Page 49 of Wolf’s Fated Bride

I groan. “What did they want?”

“The Peacebroker escalated the purge incident all the way to the First Alchemist. They’re aware it’s a female wolf who entered the fire and survived. They seem…alarmed.”

“What makes you think that?”

“The escalation. The urgency. I’ve never heard of the First Alchemist being involved with anything, but once they contacted him, he asked for the wolf’s name.”

“Did you tell them who it was?”

Sven shakes his head. “I told them it was a female wolf and gave them the description of her in wolf. They want me to round up all the female wolves and draw blood for studies.”

“That’s fine in this territory, but the Council can’t touch omegas in my territory. We make it there, we’re all safe and sound. Let’s get there as fast as we can, shall we?”

The wind whips against the sled, and it slides to the side. The dogs bark, growing restless. They sense the incoming storm and want to drop us off and hunker down in the safety of their cots.

“The Peacebroker mentioned my son.”

Uh-oh. “In what context?”

“He reminded me that I have a son. As if I needed a reminder.”

“I would consider that a threat.”

Sven looks away. “What should I do?”

“The Council is curious about how the little wolf survived elemental fire, but that won’t last. Tell them you’re running tests.”

Sven nods and turns toward the door. “We should probably check to see what’s taking Maren so long.”

“Her father ordered her to nest, and I have a feeling she did and isn’t coming.”

Sven looks like someone showed him a flying pig. “What do we do now?”

“Now we pivot. You have access to the royal residence in the castle, whereas I’ve never been there. Pretend you’re delivering a message from me. Relax.” I clap him on the shoulder. “Omegas don’t bite. And even if she does bite you, it’s a good thing. Wear it like a mark. You’ll do fine.”

“I can’t be caught in her nest. Her father will have us killed. Have you lost your mind?”

I chuckle. “You’re the one who flirted with an omega princess. Now that you’ve fucked around, you have to find out if you can survive. I’ll try to protect you, but there’s no guarantee, since this isn’t my territory.”

“Damn it. I should’ve just taken Maren before you came around.”

“You mean kidnapped her?”

“She’d have gone willingly.”

“Why didn’t you?”

“I had nowhere to take her where we’d be safe.”

“Now you do. But first, you have to claim your omega while she’s in heat. How else will she give you pups?”

“Pups?” he shrieks.

I laugh.

He’s not amused.

I bend over, laughing.