“You are lying,” the male roared, hating the strange feeling that was coming through the cord. “What is wrong?”

There were no tears, only a blank stare. “I just can’t look at them.”

A great hand lifted as if to grip her skull. Instead Shepherd clawed through her hair, the nearest thing to a pet an angry Alpha could manage. “Continue.”

In the mirror Claire was dwarfed next to the massive man, small and useless. “I am angry that I cannot do anything for anyone, that everything I tried only made things worse. I feel powerless, ashamed of myself for my failure and the horrible effect I had on women who look like me.” Beseeching eyes darted to his reflection. “And I’m frustrated that no matter what I say to you, to a man I am pair-bonded to, that it would change nothing—even if I had the power to redeem you—because Thólos did horrible things when the people could have rallied and brought you down.”

“The price you are exacting from yourself is not yours to pay. It is Thólos’.”

She was getting angry. “I am Thólos, Shepherd. Born and raised here. I grew up here. My parents are buried here.”

“Look at yourself in the mirror, Claire O’Donnell.” The male reared up as he spoke. “You are an Omega, physically small and weak, yet incredibly intelligent. That said, however shrewd you may be, you are also foolish enough to think you must bear the burden of others’ sins… That is your true flaw. The psychological trauma you are causing yourself is both immature and pointless. It does nothing to change the scenario. And though I am honored you would consider the thought of my redemption as worthy, it is your own peace you need to focus on now. Self-pity and playing the martyr help no one.”

The woman gave a caustic snort. “Well, I failed at playing the hero.”

In a voice that was hard and assertive, Shepherd snarled, “But you didn’t, and you know it. Forty-three people are alive because you had the nerve to stand up to me. You won, Claire. No single adversary has ever beaten me before. Ever. Take your victory.”

It was not that simple, not when the world and her mind were in a constant state of turmoil. Not when she was only breathing to buy time.

In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity. - Sun Tzu

Rubbing her lips together, she felt the unfamiliar slide of lipstick and met Shepherd’s eyes again. “The lipstick is trampy.”

“And your hair?”

“Looks nice.”

“And the dress?”

“Is something I would never have chosen for myself in a thousand years. I look like the poster girl for a pre-plague Omega housewife—which I suppose is fitting, as I am barefoot and pregnant.”

“Are you attempting comedy?” For once the man actually sounded unsure.

Claire smirked and shook her head in the negative.