Page 81 of Eclipse Sector

Regardless, it left an uneasy current in the air, one that made some of the Omegas squirm in response.

I cleared my throat and glanced at the other women. “Perhaps we should all go have breakfast?” I suggested, trying to remind the two Alphas of their audience.

Cillian, I added in a mental whisper.You and Cael are making the Omegas even more nervous than they already are.

He didn’t reply.

“Evening breakfast sounds like a good idea,” Benz said, acknowledging my commentary. “Let’s go to the main lodge and see what’s?—”

“No,” Cillian interjected. “The Omegas are returning to Night Sector with Lorcan. The jet is already being prepared.”

“But it won’t be ready for another hour,” Fritz added as he stepped out of Sylvia’s igloo. “Breakfast might be a good idea.”

It was a daring move to question an Alpha’s judgment. But Cillian’s focus remained on Cael, the two males refusing to look away from each other.

This isn’t helping.

Tired of their posturing, I shadowed between them and gave Cillian my back so I could look up at Prince Cael. “Can you escort us to breakfast?” I asked him in the softest tone I could muster.

Cillian firmly grabbed my hips, an action Cael didn’t miss.

But I pretended not to notice as I added, “I think the Omegas would feel more comfortable if an Alpha Prince accompanied them.”

Because whatever was happening here between him and Cillian was having the opposite impact, and what the Omegas needed most right now was a distraction.

“Please?” I pressed, finally catching the prince’s gaze. The sharp quality of his features gentled as he refocused on me, an indulgent expression loosening his tightened jaw.

“It would be my honor,” he replied, his voice as smooth as ever.

“Thank you.” I gifted him with a small smile before glancing at Benz. “Can you lead the way?”

Since when do you command my men?a velvety voice inquired in my mind, the words paired with a subtle squeeze against my hips.

I took a page out of Cillian’s book and ignored him, my focus on Benz and the Omegas.

“I’ll be there in a moment,” I told Benz. “I just need to have a quick word with Cillian first.”

Now isn’t the time for this, Vana,Cillian telepathically replied.I realize I left abruptly, but I have?—

Shh,I hushed him.I’m trying to focus.

“Oh, and, Ashlyn, if there’s any smoked salmon, can you save me a piece?” I asked, doing my best to sound completely normal. Like the fact that an Omega was going into heat in the igloo didn’t faze me at all.

The light-haired Z-Clan Omega’s lips tilted up like she understood what I was doing and nodded. “Yep. A cream cheese toastie, too?”

“Yes, please.” I was surprised she knew I liked that side with my salmon. But then, it seemed there was a lot more to Ashlyn than just a few cryptic comments.

Such as the one about Prince Cael and his darkness, I recalled, glancing at him now.

He didn’t seem all thatdark. If anything, he appeared quite relaxed and almost bored.

Except his gaze kept shifting down to where Cillian’s hands clasped my hips.

A subtle tic started in his jaw as Cillian’s thumb moved in a possessive circle, the Alpha behind me no doubt fully aware of his movements.

Or maybe it was subconscious.

I’d have to ask him about it later. For now, I just wanted the testosterone-filled air to dissipate and the Omegas to relax.