Page 27 of Broken Bonds

Link’s auburn hair is slightly longer than Lake’s, flipping over his forehead in an almost boyish way, giving way to a bit of curl. There are also natural highlights throughout, meaning he’s spent a considerable amount of time in the sun. Lake’s lashes were fuller, while Link’s are darker and longer, brushing the tops of his cheeks when he blinks. Link is also not quite as muscular as Lake, but still just as tall as him. Lake spent a lot of time in the gym with Van or going on runs along the trails out back.

I always thought maybe he was running from something, but never asked.

I think it’s obvious now that if he was running from something, it was clearly the memory of his brother.

The most noticeable difference to me now that I’m paying attention, however, is Link’s scent.

He smells like peppermint. Cool and minty, vibrant. Lake’s scent was cinnamon and icing, like a warm, gooey cinnamon roll.

Everything else about Link is Lake.

Eyes. Nose. Cheekbones. Height.

The intensity of Link’s gaze is practically piercing my soul, and his deep concern for me is almost tangible, his eyes roaming my body like he’s searching for injuries. It’s surprisingly pleasant, although I don’t allow myself to linger on that thought for long.

I close my eyes, exhaling in disappointment.

“Not a dream,” I mutter.

“Afraid not,” Link replies when I glance back up at him as he clears his throat.

Another heavy sigh.

“So, I see. Well, I’m Ramsey, which I’m guessing you already knew. I’ve been bonded to Lake for ten years.” I pause. “Was. Was bonded for ten years,” I choke out, my hand coming up to rub at my throat.

The other two alphas in the room shuffle in their seats, continuously shifting like they can’t sit still. Their hands are clenched on their legs, and I realize it’s likely killing them not to comfort me when I’m giving off such intense waves of grief and despondency. I’d imagine their alpha instincts are urging them to wrap the vulnerable omega up tight in their arms and soothe her.

Thank the gods they hold back. I’m not sure how I’d react to random alphas touching me, much less holding me. If I liked it or found comfort in it, it would break me even more. Or I could go absolutely feral because these aren’t my alpha’s scents. It’s just best they hold themselves back and let me deal with my own shit.

I do recognize the effort they’re putting in and appreciate it, however.

“That’s Rion.” Link points to the alpha with the scar the dark chocolate scent. “And across from you is Forde.”

Aged whiskey. The one with the unnerving violet eyes and shocking white hair that I find fascinating.

They both offer me tentative hellos and kind smiles to which I nod at, unable to look away from Link now that I’ve somewhat gotten over the initial shock of everything. It hurts to see him, but also a part of me wants to pretend, just for now, that he’s my sweet, caring alpha.

“I’m sorry for showing up with no warning. I just thought you deserved the chance to get the shock out of the way before there are a bunch of people watching on.” Link sighs, running his fingers through his auburn strands and tugging. “I can’t explain why he never told you about me. Hell, I don’t even really know why he left. I’ve been looking for him for years. Can’t believe he was so close and I never found him,” he growls out in frustration.

I blow out a breath, rubbing my hand against my forehead.

“Lake didn’t talk about his life before he and Van showed up at AOA. Neither of them did. They came in late. I had already started relationships with Ollie and Rule by the time those two showed up, and we all just… gravitated together easily. I always kind of gathered things hadn’t been easy for them before they were enrolled, and they made sure never to talk about any of it around me. Look, I don’t know why he didn’t tell me about you either. Or any of us. Of course, I’m sure he didn’t think he’d die before he was even thirty, but life’s funny like that.”

I can almost feel the sarcasm dripping off my words. When I lift my gaze, I notice all three alphas sitting there with uneasy expressions, and I let out a long breath.

“Sorry. It’s been… a really hard week and I’m not exactly the best person for company right now.” My eyes dart to Link’s but I quickly tear them away when I feel myself starting to hyperventilate.

“You’re right in that it was a good idea to come introduce yourself before the funeral, Link. Your face is one I didn’t think I’d ever see again, other than in pictures and memories.” I squeeze my eyes tight, and feel Jilly wrap her arms around my shoulders, pulling me into her.

“I appreciate you thinking about how I’d feel about it. Clearly, had I known about you, I wouldn’t have fainted at seeing you.” I attempt to give him a wry grin, but I think it ends up being more of a grimace. “I think he’d be relieved you’re here.”

I don’t know why, but I really think if Link had found us just a little sooner, I’d have gotten to see my alpha let go of whatever he’s been holding onto all these years.

“We came straight up here when I got the call. The lawyer said it was best I waited to give you time before putting you through more, but… the funeral is only a few days away now.” I catch him shuddering from my peripheral when he says ‘funeral’, and want to respond with ‘same, buddy’, but I don’t.

It gets quiet after the reminder that in just a few days my guys will be underground, side by side.

I’m tired again.

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