Page 70 of The Other Omega

Without thinking, I reached for Lucien’s hand. His fingers were almost as long as Alaric’s, although his hand was narrower and surprisingly soft. I felt him tense as I slipped my fingers between his and started to pull away, but his hand quickly closed around mine.

All right, then.

I probably looked like a miniature Omega doll walking between five enormous men. My enormous men, if my instincts had anything to say about it.

And I loved it.

Being near them felt strangely natural, even though they were still basically strangers, so I needed to remember that, however strong the attraction was, I couldn’t risk trusting them completely until I knew them well enough to be sure they would stand by me no matter what.

For now, I could enjoy the little things they did, like matching my pace without being asked, which I found rather sweet.

They were such gentlemen, all five of them.

By the time we reached the doors to the western solar, my nerves had settled a lot. I was still worried about meeting their mothers, obviously, but with all five of them around me, it didn’t seem quite so nerve-racking anymore.

Two guards stood beside the double doors, their midnight-blue uniforms bearing the silver snow leopard of House Vaelor. They saluted with their right fists pressed to their chests as we approached, then opened the doors.

Alaric guided me inside, with Lucien still holding my other hand and Caius, Leon and Darius following close behind.

The room was enormous, but it felt much warmer and more welcoming than the reception hall. A broad fireplace was carved into one wall, and tall windows looked out over the mountains. Several groups of women sat around low tables in wide, cushioned chairs, while others stood near the windows, talking. Some wore elaborate gowns, others simpler dresses or beautifully tailored suits.

Every single one of them turned towards us.

My cheeks warmed so quickly I was probably as red as a beetroot within a second.

Near the centre of the room stood three older women, surrounded by several others who looked every bit as important. I recognised High Lady Astrid Vaelor from the images Eleanor had shown me. She was in her late sixties, with silver threaded through the dark hair gathered neatly at the back of her head. Her midnight-blue gown was elegant and unadorned, and although she was much smaller than the men around me, something about the way she stood made me straighten my back without thinking.

Beside her were Maren Frostmere and Helena Ironhart, whom I also recognised from the images.

I was looking at the mothers.

Astrid approached us with a welcoming smile. “A new light to you, Lady Elowen. Welcome to House Vaelor.”

I inclined my head, hoping my eyes no longer gave away how much I’d cried in the corridor. “And to you, High Lady. Thank you for receiving me.”

“The pleasure is ours, my dear. We have been looking forward to meeting you.” Her gaze flickered towards my hands, still held by Alaric and Lucien, before she turned to the five men. “I see you have delivered our young lady safely.”

“Mother,” was all Alaric said.

“We shall care for her from here.” She made a small shooing gesture. “You may return to your duties.”

I looked up at Alaric, a little disappointed even though I’d known this was coming. I was supposed to meet the ladies of House Vaelor while my mates met with the men of Pack Hart. Knowing that didn’t make letting go of their hands any easier, and I held on for slightly longer than I meant to.

“We shall see you again this evening, Elowen,” Alaric assured me.

“I’ll look forward to it.”

Alaric gently brushed his hand down my arm, from my elbow to my fingertips, and gave my hand a tender squeeze before stepping away. I tried my best not to react as the others repeated the same gesture.

It was such a simple touch, but my hormones were behaving as though they’d done something far more intimate than stroke my arm. My scent grew sweeter, and another rush of wetness made me silently thank Eleanor for insisting I wear the special underwear she’d given me.

I’d nearly refused when I saw it. The thing looked like a glorified nappy, only prettier.

Trust me, sweetling. You will be grateful for it later.

Well, she hadn’t been wrong.

Heat spread across my face, neck and chest until I was fairly sure even my scalp was blushing. Worse, my scent was giving me away completely. I kept my head down as the five men left and waited until the doors had closed before trying to get myself under control.