Three Alpha Princes for an Unwanted Omega

Ayla’s footsteps echoed through the corridor as she ran, her breath coming in ragged gasps. The Alpha’s study was at the far end of the hall, its heavy oak doors guarded by two men who straightened as she approached.

"I need to see the Alpha," she said, her voice breathless.

"His lordship is in a meeting. He cannot be disturbed."

"This cannot wait."

"I am sorry but he gave strict orders..."

She shoved past him.

The guard’s hand shot out, grabbing her arm, but Ayla wrenched herself free and pushed the door open.

Alpha Kieran sat behind his desk and across from him, Beta Soren stood with his arms crossed. They both looked up at the intrusion.

Soren’s eyes narrowed.

"What is the meaning of this?" His voice thundered through the room. "How dare you walk in without permission?"

Ayla’s heart hammered against her ribs. She lowered her head immediately.

"I... I’m sorry...

"It is fine, Soren." Alpha Kieran cut in. "I am certain Ayla would not have interrupted us unless it was important."

Soren’s jaw tightened. He shot a glare at Ayla that could have stripped paint from the walls, but he said nothing. He merely inclined his head in a stiff nod and folded his arms across his chest.

"So," he said, his voice clipped. "What is it?"

Ayla turned to Alpha Kieran and bowed low.

"Alpha." She straightened. "Cassian is injured. He was shot with an arrow."

Alpha Kieran rose from his chair. "What do you mean Cassian was shot?"

Beta Soren who had been glaring at her seemed to be in equal shock.

"Where? By whom?" He asked.

"I do not know." Ayla’s voice trembled. "We were taking a walk in the woods behind and an arrow came from nowhere. I did not see who fired it. Please, you need to come with me."

Neither man wasted another second.

The three of them hurried through the corridors and Ayla led them through the prince’s wing until they reached Cassian’s chambers.

The door stood open.

Alistair looked up the moment they entered and he bowed low.

"Alpha."

Alpha Kieran’s stepped faltered as he took in his son. His silver hair spilled across the pillow while his breathing remained shallow.

"Cassian..." he muttered, crossing the room in three long strides before stopping beside the bed.

His eyes swept over his unconscious son. He reached down, his fingers brushing against Cassian’s forehead, checking his temperature and pulse.

He turned to Alistair, his eyes hard.

"How did this happen? Where is Master Aldric?"

"He left this morning to visit his family, my lord. He will not return until tomorrow." Alistair answered, his head still bowed. "I am one of his apprentices. I was the one who treated the prince’s wound."

Beta Soren stepped forward, his eyes sweeping over Cassian’s prone form, then settling on Alistair. There was something in his gaze but Ayla could not tell what it was.

She watched him study the healer with an intensity that made her skin prickle.

"What happened to his wound?" Soren asked.

"The arrow was poisoned," Alistair said. "I was able to remove it and apply a paste of silverroot and yarrow to stall the spread. It will keep the poison from reaching his heart while I work on a proper antidote, but he may remain unconscious for some time."

Alpha Kieran looked down at his son then back at Alistair.

"Will he live?"

"I intend to make certain he survives." Alistair responded with conviction.

Alpha Kieran’s jaw tightened. "And you know what this poison is?"

"I have seen similar wounds before, my lord. The treatment is the same regardless of what poison it is. I can have an antidote ready by morning."

"Do it." Alpha Kieran’s voice left no room for argument. "Do everything you can to help my son. You will be duly rewarded. What is your name?"

Alistair bowed low.

"I am Alistair, my lord. I do not need to be rewarded for serving you as humbly as I can. It is my duty to help where I am able."

Alpha Kieran regarded him for a long moment before giving a small nod.

"Your humility does you credit. See to it. I want my son awake and speaking by tomorrow."

Alistair offered a faint smile.

"I will do everything in my power, my lord. However, there is little more I can do at the moment except remain by his side. I would prefer to stay and monitor the prince while the herbs continue their work."

"That will not be necessary."

Every eye turned to Beta Soren whose gaze never left Alistair.

"Would it not be better for you to begin working on the antidote immediately?" Soren asked "Every moment you spend sitting at his bedside is a moment the poison has to spread. Ayla can watch over the prince while you find and prepare an antidote."

Something passed across Alistair’s features for a second before it smoothed over with a gracious smile.

"Of course, my lord." He bowed. "That is best. I will retire to the healing chambers and begin the antidote immediately. I will return when it is ready."

He gathered his satchel to leave, pausing when he got to the door.

"If his fever rises, send for me." He said.

Ayla nodded.

The door clicked shut behind him.

Alpha Kieran turned back to Cassian, his hand resting on his son’s shoulder.

"Who could have done this?"

"I do not know" Soren responded, his voice equally broken.

"It is the rogue king, is it not? This is his work. His people have infiltrated my borders. They are poisoning my warriors, attacking my patrols, and now an attack on my own son." Alpha Kieran’s hands curled into fists at his sides.

"You know what this means, Soren." He slowly turned to face the Beta. "There is a traitor within my pack, Soren."

Ayla’s breath caught in her throat. Her eyes moved, almost involuntarily to the Beta but he was already looking at her and she could feel the warning and coded threat in his gaze.