“Precious?” Claire’s voice dropped dangerously low. Considering how he’d used Omegas in the past, she could hardly believe his gall.

Irritation flashed in Shepherd’s narrowing eyes in instant reaction to her challenging tone. “You are very rare. Alphas vastly outnumber you.”

Indignant, Claire pressed. “So you are telling me that because of your archaic view of social strata, you expected your Omega mate would respond well to a lifetime of imprisonment... based on instincts and your concept of preciousness?”

He took her chin, less a sweet gesture and more an act of dominance. “Your scent intoxicates all who breathe it. My Followers are well-trained and loyal... but animal impulse can cloud rational judgment. I will not risk your exposure to harm or tempt their lack of focus.”

Claire knew better. “There are pills and soaps I am well acquainted with that mask Omega scent. Your argument is illogical. Intoxicates is also a very strong word that implies those around an Omega no longer need to claim personal responsibility for their actions. It reduces Alphas and Betas to animals.”

“You should embrace your dynamic.”

“No matter my feelings on my dynamic, you would still lock me in this room.”

Shepherd countered. “You are my mate. It is my duty to protect you—even from yourself.”

“Can you not see your behavior is extreme and unhealthy for us both?” Claire made herself hold his gaze, made herself still. “It is unreasonable and unnatural. So back to my original question you are so skillfully trying to evade. Why didn’t you treat Svana in the same manner in which you treat me?”

“Svana is an Alpha.”

Leading him to the words Claire knew he was avoiding, feeling there might be some small victory in this for her, she hounded further. “But you held her as your mate.”

“It is different.” Shepherd grew agitated, the male’s breath coming faster, swelling his great chest. “I will not risk you—”

“Me what?” One black brow arched. “Betraying you?”

“I regret allowing conversation!” Shepherd quickly reared to stand over her. “My answers will not please you, and you only seek to put tension between us because you are disappointed in yourself for marking me. I am fully aware of your motivation, Claire.”

Her point had been made—goading him further, even though she was very tempted, would be purposeless.

There is no instance of a country having benefited from prolonged warfare. –Sun Tzu

Claire had to agree. She and Shepherd had reached a point where fighting was not going to get them anywhere.

“I’m sorry… I just…” Claire let out a sigh, confessing something that cost her dearly in an effort to gain a stronger position. “I will admit I don’t really know how to process my marking you, and I am overwhelmed right now. Causing a quarrel was not my goal. You’ve made an effort. I know you have. I have questions. That is all.”