My lips parted.
Fuck. Love?
I didn’t know if I was aware of what it felt like to love someone who wasn’t family. Lowe was the only person on the planet I’d openly claimed I loved. Not even my mother made the cut—why would I love a manipulative bitch?
In the rapid chaos of the days since I’d met Kiara, I’d barely had a chance to settle into my bond with her. Let alone consider what else it could mean to have this warm sensation in my chest.
“I bonded her, didn’t I?” It was a non-answer. Marlowe knew that. He would also let me off with it, because it wasn’t in his nature to push.
“You did,” he confirmed with a laugh. “Is a bond with the Loranger pack next?”
Why did I like my little brother, again?
“I called to tell you that I’m safe, not arrested, and don’t need you to call in reinforcements from any of your old high society friends. I’ve really got to go now, though.”
He let out a small giggle this time. After this many years, he was used to my avoidance tactics, and this was one of them. “Well, thanks for checking in. Keep me updated on whether you can make our coffee date this month.”
Our monthly cafe meetup was the highlight of my month, but I might have to skip it for the sake of keeping Kiara safe, this time around. I had a couple weeks before we were set to have it, though. Everything may have blown up by then.
“Will do. Love you, Lowe.”
“Love you. Stay safe, OK?”
Throat tight, I choked out a quick affirmation before hanging up. “Of course.”
Of course I would try. That didn’t mean it would work out in my favour.
* * *
For the next task, I sat my omega down with a plate of food at the kitchen island. I had a breakfast nook and dining table, but something about piling us all into the kitchen felt more… homey.
And less formal, which was better for a potentially tense conversation like this.
Kiara watched me as she pushed bites of mashed potatoes past her lips, sipping her smoothie. Ambrose was holding an ice pack against her neck, the bruises hurting her less than they had the previous day. He was caring for her almost more than I was—I saw his guilt every time he focused on her neck.
“My mother is blackmailing me,” I said, leaning against the counter and starting with the most imperative facts first.
Mercury was unsurprised after our conversation last night.
Ambrose frowned. “That’s not who you told me was blackmailing you.”
I shrugged helplessly. “I’m also being blackmailed by Soren Rosania.”
This time Mercury’s eyes widened, and he whipped out his phone. Dash was here too, but he didn’t care about the discussion from what I could see. His fingers were tapping the keys of his laptop. I hoped he hadn’t gone down another rabbit hole. Ireallyhoped he hadn’t hired someone to beat up the guy who turned me in to the cops.
“Soren’s blackmailing you?” Kiara asked, fork frozen halfway to her mouth. “But… he helped me. He sent me to you.”
“He did that because I have no choice but to do what he says. He knew who you were the whole time, and when I tried to get rid of you he said that I couldn’t.”
“What does he have on you?” Kiara demanded.
Her body was trembling. Fierce protectiveness and anger projected through the bond. I locked eyes with Ambrose over her shoulder, and he stepped forward and started up a purr for her.
It calmed her fury just enough that we could have a reasonable conversation.
“It’s not my secret to tell, but it would ruin multiple lives if it got out. My mother and Soren have the same piece of information—but my mother has a tiny bit more that would make the consequences infinitely more horrible.”
“If Soren wanted you to keep me here, what does your mother want?” Kiara asked.
