Page 105 of Bonds of Hate

All I can offer is a watery smile because if my mouth opens, I doubt anything more than a scream will come out.

A hush suddenly falls over our section of the table. King Leopold approaches with measured steps, his ceremonial cape trailing behind him.

Logan and the others rise from their seats as Leopold reaches us, but the signal from my brain has short-circuited. No matter how many times I tell my body to move, it remains frozen in place.

“Stand up,” Logan hisses through clenched teeth.

He wrenches me up with a hand under my arm, forcingme to stand on shaking legs. I keep my eyes fixed on the marble floor.

Blood is rushing to my ears. My heart is racing so hard that it will burst if it pumps any harder. Before this moment, I didn’t know it was possible to literally die of fear.

“Prince Logan.” Leopold’s voice carries warmth. “And the lovely Maya. I trust you enjoyed the feast?”

Words stick in my throat. I manage a weak curtsy, nearly stumbling over my own feet.

“Good evening, father,” Logan smoothly interjects. “I fear we may have overtaxed Maya today with council meetings. She is still getting used to such a demanding schedule.”

I can barely look at either of them, my gaze fixed on the shifting crowd around us, searching for that dreaded face. I can’t afford to care about anything else.

Leopold tuts softly. “You must take better care of your Omega, my son. Perhaps she should retire early to rest?”

“Of course, Father.” Logan’s grip on my arm tightens painfully as Leopold moves on.

The moment we’re alone, Logan rounds on me. “What is wrong with you? You can’t embarrass me in front of the king like this, especially now.”

“Hey man, lay off,” Ares murmurs. “Something is obviously wrong.”

Tears are streaming down my cheeks, but I only notice when the sting of salt hits my lips.

I’m not expecting sympathy from him, not now when I understand what might really be happening here. But the derisive look on Logan’s face is still painful to see.

“Enough.” Logan’s eyes flash dangerously. “Return to the harem. Now. I don’t want to look at you anymore tonight.”

Poe murmurs my name as I spin away, but I can only shake my head in response.

The walls close in on me. Darkness grows at the edges of my vision.

I have to leave.

I have to escape.

Because staying here might get me killed.

Chapter Twenty-Three

ARES

Imove to follow Maya as she stumbles out of the ballroom, but Logan’s low growl stops me.

“Let her go,” he snaps. “We need to find the Inquisitor and start playing nice.”

“You don’t need me for that.”

He raises an imperious eyebrow. “I want you here.”

I look to Poe for support, who just shrugs with a pained look on his face before following after Logan like a reluctant, if well-trained, dog.

Cillian pauses next to me. “Maya is a smart girl. She just needs some time to pull herself together.”

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