Page 30 of The Omega Thief

“It’s a position,” Raz confirmed. “Blackmail. And they were going to use you to ensure it.”

“But that’s madness,” Attiker said. “How could they think I would possibly have any influence over you?”

Raz leaned down. He didn’t mean to, but he was helpless not to brush a kiss on Attiker’s lips. He leaned back before Attiker objected. “Because you’re my bonded,” he said simply. He wasn’t sure what he would do to ensure Attiker’s safety and didn’t want to be tested.

Attiker blinked a couple of times in astonishment, then swallowed, and moved his shoulders as if trying to refocus. “But—”

Raz knew what he was going to say, and he didn’t have an answer for him. He needed advice. Laronne hadn’t been able to explain where Attiker’s wolf might be. For the thousandth time, he wished his dad was here to talk to. “You’re my bonded,” he repeated implacably.

Attiker fell quiet, but then he frowned a little as if thinking. Raz wanted to kiss away the line that appeared on his brow.

“Which means,” Attiker said, “they had to expect easy access to me. To continue the dose, share information.”

“Azrael,” they both said simultaneously.

“I still think Eryken hasn’t got anything to do with it. Where’s Azrael?”

“Vanished,” Raz said. “His apartment in the palace hasn’t been cleaned out, and Maxwell hasn’t seen him. He has no living family in Cadmeera.” Raz wanted to agree with Attiker, but he wasn’t sure he had the same impression of the rebel leader Attiker had. A faint growl started in his throat, and Raz pressed his lips together before it escaped. His wolf didn’t like any other man finding favor with their omega. “You might have been fooled by Eryken. I agree that Grape is incapable of masterminding whatever he thought to achieve. And undermining me would put Cadmeera in a difficult position.”

“Do you know anything else about Azrael? Friends amongst the apprentices?”

Raz shook his head. “Pinkerton said he was a refugee. He—”

“Where from?” Attiker interrupted, and Raz wanted to kick himself.

“Abergenny.” He scrubbed a hand over his beard. “So that’s what they’re up to. They’re wanting a revolution here. It must be Eryken.”

“It sounds like it,” Attiker agreed, but still with a faint hint of reluctance. “I was so convinced by Eryken’s words. But then I suppose that just means I’m as susceptible to flattery as the next fool.” Attiker tilted his head to look at him. “You must have a lot of work piling up.”

Raz copied Attiker and relaxed back on the cushions. They were close now, much closer.

“I think Pinkerton will have apoplexy if I don’t get back to it tomorrow.”

“What excuse have you given? I mean, people must think it odd you’ve been absent,” Attiker rushed out.

Raz turned his face to Attiker’s. “They assume that, like most newly mated couples, we’re taking some time to get acquainted.”

Attiker looked down and rubbed his chin. Raz noticed. “I had them bring supplies yesterday and shaved you myself.”

His eyes widened. “I—”

“My wolf would not allow anyone else to touch you.” Raz reached for his hand and curled their fingers together.

“You talk about him like he’s separate,” Attiker said, and Raz was elated when Attiker didn’t pull away.

Raz nodded. “He is, and he isn’t. There aren’t many times when we disagree. It’s like having my best friend with me all the time.”

Attiker swallowed. “What if I can’t find him? What if he’s gone?”

Raz had no idea, but he wasn’t about to say that.

“I still feel the bond,” Raz said confidently. It wasn’t a lie. He wanted to ask Attiker if he did, but if Attiker denied him—denied them—he wasn’t sure what he would do.

“What’s the plan, then? In the short term? I can imagine you want to find Grape, and I can help with that.”

“No,” Raz said, alarmed. “I will not risk you further.”

Attiker just raised a brow. “Hmm, then tell me, mighty prince, exactly what am I expected to do around here all day?”

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