Page 133 of The Omega's Bloodlinem: Part Two

“Chaotic, but also really cool. They made me a Protector here.”

“Holy shit, really? That’s unheard of.”

“I think it helped that we forced them into a lockdown with Godric following us, and then I was the only witch available to charge the warding. Plus I suppose being fated mates with three of the Protectors didn’t hurt.”

“That’s so rare for an omega witch to have all shifter mates.”

“Is it?”

“A lot of us just don’t intermingle, so maybe it would be more common if we did. They treat you well?”

“Yes. Admittedly, it’s been difficult to really settle into relationships with all of the life-or-death stuff hanging over our heads, but I can feel how much they love me, how easy it is now that nothing is hidden.”

“Well, consider me jealous. I’ve been around for two hundred fucking years and still don’t have my alphas.”

“How do you get through your heats, then? I feel like I would’ve died during mine if I didn’t have all of them.”

“I said I didn’t have my alphas, not that I didn’t have sexual partners. It’s frustrating knowing every witch has their fated mates out there, because sometimes finding them is a real bitch.”

“A little more time would’ve been nice,” I confessed. “I was already with Caden for a few years, and well aware of Seth. Everyone else arrived like a punch to the face.”

Cecily laughed. “I suppose there’s no perfect way to meet your mates. It sounds like you’re a very lucky omega, though. I really hope we’re able to help.”

“You don’t think the Council will be mad at me?”

“Why would they be?”

I swallowed hard, but my anxiety about telling her instantly soothed. “Because I’m an O’Clery witch, from a bound line, and I’m no longer bound.”

“In fairness, you also don’t have magic anymore, so it equates to the same thing. Plus you took care of Fiona’s beast at great sacrifice to yourself and your pack. If anything, they should declare a holiday for you.”

“You really think so?”

“I mean, I don’t know for sure, but my mom runs the Council, and I can vouch for you if I need to. Just to try to have a little faith.”

“Getting really tired of being told that,” I said with a sharp laugh.

Cecily chuckled. “Wait ’til you’re as old as me. You’ve only been an active witch for a few weeks. Try listening to those platitudes when you’re over a hundred.”

Honestly, I couldn’t wait for that. Decades upon decades with my pack? Yes, please. I didn’t know if losing our magical core would impact our lifespan, and maybe Cecily didn’t know either, but for now I would set that question aside. My pack needed care, and all too soon we’d be facing down the Council.

At least we would be together for it.

The world came into focus a half second at a time.

Logan bent to kiss my forehead. “Welcome back.”

I shivered and she tugged the blanket draped on me higher. “What?”

Logan tucked a straw to my lips. Apple juice. I drank it down like I was about to die of dehydration, grateful for the boost ofsugar. I glanced around, checking on the others. It looked like they were all awake, though in varying states of wellness.

Everything felt strange.

The inside of my chest was like a hollowed-out Halloween pumpkin. All the magic that had always been there was gone.

Logan brushed gentle fingertips down my arm before wrapping her arms around me. “I’m sorry. When everything is more settled, I’ll ask the witches about possible amulets, like what I had for Seth. I don’t want you all to be without your shifting because of me.”

Anxiety rippled down the bond and I turned to Haru, who was lying next to me, eyes squeezed shut, their breathing unsteady. I reached out, laying my palm on their shoulder.Talk to me.