Page 37 of Eclipse Sector

“I told you it would be fun,” another said.

“Your definition offundiffers from mine,” someone else groused.

I really needed to learn their names, but I’d always been more of a loner. The only reason I knew Ashlyn’s identity was because of her origin—she was the only Z-Clan Omega in the group.

Kimmi was a Vampire Omega.

And Jane was a W-Clan Omega.

Everyone else was a V-Clan Omega like me. Those were the names I was struggling to memorize. The Alpha identities had felt more important, but these Omegas were my future neighbors. So I really should focus on them.

Except that brunette talking to Ashlyn, I decided. The mean-girl clique could go kick rocks for all I cared.

The door to the pilot cabin opened, causing goose bumps to pebble down my arms as Cillian appeared. His eyes instantly scanned the interior, though he didn’t quite reach me before he focused on the exterior exit.

All the Omegas fell quiet, their focus on Cillian.

A few of them stared at him with open interest, his dominance a palpable presence that seduced everyone and everything in his orbit.

He ignored them all, his mind likely scanning all of those outside.

I could practically hear him leashing all of Glacier Sector with his power, taking control of every single being with a thorough sweep of his mind.

His power hummed along my skin, his abilities bordering on terrifying.

He was an Alpha Prince without the title, his ancient bloodline evident in his quiet prowess.

After a long, tense moment, he moved to the exterior door and pressed a button. A series of locks disengaged as the cabin fully depressurized around us. Then a jolt of icy air assaulted the cabin. That waswithoutthe door even being open.

“Coats,” Cillian said, his voice quiet yet underlined with authority.

Everyone inside obeyed, grabbing the jackets we’d been provided before takeoff and pulling them on. Only, he didn’t bother to don one himself. He merely opened the door in his jeans and long thermal sweater.

It was a show of strength. A way of saying without words that he felt completely unaffected by this sector’s chilling energy.

Part of me had wondered if the point of these sector visits was actually a way of forming political alliances with the other V-Clan Princes. It seemed like something Kieran would orchestrate under the guise of a mating program. And Cillian would absolutely be the one he’d send to deliver his quiet message of authority.

Because Cillian was the politically savvy one of the trio. He also served as a unique symbol of power. He could be a prince, yet he chose to serve Kieran. Which essentially meant Blood Sector had two very capable Alphas at the helm, thus securing their position at the top of the V-Clan hierarchy.

“Prince Lykos,” Cillian greeted.

“Alpha Cillian,” a cool voice replied from outside.

Silence descended, creating an even more violent chill in the air.

Because the Alphas were evaluating one another.

Or perhaps even engaged in a silent conversation.

My stomach twisted as I studied Cillian’s features, noting the subtle tic in his jaw. Otherwise, his expression gave nothing away. As calm as ever.The quintessential politician.

But he wasn’t looking away from the other man. No nods. No signs of subtle submission.

Prince Lykos might be in charge here, but Cillian wouldn’t bow to him. Because he didn’t have to. He was a being of equal power, something I felt him highlight with a not-so-subtle sweep of his mental presence.

I could almost always sense his gift. It resembled a warm caress I constantly craved yet very rarely felt. However, I reveled in it now, loving the way it calmed my inner wolf.

Protected, she seemed to say.Safe.