I lean back in my chair, forcing my gaze away from where I know the evidence that could save us all is sitting.
“Alicia,” I drawl, “is becoming a problem. Sienna Michaels nearly died today.”
I make a concerted effort to unclench my fingers as I lean forward. “We had a deal, Erikkson. She is actively causing harm to an omega in my care. Whatever my feelings, we agreed that she would stay well away.”
Erikkson actually sits up, paying attention. “What do you mean?”
Of course he’s worried. Worried about losing his investment. Disgust curdles my stomach as I lay it out for him, but this is one thing that can work to my advantage. Erikkson wants Sienna whole and unharmed just as much as we do. For now, at least.
“I want her out of my house.”
My tone is resolute. I might need to play a longer game in respect of Erikkson and his plans, but this is the one thing I can do for Sienna. For all of us.
With Alicia out of the house, we can all breathe a little easier.
Erikkson raises an eyebrow, but I can see him considering it. “That wasn’t our agreement.”
“I don’t want a dead omega on my hands, Erikkson.” There’s a burning sensation in my chest at just the thought of anything else happening to her.
“If you want Alicia to stand at my side when I ascend to Council leader, then we need to tread very carefully,” I continue. “Eyes are watching us. Many people are unhappy about how the Bonding Trials are unfolding. People are starting to question if I’m the right person to take on the role at all.”
And if I don’t, then Erikkson misses out on the second part of his plans to grab power any way he can.
He humphs, but nods begrudgingly. “Agreed. The rest of the agreement remains in place. You will still Deny the omega at the conclusion of the Trials.”
“As agreed,” I say darkly. I can’t wait to take this bastard down.
But for now, I’ll take the small victory for what it is. Getting Alicia away from Sienna, away from all of us.
Standing, I move to the door. “I’ll send her along with her things shortly.”
I’m looking forward to dragging her out of our house. But it can wait.
It’s time to face the consequences with our Soul Bonded.
37
SIENNA
The next time I wake up, it’s to a large hand cupping my cheek.
I roll into the caress like a cat, butting my head against it for more before realization hits hard.
My head jerks back so quickly I’m pretty sure I just gave myself whiplash, and I stare up at Tristan, wide-eyed and confused. He’s perched on the side of my bed, a sad smile on his face as he watches me.
“How are you feeling?” he asks. His tone is softer than I think I’ve ever heard it. More subdued.
“Better,” I say cautiously. Giving myself a mental check-in, I realize it’s true. The burning in my leg has subsided to a dull ache, and my stomach seems to have settled, at least for the time being.
Pushing away that little sack of crap to work through later, I focus on Tristan. “What are you doing here, Tristan?”
He’s unusually hesitant, his hand tugging at the collar of one of the shirts he always wears. This one is black, perfectly tailored to his body. I refuse to be distracted, though.
Even if he does look deliciously rumpled.
“I owe you an apology,” he says quietly. “One so big that I’m not even sure how to phrase it.”
The lump in my throat reappears. This again.
