Page 79 of Wicked Bonds

He left Aya with her family and headed up the path from the beach to the cobblestone streets and up the hill toward Balthazar’s house. He lived closest to Jayson, their homes of a quaint size, boasting two to three bedrooms, living areas, beautiful kitchens, and private pools out back.

They weren’t as large as Issac’s usual estates, but they were perfectly in line with the homes on Hydria.

His sister and Tom planned to build one nearby and were currently staying in the home meant for Hydraian fledglings. There were two or three houses built for that purpose—typically used to shelter those who hadn’t yet turned into Hydraians.

Fledglings were rare, though. Issac had been shocked when he’d first discovered Aya, but she wasn’t a true fledgling because of her Seraphim ties.

However, Hydria’s latest addition, Eliza, qualified. Although, last he heard, her powers were still unknown.

But she was definitely a Hydraian now, as she’d been killed on the beach alongside Aidan and the others. Only, unlike them, she’d woken up immortal and very much alive a few short hours later.

She was the first fledgling to grace Hydria shores in over a hundred years, thanks to the Ichorians going out and slaughtering their own children.

Nizari Assassins.

And the leader of them all was temporarily residing in Hydria on a mostly uninhabited part of the island.

Issac doubted the Hydraians were thrilled with that development since Ezekiel had spent most of the last millennium hunting down and slaying fledglings.

However, Luc had granted them safe passage for now, stating Skye’s visions were imperative for survival. Some of the Hydraians were questioning the decision, which was keeping the Hydraian King rather busy at the moment.

Fortunately, Jay agreed with the decision as well, which helped cool some of the concern on the island.

But the changing dynamics were definitely being felt by everyone.

Something big was coming, and everyone knew it.

Alas, Issac had his own problems waiting for him in the form of two progeny, one of whom was likely betraying them all to Osiris.

He found Tristan and Mateo standing in Balthazar’s living room, having let themselves inside.

Issac shut the door behind him and started toward the kitchen. “We can discuss whatever this is while I cook.”

Because Aya needed food, and apparently his “in-laws” were coming over as well.

They’d taken over Jayson’s guest room but hadn’t slept much. Just like Aya and Issac. Everyone was too preoccupied with preparing for a potential invasion.

Tristan and Mateo took over the barstools of the kitchen island while Issac began pulling ingredients from Balthazar’s cupboards and fridge. It served as a good distraction. Otherwise, Issac might be inclined to demand Mateo explain his actions, and he didn’t have enough proof yet to properly accuse his progeny.

The pair remained quiet, watching Issac arrange everything he needed on the counter beside Balthazar’s six-burner stove. There was a griddle in the middle as well, likely created for the sole purpose of making pancakes.

He and Luc were always bickering over the superior breakfast food and engaging in inane challenges to prove the other wrong.

This was the one case where Issac actually agreed with Balthazar—pancakes were much better than waffles.

“You’re the one who wanted to talk,” Tristan said quietly, causing Issac’s brow to furrow. “So I suggest you start talking, mate.”

What?Issac turned around, confused. “I’m not—”

Mateo cleared his throat, interrupting Issac. “Osiris first approached me about a year after you became my Sire.”

Now Issac’s eyebrows flew up to his hairline. He hadn’t expected a confession. His gaze flew to Tristan, noting his resigned expression.

“He knows we’re onto him,” Tristan said, stating the obvious. “But he’s asked for a chance to explain himself.”

Explain himself? He has to be bloody joking,Issac thought, his desire for pancakes flying right out the bloody window.

“And why the fuck should I give you that chance?” Issac demanded, his focus on Mateo again. “You betrayed us. You betrayedme. Fuck, Aidan is dead because of you. And you have the audacity to admit it so casually? As though I don’t want to rip your fucking throat out?”