Page 21 of Angelina

Chapter Eight

Kristin

Iwasn’t fooled with Hugh’s display of affection, nor his words.I did not doubt that if Angelina returned right now, he’d go to her.What I did appreciate was his willingness to make it work for the next few months until our child was born.

Two days after our conversation, I walked into one of the meeting rooms, Clayton and Hugh beside me.Already seated at the table were Gabriel, Olivia, and Zander.Jett, Ryker, and Paxton left after a nod from me, and we took seats.

“Hello, everyone,” I said as I leaned back in my seat and crossed my legs.“I have a serious question that I would like to ask of all of you.”

“What’s that, Kris?”Gabe asked.

“I know that I said I would keep you all confined for six months, and only five have passed.I am considering allowing you to have freedom of movement.”

Olivia and Gabe glanced at one another, and I noticed Zander flipped his eyes to Hugh momentarily.

“Why early?”Zander asked.“Not that I’m not grateful for the opportunity.”

“Well,” Clayton said slowly, “the world has changed a lot since we locked down, and we think it might be time to start seriously planning what needs to be done once we unlock the doors.”

“Aren’t the doors locked for one year?”Olivia questioned.

“They are.”

“So, we still have seven months,” Gabe replied.

“Yes, we do, but as Clayton said, things have changed a lot out there.We need to start monitoring it very closely and be prepared when the time comes.”

“What’s going on out there?”Zander asked.

I studied Zander, careful to keep my mind clear.“Before I show you all, I want your vow that you will stay by my side and help us.I don’t want any of you to decide to go off on your own and work for some other entity or person.”

Gabe and Olivia turned to Zander as he spoke.“If you are talking about me working with Joseph Portage, then you don’t have to worry, Kristin.I already told you I’m not related to that man, and I will do nothing to help him.”

I nodded at him.“I will require you to re-bond to me and take an oath to serve me.Once we have our world back, I will free you from that oath if that is what you wish, but only after we have our freedom again as a breed.”

Olivia frowned.“What if that doesn’t happen?”

I shrugged.“Then you are bound to me for my eternity.”

“Does anyone know where Angelina is?”Gabriel asked softly, looking a bit nervous about bringing her up.

“Yes.Hugh has a way to see her,” I stated, and Hugh shifted in his chair as everyone looked at him.

“That’s news to me,” Clayton growled.

“Yes, well, Hugh decided to keep one of his powers hidden, or two, I should say.”

Zander leaned back in his chair, studying Hugh.“What powers does he have?”

“The power to see everything through your eyes after I have had your blood.”

Zander laughed.“So that’s what that whole power play of I’m watching you was for.”

Hugh shrugged as Clayton asked him, “How long have you been able to do this?”

I didn’t give him a chance to answer.All the cards were being laid on the table now.“Since he bonded to my sister.”

Olivia laughed, and I saw Gabe move as if to tap her leg to tell her to stop.“What?It’s funny!”

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