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He smiles. “Indeed, an omega. Many herds have a male and female omega.” He indicates the second male. “And this is Nox. My second in command. They are both accomplished warriors and protectors of the herd. With your permission. They will now be your protectors.”

This likewise feels significant. Only I think they will be more than protectors, I think he means them to be my courtiers.

Wolf’s hand no longer shakes in mine and remains a comforting presence. My fingers squeeze lightly over both Wolf’s and Seven’s hands.

“I’m pleased to meet you,” I say, bowing my head at the two men.

But I am also bombarded by their new enticing scents.

A shiver runs all the way to my tail, which is not even there while in human form, followed by a distinct and very heavy gush of slick. My legs cut out from under me.

Wolf growls and swings me up into his arms. “You’re overwhelming her, assholes.”

I bury my face against his chest and curl up against him, seeking to hide, wishing I was not drawing attention to myself like this in front of all these noble stag shifters.

When I dare to peek out the corner of my eye, I see a stricken look upon the omega’s face, a frown of worry on his dark-haired companion, and then a softening upon Seven’s face.

I feel terrible, as if I’ve disappointed him. “I am so sorry,” I say.

Seven steps right up to me, blocking my view of the many people, everyone but him and Wolf.

His knuckles brush down my cheek. “It is I who should be apologizing. Come. Let us take you in. You may rest with your Wolf in peace. Tomorrow, we shall talk.”

Chapter Seventeen

Fawn

Iwake up to the sound of voices, low rumbles that I cannot quite make out into words. Different timbres… calm and a little less so.

Blinking my eyes open, I find myself lying in a cloud-soft canopied bed with cream-colored silk. I stretch, gazing up at the swags above me before peering around the room. To the right, double doors rest ajar, hinting at the adjoining room where the voices are coming from.

“What the fuck is wrong with you?”

My ears prick up as a voice raises enough for me to make out the words. That is Wolf’s stern voice. For once, it is not directed at me… a low rumble is the reply,

I sit up slowly.

“Oh?” Finding myself to be in a state of complete undress, a hot flush sweeps over me.

I draw the covers over my chest and glance around the opulent, pale stone and marble room, complete with a vaulted ceiling from which hang two candelabras. A huge window on the left rests open, with flowing transparent drapes billowing in thegentle breeze. Ornate gold tables sit to either side of the bed, bearing intricate candelabras that twist and turn like branches, complete with iron leaves and blooms.

The bed is palatial—you could fit five of me in here…

The low drone of voices draws my focus back to the open doors. Pushing the covers back, I slip quietly out of bed, wanting to get closer and snoop but also not liking that I’m undressed.

The scape of claws and a wet nose against my thighs startles a gasp out of me.

“Blue,” I squeak-whisper, petting his head and seeking to calm him as his tail beats wildly from side to side. “Good boy. Sit.”

He sits, his tail still beating and his soft brown eyes full of adoration as he gazes up at me.

I pet his ears how he likes best and stroke his noble brow. He will be alert in this strange place with all these new scents and people.

“I need to peek,” I whisper. “Stay here.”

My clothes are missing, but a long silk garment rests over the bottom of the bed—a beautiful robe trimmed with embroidery at the collar, cuffs, and hem. With nothing else to wear, I slip it on and belt it around my waist.

Blue watches me as I sneak over to the door. I signal him to stay when his ears raise, and he looks after me. My footsteps are silent as I draw closer to the side of the door, where the rumbles of conversation emanate from.