Page 97 of Their Lethal Pet

“As in, I’ve been around them,” he says, a hint of amusement in his tone.

My hands fist in the comforter as I yank it off my face, needing to see him. Because there is nothing funny or amusing about this conversation.

But the minute our eyes meet, my blossoming ire dies.

Redirises stare down at me. Red and bold.

And there are no signs of amusement in his expression.

There are also no signs of anyone else in the room. It’s just us.Me and the Mythos Fae Alpha.

His purr intensifies, or maybe it’s just louder now that I’ve come out of my cocoon of blankets. Whatever the cause, I’m thankful for the rumbling vibration because it instantly soothes me.

Orcus reaches out a hand to brush some of my wayward hair out of my face, his palm cupping my cheek.

“I’ve never been with an Omega before,” he tells me. “You’ll be my first and my only, Alina.”

I swallow, uncertain of how to reply to that.

“That possessive instinct you feel, it rivals my own for you. That’s part of the Alpha-Omega bond. Our souls are tying themselves together. Every moment, we grow closer. And as we grow closer, your Omega traits will strengthen.”

“I don’t feel very strong right now,” I admit in a whisper, hating how vulnerable I’ve become over the lastfew days. “I feel weaker, Orcus. And I’m… I’m losing who I am?”

The rebellious girl from the village.

The one determined to find her sister.

What happened to her?Where did I go?

“I’m supposed to be going to Chicago right now,” I tell him. “I didn’t want a mate. I only wanted to be chosen for Monsters Night so I could…” I trail off, my throat working as I wince.

But really, what would it matter if I voiced the truth?

These fae already said they would take me to Chicago.

Why not admit that I want to find my sister?

The old Alina would tell him,I think.The old Alina would be strong and state her purpose.

I want to be that old Alina again.

I want to beme.

Not this… this purr-loving, scent-obsessedOmega.

I start to push away the sheets, determined to get up and leave.

Except the moment the cold air touches my breasts, I remember that I’m naked and immediately pull the blankets up once more.

Only this time, I don’t whimper or groan. Igrowl.

Because I’m frustrated.

Because I’mvulnerableagain.

Because I’m so tired of not being able to do what I want.

“I’ve been forced to do what the Protectors demanded for years. Forced to adhere to the village rules. But then I broke them. Well, some of them. And I made it to Monsters Night bychoice. I’m not weak.”