Page 3 of Gold Sector

So who is the Drakon Prince?I wonder.The one issuing inquiries or the dragon?

“I hope to offer my daughter as a potential Omega mate to whomever you deem worthy of her,” my father says, his words expected.

What isn’t expected is the masculine chuckle that follows. “You think we need Omegas?” Humor underlines the query, the owner of it becoming known asVoicein my head.

“I know you do,” my father replies without hesitation. “All Alphas need Omegas.”

“Yet you want to sell yours?” Voice counters. “If Omegas are so important, why would you want to barter something so precious? Is she defective?”

I nearly wince at the word, my heart skipping a beat in my chest.

The dragon huffs against my hair. It takes everything inside me not to react as he lowers his snout to my neck and inhales deeply.

“My daughter is not defective. She’s a hybrid breed, beautiful, and powerful in her own right. If you give her a chance?—”

“A chance?” Voice interrupts, a hint of mockery coloring his tone. “Why the fuck should we give you or her a chance?”

“I’m a Drakon Alpha. My daughter has a right to be considered,” my father says, patience underlining each word. Patience I recognize. He’s never been one to unnecessarily lose his temper, unlike other Alphas I’ve known. My father chooses reason over using his fists, and it shows now as he adds, “All I desire is for you to evaluate her as a potential mate.”

“In exchange for what?” Voice presses. “Compensation?”

“Protection,” my father corrects. “For Taliana.”

I almost frown. That’s not what we discussed. Myfather needs resources to survive on his own. Goods to trade. A way to make a living in the nomad lands of this world.

“And?” Voice demands.

“All I care about is my daughter’s safety. I want to see her properly mated, then I’ll leave.”

I can no longer fight the urge taunting my mouth, my lips curling down.What are you talking about?I want to ask him.You were hoping to exchange my mating for gold.He told me that. Confided in me his desires. Why isn’t he telling the truth now?

“Hmm,” Voice hums as the dragon steps back from me with a grunt.

That sound doesn’t give me positive vibes.

He no doubt smelled my mixed heritage. Realized I’m not a true dragon.Discovered my inner wolf.

My shoulders fall, hopelessness engulfing me.

The wolves won’t take me.

The dragons won’t either.

Only the abominations of Obsidian Sector want me.

And they don’t want me for kind reasons.

They—

“Take her away for evaluation,” Voice says sharply, his words shivering down my spine with thunderous authority. “And escort Alpha Keegan to a waiting suite. Once we’ve properly evaluated the Omega, we’ll determine if she’s worthy of a match.”

My blood runs cold. I know whatevaluationmeans. Obsidian Sector was notorious for them.

Pain tolerance.

Knot threshold.

Heat cycle.