Page 89 of Eclipse Sector

I’ve never taken them,she interjected before I could finish my next question.But I know all about them. Just like I know a lot about the drugs used in Bariloche Sector. Quinn would probably be a good resource to ask about heat inducers.

My stomach twisted at the mention of the hellhole Kieran, Lorcan, and I had pulled Quinnlynn from a few months back. Fortunately, she’d been mostly unharmed—just drained of energy from healing all the Omegas around her.

But some of the other Omegas had been in much worse shape, many of them having been drugged repeatedly by the former Alpha of Bariloche Sector and his merry band of sadistic supporters.

I’ll talk to Quinnlynn, I informed Ivana and moved to face her, placing the room at my back. But these next two words needed to be spoken aloud, not whispered into her mind.

She needed to understand the importance of what she’d just offered me. Not just the ideas in her thoughts, but also the quiet comfort she’d provided when I’d needed it. And the show of leadership she’d displayed when taking over with the Omegas.

“Thank you,” I told her softly, my palm reaching up to cup her cheek as I bent to press my forehead to hers. “Thank you, Ivana.” It was worth repeating.

You don’t have to thank me, Cillian.

I do,I admitted into her mind.When this is done, we’ll talk.

Her responding sigh touched my lips, her agitation momentarily glittering in her mind. However, I pressed a kiss to her mouth before she could reply to my comment.

Because we would talk.

About what had happened today. Before today. After today. Just…everything.

Alas, for now, I left it with a brief kiss, trying to display my intentions and my emotions without words.

Then stepped back to finally let her go.

Lorcan will be here soon to pilot everyone to Blood Sector. I expect you to get on that plane, Ivana.

Her blue eyes held mine for a long moment before she nodded.Okay.

Okay, I echoed, my palm still cupping her cheek. I brushed my thumb against her bottom lip, my gaze following the action.Be safe, macushla. But call me if you need me.

She stared at me for another beat, her eyes searching. Then she dipped her chin again in a small nod and disappeared to rejoin the Omegas.

Ashlyn instantly moved over, making room for Ivana. My Omega studied her for a second before setting her empty glass on the table and sliding onto the open chair. She almost seemed wary, the exchange a bit strange.

However, everything surrounding the Z-Clan Omega seemed off. Even her thoughts—which were once again surface level and seemed to be directed right at me as she thought,That’s much better, Alpha. Much better indeed.

I didn’t reply, instead wrapping myself even deeper into the shadows. Then I pulled up a screen from my watch and typed a message to Kieran, one I knew he wouldn’t like. But Ivana’s point had been extremely valid.

Ask Quinnlynn to evaluate Sylvia. Specifically, see if the condition reminds her of anything from Bariloche Sector.

She’d once said a V-Clan Alpha had been visiting the captive Omegas. And we’d yet to determine who that Alpha had been.

It was a long shot, but if the condition was similar, then it could be the same Alpha.

And Ivana’s comments about how the serum might have been given to Sylvia before she’d arrived in Glacier Sector could hold merit.

My wrist buzzed as Kieran replied with,I’ll talk to Quinnlynn.

Let me know what you learn. I have nothing to report here.

Well, except about Cael’s growing powers.

But that was a discussion Kieran and I needed to have in person.

Minimizing my screen, I leaned back against the wall and resumed my lurking.

Let me know if you need any food,Ivana thought at me.I’ll sneak something over to you.