Page 43 of Upon Shattered Bonds

“Both.”

“Could this be why they’re targeting you?”

Her blue eyes turned glacial, but this time, she held her tongue. When she reached forward to take the washcloth from him, he sighed and crouched forward once more. He gently began to clean what was left of the blood on her skin, thinking about what she’d admitted—and had left unsaid.

Zeke had a choice to make. He could keep pushing for the truth, damaging what small affection had developed between them, or he could let it go.

In the end, he realized it didn’t matter. “I’m not your keeper, Nina. You don’t answer to me. You don’t owe me an explanation. I’m here to support you.” His features pinched. “But take it from someone who knows: keeping secrets is bound to destroy you.”

“They already destroyed me, Zeke,” Nina’s voice wavered, and strong emotion pitched through their mating bond. “Now I’m just cleaning up the mess.”

Zeke stilled.

Despair thickened the bond between them, an ache that grew as the moments passed. When he glanced at her, he saw a single tear roll down her face and he caved.

Tossing the washcloth aside, he folded her into his arms. She collapsed against his chest, nestled against him with no trace of anger or anxiety for where she now found herself.

Each soundless sob gutted him, the slight tremors of her body making him reel. She wouldn’t trust him with what she was tied up in, and while it stung, he was her mate. He’d stay by her side and support her, as he’d promised. As he should.

He would love her, even if she didn’t love him in return.

Chapter Nineteen

Details of the assassination attempt on Nina were a secret, but she was too prominent in the immortal world for her situation to remain unknown for long. It was clear now that whoever was behind the attack had also put the word out, letting potential challengers know that she was in a weakened state.

It was time to officially reach out to allies.

The members of her Raeth clan had been informed, as well as Zeke’s lieutenants. Her fledglings, whom Drake still had to reassure on an hourly basis, were still desperate to return to her. Whilst Nina spoke with the vampires she sired over the phone, Zeke began to organize a meeting of the Quint Treaty- the five most powerful Raeth sovereigns in the world.

He began by sending a mental ping to Nero. As Nina’s friend and confidant, Nero would be an easy win—and would side with her regardless of the situation.

After several minutes, the Hawaiian sovereign responded. Zeke. To what do I owe this pleasure?

We need to meet as soon as you’re available. Considering that Zeke and Nero weren’t social acquaintances, the other man would understand he was calling a meeting of the Treaty sovereigns.

Nero’s telepathic voice lost its cheerfulness. Of course. Where?

We can’t stray far from Lexington, but it’s not safe here.

You’re still in Lexington? The other sovereign asked, a hint of surprise coloring his voice. Is Nina okay?

Zeke avoided the question, merely stating, She’s with me.

A beat of silence. I have a home in Indianapolis. We can meet there.

After sending Zeke the telepathic coordinates of his home, Nero signed off. A short conversation with Isaiah and Caius followed, neither putting up resistance or questioning his request to meet.

Once the pieces were set in play, Zeke refocused on the space around him. Kaien, ever the dutiful healer, had begun pulsing curative energy into Nina’s heart once more. With each wave of power, he could sense the mirrored depletion of Kaien’s reservoir. For half a moment, Zeke contemplated calling Hemin, but Kaien grunted and sat back before he could ask.

The healer shook his head. “Damn merjha wounds. Healing them is like sealing a leaking dam. They just never seen to be one hundred percent better.”

“Thank you, brother,” Nina said with a mournful smile. “I know you’re doing your best.”

Kaien’s deep brown eyes jumped to hers, a line forming between his eyebrows. A million thoughts lingered on his face, but he said nothing in reply. Refocusing on her wound, the pulse of his healing power tingled in an undercurrent of air.

That’s when Nina’s attention shifted to Aidan. “I have a request of you.”

“What do you need?”

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