Page 120 of The Bond That Burns

“Yet she didn’t,” Viktor said, rising and rounding the desk. “You handled it, as I knew you would. That’s what you’re here for, isn’t it, Nephew?” His hand shot out suddenly, grabbing me by the throat. “Or have you forgotten what your purpose is when it comes to this family?”

I didn’t struggle. I didn’t claw at his hand. I knew it would be useless.

There would be a reckoning one day. Maybe even sooner than we both expected. But this was not that day.

Finally, he dropped me. I gasped for air. “She’s not just some pawn for you to move around the board. She’s my sister.”

Viktor’s hand lashed out again, faster than I could react. I staggered back a step, my jaw blazing with pain, but I refused to give him more of a reaction than that. I knew I’d have marks around my throat, another across my face. But I’d grown used to hiding all the bruises. The tattoos helped with that. So did using combat class as an excuse. What was another bruise or two, after all? I hardly felt them anymore.

“Aenia is whatever I decide she is,” my uncle snarled. “She exists because I allow it.Youexist because I allow it. You will remember your place.”

I swallowed, everything in my body aching to attack him, to put him down like the old monster deserved. But I was fairly certain Viktor was the most powerful highblood alive. How else had he managed to accrue all this power?

So I forced myself to stay quiet. I’d done what I’d come here to do—shown him he was jeopardizing my loyalty every time he treated Aenia like she was nothing.

For now, he needed me. Though most of the time, I wasn’t quite sure why exactly.

I straightened. “Pendragon’s leaving House Drakharrow. But then, I suppose you already knew that.”

Viktor raised a brow. “What of it?”

“What possible reason could you have for letting House Avari take her?” I snapped.

“What does it matter? Allowing her to transfer houses was a calculated decision. The girl is still yours. She’s still bound to you, isn’t she? Still yours to feed from. But placing her with the Avari calms certain tensions among the Tribunal. Now wehave more room to manipulate the situation while appearing cooperative to the other great houses.” He eyed me coldly. “Not to mention it frees you up to focus on what truly matters. You’ve grown too attached to the rider. Allowing you to cast aside the Pansera girl was a mistake. I see that now.”

“It was my mistake to make,” I risked saying. “Regan and I weren’t suited. I won’t take her back, if that’s what you’re about to say.”

Viktor waved a hand. “I’ve indulged you too much. She was perfect for you. Strong, loyal. Of excellent blood. A perfect highblood woman. The truth is, you’ve embarrassed yourself. This infatuation with the rider—it’s weak, undignified. You’ve made a fool of yourself.”

I felt my pulse quicken. “I’m not infatuated with her.”

Viktor’s lips curled. “Excellent. Don’t grow too attached.”

“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?” I demanded.

“As for Miss Pansera,” he continued, ignoring me. “She has other options. I’ve initiated negotiations with her father. We need the Panseras to remain our allies. You offended them greatly with your dismissal. But all will work out in the end. I’ve been alone for far too long.”

My jaw dropped. “Wait. What? You’re... planning to take Regan as a consort?”

“I am,” Viktor said, as smoothly as if we were discussing the weather. “She’ll breed well. I’ve long admired the girl’s tenacity. She’ll be an asset to our house. Whether she’s on your arm or mine.” He glanced at me and narrowed his eyes. For a moment,I thought I glimpsed something I’d never seen there before. Jealousy. But in an instant, it was gone.

“I... I hope you’ll be happy,” I forced myself to say.

The thought of my uncle breeding with Regan–or any woman, for that matter–made me want to vomit. I wondered what Regan thought of all of this. Then I remembered the powerful man she’d alluded to. She’d gain more power being with Viktor than she ever would have from being with me. In the end, that was probably all someone like Regan really wanted.

Abruptly, I realized Viktor was looking me over with unusual scrutiny.

“You look tense, Blake,” Viktor said, his voice deceptively soft, like a snake about to strike. “Have you been feeling unwell? Any...changes I should be aware of? Sudden illnesses?”

“Illnesses?” I frowned. “I don’t get ill. I’m fine.”

Viktor studied me more closely, walking around me in a slow circle. I tried not to move, but secretly I was praying none of those damn scales would suddenly manifest.

“Are you? You’ve been off lately. Distracted.”

“Who told you that?” I’d fucking pound them into the ground. I suddenly thought of Laurent. “Whoever it was, they were wrong. Things couldn’t be better.”

“Is it losing the rider girl from your bed that bothers you the most, Blake?” My uncle said, circling around to stand in front of me. He smirked. “Or is it the thought of losing her to Tanaka? If he wants her, I’m sure the girl will give herself to him. He’sa powerful man. Try not to be offended. I’m sure she can warm two beds as well as one.”

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