Page 177 of Unhinged Omega

Wraith's head snaps toward him, surprise evident enough in his low growl even though he isn't capable of much expression. I stare at my brother as well, trying to process what he's just told me.

The airfield. Nikolai Vlakov.

After all this time hunting, the answer comes so easily?

Tooeasily.

"Why tell me this now?" I demand, my voice harsh with suspicion.

"His boyfriend gave him the puppy eyes," Valek drawls, cleaning blood from his knife with casual disinterest. His silver eyes glitter with malicious amusement. "Incredible how much control you can exert over an alpha whose cock you?—"

I cut him off with a sharp snarl. "I donotwant to hear that."

Whiskey's deep laugh rolls across the water. "What's wrong, bro? Can't handle knowing your baby brother's getting his?—"

"Finish that sentence and I will throw you overboard," my brother snaps at him, but there's no real anger in his voice. If anything, he sounds vaguely irritated at the most.

"I don't have time for this," I growl. "If you're lying…"

"I'm not, brother."

I study him for a long moment, searching for any sign of deception. But all I see is that same careful mask he's always worn. The one that hides everything that matters.

"Very well." I turn away, already stalking toward the wheelhouse where the sniveling fisherman is hiding again.

My brother's voice cuts through the wind again. "Azarel."

I pause at the wheelhouse door, not turning.

"Be careful," he adds quietly.

Something unspoken hangs between us. Years of shared blood and betrayal. A chasm too wide to cross with mere words.

I glance over my shoulder. For a moment, my brother looks like he wants to say more. His pale blue eyes hold mine, searching. But whatever he sees there makes him look away first.

"You always were terrible at goodbyes," I say.

"Come on, Plague." Whiskey's voice breaks the tension as he drapes an arm around my brother's shoulders. "The sun's almost up and he's gotta go get his girl." He flashes me that insufferable grin. "Try not to die, asshole. Family reunions are so much more fun when everyone's breathing."

I turn away without responding, shoving the fisherman toward the wheel. Behind me, I hear Valek's laughter fading and Wraith growling in response as their boats pull away into the darkness.

The sun bleeds red across the horizon as we cut through the waves.

Soon, Cosima.

Soon, you'll be safe in my arms again.

And may the goddess help anyone who stands in my way.

Chapter

Forty-Four

COSIMA

Iwatch the door close behind Geo with a confusing mixture of relief and fresh wariness. His one-eyed stare had been intense, searching, like he was trying to solve a puzzle. I'm not sure I like the idea of being anyone's puzzle, especially not a dangerous alpha who clearly runs this place like his personal kingdom.

But at least he's agreed to help.

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