feel is relief. He’s alive and still capable of doing his job. He can help me with all the bullshit.

“I thought it went through. I thought you died,” Holly whispers, her voice like a breath of air settling my nerves.

“I would’ve, had I not played dead. I’m sorry for scaring you. It was my way of keeping you safe. I knew the bastard wouldn’t attempt to kill you.” Andrew slowly lifts his hand and covers Holly’s as it rests on his shoulder. His eyes flick to mine, and I remain expressionless. I’m not going to react either way. I might have claimed Holly with my knot, but she’s still a free woman until we make things official. She might not think that way, but I do. I can’t help it. I was raised to believe that I’d never have an omega as just my own. I always knew I would share if I ever had the chance. At least, if she was willing. And Holly is.

“He would’ve had to kill me because there’s no way I would’ve left this yacht willingly.” Holly shivers, and I step even closer, lacing my hands around her waist until she catches my scent and leans back, pressing her back to my chest. I want her to know that I’m here. Physically and emotionally. And knowing that she would rather die than be taken by Righteous Waters… I don’t know how that makes me feel. If she were taken, I’d still have hope. I’d have a reason to live. But if she were—no. I can’t think about it.

“Neither of those situations would’ve happened. Not on my watch,” Andrew says, his muscles flexing in his arms, his fingers still curled around Holly’s as I envelop her from behind.

“Or on mine. Hector knows this. He just wants to torment you while he can.” I bury my face into the crook of her neck and kiss her soft skin, wanting nothing more than to spin her around.

I don’t have to yearn for long, because she does, twisting to face me. Snaking her hands around my neck, she pulls me in close and kisses me, giving me the affection I so desperately crave.

“I want him to sink with this yacht,” Holly says. The low growl to her voice surprises me, the rumble sexy.

I open my mouth to agree with her, but an alarm blares. The noise is loud enough to steal my hearing. It’s the fire alarm. Sprinklers activate and spray, sending water pelting over our bodies.

I inhale a deep breath, trying to catch the scent of the invisible smoke, but all I can pick up is Holly’s fragrance. Andrew’s too.

Something bangs, smacking the stairs. I push Holly against Andrew and spin around. Lifting my gun, I aim, blinking my eyes to clear water from my lashes.

Some sort of can smacks the bottom of the spiral staircase next to the elevator, golden liquid pouring out and mixing with the water from above.

The sprinklers suddenly cut off.

A strange crackle soon follows.

“Run! Head to the captain’s suite!” I yell, scrambling back, bumping into Holly and Andrew.

Flames burst across the floor.

The yacht is set ablaze.

11

Bitter Revenge

Holly

Death by fire is a death I don’t want. It’s the death that my brothers had helped me fake, and I’m afraid it might become a reality now. Bitter revenge for the Righteous Waters Pack. They want to take me out the same way they were accused of killing me. But this time, there are far too many lives at stake.

I have failed my pack. I have failed the omegas in my territory.

But worst of all, I have failed myself.

“We’re going to have to jump. Grab the life jackets. If we can move quickly enough, we might be able to secure one of the lifeboats. Maybe a jet ski.” Beckett instructs Andrew who grabs three life vests from the closet.

“We should board their boat. It’s probably our safest bet. If we can take it over, we can save the others.” Andrew absently helps me into my life vest and buckles it before sliding on his own. Beckett clicks his in place and grabs a few of the couch cushions and throws them off the balcony. Andrew rushes back and grabs the remaining ones for us, tossing them out into the ocean, following Beckett’s lead.

They still manage to think of others even as our lives face unimaginable danger.

I cough and turn away from the fire creeping across the walls and door of the captain’s suite. The yacht sways and creaking noises come from nowhere and everywhere. I try to ignore people yelling. Screaming. This vessel will burn before it sinks.

“I need to contact my packmates. They haven’t responded to my calls.” Beckett bounces on his feet, watching the flames draw closer and closer.

“We’ll find them,” I say, speaking up for what feels like the first time. “We need to get off the yacht first. The fire’s intense. I don’t know how much longer I can handle standing here.”

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