Page 25 of The Omega Thief

Raz’s chest seemed to seize. Even refusing to admit air.

“His systems are shutting down. Air and blood flow being the two most vital, he’s struggling with.”

But Raz didn’t need to be told that. Attiker barely breathed, and his body was like ice. “But you’re going to save him.” He didn’t make it an order. He made it a decree.

“No, Highness, I cannot save him. I’m afraid only you can do that.”

Raz nearly snarled. “Then tell me how.”

“Just as you are,” Laronne said, not seeming at all fazed by his prince’s temper. “There’s absolutely nothing any healer can do to stop the tear.”

“The tear?” Raz repeated the odd phrase.

Laronne inclined his head. “The tear refers to the rip of the bond. It’s especially dangerous in the first few hours after bonding when the omega is at their most vulnerable.”

It was his fault. But then he knew that. Why, in God’s name, hadn’t he taken Attiker to their chambers and explained? He’d bedded and abandoned him, treating him no better than a dock whore.

“Tell me what to do,” he whispered, prepared to beg.

“Stay in close contact. If you need to relieve yourself, then servants will bring a pot, but under no circumstances do you leave that bed. My assistants will bring you food and water. It’s important you try to get him to swallow a little water, as well. His skin is pinched, which leads me to believe he hasn’t had water for quite some hours, which alone can cause enough problems to the body.”

Raz looked around, but Laronne had sent everyone away, and Thakeray manned the door, ensuring privacy, and lowered his voice. “I can’t sense his wolf.”

Laronne frowned. “Was he given—”

“Fever white,” Raz rushed out. “At least I spotted a dart mark on the back of his neck, and a simple lack of food and water wouldn’t cause this, surely?”

Laronne sighed. “That explains a lot, Highness.”

“Meaning?” Raz wasn’t surprised when his voice cracked. Uncaring he was seen, he bent and pressed a kiss into Attiker’s hair. He didn’t stir.

“Do you know how much he was given?”

Attiker shook his head. “But we believe he was captured nearly a full day and night ago.”

“You may be aware, Highness, so I apologize if so, but fever white affects people in the first instance very differently. It depends on how quickly and in what quantity it is administered, plus the purity, obviously. I have seen deaths caused because of the poisons it’s mixed with simply to make it go further, but I would guess that the people holding His Highness didn’t want his death.”

Raz gazed at Laronne, wishing half his court advisors were that intelligent.

“So I hazard that he was given at least two quite pure doses.”

Raz inhaled sharply. “Two?” But surely he should be dead. Raz tightened his hold for a minute as if that could possibly make the difference.

“Highness, you said you can’t sense his wolf?”

Raz shook his head. “I shifted, knowing my alpha wolf would scent him faster, and he did, but neither of us can feel his wolf.”

Laronne nodded sadly. “It explains why he lives with such a massive dose and why you can’t feel his wolf.” Raz kept his gaze on the healer. “Part truth, part ignorance led to this. I think we can agree he was taken because of your bonding?”

Raz nodded.

“And the people have heard of the Fenrir’s incredible strengths. They know the legend of how hard it is for them to be killed.”

“Which is why they gave him a dose big enough to kill a human?” That made sense in a sick, twisted way.

Laronne agreed. “The problem is that his wolf is immature and likely panicked.”

“Panicked?” Raz repeated uselessly.

---