Page 80 of Bonds of Pain
The memory of metal tables and restraints flashes through my mind. The scent of antiseptic and fear. His voice, clinical and detached as he cataloged my responses to pain.
I’m frozen, unable to speak or move. Waiting for the inevitable torment that comes with the sound of his voice.
Cillian surprises me by stepping slightly in front of me, his body language remains casual, but the positioning is deliberate. Through our bond, I feel his confusion at my reaction, but also the immediate protective response that he can’t help but feel.
The urge to huddle behind him for protection is both deeply confusing and impossible to ignore.
“Dr. Thane,” Cillian says smoothly, “I didn’t realize you were attending tonight. I thought you’d be busy with your investigation.”
“The king seemed particularly desirous of my presence here tonight. One must make time for social obligations.” Thane’s smile doesn’t reach his eyes. “Speaking of which, I find myself in need of an escort for tomorrow’s interviews in the harem. Several new Omegas had arrived from the provinces immediately prior to the attack on the palace, and I’m conducting routine questioning.”
Cillian raises a pale eyebrow, looking very much like the haughty second-hand to a prince. “I was under the impression you were tasked with investigating Ander’s murder. What does that have to do with the palace attack?”
“Answering that question is precisely the purpose of my investigation,” Thane smoothly replies. “I understand that Lady Maya might be of assistance, as she has spent considerable time both inside and outside the harem. Her…perspective would be invaluable.”
“I’m afraid Maya has prior commitments tomorrow,” Cillian says firmly, despite having no way of knowing why I’m a trembling mess behind him. “Perhaps one of the other royal Omegas could help you instead.”
“My use of Maya has already been personally approved by the king. He was the one who mentioned her by name when I requested an escort.” Thane’s voice hardens slightly beneath its thin veneer of civility. “His Majesty agrees that the futurequeen should take an interest in palace affairs, especially those concerning Omegas.”
My mouth goes dry. The king himself approved this? I want to scream, to tell Cillian exactly who and what this man is, but the words stick in my throat. If I expose Thane now, he could reveal what he did to me—and worse, what I did to escape.
“Prince Logan has ultimate authority over his Omega. I assure you that I speak with his full authority when I tell you that Maya’s schedule is not up for debate.”
A gleam of interest flashes in Thane’s eyes. “Do you now? Speak with his authority? How interesting.”
The doctor’s attention shifts fully to Cillian, his clinical gaze narrowing with interest. His nostrils flare slightly as he gives the other man a lingering appraisal.
“Perhaps you would be available instead, Cillian?” Thane’s voice drops to a silky tone that makes my skin crawl. “I’m aware you’ve spent considerable time in the harem in the past.”
My heart pounds against my ribs. The way he’s looking at Cillian—like a specimen under glass—is exactly how he looked at me strapped to his examination table.
“Multiple Omegas have commented on the comfort they feel in your presence,” Thane continues, his head tilting slightly. “I find that...interesting.”
I feel Cillian stiffen beside me. Through our bond, a flash of confusion mingles with the sharp fear he must feel from me through the bond.
Thane knows. Somehow, he knows Cillian is an Omega.
My mind races through the possibilities. If Thane exposes Cillian’s true designation, everything falls apart. Logan would be revealed as mated to a male Omega, breaking taboos that even royal privilege can’t overcome. The king would never name him heir. And Cillian—what would happen to him?
“I’ll go.” The words leave my mouth before I can reconsider. Cillian’s head whips toward me, eyes wide with alarm, but I force myself to soldier on before I have a chance to come to my senses. “I’d be happy to escort Dr. Thane tomorrow.” I force a smile that feels like broken glass on my lips. “As the future queen, I should take an interest in the harem. After all, I have a vested interest in the other Omegas here.”
Thane’s smile doesn’t reach his eyes. “How generous of you, Lady Maya. I look forward to our time together.”
Cillian clears his throat, clearly trying to figure out how best to respond to the disconnect between my words and whatever it is he feels through the bond. Through our bond, I feel his confusion and concern. He doesn’t understand why I’d volunteer to spend time with a man who clearly unsettles me. “You don’t have to do this.”
“I know the harem better than you do,” I lie smoothly. “And I’m sure the Omegas there would feel more comfortable speaking with another Omega present.”
What I don’t say is: I won’t let him expose you. I won’t let him hurt you the way he hurt me.
Even if it’s exactly what I’m thinking.
Thane watches our exchange with the detached interest of a scientist observing lab rats. “Shall we say nine o’clock tomorrow morning, then?”
“I’ll be there,” I promise, my voice steadier than I feel.
As Thane walks away, Cillian pulls me into an alcove, his face tight with concern. “What are you doing?” he demands. “You were terrified of him a minute ago. I could feel it through our bond.”
“I just don’t like doctors,” I say dismissively. “Bad experiences at the Enclave.”
