Page 32 of Hunting Their Omega

I wanted to go to that boarding house and demand answers about their actions because what Isolde described couldn’t be sanctioned. We couldn’t help but notice how thin she was or how her eyes rounded with shock when she was allowed to speak. Despite her initial edginess, there was a fire in her and an unwillingness to sit back and let the Council win.

Our mate is resilient, my wolf huffed, pleased.

We walked through the packed marketplace, taking the long way so Isolde could see as much as possible. Part of me didn’t want to leave her on her own tomorrow, but I had responsibilities, andIsolde wanted freedom. She craved it so strongly I could taste it in the air.

I focused on showing her our borders, making sure she understood the layout of our lands so she would not get lost. Lake Sarrin to the south, the glades to the west, the northern gate, and the forest edge before the clearing that led to Mount Icramel to the east all marked the parameters of our land, and as long as she was within them, she knew she was close to home.

“The east border is where it gets tricky,” I warned her. “The forest on the east begins the shift into rouge territory. Icramel is what divides rouge lands between unsanctioned lands.”

Rouges were vicious, half-sane solitary shifters with no tie to packs. Most had been kicked out of their packs, some chose to leave. Regardless, they held no loyalty to any pack—sanctioned or unsanctioned—or to the Council.

“Do you often have problems with rouges?” she asked.

“We did once,” Alaric replied. “Not anymore.”

Hidden Creek had long established itself as dangerous to any rouge looking to creep within our borders. They could make it in, but they never made it back out.

We passed through the fabric district, and her eyes brightened with excitement. I noted every item her gaze lingered on and marked every word exchanged between shopkeepers. By noon, we had gone through most of the market, leaving the food district for last.

“So, what do you think?” Alaric asked.

“It’s amazing. I could have spent forever in the wood shop. I’ve never seen so much skill before.” She took a bite of her chicken club sandwich. “I’m just sorry you guys have to run around with me today. I know you’re busy.”

“There’s nothing I would rather be doing than spending time with you, even if that means hearing you gush about the skills of other males,” I joked.

She blushed so prettily it was an effort not to take her lips. I settled for placing a hand on her knee beneath the table. The touch was enough to calm my wolf.

“Just don’t make a habit of it,” Alaric warned softly. “I’m not sure how much we can take before there are casualties.”

Isolde laughed, unaware of how true his statement was.

I placed a hand under her chin, guiding her beautiful turquoise gaze to mine. “We’re serious about wanting to be here with you. We’ve been waiting for our mate for a long time, and now that we have a fated one . . .” I ran my thumb over the soft angle of her cheek. She shivered, lips parting in response to my touch. “There is nothing more to wish for.”

“You guys aren’t what I expected,” Isolde confessed, eyes darting between us.

“In what way?”

“Well, I guess I didn’t know what to prepare for, but this wasn’t it.”

Alaric leaned his chin on a propped hand. “What did you expect, little mate?”

She blushed sheepishly. “Well, I honestly thought you’d be assholes, and I’d be locked up in a room somewhere.”

“Why would we lock you up?” I asked. “You’re our mate.”

“Yeah, but most males just want what comes from the mating and nothing more,” she murmured.

Pups. She was talking about pups.

I couldn’t deny it—many males only saw Omegas as breeders, and some continued relationships with Alpha or Beta females even after the bonding.

“Not us.” Alaric stole one of her fries with a smirk. “Can’t you feel the strength of our bond and how much we want you?”

“We don’t even know each other.” It wasn’t a denial, just a simple fact.

“Not yet, not completely. But we will.” I placed my hand on top of hers. “So, how about you start by telling us what got you interested in art?”

Her eyes lit up.

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