Omega's Choice

by Lilli Carlisle

  “I accept your apology, sire, knowing that you were only concerned with Helena’s safety. In truth, I’ve been feeling other changes since our mating began. Helena has felt them as well.”

  “You’re getting stronger. I can sense it. Your powers are blending with hers, and once the bond is complete, you both should settle into your new abilities.” Ceva announced casually while tucking her wings away. Once done, Aldric would have said they never existed, not even a bump.

  “Wait, new abilities? What new abilities? Is this safe for Helena? She’s strong, but I will not risk her.”

  “See, I knew I liked you. Helena was right. You really do ‘see’ her. Everything you said included ‘we.’ You’re her partner every step of the way. Excellent.” She clapped her hands. “Does your little sister like unicorns?” she asked innocently.

  Aldric wasn’t sure how to take the quirky witch. So far, she had tried to kill him, hit on his head of security, threatened him, and now wanted to give his sister a unicorn.

  “Seriously, Ceva, the women are waiting.” King Leonidas looked as exasperated as Aldric felt.

  “Okay, get back to me on the unicorn, or I could ask Matilda. So anyway, I’m unsure what new powers will pop up over the next little while. But first, lucky you, I’m sticking around to make sure you don’t inadvertently blow anything up. Second, yes, you’re now part of the royal family, and not just by mating. Get used to it. Third, I’m aware of the several attempts at contact someone has made toward my goddaughter and intend to root it out, viciously if need be. And fourth, I’ll need Lothar’s private number to coordinate efforts.” Ceva casually reached into her pocket and retrieved her cellphone. “Waiting.”

  “Oh, for the love of the gods, give her the damn number or we’re never leaving here,” King Leonidas ordered and Lothar complied, but Aldric wasn’t sure it was entirely due to the king’s demand. Interesting.

  Aldric could see the love Ceva had for his princess. That plus Ceva saving his mate all those years ago, would earn her his peoples’ respect, even if she was crazy.

  The king pulled three thick files from a shelf beneath the table. “Now that Ceva’s mating game is over, on to business. In this century, I’m aware that it’s no longer the custom to provide a dowry for an omega. Therefore, we’ll not consider this a dowry.” The king glanced at Aldric before continuing. “Helena was left with a substantial inheritance after my sister was killed. When Helena was sixteen, I offered her a small portion of this inheritance as a test of sorts to see what she would do with it. I simply required she provide me with an accounting every year explaining what she’d done with the money. Other than that, it was hers and she was free to do with it as she pleased,” King Leonidas explained.

  The king handed the first file over to Aldric for him to read. “Initially, I gave her two million dollars, but as you can see, my niece has a head for numbers and investments. Those investments total over fifteen million dollars as of close of market earlier today.”

  Aldric handed the file back to King Leonidas. This was Helena’s money, not his. He was a wealthy man in his own right and could easily provide for them. “This is Helena’s. I don’t need this information.”

  “Yes you do, because as of a minute before midnight on the day of your bonding ceremony, your name will appear alongside hers on all investments and holdings.”

  “We don’t require the money. My pack is strong and financially sound. There is no need.”

  “It’s at Helena’s request. She wishes to share everything she has with you, and on this, I have to agree with her. I know you don’t want access to her fortune, but I need someone to look out for her interests. This is her money to do with as she wishes, and if she continues on her current path, she’ll be building something soon enough. She likes to build libraries, community centers, wings onto hospitals. All kinds of amazing things have come from that original two million. What I need you to do is ensure that she isn’t taken advantage of. She needs a keeper of sorts in this area, or I’m afraid someone will try.”

  Aldric could agree with the king on this point. His little omega would open her heart to everyone, and someone might try to take advantage of her giving nature. “Agreed, sire. This is Helena’s money to do with as she sees fit. I’ll only make sure everyone remains honest in their dealings with her.”

  “Good. And there are these two other holdings that will be changed to read your name as well.” He handed Aldric the original file and two others. One contained an accounting of Helena’s money in trust and the other a map. “The money in trust is Helena’s inheritance from her parents. The roughly three billion has been sitting dormant collecting interest since their deaths. The other is her mother’s lands, now Helena’s.”

  His head was spinning. His little omega was a billionaire and apparently a landowner. “The monies you may leave to Helena’s discretion, but the lands you must assume care of alongside her. It encompasses three hundred and fifty-six acres of mainly forested area between my lands and yours. I have held stewardship over the land and its people since my sister’s death, and it shall now pass to you and Helena. The physical and economic information are included in the file, and I have contacted the pack living in the area. They are excited at the prospect of belonging to your pack, once you’ve had a chance to interview each of them, naturally.”

  Aldric closed all three files before handing them to his brother, who passed them to his legal advisor. He would discuss everything with Helena to make sure this was indeed what she wanted. “I will discuss everything with Helena this evening, sire. Respectfully, if this is what she chooses, then I accept responsibility for the care of Helena’s interests.”

  “Very well. As Ceva has so eloquently stated, she’s sticking around to help ensure the Helena’s safety while we uncover the reason for the deliveries, especially considering they continue even with the announcement of your mating. Ceva will also assist with controlling any new powers as they arise. So you’ll be gaining a white witch along with Helena’s four personal guards. Amalia and Giselle will not be separated from Helena, and General Jensgar has decided to continue guarding this new branch of the royal family, under your head of warriors Lothar, of course.”

  “Since they wish to ensure Helena’s safety and happiness, they are welcome in my pack, but all pack members must swear a blood oath to me and Helena. I’ll not be swayed from this point.” Aldric knew a blood oath was a drastic measure, but when it came to his beautiful Helena, the light in his world, he would make every pack member swear to their loyalty. A blood oath in the supernatural world was a contract, and if you broke this contract there wasn’t a lengthy court battle in your future, only death.

  “Understood and accepted. We have two more topics to discuss. One of which is Dr. Cosmas, who wishes to speak on his own behalf.” The king motioned to the man sitting beside General Jensgar.

  “Thank you, sire. Alpha, I have been Helena’s personal physician since her birth. I was her mother’s physician and had been fortunate enough to assist with bringing her into this world. As you are aware, Helena’s omega powers allow her to heal wounds almost immediately on others. Unfortunately, she cannot heal herself the same way.”

  “What do you mean? Is she in greater danger than a normal werewolf if she were injured?” Aldric didn’t like the sounds of this.

  “Yes, she’ll heal faster than other paranormal species typically, but at about half the rate of a normal werewolf. We have not found the cause of this anomaly. That’s why I’m offering my services to continue as Princess Helena’s physician. I’m also fully prepared to assist all pack members and I’m versed in many other were-creature physiologies—elven and witch included.”

  The little man studied Aldric before continuing. “I can have all my equipment loaded and ready to move in four days’ time. These are my credentials as well as Helena’s medical records.” Dr. Cosmas slid his file over to Aldric and squared his shoulders as if ready to fight for his right to stay with
his charge.

  Aldric was pleased his omega had a strong contingent of people willing to uproot everything to stay by her side. He glanced at his people, who sat in silence reviewing the paperwork being handed around, and noticed Ceva had somehow moved her chair and was now sitting right beside Lothar. She had a huge grin on her face even as Lothar grumbled and scooted his chair a few inches away from her.

  “Accepted.” Aldric slid the file back to Dr. Cosmas. “You might want to keep that. You’re going to need it.”

  “Thank you, Alpha. I’ll have them begin to load the equipment so that we’re ready to leave when you’re prepared to return to your pack.” The doctor seemed genuinely relieved at not having to fight for his position.

  “We?” Aldric asked.

  “My mate, Alpha. His name is Wilhelm and he works with computer systems.” The doctor looked panicked. Aldric wasn’t entirely sure if it was from the fact that he needed to bring along another person or the fact that he was gay. Neither bothered Aldric in the least. His own brother, Godric, was bisexual, and Aldric had many gay members in his pack. Who someone loved was none of his business, just as long as they were consenting adults and no one was harmed.

  “Computer systems? What type, and what exactly does he do? No—wait, don’t explain. Have him talk to my advisor, Theron. He can figure it out.”

  “He’s welcome in your pack?” Dr. Cosmas asked, his voice laced with hope.

  “As long as he’s loyal, a hard worker, and willing to take the blood oath, I’ll meet with him and then decide.” Aldric may be willing to let new people into his pack, but he would never allow anyone he had never personally met.

  “Thank you, Alpha. I’ll bring Wilhelm to your table to meet you and Theron this evening when you have time.”

  “Last order of business, and perhaps the most sensitive.” King Leonidas leaned forward and rested his arms on the table before looking Aldric straight in the eye. “Helena is last of our line. You’re aware of this, Aldric. My queen and I have tried for many years to have children of our own. Even though our mating tattoos indicated we would be blessed with none, we had hoped the gods would relent. Mercifully, they did give us Helena to care for. She carries the combined powers of two generations, and as you can understand, she’s exceedingly important to our people. Helena doesn’t wish to be queen. Even though I have many more centuries before even considering stepping down, I must think ahead. I imagine you have no wish to leave your pack and become king, Aldric?”

  “No, sire, I have no desire to take your throne.” Aldric would never willingly leave his beloved pack.

  “On this you and Helena agree, but the kingdom does need a monarch. There must be someone to take my place, even if it’s centuries from now. Yours and Helena’s children will be born with the combination of both of your royal bloodlines. Some will have Helena’s omega abilities, but all will be born with the Royal Fenrir markings and powers. I ask that you and Helena consider one of your children taking the throne when the time comes.”

  “You can’t take one of our children,” Aldric all but bellowed as he stood. No one would touch his family.

  “Easy, big and angry. I’d kick his ass if he ever tried. Besides, Leonidas would never do such a thing,” Ceva huffed from her chair, still trying to cuddle up closer to Lothar. “Why do men never listen? He didn’t say he was taking one of your future children. He’s asking if you and Helena would consider one of your children assuming the throne when the time is right—in many, many years. They’ll be adults by then, but at least this royal line won’t end with King Leonidas.”

  “Thank you, Ceva, but I could’ve explained that myself.” The king seemed to be on edge waiting for an answer.

  “You two would have talked around it for hours. I’m hungry and Helena is about ready to strangle you.” Ceva tapped the side of her head as if she knew this for a fact. Telepathic?

  Aldric sat down and calmed. “I apologize, sire, for my assumption, but you can understand my need to protect my family. I will discuss everything with Helena before any decisions are made.”

  “Very good,” King Leonidas looked relieved and shook Aldric’s hand before calling the meeting to an end. “I believe the women intend to meet us down in the ballroom, so may I suggest we all meet back here in thirty minutes in our various monkey suits and medals and head there together. Your belongings will be moved over to this wing during dinner, so please inform your people their new rooms will be located in the suites opposite Helena’s.”

  “As you wish, sire.” Aldric stood quickly. His wolf was on edge and needed to hunt down his mate.

  “I’ll meet you there, handsome.” Ceva purred again at Lothar while running her nails over his chest before vanishing into thin air.

  “Where’d she go?” Lothar asked.

  “Don’t worry. She’s with Helena and the women. You’ll see her soon enough.” King Leonidas laughed.

  “That’s not what I meant. I was caught off guard by her ability to teleport herself away. Someone should tell us these things,” Lothar grumbled defensively as he collected the remaining papers from the desk and handed them to Aldric’s legal advisor for review.

  “Sure, keep telling yourself that,” General Jensgar shot as he walked past them toward the door. “I hope you like older women, Lothar.”

  King Leonidas looked at Aldric with a great deal more affection than he had when they arrived. “They’re all your problem now, nephew. Please take good care of each and every one of them.”

  “I swear to you I will, Uncle.”

  Helena prayed the meeting went well between her mate and her uncle. Of course she knew everything they were going to discuss. It was the fact that she had no idea what Aldric would say or how he would react that made her nervous. There would be a lot for him to take in.

  “You about ready, dear?”

  Helena turned from the railing on her balcony to see her aunt and Hilda approaching. The two had been getting on like old friends, which made Helena happy.

  “Almost, just thinking about how much my life’s changing. It’s a bit overwhelming.”

  “It has to be difficult planning to leave everything you know,” Hilda sympathized. “But I can promise you there would be no alpha who could love you more.”

  “I believe you. I’ve been waiting years for him.” Helena knew down to her soul that she and Aldric were meant to be together, and now that opportunity was before her.

  “Years? What do you mean, dear?” Hilda asked.

  “Oh, she’s been pining over your son since she first saw him when she was twenty-three, but she was too young to be claimed,” her aunt threw in before Helena covered the queen’s mouth with her hand.

  “Long story, but thank the gods he wasn’t taken before I came of age. I don’t know what I would have done. I think I should finish telling Aldric the rest first. He’s been waiting patiently for me to explain since Amalia it let slip the first night.” Helena thought for a moment before carefully continuing. “Do you think Aldric will think that it strange of me to have been watching him for two years?”

  “Of course not, dear. My son is blessed to have you, and happy you’ve claimed him, no matter how long it’s taken,” Hilda assured Helena before wrapping her in a brief hug.

  Helena looked back out at the only home she had ever known, and wondered what her new home would be like. Would her new pack welcome her? Would she be able to continue with her charities? What would everyone expect of her? She wished Aldric were with her. She missed him and found herself needing his strong presence to calm her fears.

  Suddenly, the new honeysuckle vines on Helena’s left arm began to glow bright yellow. It lasted for only a few seconds before they turned back to black.

  “Helena, what was that? Are you hurt?” Aunt Alexandra asked while she rubbed her hands up and down Helena’s arm. Hilda held her other hand while looking her over for injuries.

  “What’s wrong?” Marcus and General Jensgar, who had returned
after the meeting, reached the three women.

  “My mating tattoo glowed for a moment and then returned to black,” Helena explained.

  “Did it hurt you? Are you in pain?” the general asked. “Summon Dr. Cosmas.”

  “Pain, who’s in pain?” Amalia asked as she answered her cell phone. “Is it the princess?”

  Before Helena could respond, a deadly roar echoed through the cell phone in Amalia’s hand and down the halls of the palace.

  “Who was on the phone, Amalia?” Marcus asked, even though everyone was pretty sure they already knew the answer.

  “Alpha Aldric…but he’s not on the line anymore,” she gasped, looking about ready to faint.

  The outer doors to Helena’s suites flew open and banged off the walls. “I believe my son has arrived,” Hilda announced just as the doors to Helena’s bedroom opened and a troop of agitated men entered, led by her concerned-looking mate and uncle.

  “You’re in pain—where’s the doctor?” Aldric asked as he collected Helena into his arms and spoke gently to her. “What’s happened, little one?”

  “Aldric, I’m fine, my love, really. It was my mating tattoo. It glowed yellow for a few seconds then it returned to black,” Helena explained as she curled into her mate’s warm embrace.

  “Mine did the same. That’s why I called to check on you. Did it hurt you?” Aldric murmured as he rubbed her arm much as her aunt had, both seemed to be trying to rid her of some phantom pain.

  “No, it frightened me more than anything. I don’t know why it did that. I’ve never heard of it happening to anyone before.”

  “My best guess, it’s an early warning system of some kind,” Ceva announced as she flew onto the balcony. She was dressed in black leather with multiple knives attached to her pants and a sword sheathed on her back between her massive black wings. She was certainly a sight to behold when she went all combat-mode. “We have uninvited guests moving in fast from the east—ogres, and lots of them. They had to have the help of dark magic to make it this close.”