I searched for my mate, willing his delicious omega scent to guide me to him.
That earthiness, laced with sage and a hint of wildflowers, lured me into the castle. I still didn’t feel like it was my home. I never would, I knew that now. We were meant for more than the castle.
But my mate had served the King so long he didn’t know another way. Yet.
My body shielded me from whatever happened next, snapping me awake. I gasped, shocked to find myself in the safety of Solen’s heat bunker, in the comfort of his bed, with him sleeping beside me.
The soft white sheet covered him to mid torso, contrasting with his dark skin. Even as he rested, his muscles were sleek, strong, and ready to fight. Sometimes, I had to remind myself that Solen was an omega, because his life had been so different from mine. But he was, and he was proof that we could be so much more.
If only I could convince him it was a strength and not something to hide.
Careful not to wake him, I picked up the sheet to see how much naked Solen I was dealing with. Although, if it was a lot, ignorance might be bliss. I was a little disappointed to find he was still in his military uniform from the waist down.
Always the soldier.
His eyelids fluttered and instinct tensed my muscles. This time, I couldn’t give into the surge of heat between us, that earthy scent that I wanted to bathe in, because it would send me straight into heat. And last time Solen and I were face to face, we’d come to a pissed-off truce.
“Hi.” His voice was raspy, and those golden eyes were full of light. Like somehow the sun could reach him deep in this underground bunker. Knowing this omega, he’d probably figured out a way to make it happen. “I came to watch you sleep.”
My heart fluttered, begging me to let my guard down. Maybe just a little bit would be okay. But my head knew better than to fall for those desires. “Liar.”
His head twisted slightly on the pillow, and he grinned at me in disbelief. In this thin veil between reality and dreams, Solen was vulnerable too. “You finally allowed yourself to rest, and once I ensured our safety, I couldn’t keep myself away. You have a way of drawing me in, my little spitfire.”
“Why now? Is this a new feeling, or did you know what I was to you before Zelene crashed the royal party?”
I hadn’t realized he was my mate right away, because I never dared to dream that I could belong to someone as strong and important as General Solen of the East. Things like that weren’t possible for an omega, or so I thought. But once I’d been given access to more than the dark underbelly of the castle, I dared to want more.
He took a deep, slow, sleepy breath and nestled a little deeper into the bed. My mouth watered with need. It would’ve been so easy to crawl over and press my lips against his. But I still had an advantage, knowing where General Solen’s strength really came from, so I would relish that power as long as I wielded it. If this wolf wanted a kiss, he could come and get it.
“I knew you were special as soon as I had a chance to work with you in the armory. I suggested that you could handle more responsibility than the other omegas. You worked hard and with pride. Many of the others went through the motions. Even though they knew they could be punished for their mediocrity, there was no reward for going above and beyond. But you did it anyway.”
I thrived from praise for my work. It was the only thing that had kept me going when there was no light at the end of the tunnel. Some alphas twisted my responsibilities to make them seem like a burden. “I did it for my own sanity. I had to keep my mind busy, and learn every single thing I could about my job even if it never amounted to anything.”
“But it did.”
“Nothing good, since I’m currently a fugitive.”
“Whether you like the circumstances or not, they brought us together. First in the armory, and now here.” He was so close to me, the heat from his body washing over mine, daring my heat to blossom. “But I think we’ve only seen a hint of what you’re capable of, Ashla. You have a strategic mind.”
“Oh yeah?” I’ll admit it--I was praise motivated. I liked it in the armory, and I especially liked it when I woke up next to my mate. “What else do you think I’m capable of?”
His fingers were under my chin, and I gasped. Not at the surge of electricity that coursed through my body just from that little bit of touch, but because he caught me off guard. Judging from the slow smile that spread over his face, he liked my reaction to him. He leaned in and closed his eyes just before his lips slanted over mine.
Instinct twisted inside me. My first thought was to resist. This kind of contact was usually unwanted. But I had to keep reminding myself who Solen was, and that he promised me he’d keep me safe.
It was time to believe him.
His lips were soft but urgent as he moved against me. I parted my lips, letting him inside. Our tongues tangled, and I let myself enjoy this kiss.
My hands were on his shoulders, and I ran them down his back, experiencing the way his muscles tensed and relaxed as we came together. Exploring each other. Trusting each other. This kiss was a concession, a promise. I
