Savage Prince by Alison Aimes

27

The blare of alarms shrieked overhead as Tess’s spine hit the wall behind, her finger hovering over the comms Maxheim had given her, the dark tendrils of her gift snaking outward by instinct.

The male raised his palms. “I’m not here to hurt you.” He spoke fast. “A colleague started a perimeter breach on the far side of the compound. The alarm has sent the Alphas and the majority of guards there.”

A coordinated distraction. No wonder the male was dressed in Skolov colors. He must have slipped in, blended with the other guards, and then taking advantage of the chaos.

“I told them I was checking on you,” he explained.

The alarms blared louder.

“Tess!” The distressed shout came from inside the bathroom. It was Dahlia, alongside a wailing Jaxson.

“I’m just here to check on you.” The intruder’s gaze shifted from Tess to the closed door as he responded to Dahlia’s query. “Stay where you are.”

Tess could have objected, exposing him, but there was no way she was risking the other omega or Jaxson.

“Yes. Stay.” Tess’s gaze locked with the intruder. “The guard will protect us.”

She pressed her spine harder against the wall and pushed more power toward her gift. If the male tried to touch her, she might feel pain, but he’d suffer a worse surprise after the first few moments. “What do you want?”

He snarled—care of her gift—and then tried to shake it off. “Only to bring you this. I’m not here for anything more. I know if I tried to take one step out this door with you, I’d be dead. Same if I touched you. And I have no interest in dying. Only delivery.” He dropped something shiny on the table nearest him. “It’s a secure, untraceable comms.”

He backed up slowly, palms raised once more. “He said to tell you to use it to contact him.”

The male shook his head. “Personally, I wouldn’t, but that’s up to you. My work is done.”

Then he was gone, slipping back through the door.

Relief slammed through Tess.

She stared at the small comms, her hands balled at her sides. Rav was growing bolder.

Suddenly, she was overrun with comms devices—and choices. She knew what her ex-friend wanted and what it would take to get the information she needed. She wanted to believe more than ever that it wouldn’t come to that.

But she couldn’t afford to pretend it might not.

Especially after meeting Maxheim’s family and seeing just how wonderful they were.

Leaping forward, she swept up the comms and dropped it into the pocket of her cloak. Right next to her gift from Maxheim. Somehow that felt wrong. But there was no time to correct it.

The alarms shut off.

“Is it safe to come out?” Dahlia swept back into the room, a wailing Jaxson clutched close to her chest. He’d obviously only grown more agitated thanks to the shrieking alarms.

The doctor followed right behind. “Where is the guard?”

“He already slipped back out.” Tess sagged against the wall behind. “I have no idea if we’re safe yet.” That latter part was most definitely the truth.

“It’s a good sign, though, that the alarms have stopped ringing.” Dahlia patted Jaxon’s back, trying to soothe him. But despite her attempt at optimism, her voice was strained. “It’s tempting to go and investigate, but I’ve been told by Nikolai enough times to stay put. They’ll come for us.” She forced a smile. “Everything will be fine.”

It was sweet of the other omega to comfort her, but Tess knew . . . this was her fault. They all knew it.

She’d brought this danger to their family.

As if he’d heard her thoughts, Jaxson’s fists balled up, and he kicked out, his tiny feet battering at the blanket as his horns jutted straight.

Instantly, Tess’s gift fired up once more, but this time, the strands that stretched toward the little Alpha were golden and light.

Choices.

Every instinct was telling her it was time to take another one now. Think bigger.

“Could I hold him?”

Dahlia looked surprised. “Hold him?”

The baby was dumped in Tess’s arms in the next instance.

“Yes, thank you.” The blonde-haired omega spoke fast, stretching her arms and rotating her wrists. “Even just a few seconds would be wonderful. He’s solid, like his father, and the alarms have clearly set him off, and…”

The baby’s cries ended.

Dahlia’s gaze softened with wonder. “How did you do that?”

The doctor too looked curious—and content. “Is that lovely feeling of peace from you?”

“I think so,” admitted Tess.

Just like with Mauve, her gift flowed through her, a contented feeling of tranquility anchored by Maxheim and their bond, fueled by the memory of how he’d ordered his men to kneel at her feet, as well as the remembrance of the night he’d given her his beautiful ice castle gift and marked her with the claiming bite, and the way he always looked at her as if she was something precious. With each new recollection, the light within her glowed brighter.

Jaxson’s eyes fluttered closed.

“It’s amazing.” Dahlia sounded awed. “You’re amazing.”

The room blurred, but Tess blinked fast to keep any foolish tears at bay.

All her life she’d thought her gift could bring only pain, but here again, was proof she could be so much more than a killer. “I’m just glad it’s working.”

“You and me both,” laughed Dahlia.

Tess smiled back. At least not everything she’d brought to the Skolov family was death and destruction. She could do good too. Maybe even enough to offset the trouble she was causing?

“Look at those tiny toes and horns.” She rocked the baby and took another look at the cutie swaddled in the blanket. Now that he was calm, she could see just how precious he was—and that he was a clear Skolov too, his body already marked by similar swirling skin designs to that of his uncle. “He’s so cute.”

“In a masculine, fierce kind of way, right?” The deep voice startled her. She spun around.

Her heart stopped as a massive, unmasked male barreled into the room.

Startled, her gift altered, black tendrils shooting outward.

The second intruder growled.

Jaxson cried.

The doctor shifted to the far end of the room, pen poised.

“Nikolai!” Dahlia’s relieved voice rang through the room. “Is everything okay?”

Nikolai?

Spurred by this new knowledge, Tess purposely refocused, drawing on Maxheim’s strength and care to send peaceful, golden strands into the air once more.

With a soft sigh, the baby settled back into her arms.

The fierce Alpha’s growls ended.

He studied her with wary surprise, rubbing a fist against his chest. “Is that weird, peaceful feeling coming from you?”

She nodded.

He grunted. “You’ll be good for him.”

The baby?

Tess had no idea what the massive Alpha meant, but those considerations were pushed aside as the full realization of what she’d done hit.

It had all happened in less than a heartbeat. Perhaps not even enough time for anyone else in the room to understand—except perhaps the doctor, who seemed to be scribbling away even faster than before—but she knew.

It had worked. Her control over her gift, even when confronted with an adult Alpha, was growing by leaps and bounds. She could direct it in ways she never had before.

Maxheim would understand too. She couldn’t wait to tell him.

Dahlia’s voice shifted to exasperation. “Alpha, is everything okay? What happened?”

“Nothing much.” The enormous male moved closer and plucked the baby from Tess’s arms without asking. “A little exchange of fire and the cowards disappeared.” He almost sounded disappointed. “The others are on their way. I missed you.”

He cuddled the tiny bundle, the baby looking ridiculously small and innocent cradled against the massive chest of his father.

“Me?” Dahlia mouthed Sorry in Tess’s direction, her smile wide. “Or your son?”

“Both.”

Or at least that’s what Tess thought he said.

It was muffled since the male’s face was now buried in his son’s belly and he was blowing kisses against the baby’s skin—while laughter bubbled from the little guy, his chubby red legs kicking as his horns twitched.

“Nikolai, this is Tess,” Dahlia spoke over the noise. “Tess, this is Alpha Nikolai Skolov, my mate.”

This was the most feared, ruthless crime boss in the galaxy?

But there was no time for even a hello as Maxheim crashed through the door, followed by two other equally large masked Alphas.

“Is everything okay in here?” Maxheim went straight to Tess. She was pressed to his side in the next heartbeat, his gaze scanning the area for danger. “No problems?”

“It is now.” She returned his hug, comforted by his presence.

“Good. I—” Maxheim’s stare returned to his brother. “Why the hells aren’t you wearing a mask?” He roared at Nikolai. “I told you to wear one.”

“Because I don’t need one,” his brother roared back. “Your omega’s got it under control.”

Unconvinced, Maxheim sniffed the air. Studied his brother’s eyes.

Then, with a proud grunt, her Alpha squeezed her tighter. “Damned if he’s not right. You do.”

Tess couldn’t take their kindness for a moment more. “You are all being so nice, but . . . we all know those alarms went off because of me—and it could have been far worse. I’m bringing danger to the family. I should go. I—”

“That’s enough.” Maxheim cut her off, his hold so tight she could barely breathe, his tone heavy with warning. “It’s been discussed and the decision for us to remain has been made.”

“Yes, but—”

“Do we need to go over ground rules again?” His voice was a low, dominant warning.

She pressed her lips tight. Going over ground rules in private was one thing, and while she didn’t think he’d do so in front of anyone else, she wasn’t about to risk it.

“Honestly.” Dahlia rushed to fill the tense silence. “We’re all fine. Alarms happen all the time around here, and no one got hurt. Jaxson is fine.” She smiled. “Actually, thanks to Tess, he’s more than fine. She worked miracles. She used her gift to soothe him.”

Maxheim hugged her closer. “I’m not surprised.”

“So, if you think I’m letting the Jaxson whisperer leave, you’re crazy,” joked Dahlia.

“I already knew she was some kind of miracle worker when Maxheim actually made a joke earlier.” A new voice cut into the conversation. One of the two other Alphas swaggered forward, dislodging his mask as he bowed in her direction. “May I say it’s a pleasure to finally meet you in person. I’m Alexi.”

Maxheim growled low.

Tess recognized the male from over the comms as the third eldest Skolov brother, Alexi. But even if she hadn’t, she would have known him by reputation. His shocking blue eyes and stunning smile were notorious the galaxy over, as were his wild ways. He’d never attended one of her auctions, but it seemed far more up his alley than the other Alphas in the room. Her gift sensed the seething well of darkness behind the smile.

She fought the pull of his pain and rage, drawing on the sense of safety she felt in Maxheim’s arms.

It helped. Her gift settled.

Which was why, when Alexi spoke again, his voice was gentle and full of respect. “That’s some gift you have there. Even now—”

“That’s enough about that,” snarled Maxheim. “And you can tone down the charm. Tess has no interest in talking to you.”

“Actually,” she corrected. “I had hoped to be able to tell Alexi directly that I was grateful for his help with the omegas. Not all Alphas would have treated them with such care.”

She expected Alexi to make another joke, but he said instead, “I understand more than many Alphas what it’s like to be helpless.”

A silence settled over the room.

Another piece of the Skolov history she’d never heard and would not have anticipated.

Through the bond, she felt Maxheim’s pain—and his surprise, as if this wasn’t a revelation Alexi shared often.

Had Maxheim’s brother done it for her? A way to let her know her experience wasn’t so far from theirs, after all? If so, it was another kindness she hadn’t expected.

Despite the seething darkness within him, she smiled at Alexi.

Maxheim held her closer.

“Since no one is bothering to introduce me,” cut in another now familiar deep voice, “I’ll do it myself. I’m Damien.” Cold hard eyes set in a handsome, brash face stared back at her.

Her gift threatened to erupt once more, but this time it was easier to leash. Mostly because the aggression surging from Maxheim’s youngest brother was so blatant and up-front, so honest and unapologetic, it didn’t take her by surprise. She saw it coming and corrected for it immediately.

It was blatantly refreshing, even if it was terrifying.

“And what I’d really like to know right now,” continued Damien, “is where the hells is Anya?”

The other brothers looked around as if just noticing their sister’s absence.

A tense silence descended.

“I’m here.” The door to the water closet swung open. Anya marched out, an exasperated look on her face. “And, Damien, a little privacy next time, please?”

It was enough to have her brothers looking sheepish.

Damien actually mumbled an apology.

Tess blinked hard, relief mixing with surprise. Anya had these brothers wrapped around her little finger.

Jaxson squawked and the brothers surged as one to attend to the newest Alpha in their family.

She knew because Maxheim dragged her with him, careful to steer her clear of his brothers, his arm still locked tight around her waist, even as he stared down at the small bundle in his brother’s arms.

What she didn’t expect was what happened next. As one, the brothers purred, their deep rumbles blending to create a soothing lullaby. The newborn’s eyes closed once more.

Honestly, it was beyond sweet.

Tess used the opportunity to gesture toward the tiny piece of dust stuck in Anya’s hair.

Not even missing a beat, the omega brushed it aside.

They shared a conspiratorial smile.

It was amazing how easily the family shifted from crisis mode to calm. She supposed they’d had a lot of practice over the years. They’d weathered some tough times, but it had forged tight bonds between them and made them more inclined to revel in the good times while they could.

It was a useful lesson for her.

Eyes still closed, the baby continued to purr back. Instinctively, he knew he was safe, surrounded by the strongest of Alphas, protected always.

That was what she wanted for her friends. The twins. Her own offspring.

“Enough.” Maxheim plucked the baby from his brother’s arms. “He wants his uncle now.”

He cradled the baby in one thick arm as he spoke in low tones to the little guy, who kept right on purring. And all the while, Maxheim held her tight with his other arm, never letting go.

He did it all so naturally, caring for everyone without question or hesitation.

Her ovaries went into overdrive—the omega instinct to breed stronger than it had ever been.

This Alpha would be such a good provider and father.

Just like he’d been a good caretaker to the twins.

The tightness in her chest increased. Her tiny ice castle and the secret comms from Rav that rested in the pocket of her cloak heavier than they’d been before.

Maxheim had done so much for her. He’d shown her so much about herself she’d never believed was possible, including a future she would never have dreamed could be hers.

But if it came down to it, was she truly willing to pursue that opportunity at the expense of everything else he held dear?