Page 91 of Bonds of Pain
My jaw clenches hard enough to crack teeth. “Of course.”
“Even the beta?”
I hesitate before responding. Revealing anything about Cillian feels dangerous, and not just because the bond creates a protective instinct.
So, I pump myself up with as much hot air as I can manage and channel every impression I’ve ever seen of a haughty royal.
“Is this how you intend to spend your hour?” I ask disdainfully. “I have to remind you that it isn’t only your time being wasted.”
“Of course, I would hate to keep you from more important duties.” He gestures for me to proceed him deeper into the harem. His voice lowers as I pass. “I am surprised by your manner, though. Where is that delicious fear I sensed at our last meeting? You seemed quite terrified of me then. I hope this doesn’t mean I’m losing my touch.”
The implied threat is impossible to mistake. “I remember all your tricks, doctor. There are worst things to fear than pain.”
His smile widens, revealing teeth too perfect and too sharp. “We’ll just have to see about that, won’t we?”
Thane seems less interested in interviewing the women of the harem than he is in wasting my time.
I follow him through the winding corridors, maintaining a careful distance behind him that he shortens by slowing down whenever he notices me falling behind. The tour feels pointless—he barely speaks to the Omegas we pass, instead studying the layout with clinical precision, noting security features and exits. His attention to these details sends chills down my spine.
The harem betas we encounter cast sidelong glances my way. Some bow deeply with a murmured “Lady Maya,” while others watch with undisguised suspicion. Their reactions make my isolation even more palpable—I’m neither one of them nor truly royal, just an unknown and unwanted presence in their sanctuary.
I’m slowly coming to the realization that I really don’t belong anywhere anymore.
“The facilities are quite impressive,” Thane remarks, running his fingers along a marble countertop in one of the common areas. “State of the art security. Comfortable accommodations. A beautifully gilded cage, though a cage nonetheless.”
“I wouldn’t know,” I reply stiffly. “I don’t live here anymore.”
“No, you have a more...exclusive arrangement.” His smile makes my skin crawl. “How fortunate for you that designation dictates destiny.”
I don’t like the thrum of foreboding I feel, as if he is trying to say something without actually saying it. If palace politics are like a game of chess, Thane is playing a gambit that I can’t even name, much less learn how to counter it.
When we finally return to the entrance hall, Poe is waiting, his posture rigid with barely contained fury. His eyes flick between Thane and me, searching for signs of distress.
“Your time is up,” Poe states flatly.
Thane checks his communit for the time with exaggerated care. “I believe we still have seven minutes remaining.”
“I said your time is up.” Poe steps forward, positioning himself between us. “Maya’s services will no longer be required for your investigation. Not today, not tomorrow. Not ever. Regardless of what promises the king may have made.”
Rather than appearing offended, Thane seems amused. “Such devotion. One might almost think this is more than a political arrangement. I suppose love can bloom even in the most unlikely of places.”
“What I feel is none of your concern,” Poe replies coldly. “Maya belongs to Pack Logan, and we protect what’s ours.”
“Of course you do.” Thane bows slightly in my direction. “I’m sure our paths will cross again soon.”
As he walks away, my shoulders sag with relief. Poe notices but doesn’t comment, simply gesturing toward the door.
“Let’s go.”
I start walking toward the apartment, but Poe catches my arm.
“Not that way. You have another coalition meeting.”
“What? Now?” The thought of facing more aristocratic Omegas after this ordeal makes my stomach turn.
“We deliberately scheduled it to overlap, so Thane couldn’t keep you any longer than necessary.” Poe’s expression softens. “Did you forget? We can cancel if you need some time, though we’ll probably hear about it later from Logan.” Then, as he continues to study my face, his eyes narrow. “Did something happen with the Inquisitor? I’m more than happy to hurt him for you.”
Just knowing that he’d been willing to do that helps a bit.
