Chapter Twenty-Four

Cartan

When I awoke early the next morning, my body feeling invigorated, I sensed an unusual chill in the air. I opened my eyes, only to find Kiandra was not sleeping beside me. My arm was wrapped around a bundle of fur, but not my precious Omega. I brought the fur to my nose, inhaling her delightful scent, which had kept me oblivious to her absence. A surge of hot rage and worry coursed through me, prompting me to swiftly dress. I stepped outside, prepared to track down my Omega or kill whatever had taken her, if that was the case. However, the moment I emerged from the tent, I was greeted by an enchanting sight.

Other Alphas who had also awakened were observing the same scene as me. We had camped near a small water hole, a place often frequented by wildlife. However, it was not the animals that had our attention. Instead, we all beheld a captivating sight. Kiandra was standing by the water, her hand gently caressing the neck of a white mare. The horse was undoubtedly wild, and its herd stood farther back, observing the pair as well. Many wild horses roamed the desert, but approaching them was nearly impossible. Yet somehow, my Omega possessed the ability to do just that. She stood there, smiling as she stroked the mare's long neck and appeared to be conversing with it.

The power of Omegas to bring peace became even more evident, as I had never witnessed anything quite like it. Horses, though prey animals, were capable of kicking and biting, and they could be lethal. Yet the white mare seemed tranquil and content in Kiandra's presence.

I walked a bit closer to Tyros, who turned to me with a smile.

"We found her like this," he explained. "It must be a sign from the Gods."

Tyros was a staunch believer, more so than myself, but I could not deny the significance of such a direct message. It was clear that the Gods favored the presence of an Omega in our territory. Despite her birth on a cliff overlooking the powerful ocean, she belonged here.

"The white ones are often considered messengers," he reminded me, and I nodded. However, I noticed the herd growing agitated.

Emerging from behind the pair, a dark panther was stealthily advancing across the dark sand toward my Omega. I growled in fury, drawing the knife from my belt, and hurried toward Kiandra, calling out to her. She turned her head just as the panther lunged, but the white mare grew frantic, defending my mate.

With a powerful kick, it sent the panther tumbling backward. I reached my Omega's side, pulling her to safety, while the herd of horses grew increasingly wild. They converged, rearing up and neighing in anger, attempting to drive away the predator. The panther was kicked again, and I ushered Kiandra back, watching as the panther retreated across the dark sands. The white mare, clearly the herd's leader, turned her gaze toward us before letting out a resounding neigh and then galloping away with the rest.

My Omega wore a large smile, her excitement obvious beneath her shaking skin. I could sense her eagerness, and I knew that if I were to release my hold on her, she might dash after the horses. However, witnessing her in this state brought me immense joy. She seemed so attuned to the land, and it filled me with a profound satisfaction. Yet, I chided myself for not keeping a more vigilant watch. Kiandra was undeniably enchanting, and it was all too easy to become distracted. But I resolved that from now on, my Omega would remain by my side, never to stray.

"Come. We still have quite a distance to cover," I urged.

"I adore this desert," she whispered, her words warming my heart even further.

I ran my hand tenderly through her hair before guiding her along with me. We efficiently packed up the camp, and soon enough, my Omega was nestled securely in my arms. Although many of the women in the larger camp were accustomed to long walks, I saw no reason for my Omega to endure the same. She would always be safely sheltered within the camp, and I had no intentions of arguing otherwise. Yet, Kiandra seemed content being cradled in my arms, granting her ample time to observe her surroundings.

"Is it true that some of the storms here are so powerful they alter the landscape?" she inquired.

"Where did you read that?" I asked.

She shrugged. "I can't recall. I believe I skimmed it in some book a while back, but I never delved deeply into Mainlands studies. I just vaguely remember reading about it."

"The storms here are indeed powerful. The rain can turn the sand into mud and create quicksand. You wouldn't want to get caught in it."

"What happens if you do?"

"Escaping becomes nearly impossible without assistance, and the more you struggle, the faster you sink. But we always survey the area to locate all the hidden spots."

"They're hidden?"

"The surface might appear to be regular sand, but it's not. Additionally, when it doesn't rain, the sky occasionally lights up with lightning and thunder, creating a spectacular display. Nevertheless, it's best to stay indoors during such storms," I cautioned.

"I'd love to see it," she breathed, completely ignoring my warning. Despite her disregard, I couldn't help but find her enthusiasm endearing.

I leaned closer to my Omega, prompting her to turn her attention toward me. "No more venturing outside the tent without me."

Her expression shifted to one of slight discontent. "Why not?"

"This land is dangerous, as you witnessed today. You need to stay close to me."

Kiandra furrowed her brow, looking away and prompting me to growl in warning. She turned to face me once more.

"Little Omega, I won't debate this with you. You are unfamiliar with this desert, while I grew up in it. It's my world, and you must heed my advice."

Although she didn't appear particularly pleased, she eventually nodded in acceptance of my directive.