Chapter Nine

Kiandra

It took me a while before I could pull myself out of the trance my own instincts had ensnared me in. It was incredibly fascinating how easy it was to succumb to the allure of an Alpha. I understood the dynamic between the two, having read numerous books about what an Alpha and Omega pairing meant, and how Alphas born from an Omega and Alpha union were considered true Alphas, more powerful than any others. Like Omegas, there were few left in the world, but I wouldn't doubt it if Alpha Cartan was one. His power, enormous build, and everything about him screamed dominance, turning me into nothing but an animal in heat. Fortunately, I hadn't entered my heat cycle yet, but I knew the herbs I had taken wouldn't be able to block it, and once I entered it, I would be at the mercy of any Alpha who wanted me.

There was a reason we locked ourselves away during our heat cycles, but as I looked around, I knew there would be no escape for me this time. I still had a few weeks before it returned, but I wasn't sure I would get through the night without at least being claimed once. I needed to ensure I maintained a clear mind. Omegas held power too through the pleasure they could provide. An Alpha would become fiercely protective of the Omega he deemed as his, so if I did not want to be rutted and used by multiple Alphas, I had to lean into my instincts and use whatever tricks I had up my sleeve. Yet I was very inexperienced. Could I truly please Alpha Cartan, or would I not be able to trick him into offering his protection?

My head began to ache, a headache creeping in as I paced around in the bedroom that belonged to my sister Cassia. However, as I realized whose room it was, an idea formed in my mind. I ran to one of her chests, opened it, and found only dresses inside. I happily pulled out a white and golden dress, using my ruined one to clean off the Alpha's seed, and then put on my sister's. It was a bit too long, so I tied it up on the side.

Then I went on a hunt for any weapons she might have hidden. I knew they wouldn't be lying out in the open, as the servants would inform Vivina about it. So, I searched every chest, every drawer, and every closet. At the very bottom of one of those chests, hidden beneath what looked like maps of every land and island out there, I found something odd. The chest seemed large on the outside, yet the bottom reached much higher than made sense.

I knocked on it, hearing the hollowness, and I noticed a small hole in the side. I pulled on it and saw the bottom came off. I placed it aside, then found numerous weapons hidden inside, including knives, smaller daggers, and whips. I pulled one out, sliding my hand over the leather. Did my sister know how to wield one, or was she interested in learning? I stood up, letting the leather strip fall to the ground. I tried swinging it, but the small snap it gave out startled me, and I dropped it.

"Not for me," I murmured before packing it away. Then I retrieved one of the smaller knives, which had a golden handle and a curved tip. It was indeed beautiful, and I stood up again, briefly pointing the tip at the door as if the Alpha were truly standing in front of me. My hand shook a bit, yet I sighed and lowered the knife. I realized I wouldn't enhance my security by threatening him.

Besides, I knew he could easily disarm me and take control if he wanted to. A shiver ran through me, but to my surprise, the thought didn't bring disgust, as it usually did. I never understood the carnal needs residing in wolves. I understood the biological aspect, but these feelings within me were completely new. Did I secretly wish for the Alpha to claim me right on the very bed behind me? I glanced over my shoulder and then shook my head.

That was my sister's bed. It felt strange, but when I shifted my gaze to the floor beneath me, and wondered if he would take me there, I felt a pulsing between my legs and was reminded of when his tongue had swiped over that area. It had brought me immense pleasure, and I instinctively squeezed my thighs together, cursing at myself for surrendering so easily. I wasn't planning to fight him, but it shocked me how easily I had fallen into the spell of my own instincts.

The thought of it made me pace the room as I tried to figure out why I had reacted this way. I didn't seem to want to submit to any of the other Alpha fighters who had attacked me, and yet I had gone right on my knees before Alpha Cartan. I had done it to distract him, but I found it strangely easy to remain on my knees, showing him submission. Why was that?

My fingers itched to get ahold of more books that could help me understand this reaction, but I had heard the heavy lock turning. I wasn't leaving this room, and when he came back, I knew what would happen next. Could I handle it? Would he not hurt me by pushing himself into me? I knew Omegas were meant to please and take their Alphas, but it seemed completely unrealistic, yet my body seemed to be begging for it.

"None of this makes sense!" I groaned, frustrated that I couldn't find anything logical to hold onto in my frightened condition. I had thought I would be better prepared to handle the Alpha, but he had shaken me completely. I went to sit on the big bed, sighing deeply as I fell back onto it. I looked up at the high, white ceiling, wondering how far my sisters had gotten by now. Had they been able to procure a boat? Were they already off the island? Or had they decided to stay? I had many questions, but I knew I would not find any answers. All I could do was pray to the Gods that they had managed to escape.