Page 45 of Reign of the Beast

“Why the hell did he want my father dead so badly? To go to those fucked-up lengths… shit.”

“Knowing what we now know, I would hazard a guess that he intended to keep you there on Silverwood lands, to contain you, keeping you both away from his daughterandfrom being discovered by Draco.”

“He wanted me sidelined to wolf business.”

“I believe so, yes.”

He eyed me intently. “Why didn’t you tell me all this, that it wasn’t your fault? Why let me blame you and hate you like that, all these years, Lucian?”

“Would you have believed me at the time if I’d come to you with these revelations?”

“No. I guess I wouldn’t have.” He pinched the bridge of his nose and muttered, “That fucking Cornelius has a lot to answer for.”

“Yes. His focus on the greater good rather than the individual has left him numb to so much. The ends justify the means with him.”

A bitter laugh escaped him, a way to relieve the tension, no doubt. “He gives a whole new name to nightmare in-laws.”

“At least, with the formation of the Covenant, you won’t have to deal with that alone. Ryker and I will also bear the burden.”

Jaxon started, a distasteful look marring his facial features.

“You haven’t made peace with it,” I realized.

He scoffed, finding the suggestion preposterous. “How can I? I’ve only just found her because she was kept from me. Now I’m expected to share her with two other men,even be there during the ritual and watch her fuck you guys?”

“Do you remember what I told you in thephantasmal plane?”

He took a moment to recall it, then nodded, answering, “Focus on what truly matters.Herpleasure.”

“Precisely.”

“That can only go so far.”

“Because you’ve overlooked something. It’s not surprising given the depth of your repression.”

“What does that mean?”

“The pleasure it will bringyouto join with the three of us.”

The look in his eyes gave him away, confirming what I’d suspected.

But denial was a stubborn little thing. “No idea what you’re talking about.”

“The survival of the wolf species is dependent on two things. Strength and repopulation. The latter means that the only acceptable form of copulation is heterosexual. This is strictly enforced to ensure the bloodlines are extended continuously, that the annual quota of wolf births is met or exceeded. Any other leanings are squashed with force and no small amount of indoctrination. There have been several cases where those that would not conform have been exiled.” I shifted my weight. “For an Alpha, especially the leader of the largest wolf pack in the world, to reveal his bisexual nature, is beyond comprehension.”

“You think I’m into you?” he asked, incredulous.

“Ryker.”

He stilled. “I… no.”

I smiled. “It doesn’t bother me.”

“Why not? He’s yours.”

“Vampires are known for sharing. Besides, your interest in him doesn’t take away from what he and I have. Our relationship is our own. Yours is different.”

“How did you know?”

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