Page 90 of Their Lethal Pet

Alina is broadcasting herself as an Omega.

“However, there are some genetic manipulations going on in this dimension,” I continue, needing to tell him everything. “The humans have worked for over three centuries to create perfect mates for their Monsters Night.”

While I don’t know much—as a result of not meeting the Monster City Queen yet—I share what I’ve learned based on observations, as well as what I’ve sensed within the dimension itself.

By the time I’m finished, Hades appears less enthused. “So it’s probably a manufactured scent,” he concludes, referring to Alina.

“Maybe,” I admit. “However, my Alpha soul doesn’t think so.”

He studies me for a long moment. “Tread carefully, brother. I understand your hope. But hope is a dangerous illusion.”

My brother isn’t wrong.

Hope is like a fucking drug. Just the hint of an Omega essence rendered me obsessed with Alina, making it no coincidence at all that I picked up on her presence in Monster City.

Of course, I already knew she was heading there.

And after observing her on the train, I knew I had to find her.

But there’s something about her. Something addictive. Somethingspecial.

A human with an Omega soul.

“I’m aware of the impossibility of this situation,” I acknowledge out loud. “We’ll know her true nature if she goes into heat.”

When, my Alpha corrects. Whenshe goes into heat.

My knot throbs with the thought, my cock more than ready to satisfy the Omega for days—weeks—or however long it takes.

I swallow, my throat suddenly dry. “I need to return,” I tell Hades. Emissary Jones gave me permission for this visit, the concept of which still rankles my nerves.

Gods don’t need permission to do anything.

Yet, I played my part in this political charade and phoned the concierge with therequestbefore opening a portal back home.

“Flame and Reaper will be staying behind with Alina, just in case your Queen requires a show of faith that I’ll return,” I told Emissary Jones.

“Our Queen will appreciate that,” he replied.

I thought he was done, ready to hang up the phone.

However, the Emissary continued speaking.

“Typically, portals are only allowed on Monsters Night. But we do have a few beings with clearance to travel at will.”

I wasn’t sure how he wanted me to respond to that, so I replied with a mere “I see.”

“While you do not have that clearance,” he went on, “I have authorization to allow this as a one-time courtesy. But do return, sir. Otherwise, our Queen may see your disappearance as a sign that your realm does not wish to cooperate with ours.”

With that, he finally hung up the phone.

And I pictured throwing the device at the wall.

Except thephonewas a translucent screen that hovered above the desk, making it impossible to destroy.

So I took a steadying breath instead, told Reaper and Flame to guard Alina, and left.

“I’ll talk to Morpheus about the Strigoi situation,” Hades says as I stand. “I want an update again after you talk to thisMonster City Queen.” His eyes narrow with the title. “In all my observations of that realm, I’ve not seen her, which I now suspect might be purposeful.”