Page 96 of Ruined Omega

But Tal wasn’t going to allow that. He threatened to blow up the Source unless Seraph turned me back.

I notice that Canaris is on the ground by Tal’s feet. His skin is also pale and veined like a beta’s, but gradually that disappears and he returns to his old Alpha self again.

“Canaris is the one who started it,” Lily whispers to me. “He threatened to blow up the Source for you. When Seraph turned him into a beta too, Tal took the bazooka and did the same thing.”

Next I notice Baen standing right behind Tal. The younger Alpha is supporting his pack leader. If the same thing that happened to Canaris had happened to Tal, Baen would be there to follow suit I think. Now that the threat has passed, Baen turns his attention to Canaris, helping his recovering pack brother to his feet again.

My heart pangs with a feeling of pure love as I realize the price my Alphas were willing to pay to save me.

But Tal still hasn’t lowered his weapon.

“It is no trick, Alpha,” Seraph says to Tal. “You may put the weapon down now.”

After a moment’s hesitation, Tal slowly stoops and places the weapon on the floor. The gathered Alphas and omegas breathe a collective sigh of relief as the moment of tension passes.

Then my Alphas are running toward me, helping me to my feet, each one embracing me in turn, then all three of them at once, caging me in with their massive, Alpha bodies. I feel tears springing to my eyes again as I enjoy the warmth of their triple hug.

When they finally let me go, I realize that a large figure has approached.

It is Addom, Lily’s mate and the leader of the tribe.

Slowly, solemnly, Canaris steps toward him and bows his head.

“I am sorry,” Canaris says quietly. “I have committed a great blasphemy. I have threatened the Source, and I have endangered the entire tribe. I willingly submit to whatever punishment is required.”

Tal joins him, placing his dark-complexioned hand on Canaris’s scarred shoulder.

“I have done the same. Whatever punishment you choose to bestow upon Canaris, I will share it.”

“Me too,” says Baen simply.

Addom looks at the three Alphas in turn with a stern brow. A tense silence gathers.

Then a bright smile splits his face.

“Nonsense!” Addom says.

The tribal leader strides forward, placing his hands on Canaris’s shoulders, next to Tal’s and Baen’s

“What you have done is no blasphemy,” says Addom, “In all the Zone, nothing is more sacred than an Alpha’s love for his omega. And an Alpha’s duty to protect his mate and his children must be placed above all things. This is the cornerstone upon which our society is built.”

Addom turns toward Seraph.

“Is it not so, Seraph?”

The big image of Seraph’s face nods placidly.

“It is so.”

Now it’s my turn to step forward, as I feel compelled to speak.

“Seraph, listen,” I say. “Even though I know the recipe to the so-called cure, I will never make it. I don’t even want to anymore.” I turn toward my guys, my Alphas. “I’m an omega now. The Zone is my home. Nothing can change that. I promise.”

All three of my Alphas beam with love and pride at this statement. They close in around me again, and I nestle into their bodies.

“I believe you,” Seraph says. “And I am moved by your Alphas’ display of love and protectiveness toward you.”

Moved? I didn’t realize Seraph had emotions.