Page 119 of Shattered Omega: Part Two

“Think your nest is awesome. Because it is.”

I glared up at him, pouting, hyper-aware of the oddly angled stacks of books on the floor beside the bookshelf. They were too perfectly positioned for Roxy not to know it was on purpose.

Umbra had been pissed about the whole ‘dark bond command from Dusk’ thing, but I wasn’t. I’d felt his spike of panic when I fought his command. I knew he hadn’t meant it.

“He called the shots for years,” I’d said. “He’s not used to having to be careful about that.”

And the pain had been… Well, it wasn’t the worst thing I’d ever felt, but the bar was high for me.

But now the true issue had arisen, since—despite the dark bond command situation—we all knew Dusk had a plan, and that meant Roxy was going to be coming in here at any moment.

To my nest.

And all of its madness—A KNOCK sounded on the door.

“Shit.” My gaze snapped up.

Ransom, who’d been watching the fight between me and Umbra from my desk chair, got to his feet and crossed to it in an instant.

Ohdammit.

She was here.

She was here and my books were all—I squeaked as Umbra (noticing me sticking my foot out to at least knock the stack over) grabbed me by the waist and tucked me under his arm like I was a misbehaving puppy. Then he walked me across the room and set me down before a rather startled looking Roxy, who was standing at the door.

“Hi…” I said, straightening my shirt and trying to fix my glare.

Roxy stifled a smile, looking between me and Umbra. “Can I come in?”

“Um…”

“Yes.” Umbra spoke for me.

I wrinkled my nose. “Fine. But you have to go.” I tried to shove him out the door, and was about as successful as if I’d tried to move a brick wall.

Ransom, at least, had the decency to exit withoutrudeness, giving me a little kiss on the forehead before he left. See,thatwas sweet, and not embarrassing.

“I’ll go,” Umbra said, “But Roxy needs to know the nest rule.”

“Nest rule?” Roxy asked as she stepped in. She was looking around at it. Atallof it.

“Nothing can be straight,” he declared. “Not ever. Not even a little bit?—”

“Shutup!” I hissed.

With a broad grin on his face, Umbra exited the room, offering me a smug little salute as I slammed the door in his face.

Ohbother.

“It’s amazing,” Roxy said, staring around.

“You don’t have to say that to?—”

“I’m not. I’m jealous. Your instincts are off the walls.”

I shrank. “I know.” My voice was quiet as I tugged at my hair.

“That’s a good thing, Shatter,” she said, looking back at me.

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