Page 83 of Broken Dreams

Cian turns his intense hazel gaze to me, making me feel as if he’s turning me inside out.

“This world wasn’t safe ten to twenty years ago and it’s not safe now,” he murmurs. “There has to be something we can do about that for at least our city.”

“No one is going to want to sweep a city for potential difficulties,” I sigh, shrugging. “No one looked for me or cared. I was the first in my family to go to college for something like computer engineering. Everyone thought it was a waste of time, so when I disappeared, I’m sure it was a nod to my insanity.”

“I think that’s the saddest thing I’ve ever heard,” Cian growls. “You obviously have a great mind. Things like that need to be nurtured. I think a team of volunteers that revolves around protecting people is important. It’s not just omegas who are disappearing. I’m hearing reports of alphas being attacked and taken as well.”

Why?Quinn asks, entering the conversation. Cian smiles at her, happy she’s speaking to him at all.

It’s not that Quinn willfully refuses to speak, it’s simply that she feels awkward writing it out around strangers.

“Scientists want to run experiments on them, while others want to train them to run ops for the government,” Cian explains. “Alphas are typically stronger than other designations, but not all alphas are well trained. They’re at risk as well, the Average Joe perfect for pushing to the limits to see what they’re capable of.”

I’d never thought of that before, and my mind goes wild with those possibilities.

“I guess no one is really safe unless you’re a beta,” I rasp.

Adira shrugs, her eyes moving to the table where her pack is at. My gaze moves with hers and I realize she’s watching Morris.Their shared glance speaks volumes and I realize I may have spoken out of turn. No one is safe at all. Fuck.

“While we’re hoping to change the safety of Minneapolis specifically, Cian is actually here for another reason,” Callum says gently.

Turning back to focus on the alpha in front of me, I watch as Cian nods.

“This dinner your father is organizing before the party will have some of the senior heads of the mafia families, and I’ll be there as well,” he explains. “Hudson is going to be pissed that you’re already packed up, but that’s his problem. Ignore him, Quinn. Your job is to look strong at this meeting.”

Doesn’t strength involve the ability to talk?Quinn asks, to which Cian smirks.

“You are talking,” he says. “Silence scares these men because they don’t know when to shut the fuck up. Sit there with your head held high, only answer when necessary. You’ll do fine. Security is going to be the issue.”

“Hudson was adamant Callum and I can’t come,” Duncan says, annoyed.

“There’s no place for me either then,” I grumble, unhappy about this as well. I go everywhere with her.

“Maybe not here, but Adira will also be at this meeting. Hudson can’t risk offending her,” Cian says gently. “Mafia hierarchy and designation don’t have anything to do with the other, and we’ll all be well armed.”

“When is this dinner?” I ask, feeling a sense of urgency to this conversation.

“Two days, which would be Tuesday,” Adira says, wrinkling her nose. “He’s throwing a tantrum because he hasn’t been able to see her before this from what I understand.”

I’ve been out in the real world for almost three weeks, and the passage of time feels otherworldly. So much has happened insuch a short time. Now, here we are discussing sending Quinn back to the wolves. It isn’t fair.

“He definitely is,” Callum says. “He reminds me of a three year old without his toy.”

As the waitress brings over drinks and takes food orders, I see the way Quinn’s lips twist in disgust. Her father did well in the world during her absence, which is making it more apparent that he had something to do with her kidnapping.

While my parents were distant, they’d never arrange for me to disappear. This is insane to me. So much destruction to feed his greed. I hate that she has to go to that dinner even more.

“We’ll do our best to make sure you’re prepared for this, and Cerenity is fine giving you the night off,” Duncan says. “Linus will work, which will help keep your mind occupied. The dinner isn’t far outside of the city at your old house, Quinn.”

Unhappiness is vibrating off my best friend, the air smelling like burnt sugar. Quinn remains silent as she listens, though. She’s unfortunately used to doing things because she needs to.

“What is the ultimate reason for her doing this?” I ask suddenly, accidentally interrupting Cian. Wincing, I wait to be reprimanded, but he merely nods, accepting my worries.

I’m the one who needs to be convinced. I’m not part of this world, just a normal omega in love with his best friend.

“Explain what you mean,” Cian suggests, a little wrinkle forming between his eyes.

“Other than as loyalty to a society she’s no longer a part of or familial obedience to a father who may have sold her in the first place, why do this?” I ask. “What is there to gain for Quinn?”

---