Chapter Thirty

Cartan

I sat with my Omega nestled on my lap at the desk inside the tent, feeding her small morsels of food. My arm remained securely around her, my hand gently resting on her stomach. The little life growing within her seemed brimming with energy now that she was fully awake. Removing my hand would only result in my mate growing restless and placing it back on her stomach.

She was still acclimating to the power inside her, and I couldn't help but be intrigued by the tiny presence growing within her. Would it be an Alpha or an Omega? Regardless, it would mark a significant event, the first true Omega or Alpha in the desert in a long time. I cherished this peaceful moment as my Omega grew fuller and started feeding me morsels as well. It provided ample opportunities to trace my lips and tongue along her skin, teasing her until she was wet and ready for me. Our bodies had become so accustomed to each other.

However, the tranquility was suddenly interrupted by a whistle, signaling Tyros's approach. Even before he appeared, a growl rose within me. I had little tolerance for other Alphas around my Omega, especially now that she was pregnant.

Nevertheless, Kiandra simply kissed my cheek and wrapped her arm around my neck while placing her other hand on my chest. Her touch immediately calmed me, and the growl subsided just before Tyros emerged. He smiled at both of us but avoided keeping his gaze on Kiandra for too long.

"High Alpha, may I have a moment?" he requested. I sighed, reluctant to let go of my Omega, especially when she seemed to need me more at this moment. Yet my obedient mate slipped off my lap to let me stand. I pulled her close, planting a kiss on her lips, and instructed her to wait for me. She sat back down in my seat, looking small and delicate as she continued to eat, even grabbing a book.

Outside, the bright sun shone, and the dry, fresh air was a welcome change from the confines of our tent. I hadn't realized how much I craved the outdoors while indulging in my mate's pleasure. She had a way of making me forget everything else. I found myself constantly glancing back at the tent, prompting Tyros to whistle again to regain my attention.

"What?" I asked, noticing the amused smile on his lips.

"I'm glad I already have a mate, and who is not an Omega," he chuckled. "At least that means I still have my head."

I groaned and scratched my neck before forcing myself to show him he had my full attention.

"The other Alphas wish to speak with you now that you're out of your rut," he revealed. I began growling once more, causing him to take a step back as the intensity caught him off guard.

"Just you," he hurriedly clarified. "Everyone knows she is fully claimed now, and they wouldn't dare challenge you for her."

"Good, because I would tear them apart. No one gets close to her, especially not now," I snarled.

Tyros watched me for a moment before his smile returned. "Is she pregnant?"

I nodded, feeling the warmth in my heart spreading once more. This strange feeling was perplexing.

"Then it truly settles the matter. The others might be uncomfortable with her claiming you first, but they can't change what this pregnancy will bring. It's a new beginning," he pointed out.

"I'm aware," I said, glancing back at the tent with a longing to return. However, the other Alphas had called a meeting, so I had to attend. "Well, let's go then."

I started walking across the hard ground, with Tyros following beside me. Yet, I could sense there was more he wished to convey.

"What?" I asked.

"There is someone else who wants to see you, and he is at the meeting."

"Who?" I inquired.

"The king."

"Great," I groaned, running a hand down my face. Dealing with the king on top of everything else was not something I looked forward to, but I hadn't fully explained the situation to him yet, and he deserved to know what was transpiring.

I walked with Tyros toward the tent, but he remained outside. The king's guards were stationed near the tent as well, giving me a wary glance as I entered. I detested how he had brought other Alphas into our land, and I knew the High Alphas felt the same way, but the king was not someone to be trifled with. He may not have grown up in our world, but he was far from a weak ruler.

Inside the tent, the Alphas were in conversation, but upon hearing me enter, only the king smiled. It surprised me that he wasn't angrier. I descended the small steps, and he approached me while the others took their seats.

"The first Alpha to mate with a true Omega in decades," he celebrated, though I could detect a condescending tone in his voice.

He took a sip from his cup, his light-blue eyes shimmering with anger. I was certain the other Alphas had filled him in on the situation.

"I allowed you to traverse my land with your army. I permitted you to use my ships, my harbor, and what do I discover?" he said, coming closer to me. I remained on edge and issued a warning growl.

He stopped at a certain distance, tossing the remainder of his drink into the fireplace before responding with another powerful growl of his own.

"You have one!" he shouted. "One you've claimed for yourself! Did I not assist you? Do you not owe me an Omega in return? Yet you lay claim to the only one you managed to capture."

"She is mine!" I snarled, and the sheer aggression in my voice was unmistakable. If anyone, even the king, thought they could take her from me, they were gravely mistaken.

"You have become attached," he observed.

"It happens to Alphas who spend a lot of time with an Omega."

"No, this is deeper. It appears you've lost yourself in her. Could it be a true bond has formed?" he suggested, catching me off guard as I hadn't considered it myself. It would explain the constant surprises, the powerful attraction.

Suddenly, many things began to make sense, but I was taken aback that the king had reached this conclusion. Did he desire a true bond himself? When he spoke of an Omega, I saw dark desire in his eyes, a craving to possess something rare and delicate, but not necessarily a desire for a deeper connection. That's why I wasn't particularly eager to provide him with an Omega.

"My guess is that it has," he snarled before shaking his head in frustration. "Where is she?"

"Not here, and you won't see her," I warned as I stepped closer to him.

I was broader and slightly taller than him, but he didn't allow that to intimidate him. Normally, I would have been impressed by his confidence, but this was about my Omega, and no one would ever feel entitled to her.

"You owe me something. I want to see this rarity," he insisted.

"I will get you an Omega like the rest, but the fourth princess remains mine, and I have no obligation to show her to you. Not unless you want those pretty blue eyes to suddenly disappear from your skull," I retorted.

The king glared back at me, but then a small smile crept onto his lips. He seemed amused, which left me feeling confused.

"I suppose that's what Omega pussy does to you," he mused aloud, making me growl in irritation. The king, however, didn't seem to want to push the issue any further.

"Just remember, you wouldn't even have had the chance to find your little princess without my help. Do not disrespect that kindness," he warned.

"I will remember, but she is mine, and you cannot demand to see her. You will receive what I promised you, but until then, stay away from my Omega," I growled.

The king smiled faintly again, shook his head, and then walked past me. A strong flowery scent trailed behind him, annoying me. He smelled like a pampered, luxury-loving male. However, the other Alpha soon departed, and I turned to face the other clan leaders. They appeared less angry now, understanding that there was little they could change about the fact that Kiandra was mine and would remain so. Yet this time, I also had good news to share.

"You shouldn't make an enemy out of him," Kylos cautioned. "He has more Alphas under his command than there are in this entire camp."

"I'm aware," I sighed.

"He merely wanted to see your Omega," Recor pointed out, but I began growling again and shook my head.

"Why is that an unreasonable request?" Seran asked, not comprehending until they had Omegas of their own. It was an instinctual reaction, but I felt they needed a brief explanation for my strong response.

"She is pregnant," I revealed, and the others exchanged glances.

The room fell silent for a moment before Kylos clapped his hands together and stood up. He approached me, placing a hand on my shoulder and offering a smile.

"Congratulations. This is wonderful news. We will celebrate tonight," he announced.

I nodded, and Kylos turned to the other three, who also stood up, joining us by the fire. They each placed a hand on my shoulders, offering their congratulations, and at last, I was allowed to return to my Omega.