Unhinged Omega: A Dark Reverse Harem Omegaverse Romance (Ghost Alpha Unit Book 4)

My feet are freaking killing me.

Each step sends jolts of pain shooting up my legs, but I grit my teeth and keep walking. The Knight’s heavy footsteps behind me are steady and unwavering despite his injuries. I try not to limp, but after hours of trudging through the wasteland in stolen boots that don’t quite fit, my body betrays me.

A particularly sharp rock makes me stumble, but massive hands scoop me up before I hit the ground. I tense instinctively as the Knight’s metal claws prick my skin through the raider clothes, but his grip is surprisingly gentle. He cradles me against his broad chest like I’m made of glass.

And I might as well be compared to him.

‘Fine,’ I mumble, letting myself relax against his scarred chest. His warmth is already seeping into my aching muscles. ‘But only because my feet hurt.’

He rumbles in response, the sound vibrating through his chest and into my bones. The rhythmic sway of his stride is almost hypnotic, and I find myself drifting, feeling oddly safe in the arms of my former nightmare.

When the first signs of civilization appear on the horizon—scattered lights amidst ruins and the distant hum of generators—I tap his chest. ‘Put me down. We’re getting close.’

He sets me on my feet with surprising care. A rusted metal hatch juts up from the scorched earth ahead. The entrance to what must be the black market’s underground network of tunnels. Even from here, I catch glimpses of light seeping through the cracks.

I approach the hatch cautiously, my eyes scanning for any signs of guards or security measures. The metal is corroded and weather-beaten, covered in a fine layer of rust-colored dust that seems to coat everything in the Outer Reaches.

Gritting my teeth, I wrap my fingers around the edge of the hatch and pull. The metal is rough against my palms, flakes of rust coming away like dead skin. I strain, muscles trembling with the effort, but the damn thing won’t budge.

‘Shit,’ I mutter, wiping my hands on my stolen pants. I glance at the Knight, who’s hanging back in the shadows of a burned-out building. ‘I don’t suppose you could⁠—’

Before I can finish the thought, he’s already moving. His massive frame emerges into the sunlight, and for a moment, I forget how to breathe. The way the light catches on his scars, on the metal grafted to his flesh… he looks like something out of an old world myth. A fallen god of war and violence.

He reaches past me, metal claws gleaming as they dig into the edge of the hatch. With one fluid motion, he lifts the heavy metal door as if it weighs nothing at all. The hinges screech in protest, the sound echoing across the wasteland.

I find myself staring up at him, transfixed. The sun blazes behind him, transforming his white hair into a silver halo and casting his scarred face in dramatic shadow. Those haunting blue eyes lock onto mine, glowing with an intensity that makes my heart skip.

For a split second, I see him as he might have been before they turned him into this. Before the scars, before the metal, before the pain. Just a man, looking down at me with something that feels dangerously close to devotion.

Then he growls—a low, warning sound that vibrates through my chest—and the moment shatters.

Right.

Don’t look at him.

We’re not here to stare at each other like lovesick kids, anyway. However long I’ve been dreaming about him.

‘Thank you,’ I say softly, ducking under his arm to peer into the darkness below. The tunnel stretches deep underground, lit sporadically by flickering electric lights. The air wafting up smells like sweat and motor oil.

Gross.

That shitty alpha must be from here. Lux? Lax? I’ve already forgotten, and I don’t care. Kind of hope she’s in pieces right now with the rest of those assholes.

The Knight makes another sound, this one questioning. When I glance back, he’s studying the tunnel with obvious wariness.

‘It’s okay,’ I tell him, though I’m not entirely sure it is. ‘Just… try not to kill anyone unless they attack first. And maybe not even then, depending on who it is. We don’t want to draw attention.’

I swear I see confusion in those glowing eyes. Like the concept of not immediately murdering potential threats is foreign to him.

Which, given what little I know about his origins, it probably is.

‘Look,’ I sigh, pinching the bridge of my nose. ‘I know this isn’t ideal. But we need supplies, and this is the only place for miles that might have what we need. Just… follow my lead, okay?’

To my surprise, he nods. The gesture is still jerky, unpracticed, but it’s there.

I take a deep breath, squaring my shoulders. ‘Right. Let’s do this.’

The metal stairs leading down into the darkness look sturdy enough, though they creak ominously under the Knight’s weight as he follows me. Each step echoes off the concrete walls, announcing our presence to anyone listening.

So much for stealth.noveldrama

But as we descend deeper into the underground market, I can’t shake the feeling that we’re being watched. The hairs on the back of my neck stand up, and beside me, the Knight lets out a low, continuous growl.

I lead the way into the crowded tunnels, grateful for the Knight’s looming presence behind me. Most people give us a wide berth, their eyes widening at his massive frame before quickly looking away. The stolen raider clothes and lingering cologne mask my omega scent well enough, but I still feel exposed.

A merchant catches my eye. Well-dressed, pockets bulging with what’s probably a decent stack of currency. I flash him my most seductive smile, swaying my hips as I approach. ‘Looking for company?’ I purr, channeling every ounce of omega allure I can muster through the cologne.

His eyes rake over me hungrily.

Perfect.

The merchant’s eyes darken with interest as I sway closer, making sure to accentuate my curves. His gaze lingers on my chest, then drops lower, exactly as I’d hoped. Men are so predictable.

‘How much?’ he asks, his voice husky.

I resist the urge to roll my eyes. Instead, I trail my fingers down his arm, leaning in close. ‘Why don’t we discuss that somewhere more… private?’

He nods eagerly, already reaching for his coin purse as he follows me into an alley. Just a few more seconds and I can⁠—

His hand shoots out, grabbing my wrist in a bruising grip. ‘Actually,’ he growls, yanking me against him, ‘I think right here is fine.’

Shit.

This isn’t going according to plan.

I try to twist away, but he’s stronger than he looks. His other hand grabs my hip, fingers digging in painfully as he shoves me against the wall. The impact knocks the breath from my lungs.

‘Let go,’ I snarl, abandoning the seductive act. My nails rake across his face, drawing blood.

He just laughs, pressing closer. His alcohol-soured breath washes over me as he leans in. ‘Feisty. I like that.’

Before I can knee him in the balls and turn him into a permanent soprano, something dark and massive moves in the shadows behind him.

The merchant freezes as an inhuman growl fills the narrow tunnel. His eyes go wide with terror as he slowly turns his head.

The Knight emerges from the darkness like a demon straight from hell, his blue eyes blazing with murderous fury. Before the merchant can even scream, the Knight’s massive hand closes around his throat. The Knight lifts him off his feet like he weighs nothing, slamming him against the wall hard enough to crack the concrete.

‘Holy shit,’ I breathe, watching as the merchant’s face turns purple. His feet kick uselessly at the air as he claws at the hand crushing his windpipe.

The Knight’s growl deepens, becoming something primal and terrifying. His other hand—the metal one—comes up, razor-sharp claws poised to tear the merchant’s face off.

‘Wait!’ I grab his arm, and those burning blue eyes snap to me. ‘No killing, remember?’

The Knight pauses as if considering. Then he loosens his grip just enough for the merchant to gasp in a desperate breath.

‘P-please,’ the merchant wheezes. ‘I’m sorry! I didn’t know she was yours!’

The Knight’s growl rises to a roar that shakes dust from the ceiling. I wince at the sound. And at the implication that I belong to anyone.

‘Give me your money,’ I tell the merchant, keeping my hand on the Knight’s arm. ‘All of it. And maybe my friend here won’t redecorate these walls with your insides.’

The merchant fumbles for his coin purse with trembling hands, nearly dropping it in his panic. I snatch it from him, weighing it in my palm. Heavy. Good.

‘Now your rings,’ I add, noticing the gold bands glinting on his fingers. ‘And that fancy watch.’

He strips off his jewelry without hesitation, practically throwing the items at me. Smart man. The Knight’s growl hasn’t lessened, and those metal claws are still hovering inches from the merchant’s face.

‘No killing,’ I remind him again in a singsong voice once I’ve pocketed everything valuable. ‘You can stuff him in that dumpster over there.’

The Knight’s growl deepens. Pretty sure he’d rather go for the bloodier solution. But when I shake my head firmly, he settles for slamming the man against the wall again. The merchant’s head cracks against the concrete and his eyes roll back. His body goes limp in the Knight’s grasp.

‘The dumpster,’ I remind him, pointing to the rusted metal container.

The Knight trudges over and unceremoniously drops the merchant into the dumpster with the rest of the trash. The unconscious body disappears into the darkness with a satisfying thud.

I count our newly acquired funds, pleased with the weight of the coin purse. ‘Come on,’ I tell him. ‘Let’s find somewhere to clean up.’

The market’s maze of tunnels eventually leads us to a clothing merchant’s stall. The beta woman running it barely bats an eye at the Knight’s towering presence, too focused on the coins I place on her counter. She helps me pick out sturdy traveling clothes that aren’t stained with raider blood. And for the Knight, I find a massive hooded cloak that actually fits his frame.

But when we leave, it’s the mask in a glass display box at the stall next door that really catches my eye. Even among what resembles a veritable dragon’s hoard of trinkets and treasures, the mask stands out. The masculine features have a serene nobility to them, like the statues of ancient kings I used to study in my father’s library.

It’s perfect for the Knight’s namesake.

The merchant, an elderly woman with a weathered face framed by a floral headscarf, hobbles up to me to take the mask out of the display case. ‘That’s pre-war, from some noble’s private collection,’ she says, thrusting the mask into my hands and tapping it with a brightly painted fingernail. The gold bangles on her wrist jingle with the motion. ‘A thousand years old. Belonged to a Surhiiran leper king.’

For once, I believe the sales pitch. Whoever made this was an artist. As I turn the mask in my hands, the intricate filigree patterns carved into the mask’s silver surface catch and gleam in the neon light.

‘I’m sure it’s out of my price range if it’s that old,’ I admit with a dry laugh. Not words I’m used to saying, but I doubt I have anywhere near enough. Maybe if I completely drained my pockets and risked not having enough for more vital supplies. I can guess from the way she’s talking that she isn’t going to let it go for a reasonable price.

The merchant’s pale eyes drift past me to the Knight, her gaze sweeping over his towering frame and scarred face. What she can see of it despite the hood now shadowing his features and the thick scarf covering the rest, at least. He backs away with a soft warning growl, clearly uncomfortable with the scrutiny.

‘Is it for him?’ she asks, gesturing to the mask still in my hands.

‘Yes,’ I murmur, running my fingers over the intricate details. ‘He needs a new one.’

The merchant studies the Knight again, but this time, her gaze is gentler, almost maternal. The Knight shifts uneasily behind me, another low growl building in his chest. I reach back without thinking, my hand finding his arm. The growl subsides slightly at my touch, though his massive frame remains tense.

But the merchant doesn’t seem afraid of him. If anything, she looks… sad. ‘Poor wretched beast needs it more than I do,’ she says decisively. ‘And it suits him. Take it. It’s just using up space anyway.’

I blink in surprise. ‘Are you sure? This is⁠—’

‘Save your money for shit that’ll keep you alive,’ she says, cutting me off. ‘Some things are worth more than money anyway. Like kindness.’ She gives me a stiff smile. ‘The world could use more of that these days, don’t you think?’

‘Thank you,’ I say sincerely, clutching the mask to my chest. ‘You have no idea what this means.’

She waves me off, her bangles jingling again. ‘Don’t get all sappy on me or I’ll change my mind,’ she mutters, already disappearing into the piles of treasures in the back of her stall.

I hold the mask reverently in my hands, still stunned by the merchant’s unexpected kindness. ‘We should find somewhere private,’ I murmur, glancing around at the crowded market.

The Knight rumbles in agreement, falling into step behind me as I weave through the throngs of people. Virtually everyone gives us a wide berth, their eyes widening at his towering presence before quickly looking away. Even with the hood and scarf concealing most of his face, he’s an intimidating sight.

We eventually find a quiet alley tucked away from the main thoroughfare. I turn to face the Knight, who looms in the entrance like a sentinel.

‘Stand guard while I change first,’ I tell him, clutching my new clothes to my chest. ‘Then we’ll deal with your mask.’

He nods jerkily and turns his back, positioning himself to block the alley entrance. His massive frame fills the space completely, ensuring no one can peek in. I change quickly, grateful to be rid of the blood-stained raider clothes. The new outfit fits well enough. Sturdy pants, a thick sweater, and boots that actually fit my raw feet.

‘Okay,’ I say once I’m dressed. ‘Your turn.’

The Knight turns back to me, and I’m struck again by how imposing he is. Even hunched slightly to avoid scraping his head on the low ceiling, he towers over me.

‘Here, let me help you get that off so you can wear your new mask,’ I say, cautiously reaching for the broken metal.

He jerks back with a warning growl that echoes off the alley walls.

‘Okay, okay,’ I mutter, holding up my hands and taking a step back. ‘You do it then.’

He turns away from me, reaching up with those lethal claws to tear away what’s left of the iron mask. I catch glimpses of fresh blood trickling down his jaw where the metal has cut into his flesh. It clearly hurts, but he doesn’t make a sound.

‘Let me see,’ I say softly when he’s done. ‘I can help clean⁠—’

Another snarl cuts me off, deeper this time. A clear warning.

‘Fine,’ I sigh. ‘Stay turned around then. Just… crouch down for me. I don’t have the energy to climb you like a tree.’

However much I still want to, even though I’m not in heat anymore.

To my surprise, he drops to one knee in the alley, bowing his head. The position makes him eye-level with me, though he’s still massive even kneeling. I step behind him, carefully lifting the ornate mask.

‘Hold still,’ I murmur as I position it over his face. I take my time fastening the straps behind his head, making sure they’re comfortable, then gently smooth his bone-white hair free where it’s caught. It’s long enough that the strands brush against his broad shoulders.

‘Turn around,’ I say softly. ‘Let me see how it fits.’

The Knight hesitates, his massive frame tensing up again. Even kneeling, his shoulders are nearly at my eye level. Finally, slowly, he turns to face me.

My breath catches in my throat. With this new ornate mask, the Knight looks… regal. Dangerous still, but in a different way. Less like a beast and more like some fallen warrior king.

I find myself staring longer than I should, remembering how those massive hands can be so gentle. How carefully he touched me during my heat. How he cradles me like I’m made of glass even though he could tear me apart without effort.

What is happening to me?

Unable to help myself, I press a soft kiss to his masked cheek. ‘There. You look nice.’

His human hand comes up to touch the spot where my lips brushed the mask. A low rumbling purr vibrates through his chest.

‘Well, well. If it isn’t the infamous moonlight omega.’

I whirl around at the voice, my heart leaping into my throat. A broad-shouldered man with a leather eyepatch and shaggy dark hair stands blocking the entrance—and exit—to the alley. His remaining eye widens slightly as the Knight straightens to his full height, looming over him.

He looks vaguely familiar. Was he the one who tackled that blond weirdo? Not that I stuck around long enough to get a good look.

The Knight’s growl reverberates through the narrow tunnel, making dust fall from the walls.

‘Well, shit,’ the stranger mutters. He holds up his palms in a placating gesture. ‘Easy there, big guy. I’m not here to cause trouble. Name’s Geo. I run this place.’

I shift closer to the Knight instinctively, my hand finding his arm in a gesture that feels oddly natural after everything that’s happened between us. I smooth my fingers down his arm through the wool of his cloak like I’m stroking the fur of a massive bristling guard dog.

‘What do you want?’ I demand, keeping my voice cold and steady despite the way my heart pounds.

‘To help,’ Geo says, but his eye is fixed warily on the Knight. ‘You’ve got quite the bodyguard there.’

‘I do,’ I reply icily. ‘And we’re leaving.’

I knew I should have gotten those fucking meds first. Even if we were walking red flags in those old clothes.

‘I wouldn’t recommend that,’ Geo replies, nodding toward the end of the tunnel.

My heart sinks as I spot several armed guards materializing from the shadows, their weapons trained on us. Shit. The Knight’s growl deepens to a pitch that makes my teeth ache. Beneath my touch, his muscles tense, and I know he’s ready to tear through these men like paper at the slightest provocation.

‘Someone’s been looking for you,’ Geo continues, his voice casual despite the mounting tension.

Well, that could be anyone.

I weigh our options quickly. The Knight could probably kill everyone in this tunnel before they could get off more than a few shots. But if this guy really does run the black market, making an enemy of him would be… problematic, to say the least. And even if we did survive, I really need to make sure I don’t get pregnant.

‘Fine,’ I finally say, squeezing the Knight’s arm in what I hope is a calming gesture. ‘We’ll talk. But the Knight stays with me.’

‘Wouldn’t dream of separating you,’ Geo says with a grin that doesn’t reach his eye. ‘Follow me. And try to keep your pet monster from eating my men, would you? Good help is hard to find these days.’

The Knight’s growl rises in volume at the word ‘pet,’ and I have to press my whole body against his arm to keep him from lunging. ‘He’s not a pet,’ I snap. ‘And your men better keep their distance if they want to keep all their limbs attached.’

Geo just chuckles, turning to lead us deeper into the tunnels. ‘Noted. This way, if you please.’

I follow him reluctantly, keeping close to the Knight’s side. His massive frame dwarfs everyone else in the tunnel, and I can’t help but feel a surge of satisfaction at the way the guards scramble to get out of his way.

But something about this situation sets my teeth on edge. The way Geo said someone is looking for me…

I’m afraid to hope, but could it be?

Has Azarel finally found me?