Page 200 of Omega's Heart

“Holland’s in a rage,” Quin said dryly. “But he doesn’t see any way out of complying either. Not only can this group probably put roadblocks in our way in other areas, but both of us want to keep tabs on these two shifters now that we know about them. And the only way to do that is to go along with the whole scheme.”

Felix started to push himself to his feet. “I want to go talk to Holland,” he announced and threw a grateful smile at Kaden when Kaden gave him a little extra push. “Thanks. I need to do something about how low this couch is.”

“I don’t think it was bought with us in mind,” Kaden said and Felix grinned.

“Probably not.” He leaned down to kiss Kaden and whispered, “I think we have to help, but I want to talk to Holland first.”

“I’ll want to talk to you first,” Kaden whispered back. “Take it easy on the walk, okay? And take Hunter with you, just in case?” Felix nodded and turned toward the door, calling their foster pup to his side.

Quin jumped up to open it for him. “He’s in the apartment. The pups are there, though. Please keep that in mind.”

Felix paused on his way through the door. “We’ll be fine,” and there was a sharpness to his tone that made Quin drop his head slightly, even if as Alpha he didn’t need to.

Quin came back to his chair wearing a thoughtful look. “There’s more to him than you’ve let on, little brother,” he mused as he sat down again.

“I could make the obvious joke, but there’s not much point. It took me a while to realize that it wasn’t just his manner that was so soothing.” Kaden stretched and contemplated taking his leg off for comfort, then decided that Quin didn’t need any more guilt or distractions tonight. “What you want is for us to make contact and give these two shifters someplace to run if they needed to.”

Quin nodded. “I don’t think they could stay here, but there’d be places north or south they could go.”

“You’re thinking that we can keep tabs on them through the omega?” It was obvious, at least to Kaden. Quin’s inclusion of Felix in this discussion had made that abundantly clear.

“It’s probably the safest. Someone will have to coordinate with them to maintain the cover story that the omega is moving here to live and have the pup. Holland can do it too, but I’m concerned about landing another thing on his lap.”

Kaden thought about that for a moment. “Are you telling me everything?” He didn’t smell any holes in the story, but that didn’t mean there weren’t any.

“Yes.” A pause, and then, “I needed someone to talk it out with.”

“You usually talk to Abel.”

“You have the military background. I’ll have to talk to him anyway, but I wanted your take on it. And it was going to have to come to you anyway—I can’t think of any good reason to tell the bureau we’re going to Nevada Ashes other than your campaign.”

“I’m not making a decision until after I’ve talked to Felix.”

Quin nodded. “He’s involved too.” He sighed. “Fuck Oscar, bringing all this old shit back up.” He leaned back in the chair. “So, how’s living in the new house?”

Kaden accepted the change of subject, figuring he could ask more questions in the morning after he’d gotten Felix’s take on this from the omega’s point of view. “It’s good. He likes the bathroom.” Jet tubs were expensive, and one sized for two even more. Still, Kaden was pretty sure they’d already gotten their money out of it. “I’ve probably covered myself for ten years of mated slip-ups with this one.”

Quin gave a snort. “That’s what you think,” he said wryly. “But tell me more about this jet tub.”

Kaden grinned and pushed himself up from the couch. “Why don’t I show you?”

C H A P T E R 1 0 3

F elix came back that night with a thoughtful look on his face. Kaden was already in bed, propped up against the headboard as he read some reports for work, or tried to. Most of his mind was occupied poking at this scheme of Quin’s for holes that could let things hurt the pack.

“What are you doing still up?” Felix asked softly from the door.

“You know I don’t sleep well without you,” Kaden told him, setting the folder aside. “How’s Holland?” He patted the mattress beside him.

“Let me wash up first,” Felix said, leaning down for a kiss. “Come wash your paws,” he told Hunter.

Kaden watched with amusement as Hunter followed Felix into the bathroom for his bedtime routine.

Hunter was back in a couple of minutes, jumping up onto the bed to curl up against Kaden’s side.

Felix took a lot longer, long enough that Kaden found his attention spending more time on the half-closed bathroom door than it spent on the work he’d brought home with him.

Hunter whined and move his head to stare up at Kaden.