The self-satisfied expression, the fact she knew what was coming-worse still, the fact he could inspire such a declaration-made Claire's cheeks flame. She would cry out for him, admire him physically with her hands and tongue, but she would keep her words to herself. "We shall see."
The grin that spread his scarred lips, the absolute hunger in his expression, only added to the Alpha's excitement. "A challenge from the coy, little Omega … "
For a second, Claire believed he might just reach across the table and devour her. Even the way Shepherd breathed as he watched her eat implied his exercise of control warred with his impulse to mount her.
"You seem like you are in an awfully good mood." She thought back to how he had left her earlier, lingering anxiety matching the disapproval in her voice. "What did you do today?"
"Nothing of importance, aside from wondering what would be waiting for me in this room when I returned," Shepherd purred, charmed by her attempted interrogation. "I think of you often when we are parted."
God, even his scent was dripping sex.
The whole secret lies in confusing the enemy, so that he cannot fathom our real intent. - Sun Tzu
Sucking her lower lip into her mouth, Claire tried to figure out if he was trying to distract her, or mislead her. Looking at him, at the exposed musculature of his chest and arms, she found Shepherd sat with arrogance and authority, as if her regard were his due. Claire cocked her head, she tested. "If you were so eager for the remainder of our bargain, then why are we eating together?"
"Out of respect for my mate. I had fine food prepared and we are engaging in conversation, as you stated you desired … and as Dome culture dictates."
Claire understood at once, this was not just a shared meal, it was Shepherd's attempt at another courtship custom, like the foam flowers in her coffee. Pushing her hair behind her ear, her nervous blush deepened.
Shepherd exercised the softer expression he saved for the kill. Claire saw it, and knew at once her assessment was correct-Shepherd was, in his way, trying to woo her.
Unsure, she murmured, "This is to relax me."
"Yes."
"So I perform better for you?"
He gave her a long look that said yes, no, and a thousand other things. Unsmiling, his head just a tick to the side, Shepherd grunted, "You do not appreciate the effort?"
There was definitely a wrong answer, and that was the only one she wanted to blurt out. Biting her tongue, she looked at the shirtless man and said, "You are courting me."
"According to your customs, yes."
She was not sure what made her curious, but Claire had to ask, "Wouldn't they also be your courtship customs?"
The man seemed momentarily at a loss for an easy answer. "There was no concept of courtship in the Undercroft. Men just took what they wanted, violently."
She felt all too familiar anger, knowing that was exactly what he had done to her. "So that is the culture you choose to identify with?"
It seemed like such a simple question, but Shepherd took his time measuring his answer, as if tailoring it in his head first. "I choose to identify with military culture."
The corner of her lips curling, Claire took another bite, wondering how on earth the crazy man across the table existed.
Shepherd disliked her reaction. "You find my answer unsatisfactory."
Waving her fork, she stated blandly, "I find it unique. Very Shepherd-like."
"Explain."
Claire leaned forward and met his eyes with a harsh look in her own. "You have strong opinions on my cultures, have made several claims about our failings and vices … but you do not have a culture of your own. Considering the aspersions you cast, it seems your personal experience with real society is negligible."
The male straightened in his chair. "I have extensively studied Dome life for many years. I lived above ground and below. I watched, learned, followed, and remembered."
Either he was completely missing her point or he was redirecting her on purpose. "Have you participated in my society before you tried to ruin it? Only watching doesn't count. Your military culture, the culture you created for your Followers, is just Undercroft society tailored to meet your needs."
Shepherd warned, "We have our own traditions and an honorable philosophy, little one."
"That's right, a whole army of honorable monsters who probably roast humans on a spit for fun," Claire smart-mouthed.
The man answered with a very droll, "We only do that on high holidays."
Claire almost choked when she heard Shepherd actually make a joke. Coughing into her hand, chuckling despite herself, she found Shepherd very pleased with himself for rousing her amusement.
She could feel the wheels in his mind turning, understood he had tried to banter with her in the same manner he'd witnessed between her and Maryanne. It was very strange to watch the way Shepherd's mind processed and adapted; he was like a sponge that absorbed interaction but didn't quite know how to apply it. So he practiced, usually falling short. Except that time … that time had been perfect.
Taking another bite so she could hide her smirk, Claire asked, "Enlighten me, Shepherd. Where do Omegas fit into military culture?"
Shepherd began to consider. It seemed like such a human gesture, the way he sucked his plump lower lip into his mouth, so totally normal, Claire could not look away. A moment later, he offered, "Napoleon was an Omega."
Claire blinked, cocked her head, and argued. "No he wasn't."
Shepherd grinned, he leaned closer. "It is a well-documented fact, little one-a fact pointedly removed from the Dome's retained version of history. Unlike you, I am not afraid to read forbidden books."
If such a thing were true, then why was it considered dangerous to know? Claire did not believe him. "Are you telling me an Omega pillaged through Europe's monarchies and created an empire?"
Self-righteous to the core, Shepherd nodded. "That is exactly what I am telling you."
The idea he might be right, made Claire doubt herself. "Why would that knowledge be forbidden?"
"Because it did not fall into line with the Callas family's crafted society all those living under the Dome are slave to."
"Or maybe it was because that man was a megalomaniac and a monster. Napoleon was insane and not the best role model for Omegas." Even as Claire argued, she didn't support her own bad argument. It was obvious in her uncertain tone and disappointed expression.
"Napoleon's rule, even his ultimate defeat, led to enlightenment, art, and the emancipation of the slaves in Britain. Napoleon changed the world through his violent actions and commitment. He was a very clever tactician devoted to his cause," Shepherd explained, offering what he perceived as a compliment, "Would such an outcome not please you, little Napoleon?"
Her soft breath conveyed trepidation. "Is this where you try to convince me he was a good man despite all the terrible things he did? That you are a good man?"
"No."
Claire ran a hand through her hair, a nervous habit, and offered, "You could be a good man, Shepherd."
He leaned towards her, his expression soft and voice natural. "We are not so different in the absoluteness of our dedication to change the world for the better. You gave up your very sense of self to the mob, reprimanding the city with your flyer, exposing who you were, trying to inspire. I do what must be done because I am strong enough to do it, and I understand truly evil men in a way I pray you will never know. So you must grasp that I cannot be, in my duty, what you define as good-just as you could never safely live amongst Thólos society as Claire O'Donnell ever again. We both sacrificed our lives for the greater good."
She didn't know why she felt compelled to ask, but the question came before she could stop herself, "What was your reaction to my flyer?"
His entire expression darkened. "I was afraid for you, little one."
A cold chill, a creeping icy thing, scratched down Claire's spine. She was wise enough to grasp that for the Alpha, fear was something long ago conquered and not at all welcome. To know she'd inspired it was unnerving.
His grim honesty continued. "I desired very intensely to alleviate the pain displayed in your photograph. I was even impressed with how unfailingly brave you were to do such a thing, though I abhorred it."
Claire's attention went to her plate; she felt like weeping and didn't know why.
Her lack of words did not alter the undeniable tone in the thread. The connection was normalizing, vibrating, and creeping deeper. Before there might be any more courtship rituals, Claire stacked their cleared plates so she could get her duty over with.
"Did you enjoy our meal?"
She nodded, even thanked him politely, hearing his instant purr when Shepherd's eyes flashed at her praise. The feel of his hand on her arm, the long stroke of light fingers, stopped her movement. She watched, stunned, as the man lifted her hand to his lips and tenderly kissed.
Slightly hoarse, Claire admitted, "I am not entirely sure where I should begin."
He held her gaze, lightly flicked his tongue against her sensitive palm. "You could touch me."
The worst calamities that befall an army arise from hesitation. - Sun Tzu