Page 98 of Bonds of Hate

“You’re very observant,” he says finally. “Probably tooobservant.”

“Should I pretend to be stupid instead?”

His fingers dig into my arm. “You should be careful what questions you ask. And who you ask them to.”

“Is that a threat?”

“A warning.” He releases my arm and rubs his palm against his slacks as if the touch of my skin left a residue behind. “It’s dangerous to involve yourself in things you don’t understand.”

I rub my arm where his grip left an aching sensation. “Everything that happens here concerns me now. I’m part of this pack, whether you like it or not.”

“You’re not pack.” His ice-blue eyes bore into mine. “You’re a temporary convenience. A political tool. Nothing more. It isn’t possible for you to be anything more.”

“Then why are you so worried about what I might discover?”

For a moment, something like fear flashes across his face. Then his expression hardens. “Goodnight, Maya.”

He abruptly strides away before I can respond, leaving behind air subtly perfumed with the scent of fresh laundry.

Chapter Twenty-One

LOGAN

Idrum my fingers on the polished mahogany, watching the gilded clock tick past the meeting’s start time. Maya had been the one to suggest that she arrive fashionably late in order to make a statement, but this is getting ridiculous.

My father sits at the head of the long table and I’ve taken the position at his right hand, the second-most powerful position in the room. But the seat next to mine on my other side is empty and I don’t miss the curious glances that the king’s advisors and my brothers cast my way.

Brothers through shared DNA only. It’s difficult to see them as much more than my competition.

There are at least ten of them attending this meeting, the ones with the age and experience to potentially take over for our shared patriarch. The fact that he still has not officially named an heir sits inside of me like a raw wound.

Most of the others have pretty Omegas with vapid expressions standing obediently behind them.

Only my Omega has a seat at the table and the bitch isn’t even here to fill it.

Each one of my brothers represents one of the great houses of Melilla, who all gifted precious daughters to the harem in order to cement their allegiance with the king. With Ander gone, I’m one of the only princes left who represents the house that has ruled the capital for hundreds of years.

House Corellian, may it never die.

Choosing me as his heir would uphold a long tradition. But unrest has been rising in parts of the country, rebellious factions questioning if the king on his far-flung throne truly represents their interests. Naming one of my brothers who shares blood with his loudest critics might be the more politically expedient choice.

And if that happens, it might as well be a death sentence for me and mine.

Nikolai sits directly across from me, the friendly and open expression on his face so entirely punchable. Looking at him, it’s impossible not to picture him with his arms wrapped around Maya on the dance floor. I have to clench my thighs against the chair in an effort not to launch across the table and knock his teeth down his throat.

Nikolai’s flame-haired Omega stands closely behind him with her hands resting gently on his shoulders. Her eyes are appropriately downcast, but a smug smile teases at the corners of her lips.

Show-off.

Marcus and Stefan, both of House Ondraste, also have their Omegas behind them. Mating contracts are signed,with ceremonies pending, but neither of them has bonded yet. Though it’s only a matter of time.

Three chairs down, Xavier of House Docain practically lounges in his seat. He likes to act like the crown is already on his head, despite being the laziest person I’ve ever had the displeasure of meeting.

But the Omega sitting in his lap is visibly pregnant. They’ve been bonded since last spring and wasted absolutely no time. I don’t miss the way my father keeps glancing their way without bothering to conceal his obvious approval.

The stink of my anger catches the king’s attention.

He turns to me with a sardonic smile. “And where is your Omega, my son? I thought I had made it clear I expected her to attend.”

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