Page 6 of Leader

As soon as my eyes fall on the cookies, my stomach lets out an embarrassing growl and I waste no time digging in. Until now, I hadn’t even realized how hungry I am, but now that there’s something edible in front of me, there’s no denying or ignoring my hunger.

Before I’ve even emptied my glass of water, Abel refills it, and I gratefully smile at him, all the while demolishing the fifth cookie. These really are good. They taste like… I shake my head to gather my thoughts as it once again becomes clear I’m getting lost in my head.

“Abel!” His name comes out as a hiss, and I’m annoyed because it feels like I’m being played. “Gus said someone drugged us. Who did that? And why aren’t you or your guards answering his questions? Where is Nikolaos? And what about Kai and Liam? Are they okay?” I keep hurling one question after the other at him as though he’s the Oracle. The more I speak, the angrier I feel.

My cousin squeezes my hand, reminding me he’s still holding it. While I allow the gesture to calm me down, I don’t let it derail me from my burning need for answers.

“I want answers,” I state, looking straight at Abel, who’s looking equal parts entertained and burdened.

He steeples his hands in front of him and says, “Very well.” Without blinking once. “Please keep in mind that I don’t have all the answers. I would also ask that you remain patient, because we have a lot to discuss.” The ominous undertone in his voice sends a shiver down my spine, and I shudder.

Gus makes a low, throaty sound that’s probably meant to show he’s listening. Feeling as though I need to be specific, I nod and say, “We’re listening.”

“Liam is upstairs, and Kairos is being cared for by his physician. Since I wasn’t at the Claiming, I don’t know exactly what went on. However, it’s clear you’ve all been drugged, but not by the same thing. Yours…” Abel pauses and looks at Gus for the first time. “Is similar to what Liam is going through. I haven’t had time to treat him, but I got a sample of his blood. While you’ve been out, I’ve run tests on all of your blood, and created a report.”

Before I can think better of it, I snarl, “What do you mean you haven’t had time to treat Liam? Go do it now.”

Shaking his head, our doctor carries on. “I have my orders, Acacia. As the acting Leader, Nikolaos was in charge, and his orders were simple. Keep Alexander away and take care of the two of you. Don’t make me break my vow.” The last part is so low I wonder if I imagined it.

I open my mouth to argue that Liam should be top priority, but much to my internal annoyance I let it go. Abel is right, I shouldn’t make him break his vow. “Can I at least see him?” I ask on a choked breath, my emotions leaking through.

Gesturing at the laptop on the table, Abel says, “You can watch him through the security monitors. But for now, I have to insist you stay down here. Alexander is staying close by, and—”

My breath comes out on a hiss as he says my dad’s name again, making me question whether I really saw him at the Claiming. “My dad is here?” I ask, feeling confused as my mind scrambles to make sense of it all.

“He is,” Abel confirms. “You both know that Nikolaos was a meticulous planner. He likes to guess at outcomes, and be prepared for anything that could happen. My last orders from him were clear, and that’s why we have extra security down here. Alexander won’t get to you while you’re under my care.”

A smile tugs at my lips as Abel describes the Ruthless to a T. He does love to plan, especially for the impossible. When I first became his Protégé, it seemed like a waste, but now I feel like I can truly appreciate his efforts.

When the doctor’s gaze falls on Gus, my cousin shifts like he’s uncomfortable. “Is my dad okay?” he asks, and I squeeze his hand. Of course Nikolaos is okay.

“I’m afraid not.” Abel’s curt and impassive reply barely registers before Gus is out of his chair, and my hand is kind of hanging awkwardly in the air.

Ice forms in the pit of my stomach as I think back on Abel’s words… he saidwas… Nikolaoswasa meticulous planner.

Before I can even think to react, Gus leaps across the desk and grabs Abel by the neck. My mouth is ajar as I watch my cousin throw the older man against the wall, and roar, “Tell me that my dad is fucking okay.” His voice cracks on the last part, making tears gather in my eyes.

My heart is breaking as my mind slowly pieces it all together.

We were drugged…

He said was…

He mentioned Alexander, who used to be the Drákon Leader…

The guards and Abel won’t answer Gus…

He said was… past tense…

“No!” I fall out of my chair, grasping my hair by the roots as an inhuman wail comes out. “Abel!” With tears streaming down my face, I cry his name as though he has the power to change the events by taking his words back.

“Tell me my dad is okay,” Gus thunders again, his voice a mix of menace and sorrow.

Abel makes a strangled sound, and I look up from the floor to see his face turning redder by the second. I should care, I know I should. So why don’t I? Why can’t I feel anything?

All I feel is an overwhelming sense of loss and earth-shattering grief, much worse than when my parents died. Naively, I thought that was the worst kind of pain, but this… this is…

“Let him go!” I demand, my voice quavering. When Gus doesn’t immediately let go of Abel, I scream his name and throw water at his back.

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