Page 32 of Primal Bond

The resolve that fueled him, the fire of revenge and defiance, flickered and waned. He was no longer Finn, the rebellious slavewith a plan. He was just a broken boy, a tool for Borraq pleasure. The darkness of that realization wrapped around him like a shroud—

His thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the gentle weight of a hand on his head. He flinched, expecting a blow.

But the touch didn’t hurt. It was light, gentle.

He blinked, coming back to the present, the dimly lit club materializing around him again.

Zanik’s hand stayed there, resting gently on his tousled hair. The Borraq’s fingers moved slowly, carefully, stroking him in a way that was almost soothing.

Finn's breath hitched again, but this time it was from surprise. He glanced up, automatically seeking Zanik's gaze, but the Borraq was focused on Yaren, who continued to prattle on about training methods.

Zanik had noticed Finn's mental state slipping. He was there for Finn.

Finn focused on the feel of Zanik’s fingers, the slow, rhythmic movement as they stroked his hair. Each pass seemed to draw him further away from the dark memories, pulling him back to the present, back to the mission. Finn’s breathing started to even out, the frantic edge dulling as he anchored himself in the sensation.

It’s okay,he told himself with each stroke.You’re here, not there. You’re with Zanik, not Urlek. You’re safe… for now.

He took a slow, deliberate breath, then another. The panic that had threatened to consume him began to recede, replaced by a tentative calm. He could still hear Yaren’s voice, still feel the oppressive atmosphere of the club, but they seemed less overwhelming now. Zanik’s touch was like a lifeline, steady and reassuring.

He couldn't afford to fall apart now. He had to stay focused, had to keep his wits about him. And somehow, with Zanik’shand still resting on his head, it felt possible. The Borraq’s silent support gave him strength, a strange and unexpected source of comfort.

I can do this,Finn thought,Ihaveto do this. For myself, and for every other human trapped in this hell.

Zanik’s hand left Finn’s head, and the sudden absence of warmth made him shiver. Zanik stood abruptly, the movement catching both Yaren and Finn off guard.

“You’re leaving already?” Yaren’s voice was tinged with genuine surprise. His eyes narrowed. “Is something wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong,” Zanik replied smoothly, his tone dismissive. “I’m a busy man, Yaren. I have business to attend to. I’ll be back another day.”

Shit.Finn’s heart sank. He understood immediately.

Zanik was cutting their visit short because of him. Because he’d seen the fear in Finn’s eyes, felt the tremor in his frame.

Finn’s jaw clenched in frustration, anger bubbling up at his own weakness. He wanted to stay, to push through, to catch even a glimpse of Rivek. What if they left now, only to miss Rivek by minutes?

But how could he communicate that to Zanik without breaking their cover?

Yaren’s sharp eyes flicked between them. “Well, I suppose I’ll see you around then, Zanik,” he said, his voice carrying a note of doubt.

Finn’s stomach churned. He forced himself to keep his gaze lowered, playing the part of the obedient slave, but inside he was screaming.

Zanik’s grip on his leash tightened, guiding him away from the table. Each step felt like a failure, the opportunity slipping through his fingers. They moved through the club, the oppressive atmosphere pressing down on him.

Once they were outside, the cool recirculated air hit his face, a stark contrast to the heat and stuffiness of the club.

But it didn’t bring any relief. Finn’s anger at himself only grew. He felt like he’d failed, like his body’s instinctive fear had ruined their chance.

Zanik walked briskly, not looking at him. Finn’s thoughts churned, frustration mixing with the remnants of fear. He wanted to dig his heels in, to insist that he was fine, to get back to the club to find an angle.

But he couldn’t. Here, he was just a slave — and slaves didn’t get to speak.

When they reached the ship, Zanik finally turned to him, his icy gaze piercing. “Inside,” he ordered, his voice brooking no argument.

Chapter fifteen

As soon as they stepped inside the shuttle, Finn spun around to face Zanik. “Why did you pull us out so early?” he snapped, voice shaking with pent-up frustration. “I could have stayed. You didn’t have to make that call.”

“You were losing it, Finn," Zanik growled. "Breathing fast, trembling. I wasn’t going to let you fall apart.”

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