Page 27

"Don't worry, Mother," he said flatly. "I'll take care of things."

As he turned to leave, a small voice called out to him. "Bryan?" Lukas stood in the hallway and peeked nervously into the dining room, roused from bed by the loud voices.

"Lukas!" Bryan went to the little boy and wrapped him up in a hug. "I'm sorry. Did I wake you up?"

"What's happening?" he asked sleepily.

Their mother came over and guided Lukas back to the bedroom. "Nothing, sweetie pup. Just discussing things with your brother, nothing to worry about."

"I have to go now, Lukas, but I'll see you very soon, okay?" Bryan ruffled his brother's hair and turned to leave.

His mother grabbed his wrist. "Think of your brother. Don't do this."

"I am," he replied. He pulled free and quickly left the house, charging up the gravel path to the road going into the heart of town. He moved as fast as his feet would carry him and then shifted to wolf form, wanting to be as far away as possible. He'd managed to keep his composure, but just barely. His heart strained, like it was being stretched and twisted into knots inside of his chest. He refused to give in to the hurt and disappointment. He knew he should've expected doubt from his mother, but it didn't change how horrible it made him feel.

He'd told his Alphas not to follow him, that he didn't need their protection, but as he neared the road leading up the hill to Josef's mansion he became frightened and wished they were there. He would be with them soon. Once this was all over, he'd go freely between the forest and New Pixia, and nobody would be able to stop him. Bryan hoped that once the truth was out about the child he carried, he might be able to open a bridge of healing between the two people.

Of course, doubt surged in the back of his mind, like storm clouds on a distant horizon. He was afraid of what Josef might attempt to do to the Uridimm when he found out. But this didn't stop him. His anger fueled him, pushing him forward. He ascended the path to the house and had a sudden vision of what once was—a flash to Gan's memories that had been imprinted into his mind. He saw the old Uridimm town as it had stood in the spot where he was. Josef's mansion, on the pinnacle of the hill, occupied the location of the old clan lodge—the sacred structure that held the skull of Uri. The people who'd destroyed the village had chosen this holy ground to construct the Minister's residence. It was a disgrace, an absolute insult to the Uridimm, and it intensified his boiling hatred of the man and everything he represented.

Bryan shifted to human form and approached the front door. The lights were on inside—Josef was still awake. Bryan used his key to unlock the door, and as he removed it from the deadbolt the door flew open. Josef stood there, wild-eyed, and his expression became even more crazed the moment he laid eyes on Bryan. "Where have youbeen?" he spat, snatching Bryan by the shirt and yanking him inside the house. "I told you you'd be back. You understand now? Your body is bonded to mine. You can't live without having me."

Josef went to the living room and started to unbutton his shirt as he grumbled to himself. Bryan followed him, keeping his distance. The man was out of sorts, but not how Bryan had been expecting. He was distracted, his anger directed elsewhere. "Bloody Whitetail," Josef muttered. "That bastard Dan refuses to meet with me. I know why. He's afraid. I told him, the Empire won't fall, that the colonies will be fine if we stick together, but he's going to show his belly to those damn Adosh traitors when they arrive on our shores." He stabbed his finger at the carpet. "On your knees. I expect to hear a full explanation of where you've been."

"No."

"How dare you? I'm your Alpha. Get on your knees."

"I'm here for one reason," Bryan said, and the casual disregard of his comment made Josef's jaw drop. His commands weren't working. "I'm not your mate any longer. The bond was dissolved. I don't have to do anything you say."

Josef glared at him. "What are you talking about?" His eyes narrowed. "Where have you been these past two days?"

Bryan gathered his courage. "I have a new Alpha."

Josef snorted. "Impossible. The bond can't be broken."

"But it was. Where do you think I've been the past two days? I've been withthem." Now it was Bryan's turn to laugh. "You didn't even know I'd been sneaking out every night to see them. You don't even know how long I've been with them. Oh, and one more thing—this isn't your baby."

"You’re lying."

"I'm not. I know Healer Fielding can verify what I'm saying."

Josef seethed silently, and it became obvious from the expression on his face that he could see Bryan was telling the truth. "Who?" he demanded. He was sweating, his fists shaking furiously at his sides.

Bryan's pulsed raced, pumping adrenaline through his veins as he stared the man down. He'd been prepared to reveal the identity of his Alphas, but now he hesitated. He was afraid of what lengths Josef would go to for revenge. Something had changed. He was deranged, more than usual at least. Now he began to worry about the baby. He snuck a glance at the door. It seemed very far away.

"Who?"

Bryan shook his head. "I'm not saying."

Josef snatched up a glass sitting on top of the nearby alcohol cabinet and hurled it at his head. Bryan quickly ducked out of its path, and it exploded against the floor behind him. Josef threw another and Bryan dove behind the couch.

"Who is it?" Josef screamed. "Where have you been going?" He thundered across the room and, before Bryan could get away, grabbed the Omega by the shirt and yanked him to his feet. He raised his fist to strike Bryan when a look of realization crossed his face. "Hounds of Hell. I know where you've been going. Of course."

Bryan grabbed the man's wrists, trying to free himself.

"Whitetail," Josef snarled. "I let that coward fuck you and now you've run to him. That's why he's been avoiding me. Thought he could take my property." His eyes flashed wildly. This was definitely not the usual Josef Zamgarg, and Bryan was absolutely terrified. "He's a traitor. Of course. Of course. He betrays me and now he'll betray his Empire."

Josef threw him to the ground, and Bryan was just fast enough to curl his legs up against his body to protect his stomach. Josef kicked and slapped Bryan until finally he moved away, gasping from the exertion. "You wait here," he said. "You better not go anywhere, or I'll kill you. You hear me?"