The Omega Queen

Seven

“Three questions,” Laverne said. “You may ask me three questions, so choose them wisely.”

“How long have you held my mate here?” Alexander demanded.

“You imply it is against her will. In that case, the answer is zero,” Laverne answered. “What you really want to know is how long she has lived under my protection. The answer to that is ten years.”

“Ten years!” Alexander snapped.

“Why are you protecting her?” Nathan asked. “From what?”

“For charity’s sake, I’ll regard that as one question, not two,” Laverne said after some thought. “In truth, I do not know the whole story myself. When someone enters my domain, I receive a glimpse of their life: past, present and future. This is a crossroads, and it is my duty to aid all who arrive on my shores. That includes you, your Majesty, so we are clear.

“As for your mate…she’s never told me what happened to her or her pack. And I will not divulge the particulars of what I saw in her memories. What I will say is that her pack was wiped out, and she endured torture at the hands of those responsible.”

Alexander froze. His wolf howled in rage, clawing to be let out to seek vengeance on those who dared lay a hand on her. He would end every one that caused her suffering.

“When she found her way to me, she was starved and barely alive. I gave her shelter, food and safety,” Laverne said. “It is highly irregular for sojourners to remain with me so long, but time, by its very nature, is transient. What is a year or even ten to one who lives for a thousand or more?”

“I’ve heard the Fae like to break their own rules,” Nathan mused.

“Bend, not break,” Laverne corrected. “To protect her I have bent the rules quite a bit, I admit.”

“Why would you take such a risk?” Alexander asked, his gaze narrowed. It didn’t make any sense. The Fae hated other creatures.

“Because she is just that special,” Laverne smiled. “A fact you will find out soon enough. And that was your final question. My turn, fair is fair. What are your intentions with her?”

“She’s my mate!” Alexander growled. “She’s the one meant to stand at my side. My second half. I’m incomplete without her.”

“Even though she is an omega, even though she is not strong?”

An omega? Alexander stiffened. That was true. Their contact had been brief, but he hadn’t sensed much of an aura from her.

‘I don’t care!’ Argo growled. ‘She’s our Mate! She’s perfect!’

“She is my mate,” Alexander said. “I will not allow anyone to harm her, and I will avenge her for every ounce of suffering she endured.”

Laverne studied him for a long moment before saying, “Good. I hope that is the case. She has already suffered too much to bear another loss. Mark my words, your Majesty, and heed my warning. That precious child is more special than you dare guess. What she lacks in physical strength she makes up for in resiliency, kindness and purity. Cherish her like the precious treasure she is, or you will live to regret it. The fate of the world lies on her fragile shoulders, but I have already said too much.”

Alexander frowned at the Fae’s warning. Just what was she implying?

Laverne stood, “And my final question. Do you like sweets?”

Alexander hesitated, even more confused. Was that important after everything she told them? After a moment, he said, “No, not really.”

“A pity, but at least your pack will enjoy their good fortune.”

“What are you talking about?” Alexander asked.

“Sorry, you have already asked your questions,” Laverne chuckled. “I dare say you’ll find out soon enough, provided you keep your promise. Forgive me if I don’t trust you completely. Now, wait here. I’ll bring Erin to you in just a moment.”

Before they could speak, she took a step and vanished, leaving them in the strange place of desert scrub and sun. Alexander stared, willing her to reappear, but there was no trace of her.

“That is a neat trick,” Nathan mused. “Where do you suppose she went? From what I’ve read, Fae can’t leave their domains. Very curious.”

Alexander growled.

“Relax. You might as well have a seat. It’s not like we can do anything else. I just wish we had our orders. At least we could eat,” Nathan sighed. “What the f**k…”

Alexander turned, and his mouth dropped open. Their meal sat on the table, smelling delicious and enticing them to fill their stomachs. Nathan blinked, hesitated, then took a bite. It was delicious and he eagerly took several more.

“You know that is fairy food,” Alexander warned. “What happens if eating it traps you here?”

“I think we’re safe enough,” Nathan said through another mouthful. “What is the point of a crossroads if we can’t move on with our journey? Besides, I believe your mate came out of the kitchen. Stands to reason she is probably the one responsible for making this food.”

He reached for another bite only to have his plate swept away. Nathan looked up to see Alexander taking his seat. He raised a brow in confusion.

“Her name is Erin, and she is your queen,” Alexander reminded. “Anything she makes is too good for you.”

Nathan sighed as he watched his friend eat both meals. At least he had been able to enjoy the pie. Maybe the Fae would take pity and offer him some carryout.

* * *

Laverne sighed as she headed upstairs. The floorboards creaked as she shuffled to the closed door. She knocked but received no answer. With a grim expression, she gently pushed the door open. This was her domain and no door could be barred against her entry.

She stepped into the small, studio-style apartment. The bathroom contained a toilet, sink and shower stall, all crammed into a small space. There was no kitchen since there was no need for one with a full kitchen downstairs. The main part of the apartment was dominated by a pullout couch and dresser. There was no television as electronics wouldn’t work.

It was all rather sparse even though Laverne could have created a palace if she chose. However, such extravagance was something Erin wasn’t used to and would have had a hard time accepting. Instead, Laverne made it as comfortable as she could. Despite how the bed looked, it was as soft as sleeping on the cloud. There was never a need to dust, and the hot water never ran cold no matter how long the shower lasted.

Hunkered in the corner, Erin crouched, hugging her knees. With a grunt, Laverne lowered herself next to her long-time ward. She pulled the she-wolf close and gently stroked her hair. Erin whimpered, snuggling into her embrace just like she did ten years ago.

“There, there, sweetie. Let it all out. Don’t hold onto your fears. Let them go,” Laverne gently intoned. “I know what you are afraid of. I know why you ran, and it isn’t because you are scared that he will reject you. You are afraid that if he rejects you, it will only prove something else. But you are wrong.”

Erin shook her head, gesturing wildly.

“Oh sweetie,” Laverne said, “that’s the fear talking. A real mate wants their second half. They don’t care if they are strong or weak.”

Erin shook her head.

“Sweetheart, you are deserving of love.”

Erin grimaced, gesturing again.

“No honey, you are not cursed. I promise you that,” Laverne said. “What was the last thing your sister told you? I know you remember.”

Erin stiffened. She didn’t recall ever mentioning her sister to Laverne, but then she shouldn’t have been surprised. Her grandmother had told her many stories of the Fae and their ancient knowledge concerning all who enter their domains.

“What did your sister tell you?”

Erin held out both hands curling her fingers, so they looked like guns. She hooked her right forefinger around her left thumb. Then she extended her hands, wiggling her left forefinger and right thumb at the same time.

“To run, huh? But that wasn’t the only thing she told you, was it?”

‘She said…to live,’ Eir suddenly spoke.

Erin made fists with her hands, thumbs up. With the palm facing her, she raised them from her stomach to her chest.

“That’s right, honey. You have a right to live. To live happily and surrounded by love. No one has the right to take that from you. Not the ones who haunt your dreams, nor the alpha downstairs. So, what’s the harm is seeing what he has to stay?”