Surprise! An extra update this week because I have no self-control!

Also, realised I posted the first chapter of Warrior of His Heart in Feb 2022 - I've been writing this story for over a year now lol. And I'm now like 9 chapters away from finishing it...

Anyway, enjoy!

The car sent by the Council only had room for one other person in the back with me. While I would have preferred Ivan, Janine had practically climbed into the car before I could even voice my choice. The beta sent to pick me up wore a blinding smile with bright red lipstick—she was too happy.

I was handed a signed and sealed letter from the Queen ordering me to appear before the Council immediately. The lady didn't even let me go back upstairs to change out of my singlet and leggings. Janine had grabbed my jacket while I was reading the letter, but it didn't do much to improve my appearance.

"What do I do?" I asked Dimitri through the bond, listening to his soothing tone in my head to calm myself down.

"Just answer the questions. We have nothing to hide," he replied. "They will try to make you angry but try not to react. They are looking for reasons to disagree with you."

I pulled a face and then remembered he couldn't see it. "I won't react," I defended, but I could picture the look he would give me. "I promise to keep calm."

"I'll be there as soon as I can," Dimitri promised, "We are almost finished here."

I wanted to ask if they found anything, but the car pulled to a stop, and I was ushered out and into the Council building. I felt like more warriors were standing in the hall than previously. That didn't help my panic.

The last time they questioned us, they gave a warning and a time to be there by. This time I was practically kidnapped and forced here. And, of course, they chose the time that both Dimitri and Abe were out.

Janine was hot on my heels, standing closer than I would usually be comfortable with. Granted, she made me uncomfortable in general. I didn't know if I would feel better alone compared to her being the only person I knew with me.

Ivan and the others promised to follow in the car behind us, but I doubted they were making it too far in.

We were guided down the same hall Dimitri had been, but we continued past the door he went in and ventured further.

"Where are we going?" I asked the tall beta. Despite the overly happy look she gave, she didn't seem bad. She hadn't sneered at me, yet.

"Just a bit further, Luna Belikov," she replied; the addition of my title threw me. Almost as soon as she said the words, she stopped in front of a door and knocked three times. "You can go in now."

"The Council is meeting in there?" Janine asked. Her being confused as well wasn't a good sign.

The beta smiled sweetly at my mother, "Please remain out here while the Luna is questioned."

Janine bristled but didn't argue. She was a warrior and recognised an order from someone higher in the pack than her. The beta encouraged me through the door again, turning the handle for me and as soon as I passed the threshold, she closed it firmly behind me.

My heart was in my throat. Rather than a large room, it was small and intimate—a study. An ornate desk was on one side; everything was arranged meticulously. The styling of the room was luxurious and too much.

I didn't want to breathe, as if it would ruin something.

A tapping drew my attention to the large bay window that looked over a flourishing garden. Two regal lounges faced each other with a coffee table between them. Sat on one, bathed in the light shining in, was Queen Tatiana.

"Thank you for coming, Luna Belikov," she greeted me, a pleasant expression on her face, but I was instantly on edge. "Please, join me."

I looked at the hand that waved to the opposite lounge. It took a moment for me to make myself move, hesitant steps towards the floral-covered seat. I sat down, hands on my lap and waited. There were sweets and cups of tea arranged on the table between us. I was never instructed on how to have a tea party with the Queen.

"I must warn you that you can't mind link while we talk. If you do, you will be detained." Her eyes flicked to mine, and the corner of her lips quirked up. "Wouldn't want a repeat of yesterday."

I licked my lips nervously, biting back my snark and asked, "Is this part of the investigation?"

"Indeed. I thought a more personal meeting would be best." She focused on her tea, adding two sugar cubes to the teacup. It looked so delicate, decorated in gold leaf.

Personal meeting. It felt like a trap.

"Shouldn't the Council be present?" I pressed, tempting fate by arguing with the Queen that could literally bring me to my knees with a few words. But I knew my chances of leaving this room unscathed were decided before I even stepped foot in it.

Tatiana's smile fell a little, but she continued as if I hadn't spoken. "An omega Luna. I don't think I had ever heard of one. Even the previous Queen never spoke of one. Isn't that odd?"

I gritted my teeth. "I'm sure there's been a few if we looked hard enough," I replied. "Look in the right books."

Her hand stopped—her cup inches from her mouth. Tatiana's eyes flashed. "Yes, I suppose that's correct." Rather than drink her tea, she placed the cup back on the table and gave me her full attention. "I've been wondering for a while now why so many alphas are curious about you. An omega just like the others—other than your title, there's nothing special about you. Is there Rose?"

My anger grew, but I kept it down. She was baiting me. "I–"

"Silence."

The command was given with a wave of her hand, and the words died on my tongue. Her aura grew tenfold instantly, making my stomach roll. Her power as an alpha was undeniable, and I was defenceless against it.

She smiled, "Like I said, just like the others." She shifted, leaning her elbow on the arm of the lounge, tilting her head as she studied me. "So many powerful wolves wrapped around your finger, and so many determined to have you as their own. James wants to break your bond with Belikov and claim you as his own."

Her words spoken too casually—as if talking about the weather and not my life. Fear moved through me like ice as my anger burned. There was so little care about me just because I was an omega.

It pissed me off.

Tatiana continued, brows drawn together in displeasure. "Of course, breaking your bond would be a political nightmare; your mate is surprisingly well-liked. But he is too independent; having you as leverage would make him think twice about ignoring me in the future." A chilling smile grew on her face. "Oh. Yes. I'll use you as leverage."

My heart pounded in my chest. The rage that coursed through me made me see red. I opened my mouth, but no words formed—her command still controlling me. This wasn't for the investigation. Tatiana just wanted to taunt me—show her power over me.

I wasn't going to just sit and let her. With a low growl, I sprung to my feet; a look of hatred aimed at her.

The corner of her lips twitched. "Do not move."

My body gave into the command without a second thought—unable to fight. My knees shook as her aura crashed into me, threatening to make me crumble.

Tatiana stood, graceful with each movement. It wasn't just because she was a queen, but because of how powerful her wolf was. She could kill me and not even get blood on her dress. To be the ruler of all wolves, you had to be ruthless.

With slow steps, she moved closer, eyes studying me. "I'll keep you here, Rose. Another omega to continue the royal line and make strong alphas to one day take the crown. I would be able to keep both Ibrahim and Belikov in check."

I shook—but not from fear.

"No one would care about you, and there would be no more outbursts." Her words followed as she circled behind me. Venom whispered from the shadows. "A worthless omega like you will be broken easily."

Something bursts in my chest. A sudden rush of anger and strength flowed through me, and I spun on my heel to face Tatiana. "I will never be broken by you!" I spat. "I might be an omega, but I'm far from worthless. You sanctimonious bitch!"

Tatiana's eyes widened ever so slightly, and then her expression became pleased. "I see." She stepped back and waved a hand, "We are done here. You may leave."

"I'm not fucking done!" I argued, rage coursing through me. She thought she could just threaten me and throw me aside.

Her eyes became glazed, and seconds later, the door was pushed open, and two warriors came in and took my arms. I struggled against them, but it had little effect.

"It was lovely to speak to you, Luna Belikov. I'm sure the Council will call upon you soon to continue their investigation. Until then," she dipped her head at me and then turned away.

I was dismissed and dragged out.

The warriors took me as far as the hall and then released my arms once the door was closed behind them. With straight faces, they took a stance in front of the door. "You're free to leave now, Luna Belikov."

"You're kidding me?" I yelled, half a mind to try storming back in. My fists were curled so tight I swore my nails broke through the skin—energy coursed through me—a strength that felt familiar and foreign at the same time.

The conversation played on repeat in my head. What the fuck just happened?

"You are free to leave," they repeated.

I advanced forward, "The hell I'm leaving–"

Footsteps travelled closer, their scent hitting me and making me growl. "Rosemarie, lower your voice," Janine scolded, a warning flashed in her eyes. I didn't want to deal with her. "You can't just force your way in with the Queen."

My mouth opened, staring in disbelief at both Janine and the warriors. I had no idea what to even make of what happened, but I knew I wasn't getting any answers. With no better choice on where to go, I spun and stalked in the opposite direction.

I was nothing to her. Tatiana saw me as leverage, not even considered a person. My stomach twisted painfully. What would she do to me to make sure Dimitri followed her demands?

Of course, Janine followed. "Would you just stop for one second?"

"No."

"Rosema–"

I felt something snap inside me. I spun around, and bared my teeth, "Shut up, Janine!"

Janine froze, eyes wide.

What…

I watched in disbelief as Janine dropped her eyes and tilted her head to the side—just like when an alphas aura was overpowering—but there wasn't any aura I could feel.

It felt like everything froze at that moment.

That strength I felt had surged through me and left me light-headed. I took a step back and then another. After Tatiana's aura and then whatever the fuck that was, my knees felt weak.

I ran from my still-silent mother, pushing myself to go faster until I finally found the exit. I burst through the door and then down the steps. I had to get away from it all—just for a moment. I needed to breathe. I didn't make it far when an arm wrapped around my waist and pulled me to a stop.

My first instinct was to fight, but then he spoke.

"Roza. What's wrong?"

My head snapped up, finding warm brown eyes. Dimitri. I clutched his arm, twisting my fingers in the sleeve of his duster. "Get me out of here," I begged, unable to voice anything that had happened. Just the need to get away. "Please, just get me away from here."

His eyes flashed amber. "What happened?" He demanded, concern and anger colouring his tone.

"Dimitri," I pleaded, and the rush went through me again. "Get me out of here."

There was no argument from him, not even second-guessing what was happening. With his arm still wrapped tightly around me, Dimitri led me to his car and helped me in before going around to the driver's side. My seatbelt just clicked in before he revved his jeep and sped away from the Council building.

"Where do you want to go?" He asked, eyes flicking to me for a moment and then back to the road.

"I don't know," I gasped. What was happening? "Take me to the woods." It used to calm me when I was younger; maybe it would again.

"The woods?"

"Yes!" I stressed, "I need to be away from people." I needed to be away from Tatiana. And my mother.

My mind flashed back to Janine's reaction when I yelled at her. She bared her throat. She stopped talking, doing exactly as I said—as if following my command. But only alphas had that ability.

I'm an omega.

Just an omega.

I covered my face with my hands, curled in the passenger seat trying to make sense of anything. I was so angry—it flowed through me and made me feel different—everything the queen said just made it grow stronger.

She had commanded me to be silent, but I–

I snapped up in the chair, surprising Dimitri with my sudden movement. We weren't driving anymore; instead parked on the edge of the forest within the Court's walls. My hand flew out and grabbed Dimitri's arm, fingertips digging into the solid muscle.

"Roza–" he started, but I shook my head.

"She commanded me," I whispered.

Dimitri stiffened. "Who? The Queen?"

"She told me to be silent, but I…" I broke through it. I unbuckled my seatbelt and twisted to face Dimitri. "Tatiana was saying so much crap, and she commanded me, but I broke through it," I exclaimed, watching Dimitri's eyebrows draw together in confusion.

"Why was she commanding you? The Council just allowed her–"

I waved him off, "The Council wasn't there. You don't understand. I broke through. Her command should be absolute—I shouldn't be able to fight against it. Dimitri, I was able to ignore her, and then I…" I trailed off, staring at him. "Why did you get me away from there?"

That threw him. "Because you asked me to."

"No. Think about it. Really think about it," I implored. "Is it just because I asked? Or was there something else pushing you?"

I could remember the surge that went through me, just like it had with Janine. Maybe I imagined it, and it was just because I was desperate enough that he did as asked without questioning it… or it was more than that.

He was still confused, but slowly, his expression shifted to realisation and then, surprise. Dimitri licked his lips, hesitating to voice it. "Rose, you… How did you?"

I climbed out of the car, starting to feel caged. What the hell was happening?

I heard Dimitri follow, catching up to me with his long strides as I walked past the trees until we were deep into the forest.

"Dimitri, how is this happening?" I asked him.

His hand caught my wrist, making me look at him as he held a finger to his lips. "We don't know if someone can hear us," he warned through the mind link. Glancing around, he led me in a different direction, venturing further.

After a couple of minutes, the area began to look familiar. "How do you know this area?" I asked. We were pretty far in, the foliage thick and difficult for wolves to run through. No one ever used to come out this far when I lived at Court; that's why it was my favourite place to come to. Lissa and I would spend hours hiding from responsibilities, and when her family died, it was to get away from prying eyes.

I spied the shallow cave we would sit in. I wondered if Lissa still visited it after I left.

"I found it once," Dimitri replied, pushing low-hanging branches to the side so I could pass. "There was something about this place that I liked… it helped clear my head."

I bit back my smile. "I like it too."

"I don't think anyone is near, but just in case." Dimitri turned and gave me a pointed look. He scented the inside of the cave before letting me go any further. We sat on the hard floor, our backs against the wall; Dimitri's hand never released mine. "Tell me what happened."

I sighed. "You won't like this." I shifted to press up against his side. "It wasn't for the investigation. Tatiana called me there so she could threaten me—us. It started civil, and then she commanded me not to talk and told me she would use me as leverage to make sure you do what she wanted."

Dimitri's eyes snapped to mine, filled with anger. I felt his aura wash over me. "As leverage?"

"Keep me here and hurt me if you don't do what she says." I didn't mention the other parts. Dimitri knowing James wanted to claim me would just set him off. I tilted my head back and closed my eyes. Dimitri's scent filled my nose when I inhaled. "The more she said, the more pissed off I got. I hit a limit or something and managed to break through all the commands and called her a bitch."

"What?"

"A sanctimonious bitch, to be exact," I clarified. "But right after I did that, it was like she flicked a switch and was back to pleasantries and just let me go and said the Council would question me soon."

Dimitri's finger grasped my chin and gently turned my face to his. Bright amber eyes locked with mine. "She threatened you." A deep growl rumbled through his chest.

"I don't know if she meant it," I confessed. The more I thought about it, the stranger it was. The moment I told her off, she smiled. "What if it was a test?"

Dimitri became silent.

It was an unbelievable concept. What would she be testing me for? Was she just waiting for me to disagree with her? Or was she looking for something to use against me? Insulting the queen to her face wasn't the best thing to do, but she didn't look upset when I said it.

And then there was after…

"Dimitri, did I command you?" I asked. We had been silent for a while, and I couldn't hold it in any longer. "I think I commanded Janine. I yelled at her, and she… She bared her neck. I've never seen anyone do that for an omega. It has to be something else, right? Omegas can't do that."

He stared ahead, deep in thought. "I remember Babushaka telling me a story once—it was so long ago that I can't remember it all—but it was about a Luna that was an omega. She said that they were just as strong as an alpha and could command others."

"That's just a story," I quickly dismissed him.

"What if it isn't?"

I laughed. "An omega that can command an alpha? It's a fucking fairytale."

He tilted his head to the side. "Then how do you explain it?"

"I–"

"You commanded me, Roza," Dimitri implored, "and I don't think it's the first time."

"No. You're wrong," I replied, shaking my head. I felt restless again, no longer mind linking. I jumped to my feet, pacing the small space. "It's not possible."

"Why not?" he asked calmly, which only irritated me more.

"Because I said so!"

Dimitri raised an eyebrow. It wasn't my best defence, but it was impossible to think otherwise. An omega with the same control as an alpha. Even if it was happening, nothing good could come of it. If others discovered it…

I jumped when Dimitri's hand brushed my shoulder, his arms wrapping around me and pulling me close in a tight embrace. "It's okay," he comforted me. I was confused about how he knew I was on the edge of spiralling, but then noticed my quickened breath. "We will look into it. No one has to know about it until you're ready."

I curled my arms around his waist and buried my head in his chest. "There's already so much… I can't handle anything else right now."

"I know," he soothed. "It will just be between us."

Dimitri's promise was short-lived. We made it three steps into Abe's home before we were ambushed by a stone-faced Janine. There was a strange look in her eyes as she regarded me, maintaining a distance.

"In the study," she gestured down the hall, "we need to discuss this." Janine didn't allude to what this was, but I could connect the dots.

I remained standing in the entryway. "I'm not talking about it," I hissed, shaking my head. I didn't even know where to start.

In all the time I had spent with my mother recently, she only appeared annoyed with me, but for the first time, her expression softened, and she gave me a reassuring look. "It's okay, Rose. There's something we need to tell you."

I wanted to say no. It wasn't even late in the afternoon, and I was exhausted. What else could my parents want to reveal to me?

Dimitri moved first, a tug on my hand to remind me I wasn't alone; we followed Janine, both cautious of what they had to say. No doubt another bombshell—Abe seemed to enjoy dropping those whenever.

Abe's study was the opposite of Dimitri's back at the pack house; rather than the rustic look with the old wooden furniture, Abe's was modern. My father was behind the glass desk when we entered. With his choice of clothing, he did not match his decor choices.

His eyes flicked to us, a slight nod, and he stood. "I'm glad you are home," he greeted. There was a book in his hand that he promptly shut and held towards me.

"What's that?" I questioned, eyeing it as if it was a weapon.

"A book," he deadpanned, "I hope you've read one before."

I snatched the heavy book from him with a scowl, turning it in my hands to find the title. "Why are you giving me a book?"

The cover was old, the spine showing the wearing of years. There wasn't any title on it, and when I opened it, the first page listed a table of contents. The information covered the last two hundred years.

"It's from my personal collection. I'm sure you will find it most informative." An underlining tone to his words—a hint at something.

I frowned at him and then looked back at the book. Bastard. "You've known this whole time, haven't you?"

The corner of his lips twitched in the ghost of a smile. "I told you you needed to expand your library."

Dimitri glanced over my shoulder at the book. "It's a history book?" he asked.

"An unaltered one," Abe crowed. "Not many of them left now, but it should answer any questions you might have. And any others, I'm sure I can shed some light on." Seemly pleased with himself, Abe sat back down and clasped his hands together. "Now, about today's investigation, you were right, Rose."

I had to force my attention away from the book, and the knowledge it held.

Unedited.

It held more truth about omegas than anything I had ever read before.

I blinked at him, reminding myself what we were talking about. "I was right? About the scent blocker?"

Dimitri released a breath, "Yes. He still had the vial in his pocket. I never thought to check at the time with everything else that happened." His shoulders were stiff, the weight of the world on them. "At least it ties in Nathan, but whether the Council believes us is another thing."

"What else do we need?" I asked.

"A living witness that can tie them together," Abe mused and then hummed. "Shouldn't be too difficult to find. I'll have Pavel help me compile everything for the Council before they interview you again."

My stomach dropped. "That is if they question me again." Tatiana's threat of using me was at the forefront of my mind, and then there was the fact I insulted her.

"I take it didn't go well today?"

"The Council wasn't even there," I explained, "It was just Tatiana…" I trailed off, feeling dread claw at my heart. "I don't think she's going side with us. I don't think she's going to let me leave Court."

It hurt to admit it. Even if it was a test, it didn't take away the threat of her words. I was terrified from the start that I wouldn't be allowed to leave, and now it felt like it was the only possible outcome.

My fingers tightened around the book. I was going to be erased just like every other omega.

A deep growl rumbled in Dimitri's chest, his aura filling the room. "The Queen threatened to keep Rose here as leverage."

"Well, that does change things," Abe replied. "Then I suggest you both go get dressed for tonight."

I eyed my father, hesitant to ask, "What's tonight?"

A grin grew on his face, a glint in his eye that just spelled trouble. "You're going to the party, Rose."

xXx

Dimitri POV

Steam bellowed up from the sink, the hot water running as I stared at it. My razor was in one hand, halfway through shaving. It felt silly to be getting ready for a party considering the events of the day—considering the reason we were at Court.

"...she would use me as leverage…hurt me if you don't do what she says."

Rose's words repeated in my head; fear creeping closer each time. She would be used as a pawn against me. If they ever wanted me to do something, they would just dangle her life in front of me and I would cave every time.

My fingers curled around the sink, knuckles turning white.

What would they do to her? Rose would be hurt, and there would be nothing I could do to protect her.

My shaver snapped in two, pieces falling into the sink. "Dammit," I cursed, trying to fish them out.

"I hope you brought a spare," Ivan commented from the doorway.

Lissa was invited over to help Rose get ready, while I was kicked out and had to use Ivan's room instead. I glared at him through the mirror and searched for my spare razor.

What was the point of dressing ourselves up for a party when I would much rather get Rose far from everyone here? I couldn't guarantee her safety here. She had been threatened and arrested, locked in the cells that I promised she would never be put in.

Roza wasn't safe here.

"You go to this thing like that and they won't even let you in the door," Ivan commented, "You'll set every alpha off, and it will just be a boxing match." He shifted and leaned his shoulder on the doorframe. "You need to calm down."

I continued to shave, breathing slowly through my nose to rein back in my anger. I used to be able to control my emotions, but whenever I thought of Rose being in danger, I couldn't hold them back. My wolf itched to be released; my instincts begged me to stay by Roza's side and kill anyone that looked at her wrong.

I cleaned my razor and face, sighing heavily. I hadn't been able to relax.

"Do you think Viktoria would make a good leader?" I asked, barely meeting Ivan's eyes in the mirror. The question surprised him, confusion clear on his face.

"I guess. She still has a lot to learn," he replied, "but she doesn't need to worry about anything like that." As soon as the words left his mouth his eyes widened with realisation. "You don't need to worry about that. They will rule in your favour and–"

"I don't know that," I cut him off. "Every time we discover something new, I feel like we are taking a step back. There's too much tied in together, and Rose is in the middle of it all" None of it was her own doing—there wasn't anything she could have done.

"You think they won't let her go?"

I stared down at my hands—a feeling of hopelessness filled me. "I don't know," I admitted sadly. "If anything happens to her… I won't let her be destroyed by them." My eyes met Ivan's again, the weight of my words settling between us. "Do you understand?"

Ivan faltered, a frown pulling at the corners of his mouth. "Viktoria, huh?" he sighed, "She won't like it."

I nodded, a hint of a smile, "I know, but she'll be good at it. You'll take care of her?"

"Of course," Ivan promised. I could rely on him to keep his word. I hated to leave my family, but they would understand.

Protecting my mate was my first priority.

I continued to get ready, pulling on the crimson silk shirt Rose had picked out for me. The party wasn't a black tie event, but there was still an expectation; granted that expectation lowered greatly as the night wore on and wolves got drunk. Ivan was accompanying us along with Gordon, sent again as Abe's eyes. Something had changed between him and Ivan, they weren't close as before, but they had stopped arguing.

I nodded towards them as we waited at the front door; Lissa had already left, and now we just waited on Rose to join us.

"I want someone watching Rose the whole time. I don't want anyone we don't know alone with her. And I–"

"Wow, comrade. If I didn't know it was out of love, I would be really pissed off right now," Rose drawled behind me, shoes tapping on the stairs as she climbed down.

I spun on my heel and paused, taking in the beautiful sight in front of me. Rose's hair had been swept up and styled up in a bun, curls framed the side of her face. She wore makeup, but it only enhanced her natural beauty. She already had her leather jacket on, covering the top of her outfit, but I could gather it was a dress from the hem of the skirt that flared out around her thighs.

Rose's legs drew my attention, and I struggled to look away.

"See something you like, comrade?" she teased with a playful grin, a very different demeanour to earlier. "Shall we?" Rose gestured to the door, a car already waiting for us out front.

I licked my lips, forcing myself to look away and stop thinking of how it would feel to touch the skin on display. I instead wrapped my arm around her shoulders, pulling her close to me. "You look beautiful, Roza," I complimented, spying her cleavage when her jacket parted.

I thought I had looked away before she realised, but her laugh told me otherwise. "Don't worry, alpha. There will be plenty of time to look later."

My cheeks heated, my wolf excited by the promise in her voice. "Let's get this over with," I huffed, now even more eager for the night to be over.

I've been kind of hinting at it, so hopefully this isn't too out of the blue for you guys. I hope you like it!

Now, finally for the party that I've been hinting and planning them going to since the first part of Warrior lol. Yay!