Page 54 of Omega's Reign

This time there won’t be mass bloodshed. This will be done quickly and quietly, handled discreetly. Word will not get out to the other regions. We will not be seen as incapable ever again.

I remain expressionless, keeping my head held high. I don’t hide my gaze, and I look at each alpha and beta who tries to look at me. I spot a familiar face, and I wave to my cousin, who is head of security in Gilded Sands. I wish I could stop and talk to him, but I’m on a mission. I can’t let anything distract me.

Offering him a smile and nod, I stride past him to the closed doors and press my hand to the palm pad, opening it. I’ve taken long enough that everyone should be here. I’m usually last anyway, my nerves getting the best of me.

Cool air blows around me, the fans pushing around everyone’s scents, trying to keep them from lingering. It tickles my nose, and I try my best not to react. The stench of some of the alphas grosses me out, the intensity of the fragrance stronger with my pre-heat.

And then I see him.

Anger boils below my skin, coursing heat through my bloodstream. Hector shouldn’t be here. He should still be trapped in my territory, which is now in lockdown. It’s as if his presence implodes my entire life. How my brothers remain straight-backed in their seats is beyond me. I’m sure it takes everything in them not to cross the room to where Hector stands behind Spencer like a shadow.

“It’s nice of you to join us,” Spencer says, diverting his gaze to stare at Andrew clasping my fingers. “What is it that is so important that you have called us from our territories when we have a meeting scheduled for tomorrow.”

This fucking asshole. He knows how to act, and I’m sure he will keep it up for as long as he can.

I step forward, training my eyes on his, refusing to look at anyone else. My brothers try desperately to get my attention without calling my name. I need to do this alone. They have gone through so much already, leaving them out of it is the best possible thing I can do. Because now I can show everyone what I am capable of. What I can handle.

“My first order is that I’d like to announce the addition of Andrew onto my pack along with the Silversteins. We are to wed immediately.” I smirk at Spencer, watching as his face twists.

Hector growls from behind Spencer, drawing attention to himself. “That bitch is mine. We had a deal.”

My heart skips a beat, and I bite the inside of my lip to stop my reaction.

Wilder stands up and smacks his palms to the table, and Arsenio and Enzo join him, looking ready to lunge. Desmond must be with Kinsey, because if this was an emergency, they wouldn’t have had time to plan security measures.

“What deal are you referring to? Holly belongs to no one. She is a member of the Pack Regimes, and frankly, I don’t understand what that criminal is doing with you, Spencer. What is going on?” Wilder leans forward even more, his presence intimidating.

I remain standing in my place, giving each of the members a long look, wondering what is going through their minds. It’s obvious that something is up, and it’s making Spencer nervous.

“Spencer has demanded that I step down from my position.” I narrow my eyes at the man.

He jumps from his seat, fisting his hands. “You’re a fucking nuisance and a terrible leader. You allowed this man into our region. Your pack couldn’t even handle his little threat. And now you try to frame me for your poor decisions? I’m a hostage. This man has some of my pack members imprisoned and threatened to kill them.”

I open my mouth in exasperation. Spencer twists the whole situation to make himself look like a victim.

“Arrest him,” Armand says, remaining in his seat. “We do not tolerate this sort of behavior. If you so much as hurt Spencer’s pack, you—”

Lunging forward, Hector reaches for Armand and snatches him from his chair, yanking him back. He drags him across the floor and to the corner of the room, his hand laced around his throat while his other one rests on the side of his head.

“Tell him the truth, Spencer. We had a deal. Holly would be mine along with the Platinum Shores territory. We were to be allies. You were supposed to make her step down so I could step into her place.” Hector flares his nostrils, his anger morphing his face with lines of rage.

“He’s lying!” Spencer says, standing his ground with his story.

“What!” Hector shoves Armand into the wall, hitting his head against it.

Everybody stands up as he falls to the floor, knocked out from the gesture. Reaching into the front of his jacket, Hector pulls out a knife. I expect him to run toward Spencer, but he bolts directly toward me. No one tries to stop him, choosing to protect themselves, except for my brothers. They’re just not quick enough. Andrew pushes me out of the way protectively, acting as my shield. He dodges out of the way of the blade, getting a snag on the front of his shirt. Shadows crawl along the edge of my vision, my body cooling, the pain inside me turning feral.

Oh shit. Not now. Please, universe. Not now.

My heat hits me hard and fast, the sensation shocking as agony courses through me, starting from my middle and working its way over every molecule in my body. I thought I could make it through this. I thought I could—

I hit my back against the wall and bow forward, the ache inside me worse than anything. I just want it to stop. I don’t feel well. I feel not only sick to my stomach but sick to my soul.

It’s enough to distract Andrew, and he glances over his shoulder at my cry. Hector doesn’t relent, swiping his knife again. Andrew drops to his knees and shoves himself into Hector’s legs, knocking him off his feet. His knife clatters across the floor, and I stare at it, my muscles frozen.

“Kill the traitor,” Spencer says, rushing to grab the blade, but he’s not quick enough. The fight blocks his way. “He’ll destroy us all!”

No one knows what’s going on. Arsenio rushes to me, trying to pick me off the floor. Hector trips him, growling and spitting, turning rabid with his fury. Scrambling forward he clutches the blade and swings, keeping the others away. Andrew acts as a shield between me and that monster, but he doesn’t relent.

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