Page 9 of Omega Captive of the Golden Dragon (Alpha Dragons #3)

VARIK

I trusted no one.

The idea of someone else taking up space in my space, breathing my air… knowing my secrets. How could Val have put me in this position?

At least the omega was articulate. He spoke up for himself.

He had a bravery I craved. In my years of captivity, I was never able to speak up for myself.

I was drugged and so beaten down there was almost nothing left when Val finally came for me.

I’d had my art. But even then, to accomplish any of it, it had been necessary to starve myself to get the drugs out of my system.

This omega’s resilience amazed me. He had only been away from his pack for a night and a day.

I remembered my first days in captivity very well. I’d yelled and roared and pounded on the door. I’d cried nonstop for so many days I’d lost count. There’d been no preparation. I’d still been a child.

How long Caylen had known his fate, I hadn’t a clue. But emotions of horror and grief had to be boiling inside him.

I wasn’t without empathy. But I still couldn’t believe Val was leaving him as company for me. And what about Caylen’s needs? I’d be terrible company for him.

If I kept him, I would be looking over my shoulder every day when all I longed for was peace and safety. If I sent him away with Val, I’d be the bad one, the weak one, the ungracious sibling. After everything Val had done for me, he was asking only one thing.

I walked away from both my brother and the omega, at a loss. They could discuss me behind my back. I didn’t care.

My studio was dark except for the white light that reflected off the snow outside and shone in through a row of arched windows. I locked the door behind me.

We can be nice to a person in need, can’t we?

I froze in the middle of the room. My mind was a blur. Varikan’s words made no sense. I put my palm to my forehead and pressed hard.

He’s not after our scales. He’s not hunting anything. Except maybe asylum.

I blurted the first thought that came into my mind. “I don’t want to be responsible for him. I have enough to do around here.”

Deep in my brain, I heard a strange chirping sound, like a bird trapped in the eaves. I tilted my head, trying to process it. It grew louder.

“Are you laughing?”

Yes. At you.

My cheeks puffed out. “Why?”

You say you have enough to do. But your time is your own to fill. You don’t have anything you have to do.

“Okay.” I couldn’t argue that. “But I like it that way.”

You sleep too much.

“I don’t need an inner critic. And I have trouble sleeping. You know that.”

Humph.

“I liked it better when you didn’t speak much. Now this omega has you chattering in my ear like a child.”

Maybe now I have something to say.

“Keep it to yourself.”

Don’t forget. Those were my scales being torn from my hide. My trauma, too.

I bowed my head.

Did you know dragons talk to each other sometimes? Especially to ones close in their flight? That was taken from me, too. Agony and pain blocks receptors. All I know is silence.

“I do know. And I’m sorry.”

All Val is asking for is a trial period.

I stood for a long time looking out the windows at the white swells of ice. Finally, I reached into my pocket and took out my cell. I brought up Val’s texts to me and began to type.

Varik: I will agree to a trial period of six weeks. Please show him to your room and get him settled.

He replied right away.

Valcor: Excellent decision. Thank you for being willing to try.

Varik: You should have told me beforehand.

Valcor: If I had you would have rejected the idea and shut me out.

Varik: Yes! And for good reasons.

Valcor: Thank you for letting him stay. I don’t know where else he would go.

Varik: Don’t act like he was a lost puppy you found. You knowingly and willingly bought him.

Valcor: Yes, and now he needs a place to stay. Thank you. Thank you.

Varik: Whatever.

Valcor: Thank you.

I didn’t come out of my studio until darkness fell over the windows. I knew Val would see to everything and I didn’t need to be around.

When I finally walked back into the living room, the fire had turned to gray ash in the hearth. The food was all put away, the dishes done, but the table remained in its spot. Quietly, I put it away.

Val’s gifts still sat on the kitchen counter. There were some things I didn’t really need but always appreciated. Wine. A box of chocolate truffles. A fleece throw blanket with a snowflake pattern.

I sniffed the air. Caylen was nowhere nearby.

Having someone in the house made the skin on my back prickle.

I went upstairs to the first landing where Val’s guest room was always ready for him. The door was ajar, the light on. There, Caylen’s scent was fresh, like a peach.

I like it.

I said nothing, but Varikan knew my thoughts. I liked it, too.

I stood listening by the door for a long time, hearing nothing. What if he wasn’t in there? Where could he have gone? My nervousness revved up.

Slowly, I reached out and gave the door a slight push. Now I could see the overstuffed chair by the window. One more little shove revealed the bed.

Caylen lay curled around a single pillow, his face slightly scrunched, his eyes closed. His breaths came slow and even. He was deeply asleep.

He said he’d left his home yesterday evening. With the time change, I figured he’d been up for more than twenty-four hours. With no sleep combined with the auction block and culture shock, I was surprised he hadn’t fainted dead away on arrival here.

Rationally, I knew I had nothing to fear. Caylen wasn’t dangerous. He was a victim of circumstance. Like me.

As I stared at him, I couldn’t deny that this omega was actually quite beautiful.

That could have made things worse for him today.

Beauty brought greedy grabbers. His flushed cheeks and shiny light brown hair would have done him no favors if Val hadn’t bid on him.

For a moment, I was glad he was safe. Certainly, I’d never harm him. Val knew that.

Here, it was peaceful and controlled. No one would bother us. No one would tell us what to do.

Maybe having a companion like me wouldn’t be so bad after all.