“I am trying to communicate with you about things I don’t understand,” Claire countered. Small fingers squeezed his hand again, and she let her feelings show on her face. “Considering your mother… explain to me where the line blurs and this becomes acceptable?”

Shepherd took the seat across from her, agitated but growing forcedly composed. “Arranged Alpha-Omega pairings are common throughout history, and are statistically successful.”

“If the baby I am carrying were an Omega, would you want that for your child?”

“Under these circumstances, yes. The bonded Omegas are sheltered and protected by worthy Alphas. All are fed; they are safe… they are not mistreated. You are the one who would expose them to Thólos in your foolish misunderstanding of freedom.” Twisting his hand, Shepherd captured her fingers, toyed with them, even though his words were harsh. “You never had it, Claire. You were never once free in this city… You have never once been free a day in your life.”

She truly hated the sound of him speaking her name, knew that the unpleasant feelings it stirred up showed on her face, and felt her fortification slipping. Furthermore, she hated how Shepherd was holding her hand as if they were lovers, as if he had a right to—even if she had initiated contact. “You mistreated me. And I do not know what I hate more: your assumptions, or the fact that you just spoke my name simply because you know I dislike it.”

A large thumb circled the flat of her palm. “Which makes this discourse the perfect time to begin adjusting you to the sound of it on my lips, little one.”

Holding his gaze, forcing herself not to snatch back her hand, Claire admitted, “So we both have an agenda.”

Pulling her arm nearer, Shepherd purred, “We will not have a repeat of yesterday’s argument.”

“That topic was already addressed. I know my feelings, I know what was done, and I know why… even if you will not admit it. It is up to you whether or not you face what is fact.” After a breath, Claire looked up from where their hands were joined and tried a different approach. “Are the mated Omegas really settled?”

The word was hard and judgmental. “Yes.”

She stared blankly. “You must wish you had chosen with less impulsiveness.”

“I have never once questioned claiming you.” Almost musically he explained his truth, “And in answer to your question yesterday; yes, I would have still fought the mob and claimed you had Svana not diverted. You were born to be mine.”

Sarcastic, Claire cocked a brow and grumbled at the obtuse fool. “And were you always meant to be mine?”

He took her jaw and leaned forward. “Yes.”

“Then I must admit I see the irony that, like my father, I received a mate who really wishes to be with someone else. That certainly is cruel of the Gods.”