Chapter 32

thirty-two

KITANIA

The silence on the ride home had been deafening, a stark contrast to the upheaval Dimitri had created when he barged into his sister’s room while we were painting our nails. Without so much as a word, he’d scooped me up and carried me out, his brothers hot on his heels as he’d headed for the car.

Something was bothering him, which felt akin to stating the obvious, given everything that had happened. But this seemed like something more .

Silent and broody, he’d vanished into his office without so much as a backward glance the moment we’d stepped into the penthouse.

We weren’t bonded, and yet, I could feel his simmering, disquieted energy from here.

The urge to comfort my Alpha became an incessant itch living just under my skin. I wanted to know what was wrong—besides the fact that they’d lost the Valentinos trail. To be honest, it didn’t surprise me. Those bastards were smart enough to know they’d incurred the full wrath of the Cristenellos with that damn note. I had no doubt they’d scurried back to their territory like the rats they were.

Still, my stomach twisted at the thought of them out there, free to haunt me for another day, and I knew my Alphas weren’t faring any better.

I paced outside Dimitri’s office door, stuck in indecision. It was clear Dimitri wanted to be alone, but that itch to care for him was growing. The need to see him almost drove me out of my skin.

Picking nervously at my cuticles, I debated what to do. Maybe if I had a reason to interrupt him, it wouldn’t feel like such an intrusion.

I couldn’t go in there empty-handed.

Hurrying back down the hall, I headed for the kitchen and nearly collided with Marco.

“Whoa there, Angel.” He steadied me with a hand on my waist. His touch sent a zap of electricity through me, heat spreading hot and fast. I wasn’t prepared for the strength of the reaction. It seemed the longer I stayed with my mates, the more attuned my body was to theirs. “You okay?”

I nodded, not trusting my voice. Marco’s brow furrowed as he studied me, his blue eyes intense. Without a word, he reached for a crystal tumbler, added a fancy ball of ice, and poured a generous measure of amber liquid overtop.

“Bring him this,” Marco suggested, pressing the glass into my hand. “It’ll help.”

Gratitude washed over me. I popped up on my toes, brushing a soft kiss against his stubbled cheek. “Thank you,” I whispered.

A low growl built in his chest, his fingers tightening on my hip for a moment before he released me. “Go on,” he murmured, “before I decide to be selfish and change my mind. He needs you more.”

I clutched the whiskey like a lifeline and made my way back to Dimitri’s office, Marco’s words on repeat.

He needs you…

But did he? Did any of them truly need me, or was I simply making their lives more complicated?

My hand shook as I raised it to knock on the office door. With a deep breath, I steeled myself, fighting to be strong.

For them.

For myself.

I rapped my knuckles against the wood, my heart thundering like a herd of wild horses. Without waiting for a response, I turned the handle and slipped inside.

The sight that greeted me made my breath catch. Dimitri sat at his massive desk, broad shoulders hunched, hands buried in his dark hair. He looked... defeated. It was jarring to see the usually composed Alpha so vulnerable.

As I shut the door behind me, his head slowly lifted. His intense brown eyes locked onto mine, and I felt pinned in place.

“I hope it’s okay that I’m here,” I said softly, a small wisp of sound. Old habits die hard, I suppose.

Dimitri’s expression softened, the harsh lines of his face smoothing out. “You’re always welcome in my office, Kitten.” That promise was a wave of reassurance.

I crossed the room, and the scent of sandalwood and honey grew stronger as I approached. It infiltrated everything, the large desk, the bookshelves, the couch… me . It seeped below my skin until it branded itself on my very soul.

I set the tumbler on his desk, condensation already beading on the glass. Without overthinking it, I climbed into Dimitri’s lap, curling up against his broad chest. His arms immediately encircled me, and I felt some of the tension drain from his body.

“Are you okay?” I finally asked, tilting my head to meet his gaze. “I’m worried about you.”

He cupped my face with those large hands, thumbs tracing my cheekbone. The tenderness of the gesture from such a dangerous man made my heart ache. That he was willing to let me see that vulnerability, that softness, spoke volumes.

“I’m fine, Kitten,” he murmured. “It’s you I’m worried about.”

I blinked, startled. “Me?”

A low, rumbling growl built in his chest. The sound should have frightened me, but instead, I felt... protected. Safe.

“Of course, you.” The exasperation in his tone was riddled with emotion. “You’re my mate. Those assholes were close. Too close.” His grip on me tightened fractionally. “They scared you, and that they’re still breathing is my own personal failing.”

I opened my mouth to protest, to tell him it wasn’t his fault, but the words died on my tongue. The raw anguish in his eyes stole my breath.

Before I could fully process what I was doing, I shifted in his lap, straddling him and pressing myself against the solid warmth of his chest. My palm rested over his heart, feeling the steady rhythm of it beating against his sternum.

“Except it’s not,” I told him quietly.

I saw the worry in Dimitri’s eyes, felt the weight of his protectiveness. And I couldn’t help but think that I’d caused all this chaos. Like I was dragging him and his brothers—hell, his whole family—down with me.

My throat bobbed as I swallowed hard, fighting past the lump that had risen. “You aren’t to blame for this. The Valentinos were power hungry and ruthless to begin with, but the only reason they’re being so relentless is because they feel like they own me and they want me back. It’s my fault all of this is happening.”

“Stop.” The command was edged with Alpha authority, bordering on a bark that made me shiver. His hands gripped my waist; a firm, steadying presence. “You’re in no way responsible for those pricks. You deserve a life free of danger.”

My eyes watered with unshed tears.

Dimitri’s thumb stroked along my skin as he held my gaze. “And while I can’t necessarily give you that, I can provide you with safety and security.” His gaze, usually so guarded, was open and vulnerable. “That’s a promise, Kitten.”

Something inside me cracked at his words. Before I could second-guess myself, I tangled my fingers in Dimitri’s dark hair and leaned in, pressing my lips to his.

The kiss started slow and sweet, a gentle exploration. But I could feel the careful restraint in his body, the leashed control that threatened to snap. A tiny growl escaped me, surprising us both, and I deepened the kiss, nipping at his bottom lip, wanting nothing more than to push him past the breaking point, to see him lose himself… in me .

I felt more than heard him chuckle. “Feral little thing,” he murmured against my lips. “You want more?”

Something wildly primal rose inside me. I tightened my grip on his hair, tugging lightly. Dimitri’s mirth turned dark, sending an electrifying shiver down my spine.

“Why do I get the feeling you’re not going to be the innocent angel Marco’s pegged you for?”

“I never said I was,” I whispered, my breath ghosting over his wet lips. I leaned in again, capturing his bottom lip between my teeth and sucking gently before releasing him. “Or maybe it’s just that you’re my perfect match, giving me exactly what I need.”

With an appreciative purr that made my insides quiver, Dimitri suddenly swept his arm across the desk, sending papers and office supplies clattering to the floor. In one fluid motion, he lifted me and set me on the edge of the cleared surface. Standing swiftly, he loomed above, his hands braced on either side of my thighs.

My heart raced, but not from fear. For once, I felt powerful. Wanted. I grabbed his shirt collars, tugging him closer until our noses grazed. “Maybe what you need is to let go,” I breathed, inhaling his intoxicating scent.

“You don’t want to see me lose control.”

I arched into him, feeling a surge of boldness. “Or maybe that’s exactly what I want. Maybe I want to be your safe space like you’ve become mine...”

“Kit,” he growled, and it was both a warning and a plea all wrapped into one.

“D…” I fired back, using his nickname and claiming that intimacy. I brushed my lips over his, a feather-light tease. “Let. Go,” I demanded, feeling powerful and sultry for the first time in my life.

For a heartbeat, Dimitri hesitated. Then his control snapped.

His mouth crashed down on mine, and the moment my tongue slipped between his lips, the kiss turned feral. Sandalwood and honey invaded my senses, his scent making my head spin. My entire body felt like it was on fire, every nerve ending blazing to life.

I whimpered, overwhelmed by the sensation. My clit throbbed insistently, and I could feel myself getting slick, my perfume instantly clouding the air. Our combined pheromones created an intoxicating cocktail that only fueled my desire.

Dimitri’s hands roamed my body, leaving trails of heat in their wake. I clung to him, desperate for more contact, more of everything he was offering.

Without warning, Dimitri wrenched himself away, a string of curses falling from his lips as he strode to the window. I blinked, disoriented by the sudden disconnect.

“I can’t do this,” he muttered, his back to me.

Self-consciousness crashed over me like a tidal wave. I sat up, tugging at my rumpled clothing, swamped with embarrassment. The power I’d felt moments ago evaporated, leaving me feeling small and foolish.

“Do this?” I questioned, hating how timid and hurt my voice sounded. My fingers itched to pick at my nails, a nervous habit I struggled to break.

Dimitri whirled around, his expression aghast. “No. No, Kitten. Not this .” He crossed the room in two long strides, cupping my face in his large hands. “I want to do this for the rest of my fucking life.”

My breath caught in my throat, my mind in a whirl. “Then why?”

He sighed, dropping his forehead to lean against mine. “Because there’s something we need to discuss, and I don’t want you to think I was trying to distract you.”

Anxiety coiled in my gut. “What is it?”

Dimitri pulled back, shoving a hand through his dark hair. “My father wants me to bring you to Gio’s fight night.”

I frowned, not understanding his apparent distress. “And that bothers you? I already promised Gio I’d be there.”

While attending made me nervous, given that the place would be crawling with Alphas, which meant it was inherently dangerous for me as an Omega, we’d already done everything we could to make it as safe as possible.

I told Dimitri as much, in case it helped ease his worries. “Your brother has already arranged extra security for us and I’ll be covered from head to toe in scent neutralizers. Besides, I’ll be with you, Marco, and Tommy the whole time.”

I didn’t want to back out of our plans, despite the risks. In fact, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to stay home, regardless. All I’d do was worry while they were gone and drive myself crazy.

The idea of being alone made me itch with anxiety almost as much as the thought of someone trying to knock out my mate for sport. It may be ridiculous, but I needed to be there. To see Gio fight with my own eyes. To make sure he made it through unharmed and be there to take care of him if he didn’t.

Surely with my other mates surrounding me, lending me strength and protection, I’d be fine. Right?

Dimitri’s expression darkened, reminding me of a thundercloud about to unleash hell. “That was before things changed, Kit. Even Gio would admit that it’s more dangerous now after that fucking note.” He ran his hand through his hair, looking torn. “The Pit is neutral ground, technically. None of us are supposed to make any untoward moves against the other families outside the ring.”

A chill ran down my spine. “But?”

“But given recent developments, I can almost guarantee Rocco and Vincent will be there, looking to stir up trouble.”

Icy tendrils froze me to the very bone. My fingers instinctively reached for Dimitri’s shirt, seeking that familiar anchor of safety.

He was right. That did change things.

“Why would your dad want me to go if he knows they’ll be there?” I questioned, my voice barely above a whisper.

I understood why Gio wanted me at the fight. We’d talked about it at length. Fighting was a big part of his life, and I wanted to share that with him. Emilio’s motivations, however, weren’t apparent. And while I didn’t want to believe he had any ill intent, he also had yet to earn my trust.

Dimitri scrubbed a hand down his face, his beard rasping against his palm. “To send a message.” He looked torn between being my mate and being at the head of his family. “To show them you’re ours and we’re not backing down. It’s a demonstration of strength. A power move.”

I sucked in a deep breath, then released it slowly, trying to calm the adrenaline that shot through me. The penthouse suddenly felt too small, too exposed. I could feel the weight of expectations pressing down on me.

“So, he wants me to be a pawn in this game?”

Dimitri’s eyes flashed with something dangerous. “You’re not a pawn, Kit. You’re fucking everything to us.”

His words washed over me, and I closed my eyes, letting them sink in. I wanted so badly to believe him, to trust fully in us and what we were on our way to becoming. When I opened them again, I saw concern etched across his face.

“I’m scared,” I admitted shakily. And God, it was true. I was scared of so many things.

The Valentinos.

Losing my mates.

Not being enough.

“Kitten, if you don’t want to do this, just say the word. I’ll tell my old man no.”

The air went straight out of my lungs, because I understood the significance of what he’d just offered me. I had a feeling very few people had ever said no to Emilio Cristenello. Including his own sons.

As much as I wanted to ask Dimitri if there was any other way… I couldn’t. Because there wasn’t.

This was the world I’d chosen when I’d agreed to stay. A world of dangerous, powerful men, riddled with constant threats.

There were only two choices. Cower and hide, or stand and fight.

Suddenly, a spark of defiance ignited within me. I was tired of being afraid, tired of feeling powerless. I’d survived hell before. I could do this.

In some ways, I relished the challenge. I wanted Rocco and Vincent to know they didn’t hold power over me anymore. That I was strong enough to face them, to watch their downfall.

I straightened my spine, meeting Dimitri’s gaze head-on. “No. I can do this. I need to do this.”

Surprise flickered across his face. “Kit, you don’t have to—”

“Yes, I do,” I interrupted, my voice stronger than I expected it to sound. “I’m ready to take my power back.”

I hopped off his desk, my bare feet silent on the cool marble floor as I crossed to him. My heart thundered in my chest, but I refused to let my fear show. Reaching up, I cupped his jaw, my thumb tracing over the rough stubble that shadowed his face.

“I’m your mate. Your brothers’ mate. I want to be there, standing next to you, rooting Gio on,” I stated, proud of my newfound confidence.

“Kit.” Dimitri’s tone was a mixture of awe and concern.

“Shh,” I hushed him, pressing my fingertip to his lips. “This isn’t up for discussion. You need me to do this. So I’ll do it.”

My Alpha gazed down at me, his dark eyes searching mine. It felt like he was seeing me for the first time, really seeing me. And maybe he was. Maybe I was seeing myself differently too, shedding the shell of the scared, broken girl I’d been for so long.

“Just—” I swallowed hard, fighting to keep the tremor from working its way back in. “Just promise me you’ll be with me the whole time.”

His large hand came up to cover mine, that familiar warmth seeping into my skin. “Always, Kitten,” he murmured, low and intense. “You couldn’t pry me away.”

I leaned into him, breathing in his signature, letting it calm my frayed nerves. This was crazy, but with my mates at my side, I felt like I could face anything.