Alpha Siege (Omega Mates #1) - Pearl Tate Page 0,46

as she explains, “Kaneer told all the perimeter guards posted, that if you try to escape, they’re to detain you but not touch you… or he’ll kill them. He’s never threatened to kill a guard before.”

The alien woman named Truna grabs her arm, attempting to calm her. “We’re very tempted to allow that to happen, but Kaneer has already warned us that there would be terrible consequences if we allow you to wander off. He’s not stupid and thought you may plan this already. If you’re able to escape, we’d all pay the price. And the idea that you could even go anywhere that he wouldn’t find you, is ludicrous.”

I roll my eyes, making light of the situation. “He’s just a guy. Trust me. Eventually, I’m going to have to go.”

“Is this a new tactic by the low dwellers?” Truna’s question is confusing, and I don’t really know how to reply. When I don’t answer, she continues, “Have they sent you to become impregnated before returning underground?”

“What’s with everyone thinking I come from underground here? Are there many people that live underground?”

Carnell nods her head, but Truna stares, cocking her head and taking a step closer before hissing out, “Just tell us where you got the drugs. If you really aren’t a low dweller as you claim, then share with us how you were able to obtain the drugs to induce your heat. Maybe there was something you found? Or was this a combination of plants you stumbled upon? Female to female, why would you withhold this information?”

I feel like someone has punched me in the gut, but I’m fighting a strange urge to get them further away from the bed. Kaneer calls it our nest and assured me he’ll keep everyone out of the tent and away from the perimeter. Now, with all of them here, crowding in on me, an odd sensation, almost like impending doom, has settled over me.

When they all start heading for the door of the tent, I think they’re finally going to leave and let me alone. But the flap flips back quickly and Kaneer’s large head precedes him. They all drop into submissive poses with their heads lowered. It’s actually kind of funny.

“What are you all doing here?” Kaneer’s expression is livid despite his even tone as he storms into the space, looming over the women who are huddled together. He directs the question at Carnell, but his eyes flip over the three women one at a time, finally coming to rest on Truna. “I’m waiting.”

Truna doesn’t look up but answers quietly, “The new female requested us. For prayer.”

My mouth drops open, but I quickly snap it shut. Unfortunately, there’s a good chance they all heard my quick intake of breath. That bitch… putting me in the middle of this. Fuck!

Kaneer looks at me, a knowing look on his face as he drops a bag next to the bed where I’m still standing uncomfortably. “I don’t have time for this. Everyone out!”

He watches the women scramble out of the tent opening ahead of him before turning to follow them, so I call out, “Wait!” I can hear the chaos outside the tent in the central fire area. Multiple voices are shouting, and it seems like accusations are flying out there about something. “What’s going on?”

Kaneer pauses just outside to answer, “We found the convict requested by the low dwellers.” Without another word, he spins and storms away, allowing the tent flap to drop.

Damn. He’s pissed. My voice calls out after him, “Well… isn’t that good news?”

CHAPTER TWENTY

- Sunny

WHEN KANEER STORMS away, I know I don’t want to sit here. Just like before, I need to get the hell out of this space. Glancing around, I pull on the shirt I’ve been wearing on and off for the last couple days. It still smells fairly decent, I guess. What I do know is I’m reeling from the realization that they require some kind of fertility drugs to have children.

What did she say? Oh yeah, she asked me where I got the drugs. Over and over, too. I can imagine that having me show up, immediately throwing their Alpha into heat, has caused quite a stir throughout their encampment.

Since I haven’t been able to get out and really take in everyone and everything, I don’t really know the dynamic that surrounds this place from my arrival. From the looks of it, though, the women are subservient. I should’ve known.

It’s one thing to be a man