Page 46 of Their Lethal Pet

But if our realm wants tomaintain good status, we’ll have to take him up on the offer. And given that our work here hasn’t even begun, we need to play nice.

Plus, we have Alina to consider now. While she’s currently content in my arms, I know it’s the pheromones dulling her reactions. She was practically drunk on Orcus’s Alpha scent, and now she’s eagerly inhaling mine.

The poor sweetling has no idea what’s happening to her.

I can’t help my animal’s reaction to her any more thanshe can help her reaction to me, but at least I understand this attraction thriving between us.

It’s a natural response to a compatible mate, something I’ve never experienced before. However, I grew up witnessing it between others and have spent over a millennium searching for someone who calls to my beast the way Alina is doing now.

Orcus is different, yet similar. His Alpha soul requires an Omega, and apparently he’s found that in this little human.

How that’s possible, I don’t know.

But the Omegas of his kind have all gone missing. Finding one in this realm only furthers the importance of following this world’s rules.

“We would be honored to be the Queen’s guests,” Orcus says as though he’s just come to the same conclusion as I have.

Jones grins like he’s just won a prize. “I thought you might feel that way.”

Reaper snorts, not bothering to hide his distrust or dislike of this creature. If it offends the other man, he doesn’t show it.

Instead, he adds, “If you’ll leave the human there, I’ll see to it that he’s properly contained. You can discuss your wishes for him with Queen Helia. Again, given the circumstances, I’m sure she’ll understand your desire to rid our world of hisblack soul.” Those last two words seem to be aimed at Reaper.

The Death Fae simply snorts again, clearly unimpressed.

“Fine,” Orcus agrees. “Lead the way, Emissary Jones.”

I readjust Alina in my arms, preparing to carry her to wherever we’re going. Her corset seems a bit tight, making me concerned about her comfort. Her skirts are also ratherbulky, but she appears to be too lost in her thoughts to focus on her physical condition.

If I were to guess, I would say she’s trying to clear her head. Some part of her has to know that she’s acquiescing a little too eagerly. It’s very unlike the woman I observed through that portal window, the one who held her head high as she approached the stage.

She’d been practically daring fate to fuck with her.

Now, however, she’s simply submitting to her future.

Unfortunately, the pheromones won’t dissipate. If anything, they’ll only intensify.

But there are ways to help her regain control of her own mind. Once we’re alone, we’ll help her voice her thoughts. Consent is vital in a mating. And while her body might be practically rolling over in acceptance right now, I’m certain the woman inside her is screaming in protest.

This is too fast.

Too foreign.

Too overwhelming.

She’s not like me and Orcus. She hasn’t spent her whole life searching for a compatible soul. Patience will be key here.

Patience and understanding. As well as a hint of seduction. And maybe some light petting.

My inner jaguar purrs in delight at that last bit, his desire to pet and lick an all-consuming need that has me tightening my grip on Alina. Her eyes find mine in response, those dark orbs full of confusion.

“I know this doesn’t make sense to you,” I tell her softly as we start walking down the hallway. “But I’ll try to help you understand.”

She swallows, her gaze slipping to my mouth before slowly traveling back upward. “H-how? How will you help?”

“By answering any questions you ask,” I say. “And giving you time to adjust.”

Because now that we have her, we won’t want to let her go.