Page 163 of Tempest of Wrath and Vengeance

But what if it was an heir’s child?

That was all Axel could think about as he listened to Bree, Julius, and Mansel continue to discuss the Villas. When it was discovered that Kat’s child was an Arius Legacy crossed with a fire Fae, she and the child would be killed. If it was after he was born…

The mere thought of what could happen had him swallow the bile trying to crawl up his throat. He’d been in such a panic to protect Katya, he hadn’t weighed all this. It wasn’t Theon’s job to protect her and their child. It was his. He should have brought her with him. But then who would protect her fromhim?

“And once you turn completely, you will pledge loyalty to the house, correct, Axel?” Bree was saying, drawing him back to the conversation.

“What was that?” Axel asked.

Her smile was pointed. “I assume by coming back here, you have agreed to pledge loyalty to my clan, yes?”

“As I said before, I think I need to take things a little at a time with this while I adjust.”

Her features darkened. “I found her for you, Axel. My only request was repayment of that favor.”

“You did find her, but?—”

“I’m surprised he is not more distraught,” Julius cut in, those icy eyes studying him. “Over her death,” he added. “The way you acted that day in the dungeons, one would have thought you’d be beside yourself with her death on your hands.”

“Hush, Julius,” Bree chided. “He is moving forward, not looking back. It is better she is gone. It would have distracted us all from our goals, and that would have had to be taken care of.”

All the pieces clicked into place at those words. She had let him go. Had unlocked his door and let him go find her, assuming he would be so overcome with bloodlust and mania that he would kill her. He likely would have if Theon and Tristyn hadn’t been there, but they all assumed she was dead.

What iftheylearned of the child?

Your job in this is to keep her safe and protected when she is vulnerable.

Cienna had known even then. Had tried to tell him. Katya would not be safe anywhere. Neither was their child, but they had a chance if he was with them. No one would fight for them like he would. Sacrifice for them. Bleed for them. Kill for them.

Because they were his to have.

His to protect.

His to love.

He didn’t need a fucking bond to choose them.

30

EVIANA

This was the most comfortable bed she’d ever lain on. Probably because she wasn’t being forced to share it with someone. It was small, only big enough for one, and that was what made it so comfortable. No groping hands. Fully clothed. No dicks. Or cunts, for that matter. Just this bed and solitude.

Eviana had been in this room for weeks now, but there was a window that let in sunlight. She was given three meals a day. Clothing that actually covered her. What would Valter think if he saw her in these loose sweatpants and an oversized sweater that went up to her chin? No cleavage or defined ass to stare at? The horror.

She smiled to herself at the thought. No, she quite liked these arrangements. Her own space with her own bed. She didn’t even mind the bands on her wrists that kept her from her magic. No expectations or demands of her time, her attention, her body. Just blissful silence.

Except for the incessant yammering of Valter down their Source bond.

Sighing, she rolled over onto her stomach as she listened to him curse Tessalyn for the tenth time in the last hour.

Do they still have you in shackles?She keeps telling me you are being taken care of,he asked down the bond.

Eviana looked down at the bands. She wouldn’t call them shackles, but she’d learned long ago to let the male live with his delusions. Being sweet and accommodating made him let his guard down.

Yes, my Lord,she answered, kicking her feet up and stretching her arms.They tell me nothing.

It wasn’t a lie. No one ever spoke to her. A Legacy delivered her meals without a word. The room wasn’t a prison cell, but it certainly wasn’t a luxurious suite either.

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