Chapter Thirty-Three

Kiandra

With our bond fully established, understanding Cartan had become easier compared to the initial one-sided connection. The earlier bond had felt untamed and perplexing, while the current one brought a sense of tranquility because Cartan could now empathize with my feelings. He had grown increasingly protective of me, swiftly responding to any distress I experienced. If a troublesome word or an infuriating book crossed my path, he would gently remove them from my hands, soothing my agitation with his touch and passion. He would purr throughout the night, calming the restless presence within me. Such was the routine of our days, but Cartan's indulgence had extended too far. One morning, I awoke to find him absent from my side.

I searched the tent for any sign of him, but it was evident he had been gone for quite some time. I attempted to reach out to him through our bond, but he had intentionally closed off our connection. Irritation surged within me, and I returned to our nest, wrapping myself in furs and linen to quell my unease. The inner presence mirrored my discomfort, growing increasingly restless without the soothing influence of their father.

Why had he left me? I experienced a strange, unwarranted sensation of betrayal. How had I become so dependent? I had initially resolved not to be the typical Omega reliant on their Alpha's constant presence, yet I had unwittingly fallen into that very pattern. Now, in his absence, I found myself adrift, uncertain of how to occupy myself without him. Frustrated with my own vulnerability, I unwrapped from the furs only to be greeted by the entrance of Mara and a few others.

"Good morning, High Omega," Mara greeted me.

"Just Kiandra," I corrected her, dismissing the formal title.

The usage of titles had always felt foreign to me. While I occasionally employed my sisters' titles, they had always referred to me simply as Kiandra. However, my preference appeared to discomfort the Beta women.

"Or High Omega," I added softly, noting the smiles on their lips.

"We're here to assist you in dressing for the day and offer you an opportunity to explore the camp," Mara explained.

"Am I finally going to see the entire camp?" I inquired, my excitement growing.

"Yes," she affirmed, prompting me to lead the women further inside as they assisted me in getting ready. I requested to be dressed like them, as I wished to blend in rather than stand out. Although they hesitated due to their orders, they ultimately acceded to my request. Leather straps bound my breasts, and a lengthy leather garment was secured around my waist, with a high side slit that would not offer much coverage while walking. They intricately braided my hair in the customary style with smaller braids interwoven, and then we were prepared to explore.

Stepping into the sunlight, I inhaled the dry air, relishing the stark contrast from the denser and more humid air near the Rocky Island. My anticipation swelled as we ventured through Cartan's clan's section. They guided me through the working tents where weapons, baskets, and clothing were crafted. Passing by Beta women laying out meat to dry in the sun, we received friendly waves from them. I observed women collaborating to supervise older children who were not yet old enough to contribute but had outgrown being carried around. It brought a smile to my face, deepening my curiosity about every aspect of their lives. Viewing the camp in daylight revealed an entirely different perspective, and Mara did her best to explain their ways.

"But they weren't always connected," I pointed out, seeking to learn more about their history.

"No, they were not. The unity of the clans is a relatively recent development, occurring only about a decade ago, thanks to the High Alphas you see now. However, they didn't achieve this on their own. It was a shared vision by their fathers, but to ensure it could become a reality, they needed to prove they could work together. So, the clans gradually moved closer to each other to allow the young heirs to become accustomed to one another. With time, they were pressed even closer together, eventually leading to what you see today," Mara explained.

"So Cartan grew up with these Alphas?" I inquired.

"No," Mara replied tersely, her gaze drifting to a spot further away.

"But you just said—"

"Have you ever woven a basket?" she interjected.

"Um, no," I admitted.

She took hold of my arm, leading me over to a spot where a blanket had been laid out on the sandy ground, sheltered by a half-roof constructed from leather and wooden poles.

"Why didn't Cartan grow up with them?" I persisted, though Mara tried to show me how to make a basket.

"See, you fold—"

"Mara!" I called, catching her hands as she gestured in front of me.

The other women in the group fell silent, and I glanced around, but none of them appeared interested in our conversation. Turning my attention back to Mara, I pressed her for answers.

"It's his story, High Omega. You should talk to your Alpha."

"It's not really talking he's interested in," I murmured, prompting giggles from the other women.

"If your Alpha doesn't wish to discuss it, then let it be," Mara advised, but that wasn't my nature.

I hungered for answers, and my curiosity only intensified. If Cartan hadn't grown up with the other High Alphas to learn cooperation, then where had he been? I attempted to focus on Mara's instructions for weaving a basket, but my mind was elsewhere, and my efforts became tangled and awkward. Eventually, Mara had to take over once more while I lost myself in contemplation. There was so much about Cartan's past that I yearned to understand.

As the women chatted among themselves, I seized the opportunity to slip away unnoticed. I walked through the camp, observing the various activities and structures. We had only covered a fraction of what there was to see, and I was eager to explore further.

I strolled through the camp, witnessing everyone hard at work. In the distance, on a rocky hill, a group of Alphas had gathered, overlooking the camp from a higher vantage point. It was clear they were guarding the area and remaining vigilant for potential threats.

Continuing my exploration, I passed a large pleasure tent where the sounds emanating from within were vibrant and lively. The tent bore the distinct scent of Alpha females, indicating they were the ones occupying it instead of the Beta women.

Further along, I encountered another group consisting of both Alpha females and males. They appeared to be preparing for a hunt, sharpening their weapons, and discussing their strategies. I smiled as I watched them, eavesdropping on their conversation before my curiosity led me elsewhere.

I ventured through different sections of the camp until I stumbled upon an enclosure filled with horses. I approached, observing the Beta women caring for the animals, ensuring they had enough food and water. Leaning against the wooden barrier surrounding the enclosure, I suddenly felt the presence within me grow restless. I couldn't quite comprehend what was happening before a powerful figure came to a stop beside me. Turning my head, I saw one of the High Alphas, though I couldn't recall his name. He was the most imposing among them, radiating an aura so potent that I instinctively took a step to the side.

"Do you know where they are?" he inquired. He turned his piercing green eyes upon me, their intensity causing me to avert my gaze, focusing instead on the ground.

"Who?" I replied cautiously.

"Your sisters," he snapped impatiently.

"I do not possess the exact knowledge of their whereabouts. I have shared with Cartan all that I know," I explained, my voice steady despite my unease.

"The king suspected that the two of you shared a true bond, which might explain why he allowed your sisters to escape," he noted, his tone contemplative. "Yet I harbored doubts about whether it was right to let him go. He has always struck me as a weak Alpha."

My anger rose at the slight to Cartan's honor, and I couldn't hold back my fury any longer. I hissed at the High Alpha, my sudden show of aggression entirely unlike the typical demeanor of an Omega.

"Weak? And yet he returns with an Omega," I retorted, my tone defiant.

"Exactly. One Omega. He promised at least three. He has failed to deliver," the Alpha clarified with a hint of dissatisfaction.

"I did that. I freed them," I retorted.

"And have you faced any consequences for your defiance?" the High Alpha inquired, his words laden with insinuation.

I stared at him in shock, unable to fathom how seeking the freedom of my sisters could be construed as deserving punishment.

"W-Why would I be punished?" I stammered.

"You defied your Alpha," he pointed out matter-of-factly.

"He had not yet claimed me, and I had not claimed him," I snapped back.

"You are an Omega," the Alpha reminded me, crossing his arms. "You were always meant to belong to an Alpha, and you were aware he could have been among the Alphas attacking your city. You defied him and allowed your sisters to defy their Alphas. Let me make it clear that the moment I get my hands on the Omega that is mine, she will undoubtedly be disciplined."

I stepped closer to him, my anger fueling my defiance, my voice a low growl as I confronted him. "Then I hope you never find her, because if you lay a hand on one of my sisters—"

"Then what, little Omega?" he interrupted, a challenging glint in his eyes. "If you step out of line, it is expected that Cartan will put you in your place."

I stared up at the High Alpha, my eyes narrowed with determination, and he continued to wear a self-assured smile.

"He won't hurt me," I asserted firmly.

"A punishment is supposed to hurt," he replied coldly. "And if he will not do it, it just proves he is as weak as we have always thought. He has been tamed by you then."

"An Alpha honors his Omega, he doesn't hurt her."

"The pain is honoring her. It's to remind her where her place is," he told me, making me shake my head.

"If anyone here is undeserving of an Omega, it's you," I retorted heatedly before turning away, dismissing the conversation.

"If Cartan were truly an Alpha deserving of you, he wouldn't tolerate you speaking to me like that," the High Alpha called after me, his words trailing as I walked away.

I chose not to engage further with the other Alpha, recognizing that nothing positive would come from continuing the argument. The conversation had already stirred my emotions, causing the presence within me to become restless. All I yearned for now was to return to our nest, enveloped in my Alpha's scent, the only balm capable of calming my turbulent emotions.