Chapter 111
Golden First Market Plaza near Fremont Academy, City: Three Prongs Fork, Republic of Shantu, Continent: Barat, the Year 2036, Planet: Grimoire
This was the worst of all the timing Grifton had to ask that kind of question. Not only that, but his siblings were clearly shocked at his revelation that they were indeed once more pregnant. Madam Murray winced when she realized what had just happened. "Goodness gracious, does he not have a filter on his brain that screens what comes out of his mouth?" She sighed when Lamberton shot her a cool look. "Now what?"
Lamberton sighed. "You should know the answer to that by now." He shook his head at her. "We've both watched him grow up while dealing with a number of impediments that have stunted his ability to handle social events."
"I suppose that is true, but still, I think he needs more socialization if he wants to get along with other people." Madam Murray listened to the various conversations going on. "Well, now that is a problem." She was shocked upon hearing the news of the unwanted pregnancies that still happened despite the trios' best efforts. "Should I have them examined?" She could tell that Lamberton was not only furious but also worried.
Various emotions flickered across his features before Lamberton shrugged. "Only if they do so willingly." He told her. "At this stage, anything could cause a miscarriage or abortion." His shoulders slumped. "Clearly, I wasn't fast enough to rescue them." Evidently, he didn't know what those other Alphas might do.
Madam Murray shook her head. "You heard them. They were tricked by someone with malicious intent." She spread her hands. "I can tell that they don't blame you for this."
What concerned her at the moment was Grifton's mental state. He'd been badly shaken upon seeing his siblings. It might be that he hadn't meant to blurt out the question about them being pregnant. He obviously regretted opening his mouth.
"I think he's scared of commitment now as an Omega to an Alpha." Takesha grimaced because that was going to be a problem in the future. "I will make sure that whatever suppressants I prescribe for him won't have nasty side effects and will keep him functional even if he does experience heat." From what she could tell, he must've had a heat or two. Stress was a factor, and it could mess up anyone's body.
Clearly, Grifton had run against a few of the meaner ones that liked being assholes for the power of having control. The fact that he didn't want to become a possession or controlled by instincts indicated he had a few concerns.
Lamberton closed his eyes. "I will leave their health in your hands, Madam Murray." He folded his arms. "Not only that, but I think you should examine the children too before they meet Grifton."
Madam Murray nodded. "I still remember when we were married," she recalled. "You did have a way about you." A faint smile quirked her mouth. "Including not hurting men or women who were Omegas." She'd been one of the few women who hadn't manifested as anything but a Beta. Now, Takesha was grateful for that.
Lamberton grunted. "Unlike my bastard brothers and sisters, who were all Alphas." He frowned. "Though there was only one exception."
Madam Murray pursed her mouth. "Sonrisa." She sighed.
"Sonrisa." Lamberton agreed. "I'm still wondering where he wound up all this time."
Madam Murray shrugged. "I'm sure we'll learn of his whereabouts eventually." She didn't really want to know. That rascal was a troublemaker who'd made Lamberton's life a living hell when younger. "In the meantime, I will go check on the children. I know they're anticipating seeing their mothers and fathers again. I think they've discovered Grifton by his scent even if they haven't met him yet."
Lamberton nodded. "Yes, I think a family reunion is in order now that Grifton has seen his brother and sisters." He seemed worried still but unwilling to speak further about the situation.
Takesha was fine with him being willing to allow the reunion. On the other hand, it indicated that Lamberton wanted to commence Grifton's training that he had to undergo before officially joining his first merchant caravan.
~*~
A cluster of young men and women had been observing the sibling reunion somewhat halfheartedly. One of the young men nudged an Alpha. "So, what do you think, Firenze? Did one of them catch your eye? They've pretty much announced they're all Omegas."
"I'm shocked that Grifton Tinroy is an Omega." Another boy murmured. "He sure doesn't display the typical traits of one."
"What do either of you know of Tinroy, Kyle, Troy?" Firenze snapped irritably. He felt a bit betrayed as he listened to the conversations below. Especially at Grifton's comment regarding superficial feelings, was he going to suppress them? Hell, the boy hadn't even indicated he was interested in anyone, and now this was happening? He growled irritably.
"Hey, hey, watch it with the pheromones. Do you want to announce your presence?" Gladys snapped. "It was hard enough to get in here as it was. Don't get us thrown out."
"Too late," Molly complained. "We got busted by Mr. Cranky here." She elbowed Firenze who winced.
"I'm not the only one who was doing it." Firenze snapped. "In case you didn't notice, there are others lurking around."
"Huh?" Lilac, another alpha, looked around in confusion, and her eyes narrowed. "You're right." She paled abruptly. "We should get out of here."
Now, the others were looking uneasy, and their senses were prickling.
Firenze glanced below. Didn't any of them notice what was happening? He sighed.
The pheromone that was starting to thicken into a visible haze was very unpleasant. He was glad he'd worn a mask that covered his nose. What a disgusting stench. Firenze glanced around, trying to identify the source. Then he froze.
When Firenze saw a silhouette, his heart almost stopped. "Oh no, not him," he swallowed hard. That's when the others saw who it was.
Donrico Eldorado Consuenos. He was a notoriously bad-tempered, arrogant Alpha who gave a bad reputation to everyone who bore the stigma of Alpha.
If he was around, it meant he'd locked onto some Omegas and meant to make them his possessions. Firenze paused before leaving. He wanted to see who Consuenos locked onto this time. Anger seared through him in fury. He was staring at all four siblings and visibly drooling, and his pheromones were out of control.
Firenze sent Lamberton a subtle warning about the intruder. Then, he signaled the others that it was time to leave. None wanted to become part of what was about to turn ugly.
~*~
Grifton sensed the tension in the air. Strangely enough, he caught a whiff of exceedingly unpleasant pheromones filling the air. He stiffened when he recognized the scent. To his displeasure, Grifton recognized the smell of other Alphas lurking in the vicinity. He quietly murmured. "We have some nosy Alphas hanging around. One of which seems to be locked on us." Grifton hoped that he was wrong about which Alpha it was.
Calico, Amberly, and Marlayne immediately tensed when they recognized the fragrance and gagged. Denby caught their reactions and frowned. "I think it's time we're heading back to the main estate now," he decreed.
Much to Grifton's surprise, Denby herded all four of them, with the other team members forming a protective barrier around them, out of the same location they'd entered from.
Only once they were in a thick-walled corridor did Denby exhale. "If I'm right, that was Donrico Eldorado Consuenos." He glanced at Grifton, who nodded with a pinched expression.
"Yes, he's a notorious asshole," Grifton said tersely. "I hate to say it, but..."
"That's the one who imprisoned us." Calico interrupted. "I recognize that pheromone." He looked bewildered. "Though other fragrances mixed in weren't so bad."
That was the confusing part for Grifton, too. Suddenly, he heard footsteps approaching and whirled to face the person heading their way. He formed a thick barrier that would stop the most persistent pursuer in their tracks.
"Oh my, what a rebellious brat." It was Consuenos, and he looked furious at what Grifton was doing. Before he could take another step forward, someone hit him in the back of the head with a hard crack.
"Get out of here." Someone yelled. "We'll try to hold him down but leave now."
Startled, Grifton met that person's eyes. Firenze. Grifton nodded.
They ran as fast as they could, considering their physical states. While Grifton was tempted to use his teleportation, he didn't. He feared what would happen if he pushed his healing body too hard.
"Don't even think about teleporting," Denby ordered. "We'll arrive at the estate soon enough."
Blurry figures flashed past them. They headed for the arena without a word.
That hazy sight, combined with their trajectory, made Grifton sigh. "I think Lamberton was watching this whole time." He had a feeling that Firenze also contributed to his quick reaction.
Once they reached the estate, Lamberton greeted them and directed them to a reception room. Madam Murray stood there surrounded by a bevy of children. Grifton blinked at them. This was the first time he'd laid eyes on them.
However, he understood who they were when they rushed to Calico, Amberlyn, and Marlayne. "What a way to receive an introduction to my newest relatives." Grifton stood back so that he didn't disrupt the happy reunion.
It was bittersweet. Grifton just hoped that they would be able to spend time together in the future under better circumstances. A sigh escaped him. Maybe he should go somewhere else?
"Don't you dare leave us alone?" Calico complained. "You haven't said hello to your nieces and nephews yet."
"That's true," Marlayne remembered.
"Besides, I think we must undergo a thorough medical checkup." Amberlyn bopped him gently on the head. "If we have to, so do you."
Everyone laughed when Grifton submitted meekly to that scolding. "Yes, ma'am." His eyes sparkled with mischief and laughter when he peered at the youngsters. At first, they were shy, then they pounced on him when he sat on the floor. He laughed as they tumbled him flat.