The Omega's Crown

y of the estate, watching the ho

familiar ache twisted in

it, no matter how many times he convinced himself that

mind like a whisper he could

ustrated. "This is ridiculous," he muttered

. Alpha Lucien stepped in, his expression calm

at the moon goddess gave

ffed and l

end of the balcony railing. "You sure Floria

ffened. "S

t. But confidence d

. "She's not some weak-hearted

're still feeling the bond, aren't

sed into a line. H

urself, I came to tell you something important. Tomorrow,

will." He turned away, his pride burning in his

as Raphael walked past the study window

from the Omegas Community, but Lucien coul

called gently as h

d respond, Damien cut in with a sm

. "Keep her name out

You're acting like she's some l

d," Raphael said sharply and walked ou

eede

the sharp looks. He walked through the pack grounds, each s

wolves greeted him wi

ning, Lor

proud o

ake a gre

him. Respected him. And not because he demanded it, but becau

ard the Omega quarters. His feet moved with purpose. Soon, he

-haired woman named Ma

you don't need

d smile. "You run this shop wi

he money, and he left with

a's house. When she answere

aga

st some food. I thought

g down at the grocerie

ante

y and moved aside

f Elodie's lavender shampoo. It tugged at Ra

r you," Ophelia offered a

ll nod. "Than

, she wondered at what Rapha

was crisp, and the sky was painted in shad

m whispered in his

"But how do I protect someone wh

. And when she's ready, you

ed inside, the scent of cooking

Ophelia sat across from him and aske

d up, startle

.. El

know how to explain. She's my second chance. I

waste that chance, Raphael. But

softly. "Even if

The pack gathered in the great hall, murmurs

come to name

ttire, his expression composed but searching the crowd.

as nowher

Please remain calm. My s

ase began to ripple

a nearby warrior.

bowed and

e panic rise with amusement. "Looks like your perf

ough his fingers grippe

he warrior retur

gently, "Lord Raphael

oed aroun

he crowd for a moment, breathing deeply. "Search the

r nodded a

of something in his eyes; discomfort, may

to face the pack agai

d already begun to

is R