Page 44 of In Bellamira's Chains

“What do you need from me? I’d like this over with as soon as possible.”

Bard nodded. “Understandable. Perrin explained his side and what he walked in on. Anything to add? It seems fairly cut and dry besides locating the servants who helped him.” He flipped through his notes. “You and your Beta were drugged. Bram took advantage of your Omega, his fated mate, and used her in ways that were not permissible, dealing damage both physically and mentally. I’ll save the gritty details for the report.”

My nostrils flared at the reminder of my failings. “No, that’s everything.”

“But you did agree to allow him use of your Omega?”

“Yes. I have shared Elera with him before, and everyone knows my rules. I watch, I approve, and I end it whenever I please for her safety.”

“Understood. Now for the fun part. What are your intentions?” When Bard grinned, his canines poked out, giving him an air of hostility he didn’t before. If I were scared easily, I’d be quivering, but with the situation at hand, I knew I had an ally in him.

“An Imposiac injection seems fitting, don’t you think?” I matched his Cheshire grin, but Perry couldn’t help but laugh.

“Oh, I was hoping you’d say that. But about my request?” He waited, his muscles tight with anticipation, hoping I agreed to whatever he wanted.

I didn’t care what happened to Bram after this. He was technically mine to do with as I pleased. I could lock him away and starve him if I wanted. He could be a mule in a field. A test subject for some lab. Even a target for whatever weapon I was learning. But that all seemed… too personal. Too caring of him. I wanted him out of my life and forgotten, as long as whatever he was up to was torture for him in some way.

Death would be too easy, but impotence and slavery… that would destroy him.

“If you want him, he’s yours. I do not care, just make him suffer.” I waved him off as his face lit up.

“Thank you, Bella. You won’t regret this.”

“I feel as if you should owe me one if you’re this giddy about an impotent Alpha by your side.”

“Deal, if that’s what it takes.” Perry turned toward Bram and the officers, then spun back. “Oh, and who said he was going to be at my side? How boring and unimaginative, Bella. Surely you know me better than that.” With one last wink, he made his way to his new pet, a man who was once an Alpha in high regard with more money than anyone could spend in a lifetime to someone viewed lower than an Omega. He was nothing, a useless pawn.

And I sneered in delight.

Chapter twenty-four

Elera

I stretched and groaned, my body tight from my sleeping position. Although I didn’t remember falling asleep… or leaving Bram’s. Shooting upright, I sucked in a sharp breath as the world spun and my head throbbed.

“Elera!”

I covered my ears with my hands and shut my eyes.

“Oh no, I’m sorry. Was that too loud? Are you okay?” I recognized Hazelle’s soft voice filtering through and nodded.

“I think so. What happened?” Silence met me. “Hazelle?” I opened one eye, squinting it just enough to see her hugging a pillow to her body and hiding her face. “Why are we still at Bram’s?” At least, I assumed that’s where we were. We certainly weren’t home yet.

“Are you really okay, Elera?” Layne asked me, and more confusion filled my mind. Why was

Layne here? Then Catalina stepped forward, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Where’s My Mistress? Is she okay?” I jumped up onto my knees, regretting it immediately as the dizziness grew,but it didn’t matter. I had to find My Mistress. What happened with Bram? Why couldn’t I remember anything?

“Elera! Please, lay down. She’s fine. Everyone is fine.” Catalina was in my face, trying to get me to listen to her, but the need for my Alpha wouldn’t let me settle. “If you get hurt too, Bellamira will never forgive us. Sit. Down.” Catalina used some of her Alpha bark on me, and her words made it past the anxiety induced haze.

“Okay, okay, but if she’s not…” I looked at Hazelle to my left who hadn’t moved an inch.

“Hazelle, are you okay?” If My Mistress was okay and Bram wasn’t here…

Hazelle shook her head against the pillow, and tears pricked my eyes as I collapsed down next to her, pulling her into my arms. “What happened?”

“Let’s not have her relive it out loud in detail, okay, Elera? Just know Bram drugged you and Bellamira, and he’s Hazelle’s fated mate. Bellamira and Perrin are with the officers now, sorting it all out. She will be back soon.” Catalina sat on the bed a foot away from my curled up legs, and Layne remained on the chair next to the bed with the wet rag in hand.

I couldn’t get out more words as Hazelle cried into my chest, and my tears darkened her brown hair. The room stayed silent until the door opened, and someone I didn’t recognize stepped in. They were laughing and clearly drunk, making it five feet in before they realized the room was taken.