Page 59 of Gold Sector

I rub the bridge of my nose, a headache forming behind my eyes. This is how these chats always go when Rio and Onyx are on a call. It starts with ridiculous nicknames and ends with true insults.

They’re far too similar and therefore push each other’s buttons without even trying.

As they’re both Alphas—and powerful ones at that—neither ever backs down.

Requiring me to be the voice of reason.

Except I’m not the one who speaks next.

Instead, it’s a small feminine voice filled with curiosity that says, “My father has told me a lot about you, Uncle Rio. And he explained why we couldn’t go to his home sector. I understand why I won’t be accepted there. My wolf is inferior to the dragons.”

“Your wolf is not inferior,” I interject. “I can’t believe your father told you that.”

I may have to fucking kill him for it, too.

All shifters are powerful in their own right.

Drakonians may possess some superior qualities, but there are things wolves can do that dragons cannot.

Like sprint through the woods.

“My father doesn’t feel that way, but he’s warned me that others do. And Obsidian Sector…” She trails off, then shakes her head. “My point is, I know why my father and I didn’t go to Jasper Sector. It was too far for us to travel, and my father knew I wouldn’t be accepted as a worthy Omega mate.”

She shrugs in a way that says “What can you do?” And it infuriates me.

“You’re worthy,” I tell her. “And fuck anyone who says otherwise.”

Rio clears his throat, the bastard not so subtly reminding me of his virtual presence.

Like I could fucking forget.

“Oros is right,cariño. You’re extremely worthy. Which is why I suggested Gold Sector to your father. I knew the Alphas there would treat you with the respect you deserve. Their Omega relocation resources are the most robust in the region, and they’re not afraid to embrace Omegas from alternative backgrounds.”

I stare at the male whom I once considered to be my rival. “I’m willing to forgive you for calling hersweetheartbecause of everything you just said about my sector. But don’t push your luck again.”

The asshole’s lips twitch. “I’m not sure if I should be amused by your possession or concerned.”

“The latter,” my brother mutters. “Definitely the latter. But I assume you wanted this, so you probably feel the former.”

“IfI wanted this, it was with good intentions,” Rio returns coolly. “I am not your enemy, Silver Kiss.”

“And yet, you keep insulting me, Red Rock.”

“There is nothing insulting about silver-coated chocolate,” the other Alpha bites back. “Those foiled kisses were fucking delicious. Too bad the human world went to shit.”

My brother grunts but says nothing more.

“I would like permission to visit,” Rio states, abruptly changing the conversation and returning it to business. “I think an in-person discussion regarding current affairswould be best. It’ll allow you to evaluate my truths and give me a chance to provide good faith.”

“Or you’re asking for an opportunity to invade,” Onyx fired back. “In which case, I don’t recommend it.”

Rio smartly ignores my fiery brother and focuses on me instead. He knows I’m the one who can make this decision. Not Onyx.

“Who will accompany you?” I ask him.

“Xavier,” he replies. “He can copilot. I’ll leave Arlo behind to serve as Sector Prince.”

I arch a brow. “No enforcers?”