Page 74 of Shared Omega

His eyes pass to Dog, then to Truk, and finally back to Kane.

“A very peculiar pack, my old friend. Very peculiar indeed.”

“No!” Kane snarls immediately, his voice echoing about the spacious chamber. Then he restrains himself and says in a more controlled voice. “We are not a pack.”

Addom looks at Kane thoughtfully, seemingly unfazed by the Alpha’s sudden outburst. He gestures toward me.

“Is that not your mark upon the omega’s neck?” he asks calmly. “Situated there between the other two in the pack-leader’s position?”

Kane drops his bearded chin to his bare chest.

“It is, my chief. But I was deceived.”

Addom quirks one quizzical eyebrow.

“Deceived into marking an omega?”

“Aye.”

“But how can that be? Surely you know that these things are guided by the Will of the Source, old friend. I fail to see how an Alpha could be deceived into marking an omega that he did not mean to claim.”

Kane opens his mouth to speak, but he cannot find the words. Addom raises one hand to silence him.

“Be still, Kane. As I see it, there is no cause for unhappiness here. For too long you have been a loner, stalking the Farlands in search of Outsiders to kill, only returning to the center to recharge your soul in the presence of the Source.”

“I had good cause, my chief.”

This time, it is another Alpha who speaks. This one is standing behind Lily, his hand protectively placed on her shoulder. His appearance is terrifying, even more so than Kane. His head is shorn all the way down to a scalp that is criss-crossed with innumerable scars, as is the rest of his body. His face is covered in a thick beard that shakes as he speaks.

“I too once felt as you do, Kane,” the Alpha says. “I loved Talia too. After she was killed, my heart burned with vengeance. But I have come to understand that not all Outsiders are evil.”

Kane growls quietly.

“I’m afraid I cannot forgive my sister’s death as easily as you, Hasker old friend.” The last two words are dripping with sarcasm.

The one named Hasker tenses with anger, but Addom motions for him to be still. Then he gestures toward me again.

“Kane, by your leave, may I parley with your omega.”

“She’s not mine,” Kane grumbles.

When Addom speaks again, he speaks rapidly, and his voice carries a sharp tone of reproach.

“As the leader of the Alphas who dwell among the ruins, I take our traditions very seriously. The omega bears your mark, Kane. By our traditions, she is yours.”

That does it. I don’t like how this guy is talking about me like I’m somebody’s piece of property. Especially not someone like Kane who hates my guts. I decide it’s time to speak out.

“Hey, I’m right here, buddy,” I shout. “Don’t you think it’s a little rude to talk like that?”

Dog squeezes my hand. “Sloane, what are you doing?”

I know he’s not scared for his own sake. He’s only concerned about keeping me out of trouble. But I don’t care. I didn’t bust my butt in the marine academy just to have some Alpha talk about me like a piece of luggage.

Kane, meanwhile, turns his head and glares at me.

“Watch your mouth, Outsider. Addom is the leader of our people. Show some respect.”

“I’ll show him some respect when he shows some to me,” I reply. Then, crossing my arms and squaring up, I face Addom. “You don’t need Kane’s or anyone else’s permission to speak to me. Now, what do you want to know?”