Page 102 of The Other Omega

“Yes. The Legion handles hostage recovery, counterterrorism, reconnaissance, unconventional warfare and other specialised operations.”

I remembered something I'd heard before. “Is it true your second-in-command is a woman?”

“Yes. She's as capable as any male Alpha and more capable than most.”

“That might be my favourite thing about your job.”

Lucien looked up. “That Caius’s second-in-command is a woman?”

“Yes. It gives me hope for our daughters. Their dad won't treat them differently just because they're girls.” Approval came through my bond with Caius straight away, and I smiled at him. “That's a very good thing to know about you.”

He inclined his head, and I looked between him and Alaric. “You both have seriously impressive jobs. You must have worked incredibly hard to get where you are.”

Neither tried to argue with me, so I turned to Lucien. “And you're Director of High Mountain Intelligence and Lord Chancellor of House Vaelor. I don't know much about Intelligence, but does that mean spies?”

“Espionage is part of our work. We collect and assess information on foreign governments, military capabilities and potential threats. We also handle counter-intelligence, secure communications and information security, including attempts to compromise our institutions.”

I took a sip of tea, trying to take it all in, then turned to Leon. “Please tell me you do something normal. I'm starting to feel very underqualified here.”

All five bonds reacted at once. It didn't hurt, but the wave of objection was so strong that I nearly lost my grip on the cup.

“What was that?”

“Underqualified?” Alaric repeated.

“Well, I don't have a rank or anything. My main talents are cooking and finding bargains at the shops.” I glanced around the table. “I didn't mean anything bad by it.”

The pressure eased, and I let out a breath. “That's better. I didn't realise all five of you could do that at once.”

“My apologies, my heart. We'll be more careful.” Alaric waited until I'd put down my cup. “But your place in this family has nothing to do with your profession.”

“I only meant that you've all achieved a lot more than I have.”

“We've spent decades preparing for our positions. That doesn't place us above you.”

I rested my hand against his chest. This time the warmth through the bonds was gentle enough to actually enjoy, and I settled back against him. “That one's much nicer.”

Leon set his cup on its saucer as I turned back to him. “I oversee the Pack's estates, commercial holdings, investments, trusts and charitable foundations. I also serve as Lord Steward.”

“So if I want to go shopping, you're the man to come to.”

“If you wish to go shopping, sweetheart, you don't need my permission.”

“I didn't mean permission. I meant money.”

His amber eyes held mine long enough that I stopped, my hand over the fruit dish. “What?”

“You have money.”

“I do?” That was definitely worth finding out more about, but I'd have to corner Leon later because I hadn't even finished asking about their jobs yet.

I turned to Darius. “And what does Internal Security keep you busy with?”

“Keeping the household and estates secure. That includes vetting personnel, protective operations, internal investigations and threat assessment. I'm also responsible for emergency response.”

I looked around the table at the five men I'd somehow ended up with and couldn't help smiling. “I have to say, I'm really proud you're my husbands.”

Their eyes settled on me, and this time I didn't bother correcting myself. “Seriously. I feel like I could walk out that door and not worry about where I went or who I spoke to, because nobody could ever hurt me. It's like I've married an entire battalion.”