Cause Ωf Death (Femme Fatale Freakshow)

Chapter 14

A muffled groan jerks me awake, not that the restless dozing I’ve been doing could be considered remotely close to sleeping. I immediately check on Kieran, frowning at the heat pumping from his body. His skin glistens with perspiration, yet he is neither pale nor flushed. In fact, he looks more like he did yesterday while in his apartment—that is, healthy.

Kieran’s breathing is deep and even, his eyes closed and his mouth slack with sleep as he softly snores. My gaze roves over his form, undressed except for a pair of incredibly soft—and therefore incredibly expensive—lounge pants that I nabbed from Leslie last night.

Henley and I had given the unconscious omega a sponge bath, taking care of his wounds and making sure there was no leftover debris that could irritate his skin further. We had both balked at stripping his boxer briefs from his body, but as we also didn’t feel right leaving him wearing day-old underwear, we’d draped a towel over his hips, working together to strip them off and wipe him down. It wasn’t the best job, but it was better than nothing, and the moment we tugged those bamboo lounge pants back over Kieran’s hips, Hen and I had breathed a sigh of relief.

My eyes catch on the rather impressive tenting at Kieran’s groin, and I blush as I silently berate myself for ogling the poor guy. He’s unconscious, injured, and is WAAAAAY out of his normal comfort zone. The last thing the guy needs is another horny omega perving on him while he’s sleeping.

Wait, what?

I mentally shake myself at my own thoughts. Another horny omega? Why the fuck did I think that? What the hell is going on with me?

And most important of all, why the FUCK am I so aroused right now?

I stare down in horror at the spreading wetness seeping from between my thighs, my mind refusing to believe the evidence before my very eyes. I don’t get this horny or produce this much slick outside of a heat!

Closing my eyes, I take several deep breaths in an attempt to calm myself. Instead, I get a lungful of cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange blending deliciously with beeswax, lemongrass, and freshly cut wood. Another muffled groan has my eyes flying open and glancing over to Henley.

Oh.

Fuck.

Me.

Please?

Henley’s still asleep, and from the scene unraveling before me, it’s deep enough to have him dreaming.

One arm is flung out from his body, his massive hand gripping the blankets covering the mattress. His burnt umber skin glistens beneath the gaping tank that doesn’t really cover his massive chest, with the side ripped enough to expose his oblique and serratus muscles, as well as the dark disc of his nipple. His lower body is clothed in a pair of old sweats that are torn off at the knees, his other hand buried beneath the waistband. The enormous tent his erection has pitched in his pants isn’t going to go away soon, not if the rhythmic movement of his hand is any indication.

I watch, enthralled, my breath locked inside my chest as I don’t dare risk disturbing the unconscious yet erotic performance. The angelic Wisp on my shoulder whispers that I should really look away, because this is a violation of Hen’s privacy. The lustful, horny omega Wisp on the other side, though? Nope, she’s all for this show, and is even urging me to either tug down Henley’s shorts for a better view, or perhaps finally take him up on his offer and ride the monster trouser python he has until we’re branded on each other’s souls for all eternity.

I don’t get the chance to decide. With a louder, strangled moan Henley erupts, the dark and swollen, plum-shaped head of his cock clearing his waistband as he thrusts up into his fist. Creamy spurts of cum flow over his hand and drip down onto his abdomen, saturating the air with his concentrated lemongrass scent. He shifts his hand down to grip his knot, and as he does, three things simultaneously occur:

Henley’s eyes snap open and stare into mine with heated desire and longing.

My skin tightens and burns, my belly cramps with arousal, and a flood of slick pours from between my thighs in a gush.

Kieran speaks.

“Holy shit, that is fucking hot! Dude, I don’t know who you are, or where I am, but if I promise to be a good boy, will you let me lick you clean?”

I swear, you can almost cut the tension and awkwardness with a knife right now. Leslie, Kimberly, and Steve are all smirking at one another, I’m flipping them off while trying to organize breakfast, Henley is studiously ignoring Kieran and pretending nothing is out of the ordinary, and Kieran is doing his best to needle Henley and me about the mess in the nest.

Kieran’s outburst prompted Henley to bolt out of the blanket fort like his dick was on fire, almost pulling the entire thing down on top of us all in his haste to escape. I was tempted to “Wisp out,” but decided to pull up my metaphorical big girl panties instead. I led Kieran to the bathroom so we could both take care of business—and take a cold shower, in my case—before hauling him through the house and into the combined kitchen/dining room. Steve was already there, so I’d asked him quietly to help me sort out the soiled bedding, because up to this point in my life, Steve has been my steady, reliable support.

Apparently, that’s no longer the case.

“I still don’t understand why you needed to rope Leslie and Kimberly in to help, Steve,” I grumble as I roughly stab at the bacon sizzling in the pan on the stove top. Steve’s beside me, flipping pancakes like a pro between sly smirks and pointed jabs with the other traitors in our family.

“Because we don’t hide things from each other, short-stack. You know that.”

I continue to wordlessly grumble, dissatisfied with his logical response. The only reason I don’t kick him in the shins is because Gizmo is winding his way around Steve’s and my legs, hoping we’ll drop a morsel for him to gobble up.

Plus, an omega could break her toes on the concrete pillars otherwise known as Steve’s shins. No thanks. Not today, Satan.

“Dee,” Kimberly scolds, scooting around the bench to where I’m standing and snuggles into my side, “you can’t really blame Steve for telling us. I know your predicted heat schedule probably better than you do, as does Leslie. You shouldn’t be showing signs of its approach this early. You’re not due for an increase in body temperature or extra production of your natural lubricant for at least another month at the earliest. Yet here you are flooding out the nest, your temperature is spiking, and you have stomach cramps and excessive perfume.” My sister-of-my-heart pulls back, the concern blanketing her face giving me pause.

“I also know when your next heat suppressant injection is due, because I was with you when you had your last one, Disa. This shouldn’t be happening yet, and neither Leslie nor I are able to figure out why it is. Worst of all, we can’t get our hands on a round of emergency suppressants without painting a target on our backs, and we never thought to pack any, either.”

“Uh, you don’t have any suppressants at all? Like, not even some generic, over-the-counter ones?” Kieran butts in, and the fear in his tone cuts through everything else. To my surprise, Henley strides over to him and pulls him into his chest, emitting a sound I never thought I’d hear him make for anyone outside of our family—a low, rumbling purr meant to soothe an omega to their very bones.

“It’ll be okay, Kieran. We know you need medication for your condition, and Leslie’s been working on that. However, with everything that’s going on, it might be best if we contact someone you know is trustworthy, and perhaps they can bring whatever meds you need along with them. Do you think you can hold out until then?”

Bitter orange floods the room with Kieran’s distress, and with it Steve and Leslie both join Henley and Kieran’s huddle. My own stomach twists itself in knots, a whine of distress fighting to escape my throat. I swallow it down and turn back to the stove, switching the knobs off so the food doesn’t burn. I’m not the one who needs to be comforted right now, and I’m not about to pull anyone away from Kieran, either.

“I’m on Polar,” Kieran whimpers, and I freeze. So do Kimberly and Leslie. Steve and Henley look to us, perplexed.

Kimberly is the one who explains just how deep in the shit we now are.

“Polar is a very specialized omega suppressant. It’s also incredibly difficult to obtain, and obscenely expensive. We can’t just go and pick up a box of it at the local Walmart pharmacy. Polar not only suppresses an omega’s heat, it actually blocks them from experiencing them at all. It’s part of the reason why it’s so selective. Generally, omegas are prescribed it long-term, in cases where it’s best if their heat is blocked. These cases may include early-onset puberty, experiencing heats more often than usual, or if the omega has a medical condition where going through their heat could exacerbate their symptoms or illness. It’s also used if an omega is undergoing other intensive medical treatments.” Kimberly releases me to walk over to Henley, shoving Leslie and Steve out of the way and cuddling up to Kieran as much as Henley’s arms will allow, nuzzling along the omega’s shoulders and spine.

“Because of the nature of Polar, it’s heavily discouraged to simply cease taking the prescribed dosage. If an omega does skip or miss a day or more, one of several things could occur. The best case is a rapid-onset heat. Depending on how long they’ve been taking Polar directly impacts on how intense their heat will be, as well as the duration. There could be other complications with blood pressure, a higher risk of blood clots and embolisms forming, and these range from moderate to fatal in severity. There’s also the body’s withdrawal symptoms to deal with. Most omegas who suddenly stop taking Polar are hospitalized and sedated until their bodies can stabilize on their own. So, yeah. We’re in deep shit.”

Henley’s skin turns ashen at this news, and Steve doesn’t look well, either. Leslie is gnawing on their lower lip in their trademark tell, their mind likely racing over any and all possible solutions to our newest problem. Kimberly continues to nuzzle over Kieran’s back, and the omega is keening softly in distress.

“I think we’re going to be lucky,” I muse, smiling sadly at the group as they turn to look at me in astonishment at my words. I point to Kieran, then back to myself, explaining my thoughts before my family can respond.

“My heat shouldn’t be close to arriving at all, yet I’m showing early signs of its approach. We have a full accompaniment to deal with a heat, which hasn’t occurred since Henley enlisted over a decade ago. We’re in a safe, secure location with a nest.” I spread my arms and shrug. “By the rapid decline in my own medication’s protections, I’d hazard a guess that Kieran’s about to go through one mother of a heat, which is probably going to set me off as well. I also wouldn’t be surprised if it sends Henley into a rut.”

I stare up into Henley’s dark eyes, projecting assurance and acceptance as I finally give him the answer he’s been waiting for.

“I don’t know if I have it in me to deny Henley, not now. Not any more. So, he’s going to be knotting and biting at least one omega, which will guarantee Hen going through a mating rut. That will then send me and Kieran spiraling, and I don’t think any of us—” I look pointedly at Kieran, seeing comprehension dawn across his face, “will have the strength or desire in the moment to prevent Hen from knotting or biting Kieran as well, and bringing him into our family.”

Crickets.

I’ve shocked my family into silence with my hypothesis. But I’m not finished.

“Really, there’s only two questions left to ask.”

The silence is shattered by the gravelly rumble of Henley’s voice, still vibrating with his purr.

“And what questions are they, little Wisp?”

My eyes meet his in both challenge and acceptance.

“First of all, how does Kieran feel about joining this pack? And secondly, how does this pack feel about having two alphas to go along with their two omegas?”

The discussion that had followed my question had been heated, to say the least. Interestingly enough, most of the protests came from Steve, not that he was truly opposed to the possibility. I think he was more playing the devil’s advocate. It was Leslie who put a stop to the arguments, their face a rigid mask of tension and anger.

“I know who ‘bought’ Kieran.”

Well, that’s one way to shut everyone up.

“I’ve had my people working on tracking down the accounts and addresses that Disa was able to discover thanks to her ‘little chat’ with the sigmas who abducted Kieran. We knew they were part of the dark web, although not who they were or why they wanted Kieran in particular. Well, now I do. And the information I’ve received is completely fucked, if I’m honest.”

Leslie gestures for us all to exit the kitchen, breakfast forgotten as we’re ushered over to the dining table. Once we’re all seated, Leslie opens Pandora’s Box, and I know that Kieran’s life will never be the same again.

“Kieran, before we get into details, I have a question for you regarding the upper echelons of the Prince family and business. Is that okay?”

Kieran, sitting between me and Henley, snuggles into the alpha’s broad chest and reaches for my hand. Once he’s content with our touch, he nods.

“What can you tell me about Taylor Pinter?”

Kieran blinks, then blinks again. His mouth opens and closes without any sound emerging, and I squeeze his hand in solidarity.

“Uh… Taylor is Dad’s best friend, has been since they met in college. He was Dad’s best man at my parents’ wedding. He’s the CFO for the branch of the Royal Empire dedicated to homewares and furnishings. He’s been a massive part of my family and life since before I was born and is also the person who would have raised me if anything had happened to my parents before I became an adult.” Kieran’s expression turns wary, and he twists his body toward Henley’s as if to shield himself from impact. “Why do you ask?”

Leslie ignores Kieran’s question to ask another. And another. And another.

“How close are he and your mother? Was there ever a time in your life when you spent time alone with Taylor, or with him and your mother? Especially in your early years?”

I can see the writing on the wall, and my heart aches for the pain and anguish that Leslie is about to deliver.

“Uh, yeah. Dad was away a lot when I was really young, he was busy building on Grandpa’s successes, expanding the company and such. He knew he could trust Uncle Taylor to be there for Darla and me. It wasn’t until I was around seven or eight that I remember Dad spending more time at home, and then any business trips he had to take were only a day or two in length, and Uncle Taylor went with him. Again, why do you ask? ”

Leslie doesn’t say anything for a few seconds. When they finally do speak, their words shatter whatever composure Kieran has remaining.

“While the contract for your sale doesn’t appear to have come from Taylor himself, the offshore bank accounts can be traced back to him. Same with the originating IP addresses. While it’s mostly circumstantial evidence at this stage, more and more information is coming in that doesn’t paint him in the most sympathetic of lights. It’s also becoming apparent that he has a partner, there’s a link between them and the person who put out the contract on you.”

“What does this mean, Leslie? Stop beating around the bush and just tell us,” Henley growls as he snuggles Kieran tighter into his arms.

“Best case scenario? Someone close to Taylor is using him to cover their tracks. Worst case scenario?” Leslie pauses to lean over and take Kieran’s hand from mine, squeezing it between their palms to soften the blow.

“Worst case scenario, he’s up to his neck in child trafficking and pornography, and possibly has material with Kieran in it. And I think Darla Prince is his partner.”

If I thought that the earlier discussion had taken a while to cool, it has nothing on how long it has taken to calm Kieran down from his epic meltdown. Henley and I haul the omega back to the freshly remade nest, keeping him between us as Kimberly and Steve tear strips from Leslie for not taking more care when shattering the poor man’s world. While Steve might be more intimidating in size, he has nothing on Kimberly’s viciousness when she’s in protective mode, and she is full-on mama bear right now. She’ll probably end up edging and pegging Leslie later as punishment, although I don’t know if it can truly be considered a punishment if they enjoy it.

“I won’t say it’s okay, Kieran, because it’s not. What has happened to you, especially at the hands of those who are supposed to love and protect you, is unconscionable.” Henley rumbles, his purr vibrating in his chest. He has both of us cradled in his lap, and he’s rocking us back and forth in an attempt to soothe the man. I’m wrapped around Kieran like a koala joey, squeezing him as tightly as my arms will allow.

“We know that we can’t trust your mother or Taylor, and they have enough money in their pockets to buy the loyalty of those around you. What we need to figure out is, who can we trust?” I ask, voicing my own thoughts. “I truly believe that both Adam Knight and your father have nothing to do with the scheme, despite your father’s closeness to the two. Everything I’ve seen, all the background information I’ve been provided on you and your family indicates that your father loves you and would never hurt you.”

“Dad loves me, and only wants me to be happy. I know if I shared my choice in alpha with him, Dad would move heaven and earth to make it so.” Kieran whispers from where he’s tucked his face into Henley’s chest. He may have stopped crying for the moment, but his voice is still drenched with sorrow and heartbreak. “Adam? Adam wouldn’t hurt me. While we’ve never spoken about it, I’ve always believed him to be my alpha. He might be paid to protect me, but his actions go way beyond those of a bodyguard executing his duty. You saw how he was with me, didn’t you, Angel? Am I wrong in thinking he has a claim on me?”

I stroke my hands up and down along Kieran’s spine, placating him with my touch.

“As I said, I truly believe Adam can be trusted, and no, you’re not wrong, Kieran. I think Adam sees you as his omega, whether he’s conscious of that or not. You didn’t see him trying to get to you after the accident, the fear and anguish on his face when he couldn’t reach you. That man is wholly incapable of causing you harm or distress, and not just because of your designation.”

“Do you think, if offered, that Adam would be willing to meet up with one of us somewhere and come and join you for your heat? Will he behave as a bonded alpha with his omega, giving you everything you’re sure to beg for, and not regret it or hold it against you later? And if he does come for your heat, do you think he’d be open to helping with Wisp’s, and allowing the others to help with yours in turn? Or is he the type of alpha who becomes insanely possessive and territorial during a heat? And what about you, Kieran? Would you want to become part of our pack, or would you prefer it to be just you and Adam?”

These are all good questions, some of them being ones that only another alpha would think to ask.

Kieran gives Henley’s questions their due consideration, and we remain quiet while he thinks.

“I believe… I hope … that if Adam is given the opportunity to be here for my heat, he will come. I know if I ask my father, he will make sure that Adam is here, one hundred percent. I’m not entirely sure about him being regretful afterward, but if he has my father’s blessing, I think that might help him overcome any lingering hesitancy. As for Wisp’s heat? I don’t know. That would be up to him. He’s an honorable alpha, and I’d like to think he wouldn’t want to see another omega struggling, but I’ve never seen him during a heat or a rut. He came on board after my first heat, and I’ve been on suppressants because of my P.I.D.D. ever since.”

Kieran falls silent for another moment, before hesitantly venturing forth with an answer that could change everything.

“I… this is probably gonna sound weird, but I trust you guys. I think that Wisp is alluring as all get-up, and what I woke up to this morning was hot as hell. I like Kimberly and Leslie, and while I don’t know if I want to fuck them yet, I also don’t feel shy or avoidant around them. Steve has that really sexy Viking lumberjack thing going for him, which makes me want to climb him like a tree. So yeah, if the offer to join this pack is on the table, I’m interested if you are, and can only hope Adam feels the same way.”

“Well, we won’t know until we ask. So, first of all let’s get back out and rescue Leslie from Kimmy’s ire. Then they can work their magic and sort out the best way to get Adam here. While they’re doing that, you and Wisp work on a list of things you’ll both need for your upcoming heat. I don’t care if we already have the items, it won’t hurt none to double up on them. Steve and I can try and sort out food for us all, because I have a feeling we’re all feeling a little hangry after skipping breakfast, and we’re never reasonable when our stomachs are empty.”

Daddy Henley is back in the house.

God, that man is so sexy when he takes charge.