Chapter 4

OMA'S POV

Our ancestors used to say that there is no greater reward than the praise of a master. When Alpha Kyle spoke words of admiration to me, I should have felt elated. Instead, there was an indescribable feeling in the pit of my stomach.

"Is there anything else you need, Alpha?" I asked, keeping my gaze lowered. I didn't want to reveal my mixed emotions. All he saw was a polite smile.

"That will be all for now. You should go back to the mansion, rest, and listen to some music," he said. His words were thoughtful and touched me deeply. I had dedicated my life to serving him, and besides that, I had nothing else.

After a moment, I nodded and walked away. Yara was getting ready to become his mate in a few hours. I should have been happy and celebrating, but instead, I felt like I was burying myself alive and waiting for the sand to fill up my hollow coffin.

My body ached with exhaustion as I removed the hairband from my straight, sandy-colored hair. I had worn it so often that it had become a part of my uniform.

"You look different with your hair down," said the acting Alpha, his voice startling me out of my thoughts.

He had a way of sneaking up on people without being noticed, like the wraiths in Greek mythology. Despite his slimy nature, he was a gorgeous man. A magnificent-looking piece of shit.

"Your Highness," I greeted him, bowing my head. Two guards holding gold spears stood at a safe distance, watching us carefully. I appreciated how they recognized my strength. They were smarter than they looked.

"You should keep your hair like this more often," he remarked, his fingers running through a strand of my hair. I recoiled inwardly when he slid his finger along my neck, but I held back the urge to pull out my knife and slash off a few of his fingers. It was the instinctive move of a warrior after all.

"What has your master been up to these days?" he asked, a sly smile on his face.

I wanted to tell him to mind his own business and go to hell, but instead, I replied coldly, "No idea."

My voice was like ice, and the chill in the air seemed to affect him as his smile faded a little.

"My offer still stands. Work for me, and I'll take care of you. You'll get the recognition you deserve," he said, moving closer.

As tempting as his offer was, I knew there was no way I could abandon Alpha Kyle. He was the rightful heir to the throne, and I was ready to stand by his side until my last breath.

"Thank you, but I decline," I said without looking up at him.

He laughed at my response, a mocking sound that made my blood boil. But I had too much experience and self-control to let him get the best of me.

"I don't know what your plans are with that child, but your childish games can only take you so far," Alpha Theon said before storming off.

I let out a frustrated exhale, trying to calm my racing heart. "Damn it," I muttered under my breath, slamming my fist into the wall. Alpha Theon was the epitome of obnoxiousness, and the contrast between him and his late Alpha father was stark.

I took a few deep breaths, attempting to steady my nerves before realizing just how much time I had lost. I needed to spar, and I needed it now.

With my hair pulled back, I sprinted through the corridors, ensuring that I wasn't being followed before slipping into the secret passageway. My destination was the room where I had left Yara, but upon knocking and receiving no answer, I realized she was gone.

Her scent was nearby, but it wasn't coming from her room. Following the trail, I soon arrived at Marius's room, the best friend and cousin of Alpha Kyle. A knot formed in my stomach as I had a strange feeling that something was amiss.

Pushing the door open, I found Yara and Marius kissing. I was seething with anger, but I needed to handle the situation with care. "Yara, you shouldn't be here. Let's go," I said, reaching for her arm.

She looked at me, confused, and I couldn't blame her. Marius had been sneaky, but I had to keep this between us to prevent any potential fallout with Alpha Kyle.

We returned to Yara's room, and I asked her with barely contained anger, "How did you get there?"

"I don't know. I just felt a pull to that particular room, and then I met that-" she started to say before I cut her off.

"You met no one," I snarled, emphasizing every word. "This stays between us. Is that clear?" She nodded, trembling like a lost child.

Once she was dressed, I escorted her to Alpha Kyle's chambers, silently praying that everything would go smoothly. However, my anxiety skyrocketed when I saw Maggie waiting for me.

"Oh, shit," I muttered under my breath, bracing myself for whatever was to come next.