Page 40 of Hunting Their Omega

“My mate is not a pet, and I don’t intend to keep her anywhere,” I growled.

“Don’t be ridiculous. I was only giving you sound advice based on countless successful integrations.”

“I believe you and I have two very different definitions of what success is.” I clenched my fist, making an effort to keep my voice steady. “But I’m failing to see how what I do with my mate is any business of the Council. The Hunt is over. She is officially under Hidden Creeks’ protection.”

Councilman Raza’s eyes narrowed. “Be that as it may, as a sanctioned pack, you are still responsible for informing the Council of any births and their classifications. Expect a weekly call, Alpha Wynn, so that we may be the first to congratulate you on your unit’s new addition.”

My wolf’s hackles rose, riled by the veiled threat in the councilman’s words. A low warning growl vibrated through the office.

“Until next week, Alpha,” Raza said mockingly, and the screen went dark.

Alaric shot up from his seat, anger blazing in his blue-green eyes. “That piece of ever-loving shit! Who the fuck does he think he is?”

“The bylaws are on his side,” Bishop stiffly reminded Alaric. He turned to me, his intelligent mind already working out what this meant.

“So what? We’re just going to let him sniff after her like she’s some borrowed prize?”

Bishop’s hand went to Alaric’s forearm, squeezing lightly.

The door burst open, and Valor’s eyes locked with mine. Something very close to dread coiled in my gut.

I reached for the bond and felt a wave of barely concealed pain.

“Isolde is going into heat,” Valor announced.

Chapter 15

Isolde

“They’ll be here soon; just hold on,” Winnie soothed, one hand rubbing small circles on my back as I curled into a ball.

Small, sharp rocks dug into my knees, but I was thankful for the pain—thankful for anything that kept me out of the fog of lust and need that enveloped my body.

My wolf whimpered, calling out to her mates, needing them to ease the ache.

Something was happening. Muted screams and growls erupted nearby, and I could smell males, but none of them were my mates.

Sweat beaded on my forehead as pain radiated through my limbs, and I couldn’t stop the whimper that escaped my lips.

Voices surrounded me, but I couldn’t make out their words. I opened my eyes and saw the backs of the females I’d spent all morning with, creating a barrier between me and the males. Even Laris, who hadn’t hidden her annoyance at my presence, stood as a pillar in their makeshift wall.

Even through the pain, something tender squeezed in my chest at their quick defense of me. I barely knew them. I threatened their place in the pack with my mere existence, yet they stood between me and a potential threat as a united front.

A snarl broke through the fog, setting my teeth on edge. A male launched himself at the wall of women, but Winnie slammed into him head-on, her growl echoing around the clearing. Two male Enforcers ripped him back, restraining the volatile male as the women closed ranks.

I screamed, body shaking with agony and humiliation as wetness pooled between my thighs. My nipples hardened, and my core clenched violently.

Need mates now. Need them to take, claim, and fill us with their seed.

I flushed at the dirty, desperate thoughts. My fingers dug into the dirt as nausea twisted my stomach.

Mint and patchouli snagged my attention, and my body shifted toward the addictive musk of my mate. I let out an embarrassingly needy whimper, and the wall of bodies around me parted.

Wynn’s answering growl sent a flood of lust through my veins.

“Take him to the cells. I’ll deal with him later,” Wynn ordered, scooping me up.

My whimpers became frantic. I wrapped my arms around his shoulders and inhaled his scent. His heart pounded alongside my own.

---