Page 120 of Wicked Bonds

Stas snorted again. “Right. Except he kidnapped my best friend because he intended to use her as an incubator for his own child. Or did he fail to mention that?”

“To him, it was a practical recourse, as he saw her as a vessel to deliver a powerful being that he could use in his struggle against the Seraphim.” Vera held up a hand, silencing Stas before she could bite back at that statement. “I didn’t say I agree with him. In fact, I don’t. But that’ll be his explanation. He’s true to Seraphim form in that he lacks emotion. Whether his actions are right or wrong is irrelevant to him. He only sees success as a positive motivator.”

“So you started working for him after you saw his memories for the first time,” Luc said, cutting off whatever Stas had been about to say in response.

“I went back to him after we freed Sethios and asked if I could see the full memory of what happened. I never agreed to workforhim, onlywithhim, when it came to keeping everyone safe. That’s when I found out about Mateo also assisting him, at least partially.” She met Luc’s gaze. “I assume you’ve put him in the dungeon?”

The question served two purposes.

First, to tell her what he’d done with Mateo.

Second, to find out what he intended to do to her. Because if he thought to imprison her, he’d soon realize the impossibility of ensnaring her.

“He’s at my house in the guest room,” he replied, surprising her.

“Yet you imprisoned Clara without remorse?” The comment slipped from her mouth before she could think to retract it. Mostly because he’d shocked her with his admission.

“Clara’s explanation for her actions was superficial and shallow at best. Which I now realize should have been a red flag, but at the time, I wasn’t in the frame of mind to properly evaluate her.” Luc’s voice wasn’t defensive, just flat and matter of fact. Similar to a Seraphim’s. “Mateo’s situation is unique and still unfolding.”

“You’ll confer with me before you decide what to do with him,” Issac interjected, his tone clearly indicating this wasn’t a request but a mandate.

Luc glanced at him and nodded before refocusing on Vera. “I want to know more about your sister and the mindfuck she’s done on B. He’s not going to be pleased.”

“No, I imagine he won’t be,” Vera agreed, sighing.

She’d been pacing this entire time while the others sat.

Rather than continuing to wear down Balthazar’s floors, she chose the only other chair in the room.

“It might be easier if I untwist the memories in your mind to show you what really happened,” Vera said, accepting the fact that sleep was not in her near future.

Besides, it would help her regain some trust with Luc and the others.

Which was very much needed after everything with Osiris.

She’d meant well. And she wouldn’t apologize.

But she would show loyalty where it was due.

“Close your eyes,” she instructed. “It’ll hurt less.”

At least for him.

For her, it would hurt a hell of a lot.

Because it further drove home the knife of betrayal.

Melanythos had destroyed Leela’s life. Shattered her heart. And fucked with a bond that should never have been touched.

And this memory in Luc’s head was only the tip of the proverbial iceberg.

Chapter23

Balthazar

Balthazar listenedas Patreel explained what he’d learned about the council’s corruption.

Osiris created reformation.That statement continued to reverberate in Balthazar’s thoughts, mostly because Leela kept repeating it.