Omega by Kassanna Page A

you last night, I can’t go anywhere right away. Once I become Alpha, I have a responsibility to my clan. I’ll need to make some hasty changes to the Volkshire Pack and that may take some time to enforce.”
    She tried to twist around. “But, what about you…me…us?”
    He held her tight. “Listen, I’m sending you to Betaille with Percel. I have good friends in that town that I trust. I know you and the baby will be okay until I can come for you.”
    “When will that be?” She peered ahead trying to find the camouflaged beasts. No doubt they were there to witness her heartbreak.
    “I don’t know—not yet. It depends on how badly Ian has screwed-up pack finances, our contracts. No matter how long it takes, I am still coming back for you but not until I know it’s safe for you and the babe.” He scrubbed his scruff against her hair.
    “And your sons?” She had to know his plans, see if he would so easily give her, and what they could have, up.
    “My boys will stay with me. They are animals and have a way of protecting themselves—”
    “I don’t.” She interrupted him. “That’s what it comes down to, right? I’m human and have no way of staying safe in your world. I’m a liability.”
    “No, you are my mate but I don’t want to lose my shit and go on a killing spree if something happens to you.” He leaned forward and bent his head. “Trust me when I tell you a lot of motherfuckers would die a painful evisceration if you so much as break a nail.” He grinned widely. “Seriously, in the first few weeks as Alpha I must be effective and weed out the wolves loyal to my da. Once I feel I’ve cleaned up the clan, I will bring you back.”
    She turned her head to meet his gaze. “I. Don’t. Want. To. Go.”
    “Is it safe to come back yet?” Percel’s voice boomed from the bushes.
    “Come out,” Robbie yelled. She closed her eyes and tilted her head against Colin’s. Disappointment filled her. She would not be a cause for concern to him. He would do what was best for his people and she would do what was best for them. “I agree with Percel, you should bump up the challenge and fight tonight if Ian isn’t expecting it. The element of surprise is a powerful weapon.”
    Percel walked up with a slim, young man. Long and lanky, she could easily discern an athletic build under his shirt and jeans. “This is Etienne, he’s a gator, don’t hold that against him.”
    “Nice to meet you.” She held out her hand.
    He nodded and a lock of his hair fell forward.
    “He’s a little wet behind the ears but powerful. I’m mentoring him at the moment. If you two have come to an agreement and Ms. Robbie is going back to Betaille, he’ll be the one to escort you back to Betaille.”
    Colin rose. “Protect her with your life. If you don’t, I promise you will forfeit yours.”
    “Wait. I didn’t agree to a damn thing.” She swiveled between the men.
    “No, you leave tonight. Percel insists on bearing witness to the challenge and I don’t want you anywhere in the area when my battle begins.” Colin’s Irish brogue deepened.
    “Then we are about to fight right damn now. If I leave, I ain’t going anywhere until I know you are all right.” She placed her fists on her hips.
    “You will go with Etienne tonight.” Colin stood over her, unblinking.
    “Move me.” She held his gaze. “Your intimidation tactic might work on pups, but I ain’t going anywhere until I am damn good and ready.”
    A few men snickered. Etienne turned his head but she didn’t miss his smile. Percel burst out in laughter. He held up a finger, lowered it, chuckled, and raised it again. “Colin, old friend, we don’t argue with our mates. It never works out the way we hope. Etienne will stick close to her during your challenge. How is that for a compromise?”
    “No!” Colin spat.
    “Yes, fine…thank you,” she uttered at the same time and stalked up to the porch and across the space. “Let me know when you’re