He shot up as the trapdoor opened above. He was prepared to fight, but it was only Peregwin who emerged.

“I brought you some food,” he said, carrying a plate of bread and meat carefully down the ladder and setting it on the floor.

“Thanks.” Rohan grabbed at the meat eagerly, gulping it down with a jug of water from the tray.

“Poor thing.” Peregwin shook his head as he looked down at Briar passed out, covered only by a blanket. “I can’t imagine what I’d do if my pack were attacked and I ended up at an auction.” He hesitated a moment, then asked. “Why did you save him? Surely you knew a rogue alpha would be in trouble coming into pack territory for an auction. It doesn’t seem like you traveled all this way just for a sexual thrill.”

Rohan set the jug of water down heavily. He glanced at Briar. He couldn’t say the real reason he’d come to the auction. Not when he was just starting to earn Briar’s trust. It would all come out later, but for now, he had to continue to nurture the bond between them.

He looked back to Peregwin, and said half the truth. “Because I think the way alphas treat omegas is disgusting.”

Peregwin cocked his head curiously, as if it seemed impossible that an alpha could ever speak this way. A growl rose in Rohan’s throat. He hated the culture he’d been raised in.

“Look, you might think your alpha is kind to you, but you’re just as enslaved as the omegas tied up for auction—what I’m saying is, if you want to come with us when we leave—”

Peregwin held up a hand, rubbing his round belly. “I can’t leave my alpha without putting my pup at risk.”

Rohan nodded. That was part of the reason omegas were so vulnerable to their alphas. In addition to their smaller size, a pregnant omega depended on being mated regularly by the alpha who impregnated him, otherwise he risked miscarrying. And of course sick alphas used the omega’s nurturing nature to manipulate them, holding the health of their child hostage unless the omega did exactly as the alpha wanted.

Though part of him doubted that Peregwin was staying just for his unborn pup. Something told Rohan that the omega couldn’t see just how toxic his culture was. He didn’t have the energy to try to explain or argue it. Instead, he just said, “I wish you were bringing your child into a better world.”

Beside him, Briar began to stir, sitting up and rubbing his eyes.

“Feeling any better?” Peregwin asked.

Briar nodded wearily. “The fever’s gone.”

“Good. Eat something. Going through heat is exhausting. The two of you can stay as long as you need to.”

Rohan shook his head. “I know we’re putting you in danger if we’re found in your home.”

Peregwin’s lips set into a thin line. “Don’t worry about me.”

The omega’s courage was unbelievable. But of course omegas had to be brave in the world they lived in. He realized just how cowardly the alphas were in comparison, binding together and using their power to hurt and manipulate the tender creatures.

“Where are you two running to?” Peregwin asked.

Briar looked at Rohan, as if wondering the same question. They’d been so pressured to get away that he still hadn’t told him where they were going.

“We should be safe if we can get away from pack territory and up the mountains.”

Peregwin shuddered. “You would live in the mountains? Alone?”

Rohan didn’t blame him for thinking it was inconceivable to live without a pack. Hell, he’d thought that way before he’d been exiled. “I’d rather be alone than live in this awful world,” he spat. “Where an alpha would sell his omega just to avoid caring for his own child.”

Peregwin’s lips pressed tight. Clearly Rohan had given him something to think about.

“I’ll leave you,” he said. “Knock on the door if you need anything.”

He climbed the ladder clumsily with his pregnant belly. When he’d closed the door, Rohan turned to Briar.

“Has your heat really passed?”

Briar nodded. “I think so.”

“Good.” He kissed him on the head.

“Thank you,” Briar said, leaning into him. “For helping me through it.”

“I think you know I’d do anything for you.” Rohan stroked down the gentle curve of Briar’s back, growling possessively. “You’re mine.”