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

Knight’s knot deflates just enough for us to finally untangle ourselves, and I bite back a groan as I slide off the broken piano. My legs feel like jelly, a sweet ache spreading through me like warm honey. I fumble with the borrowed robe, trying to make myself decent—whatever that means anymore.

‘Holy shit,’ I whisper, taking in the wreckage around us. The piano lists at a forty-five-degree angle, one leg completely snapped off. Keys scattered across the floor like broken teeth. ‘We made quite the mess, didn’t we?’

Knight makes that rumbling sound deep in his chest. The one that’s somewhere between a purr and a growl. His blue eyes catch the dim light behind his silver mask, watching me with an intensity that would be unsettling if I hadn’t just…

Well.

My face burns when I think about who’s waiting on the other side of that door. Geo. Maybe Nikolai. The walls in this place aren’t exactly soundproof, and we weren’t exactly quiet. The piano itself practically screamed in protest with every thrust.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

I splash some water on my face and find a pair of what must be Raven’s sweats in the dresser. They’re too long for my legs, but anything’s better than trying to face Geo in just this flimsy robe.

My, how far I’ve fallen. Oh, well. It beats dead raider clothes any day.

‘Well,’ I say, squaring my shoulders. ‘We better face the music. So to speak.’

Knight follows close behind me as I inch toward the door, my fingers hesitating on the handle. With a deep breath, I open it and peek around the corner, trying to look as casual as someone can after loudly getting railed by an eight-foot mutant alpha on a piano.

The living room comes into view, and I see Geo still sitting in his armchair. Alone. His single eye flicks up from his book as I hesitantly step out.

‘Nikolai’s gone,’ he says dryly. ‘You can come out.’

For a moment, I’m relieved, then strangely… what? Disappointed? Worried? Why the hell should I care where that arrogant alpha went?

I hate that I do. Even a little. All the more reason we need to get out of here as soon as possible.

‘I wasn’t hiding,’ I reply, channeling nonchalance I don’t feel. ‘Just needed a moment to… freshen up.’

Geo gives me a look that says he isn’t buying it for a second. As if he heard everything. ‘I’m sure.’

I move further into the room, Knight’s heavy footsteps following behind me as he looms like a shadow. A floorboard creaks under his weight, breaking the uncomfortable silence.

Geo snaps his book shut, the sound making me flinch. ‘I was particularly fond of that piano, by the way. Been with me for fifteen years.’

Heat crawls up my neck again. ‘Right. About that…’

‘It was a relic from the pre-war Eastern conclave. Only three were ever made.’ His tone is conversational, but there’s an edge to it.

‘I can explain⁠—’

‘Its ivory keys were harvested from the skeletons of the last elephants before elephants weren’t elephants anymore.’

I wince. ‘That’s… unfortunate.’

‘It survived three radiation fallouts, two territorial wars, and a flood that nearly washed away half the compound. Pretty sure it’s still haunted by the prince who commissioned it, so now his immortal spirit has to live with that.’

I mutter a string of Vrissian curses, throwing my hands in the air. ‘For fuck’s sake, fine! I’m sorry about your piano, and as for your ghost, you can tell him the show was free.’

Geo continues to glower at me for a few seconds before his grumpy expression cracks into amusement and he huffs. ‘Guess I should be grateful the entire compound is still standing. Could’ve been worse.’

‘How generous of you,’ I say flatly.

‘What am I going to do? Kick you out? Then I’d have a pissed-off Raven and a mutated rage monster on my case.’ He tilts his head toward Knight, who responds with a warning growl. ‘Besides, other than the piano, you’ve been surprisingly well-behaved guests. So long as you keep him in line.’

Knight’s growl sounds irritated now.

‘We’ll see.’ A thought occurs to me. ‘Speaking of Nikolai… where exactly did he go?’

‘Off to find Raven.’ Geo leans back in his chair. ‘After that… performance, he couldn’t get out of here fast enough. Must not have wanted an encore. Can’t say I blame him.’

I groan.

But despite myself, my mind conjures an image of Nikolai wounded, facing who knows what dangers in the wasteland. Damn it. Why the hell should I care? He’s nothing to me.

Yet there’s that inexplicable pull again.

‘What’s the deal with you three anyway?’ I ask, partly to distract myself from these unwelcome concerns.

Geo blanches, his expression shifting from mild annoyance to genuine discomfort. ‘There is no ‘the three of us.’ Period.’

‘Could have fooled me.’ I settle onto the couch, drawing my legs beneath me as Knight stands near the armrest. I reach up and rest my hand on his forearm, idly stroking his scarred skin. ‘Raven calls you ‘Daddy’ even though you’re hardly old enough to be his father, and he and Nikolai have so much unresolved sexual tension between them, they always seem on the verge of either fucking or killing each other…’

‘Are you always this direct?’ Geo asks with a grunt.

‘It’s a gift,’ I answer. ‘Vrissian mother.’

Geo scoffs. ‘You’re not far off where Raven and Nikolai are concerned. But if you’re asking if they’re together, the answer is no. If you’re asking if they ever were, I got no fucking idea and that’s the way I like it.’

Hmm. Interesting.

‘And what about you?’ I can’t help but press. ‘I see the way you look at Raven.’

‘I don’t—’ Geo cuts himself off, his jaw working. ‘You’re seeing shit that isn’t there.’

‘If you say so.’ I can’t help the knowing smirk that tugs at my lips.

He watches me for a long moment, eye narrowed. ‘Would it bother you?’

‘What?’

‘Two of your alphas being with each other.’

‘They’re not my alphas,’ I correct quickly, ignoring Knight’s soft growl behind me. ‘But no, it wouldn’t bother me.’ I hesitate, then decide honesty is the simplest approach. ‘Actually… it’s kind of hot.’

Geo’s eyebrows shoot up.

‘But it’s irrelevant,’ I continue, smoothing my robe. ‘I already have a mate.’

Knight shifts behind me, and I can feel him listening intently. There’s a tension in his posture I can sense without even looking at him.

‘Ah yes, the mysterious Azarel.’ Geo leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees. ‘Is he really worth all this trouble? A highborn lady such as yourself chasing an alpha across the Outer Reaches seems a bit backward, doesn’t it?’

His words strike a nerve, prodding at doubts I’d rather stay buried. What if Azarel isn’t looking for me? What if he’s moved on? What if I was never as important to him as he was to me?

I bristle, my chin lifting defiantly. ‘Azarel is looking for me,’ I say with confidence I no longer possess. ‘He’d do anything to find me.’

‘Maybe.’ Geo’s voice softens, and for a moment, I see genuine concern in his expression as he searches my face. ‘I hope that’s true.’

Before I can respond, the door bursts open. Raven staggers in, supporting a frighteningly pale Nikolai who’s leaning heavily against him. Blood stains Nikolai’s shirt, and his normally sharp eyes are glassy, unfocused.

My heart lurches painfully as the sense that something is wrong finally merges with reality.

I’ve barely known this man a handful of days. How should I sense anything at all where he’s concerned? Why should I care if he lives or dies?

But I do. And I hate it.

‘For fuck’s sake, how many times have I told you to aim for the heart?’ Geo grumbles without getting up from his chair. ‘You’ve got shitty aim when you’re thinking with your dick.’

‘I didn’t do this,’ Raven snaps, struggling with Nikolai’s weight. That finally prompts Geo to get off his ass and help. ‘He was ambushed, and he’s clearly off his game. But I don’t think it’s the new wounds. Probably an infection.’

The raw edge in Raven’s voice surprises me. There’s real fear there.

Nikolai mumbles something incoherent, his head lolling against Raven’s shoulder.

He’s out of it, alright.

‘I’ll get the damn doctor again,’ Geo grumbles, already heading for the door. ‘But he’s not going to be happy about making a second house call. Especially after the shit you pulled earlier.’

‘You can put him in here,’ I say, already heading into the hall toward the guest suite I just came from.

Raven nods gratefully, guiding Nikolai after me with Geo’s help. Knight growls at my back like he’s already territorial about our nest, but a silent shake of my head is all it takes to make him back off.

‘Great,’ Nikolai mutters as Raven eases him onto the mattress. His voice is raspy, strained. ‘Going to die in the bed a giant monster fucked my mate in. Perfect.’

‘It was the piano, not the bed,’ I supply helpfully.

‘You’re not dying, you fucking drama queen,’ Raven snaps, but the tremor in his voice betrays his worry.

I move to the bedside, pressing my palm against Nikolai’s forehead. He’s burning up, his skin hot and clammy beneath my touch. A fever this high can’t be good.

‘That’s a pretty bad fever,’ I murmur, pulling my hand back.

But Nikolai catches my wrist, his eyes fluttering open to fix on mine. ‘Don’t stop,’ he whispers, nuzzling into my touch with surprising vulnerability. ‘Feels good.’

Something in my chest softens, a tiny crack in the wall I’ve built against him. It’s easier to hate him when he’s being an arrogant ass. This version—fever-stricken, seeking comfort—is much harder to resist.

‘I’ll get the first aid kit,’ Raven says, his voice tight. ‘And some water. He’s probably dehydrated.’

As Raven hurries from the room, I reluctantly return my hand to Nikolai’s brow, brushing sweat-dampened white hair from his face. Knight moves to stand in the corner, watching with those intense blue eyes, but making no move to interfere.

‘Drink,’ I command, holding a glass of water to Nikolai’s lips when Raven returns with it. ‘Small sips.’

He complies, surprisingly obedient in his weakened state. After he drains the glass, he gives me a feverish smile. ‘You know what would really make me feel better?’

‘What?’ I ask warily.

‘A farewell blowjob.’

And there’s the Nikolai I’m familiar with.

‘You’re lucky I’m chalking that up to the fever,’ I say coldly, ‘or I’d have Knight snap it off.’

‘Are you really cruel enough to deny a man his last wish?’ He manages to look both pathetic and smug at the same time.

I roll my eyes. ‘Nice try, but the closest you’re getting is if you staple a picture of me to Raven’s forehead.’

A ragged chuckle escapes him, followed by a wince of pain. Raven returns with the first aid kit, giving me a grateful look as he sets it down.

‘Let me see those wounds,’ Raven says, pulling back the bloody fabric of Nikolai’s shirt. The sight beneath is concerning. Angry red streaks radiate from the stitched bullet holes in his back, and the new knife wound doesn’t look too deep, but it’s not bleeding as much as it probably should be. He must have already lost a lot earlier.

Nikolai grimaces as Raven begins to clean the wounds. ‘If I have to have a nurse give me a sponge bath, can’t it be her?’ he mutters.

I hold up my hands, backing away. ‘My manicure has been through enough already, thank you very much.’ It’s a weak excuse, but the truth is, I don’t want to risk touching him again. It’s making me feel things I don’t want to feel.

‘Ignore him,’ Raven says, his movements surprisingly gentle as he works. ‘He’s always obnoxious when he’s sick. Alpha insecurities and all that.’

‘I’m familiar with them,’ I say dryly.

It’s fascinating watching Raven tend to Nikolai. There’s a practiced familiarity to his movements, as if he’s done this many times before. His face is a mask of concentration, but beneath it, I catch glimpses of genuine fear.

And something much deeper.

As Nikolai’s eyes close, his consciousness fading under the combined assault of pain and fever, I find myself studying Raven.

‘You really care about him, don’t you?’ The words escape before I can stop them.

Raven’s hands pause momentarily, surprise flickering across his features. Then he resumes his work, focusing intently on cleaning the stab wound.

‘It doesn’t matter.’ His voice is barely audible. ‘That’s always been a one-way street.’

I watch the gentle way his fingers work, the careful attention he pays to every detail of Nikolai’s care. ‘I’m not so sure about that.’

Raven opens his mouth to respond, but the door swings open, revealing a disheveled Dr. Ryefield. The doctor’s eyes are still slightly bloodshot.

‘My mind’s still a bit foggy,’ Dr. Ryefield says flatly, rubbing his temples, ‘but didn’t I just finish patching this one up?’

Raven’s cheeks flush slightly. ‘About earlier… I’m sorry. It wasn’t personal.’

The doctor gives him a withering look. ‘Save it. Let me see what we’re dealing with.’

I step back, giving the doctor room to work. He examines Nikolai with clinical efficiency, making occasional sounds of disapproval. Finally, he administers an antibiotic shot and some fever reducers.

‘He has a fairly substantial infection,’ Dr. Ryefield announces, packing up his supplies. ‘I’ve given him a broad-spectrum antibiotic that should help, but he needs to be monitored closely for the next few days.’ He glances around the room. ‘Preferably by someone else. Call me if the fever worsens or he dies.’

With that unceremonious parting, he heads for the door.

‘Will do,’ Geo grunts from where he’s been leaning against the doorframe, watching the proceedings with a neutral expression.

As the doctor leaves, I find myself looking back at Nikolai. His face is slack in unconsciousness, the fever giving his pale skin an unhealthy flush. He looks younger like this, vulnerable in a way I never would have associated with him.

I shouldn’t care. This man held me for ransom. He’s arrogant, dangerous, infuriating.

But as I watch the shallow rise and fall of his chest, I can’t deny the knot of worry that’s formed in my stomach. The strange, unwelcome feeling that somehow, I’m connected to him. That his fate matters to me.

And that terrifies me.

Knight steps up beside me. I lean against him slightly, letting his solid presence give me a bit of warmth and comfort. This, at least, makes sense to me. He and I have an almost supernatural bond forged through dreams and mutual protection. I understand why I care about him. It makes sense.

But Nikolai?

That’s a complication I never saw coming.

So is Raven, for that matter.

Another alpha is the last damn thing I need.

And yet, as I watch him tend to Nikolai, I can’t deny he’s not quite like any alpha I’ve encountered before. Not even the few I can tolerate.

I stare at Nikolai’s unconscious form, my emotions a tangled mess I have no interest in unraveling. Not that it’s stopping them. He looks vulnerable right now, his usually sharp features softer than usual. It’s easier to hate him when he’s awake and being an insufferable ass.

Like this, he’s just… a man.

A dangerous, complicated man who somehow thinks I belong to him.

Geo shifts against the door frame, clearing his throat. ‘Well, this has been a delightful fucking afternoon. Piano destruction, emergency medical care, and enough alpha posturing to last me a lifetime. But I’m afraid you’ll have to excuse me.’ He pushes off from the wall, adjusting his eye patch. ‘Some of us have actual work to do.’

‘Work?’ I can’t help the skepticism in my voice. ‘Is that what you call running this shithole?’

Geo’s mouth twitches, almost like he’s suppressing a smile. ‘Exactly that, princess. Someone’s got to keep this place from imploding.’ He turns toward the door, then pauses. ‘Try not to break anything else while I’m gone. I’m running out of irreplaceable pre-war artifacts for you to destroy.’

Knight rumbles behind me. Is that amusement? I’m starting to recognize the subtle differences in his growls. This one vibrates lower, gentler.

‘No promises,’ I call after Geo as he disappears into the hall, his heavy footsteps fading.

As soon as Geo is gone, Raven looks up from where he’s fussing with one of the bandages on Nikolai’s side, his blue eyes widening suddenly. ‘Oh! Right.’ He smacks his forehead with his palm. ‘I completely forgot to tell you. With all…’ he gestures vaguely at Nikolai, ‘… this, it slipped my mind.’

My pulse quickens. ‘Tell me what?’

‘The information you wanted. About Azarel.’

‘Did you find him?’ I ask immediately. The words come out breathless, way more eager than I intended. Even though in the chaos of the past hour—the piano, Nikolai’s return—I’d almost forgotten my entire reason for agreeing to stay here.

Raven’s expression falls slightly. ‘Not exactly. Not yet.’ He finishes fixing the bandage and wipes his hands on a towel. ‘But I have feelers out across the Outer Reaches. I’ve sent word to every informant, every business contact, every former client with instructions to report anything—even the smallest whisper—back to me immediately.’

I try to hide my disappointment. My throat tightens up. Every hour that passes is another hour Azarel might be searching for me in vain. Another hour for something to happen to him.

To us.

‘This network of yours is that extensive?’

‘My establishment may be… what was the word you used?’ Raven’s lips quirk. ‘Oh, right. ‘Tacky.’ But it has its benefits.’ He sits on the edge of the bed, careful not to disturb Nikolai. ‘Information flows through places like the Alpha’s Alpha. People talk. They gossip. They brag. Everyone has eyes and ears.’ His voice softens. ‘Someone will have seen or heard of him, Cosima. And when they do, you’ll be the first to know.’

There’s such earnestness in his tone, such conviction, it catches me off guard. I’d expected resistance, attempts to stall, to keep me here. Not this apparent dedication to actually helping me find Azarel.

Despite myself, I feel a flicker of hope. But experience has taught me to be cautious. Pretty words from pretty alphas are the most likely to hide ugly intentions.

‘Thank you,’ I say carefully, not committing to more. ‘I appreciate the effort.’

Raven shakes his head, a soft smile playing at his lips. ‘You don’t need to thank me.’

‘I—’

‘But,’ he continues, holding up a finger, ‘if you want to thank me, there is one way you could.’

Here it comes. The catch. I knew it was too good to be true. I cross my arms, bracing myself for whatever manipulative demand he’s about to make. Sex? Political favors? Things that aren’t quite sex but sex-adjacent?

Despite his business, he doesn’t seem like the type to make such an overt proposition like Nikolai, but I’m sure he wants something. He’s an alpha. They all want something.

‘Let me keep helping you,’ he says, his blue eyes hopeful. ‘When you leave—and I know you will, regardless of whether I find your Azarel before the deadline you gave me—let me go with you.’

I blink, thrown completely off balance. ‘You… what?’

‘Let me come with you,’ he repeats.

‘You want to help me find… another alpha?’ I stare at him, trying to figure out his angle. ‘Not keep me here? Not force me to stay?’

Knight shifts closer to me, his massive presence at my back a reassuring constant. He’s not growling anymore, but I can feel his attention focused on Raven, assessing.

Raven sighs. ‘Caging someone is never the way to win their heart.’ His gaze drifts momentarily to Nikolai’s unconscious form. ‘I learned that lesson the hard way.’

I study his face, looking for deception, for the trap. ‘Why?’

He meets my eyes, and the raw sincerity there takes me aback. ‘I know a lot has happened since we first… encountered each other. And I know I’m probably not what you were hoping for.’ His voice softens. ‘But I meant what I said before, Cosima. You’re my mate. I knew it the moment I laid eyes on you.’

‘But—’

‘I would do anything you asked of me,’ he continues, his voice dropping to nearly a whisper. ‘Anything at all. Including helping you find another alpha, if that’s what you want.’ His smile turns sad. ‘But if I told you I’m not hoping that eventually, you’ll want me, too, it would be a lie. If there’s one thing I’ve learned out here, it’s patience.’

I don’t know what to say to that. My cheeks feel hot, and I suddenly can’t meet his gaze. Something about his declaration feels too raw, too honest. It’s easier to deal with alphas when they’re being demanding or manipulative. This selfless devotion—real or feigned—throws me off-balance.

‘I… I don’t—’ I stammer, uncharacteristically tongue-tied.

He holds up a hand. ‘You don’t need to decide right now. Or explain yourself to me. Ever.’ His voice is gentle. ‘I just wanted you to know that the offer is there. No strings, no conditions.’

I find my voice, though it comes out hoarser than intended. ‘We’ll see.’

Raven’s smile widens, lighting up his face. ‘That’s not a no.’

‘It’s not a yes, either,’ I retort, but there’s no real bite in it.

For a moment, the room falls silent except for Nikolai’s labored breathing. Knight shifts behind me, his metal claws clicking softly against the wall.

This is all too much. Three new alphas in such close quarters when I usually can’t stand to be around any of them. Azarel, still out there somewhere, searching for me. The possibility that he’s not.

How did I even end up here? A couple of months ago, my biggest concern was avoiding Monty’s wandering hands and my father’s political machinations. Now I’m sleeping and showering in an underground criminal empire.

‘You should rest,’ Raven says, breaking the silence. ‘You’ve had quite a day.’

That’s the understatement of the year. And yet, I find myself reluctant to leave Nikolai’s side.

‘I’ll stay with him,’ Raven adds quickly, as if sensing my hesitation. ‘There’s another room down the hall. Two doors to the left.’

I nod, trying not to think about the fact that he’s picked up on the concern I don’t even want to acknowledge. ‘Thanks.’

Knight lumbers out of the room first, always checking to make sure the coast is clear. I pause at the door, glancing back at Raven.

‘Earlier, you said you probably aren’t what I was hoping for. Why?’

He looks surprised by the question, then gives a slight, sheepish smile. ‘I’m not exactly a conventional alpha. In more ways than one.’

‘Why?’ I ask, tilting my head. ‘Because you fuck other alphas?’

He hesitates. ‘That’s… part of it, yes.’

I sigh. ‘Look, I’m not in the market for another mate. My ideal number of alphas was always zero, and I find myself with a surplus. No offense.’

Raven chuckles. ‘None taken, I assure you.’

‘That said,’ I continue, glancing between him and Knight, ‘being an unconventional alpha isn’t exactly a drawback.’

Raven’s eyes widen slightly, the light reflecting off the blue more intensely. If he had a fucking tail, it would be wagging, and the smile on those full lips is almost enough to melt what’s left of the ice wall around my heart. A wall I very much need to remain intact, if I’m going to finish what I started out here.

‘I appreciate that,’ he says quietly, nodding to me. ‘More than you know. Enjoy your rest, Cosima.’

Something about the way he says my name, like it’s a sacred prayer his tongue caresses in gentle worship, causes a realization to hit me as I slip out of the room.noveldrama

Raven may not be trying to keep me here by force, but he just might be the most dangerous alpha of them all.