Page 71 of Designation: Null

“I don’t want to see him,” Logan decides.

Robert rubs a hand up and down his back.

Aaron winces. “That’s your choice, Logan. I don’t think I would either if I were you. I just want you to know you can. And he can’t… he can’t hurt you anymore, whether you decide to go or not. This is your life and I won’t interfere. He shouldn’t have, either.”

It seems too good to be true. Aaron’s phone rings and he answers. He spends most of the call listening to whoever is on the other end.

“Yes, as soon as possible,” he says at one point. “Yes. I want files, records, you name it. Medical records and history, military as well. Assuming we can get anything. Everything you can get your hands on.” And then he hangs up the phone, looking pale and eyes too wide.

“He’s being held in Montana. There’s a facility there, apparently.”

He feels Robert stiffen beside him. “I know it.”

“What happens there?” Aaron asks. “I know very little about designations.”

“It’s just storage for special submissives and high-level Dominants who are not able to function in society but who are considered valuable enough to keep.”

The way Robert explains is pretty good proof that he might have some idea what is wrong with Daniel. Logan cringes in shame, unable to stop himself.

“Christ,” Aaron whispers. “How often does that happen? And what the hell happens to the men who aren’t valuable?”

“They’re killed. Sent on missions and they don’t return most of the time. Or if they’re too unstable they’re given a lethal injection. It doesn’t happen as often as it used to,” Robert says. “I know someone pretty high ranking on that base. I’ll give him a call and see what I can find out.” He gets up to make a call and Aaron and Logan stare at each other.

“Can we do this another time?” Logan asks haltingly. “After we get Daniel out, it will be easier to get to know each other. If that’s what you want.”

“Of course that’s what I want,” he says, but it’s clear he’s disappointed. “I’m so glad you’re alive, Logan. Alive and happy. Is he your… husband?” The question is tentative.

“No. He’s my Dominant,” Logan replies, and Aaron’s smile looks a little forced.

“I will be,” Robert says, a wave of dominance radiating from him, practically daring Aaron to argue. Logan sighs and presses closer. Does he mean it? The dominance and declaration is enough to trigger his arousal. A fiery need to be claimed by Robert spills through his veins and has him gasping, turning his face into Robert’s shoulder.

“Well, I’m glad you’re happy. I’m afraid I don’t know much about Dominants and submissives beyond what I read online or see in the news,” he says.

“We can talk more later,” Robert growls and Logan knows Robert is struggling too, that Logan’s need hasn’t gone unnoticed. Robert will take care of him.

“I want to walk him out,” Logan whispers.

Robert helps him up and they both go to the door, Robert’s arm around him like he’s an invalid. He’s foggy with lust, weak with shock and all he can think about is being in Robert’s bed, surrounded by him, under him. It’s the only thing that will make him feel safe. He forces himself to participate in the conversation, be the null he spent so long pretending to be. It isn’t easy.

“Aaron, I don’t belong to the family anymore. If Father is gone and you’re taking over, you need to leave me alone. I’m with Robert and that’s what I want. If you try to control me or Daniel we won’t have a relationship, do you understand?”

“Of course,” he says, voice rough. “I would never. I’m so sorry, Logan. I swear to you that I didn’t know any of this was going on. Here is my card. Call me anytime for any reason. For money or help or whatever you need.”

Logan nods. He believes that Aaron didn’t know about their lives or the awful things Father did to them.

But it doesn’t change a damned thing.

23

Robert is suddenly standing in front of him, fingers gently tipping up his chin so they make eye contact. Robert is so damn big and strong. And especially like this, looking down at Logan like he’s Zeus trying to decide if he wants to take pity on some poor mortal.

“You’re mine now. I’ll take care of him, too, Logan. We will find him the right Dominant. Sweetheart, what is his designation? He isn’t just a submissive, is he?”

“No, Daddy,” he whispers, shaking at this final confession. Will Robert think badly of Logan if he knows? Will he decide not to take care of Daniel? “What if you hate him? Or me?”

“Sweetheart, is he prey?” Robert asks, and tilts Logan’s chin up, demanding an answer.

“Yes,” he says, and makes himself not say Daddy. What if Robert doesn’t want him now.

---