Page 19 of Eclipse Sector

Shit. I need a drink.

Shadowing to the bar, I took a glass from the shelf and poured myself a healthy serving of amber liquid laced with blood. The bubbly crap being passed around the room definitely wouldn’t be strong enough to quell my mounting mood.

“You’re making the Lunar Sector Elites nervous.” The words resembled a whisper on the wind as Lorcan materialized beside me. “Is there a threat I should be concerned with?”

Rather than reply, I swallowed some of my drink, my throat feeling far too dry.

Lorcan arched a brow, his expression imperious. “Cillian?”

“I’m fine.” The words came out through my teeth, the bite in them unintentional, yet there.

“That’s not what I asked.”

“I know.” I took another gulp, then grabbed the bottle to refill my glass. “Everything is fine.” There,thatwas a better phrase.

But also complete and utter bullshit.

Because everything wasnotfine.

Not only did it seem that Ivana had enlisted herself as an Eligible Omega Mate because of me, but Kieran had invited me to join the eligible Alpha pool.

Feckin’ bastard,I thought, irritated all over again.

He’d stopped by moments ago, his humored state clear in the cocky set of his mouth.

A mouth I’d wanted to punch.

Because he’d let Ivana join this farce of an experiment.

You look ready to kill Prince Cael,Kieran had murmured as he’d shadowed to my side.Has he done something I should be concerned about?

My teeth had ground togetheras I’d narrowed my gaze at my oldest friend.He’s flirting with Ivana.

And?

And nothing,I’d snapped.She’s an eligible Omega, right?

Right,he’d agreed.Unless she’s not…

I’d said nothing.

Because what was there to say? She wasn’t mine. She was free to be courted. Hell, I’dencouragedher to pursue other Alphas.

I just hadn’t expected it to be here and now.

Well, the next few weeks should be fun to observe,Kieran had mused next, his Irish lilt heavy in my mind.Let me know if you want to be added to the suitor list. You have until tomorrow to decide…

My fingers squeezedaround my glass now as I recalled his offer, my urge to throw my drink against a nearby wall all-encompassing.

What the fuck kind of option is that?I wanted to demand, my mind nearly connecting to the Blood Sector King’s.

Kieran knew I didn’t want a mate.

And especially not Ivana.

She deserved so much better than a distracted Alpha who could never put her first.

Fuck. I downed my drink again and went to refill it once more, only Lorcan’s hand was suddenly in the way.