“You are not an Omega. You can’t possibly understand the finality of a pair-bond.” Nona began to smooth Claire’s hair, looking at her friend with pity. “The only way for Claire to be free, is with Shepherd’s death or hers. I guarantee she knows that, no matter what she may say.”

“But…” Corday chose denial. “Claire told me…”

Her friend had always had misplaced altruism. “She would want you to have faith.” In a hushed voice, Nona confessed, “I know better than to give you false hope. But know this, so long as she is pregnant, she is precious to Shepherd. That makes her safe.”

Corday pulled down the scarf around Claire’s neck. Nasty bruises sat on display. “Would you call this something treated as precious?”

Nona took in the marks, tears gathering in her eyes. Words were difficult. “It’s more than just the pair-bond. Everyone here knows she is mated to Shepherd. They will not trust her. They will drive her off.”

Corday glared at the collection of women stealing glances in their direction. “Claire saved their lives.”

“Listen to me, boy,” Nona urged, fervently whispering. “That does not mean every Omega in this room deserved it. It would only take one to bring us all down again.”

Had the Omegas not learned? “The women who turned her in last time were hanged by Shepherd. I watched their executions myself.”

“You and I both know that fear makes people do very stupid things.”

“Then she comes home with me.”

Nona, her face full of compassion, agreed, “That might be best.”

Looking down at the sleeping woman in his arms, Corday felt shaken… because he knew what was wrong with his scheme. “But she won’t stay unless I lock her in.”

Nona nodded. “I think you’re beginning to understand. Keep purring. It will calm you both.”

Puzzle pieces were his specialty. Jules understood the finite operation that motivated people, he was second only to Shepherd in that particular skill. He was also the only other person who’d had any access to Claire over the last few months. He knew what she smelled like, even pregnant. He knew her voice and had pegged her at once for a brooder.

She was almost sweet in her misguided agenda, and Jules grasped exactly what had drawn Shepherd so strongly. Claire was an enigma, all wrapped up in a little moral bow.

Claire was everything Shepherd falsely believed Svana to be.

His commander had never lived amongst Dome civilization, not like Jules had before he’d been imprisoned. Shepherd’s rearing underground—surviving the extreme of Undercroft society—had wired the man to thrive in acute circumstances. No matter how preternaturally brilliant Shepherd was, his lack of empathy in dealing with conventional people was obvious. Yet he was an amazing leader, drew men to his standard, could see the world in a way others could not.

He’d freed the outcasts… even before the breach.