"But.." Harry gestured helplessly. "I.."
Spencer didn't waste any time listening to his mate stumble over his words; instead turning to face the doctor.
"Andyou! Adoctor! I can't believe that you were complicit in such inherently dishonest, unethical abuse!"
Morgan didn't even try to defend himself, instead rubbing his hand over his face with a groan. I sat and watched, content to wait until Spencer had worn himself out before speaking. For the millionth time since it had begun to disappear, I felt for the claim scar and swallowed my tears. There was only one reason a claim mark disappeared. Not that it had taken any great detective work on my part to figure that out; the letter that had arrived two days after Alrick left had told me what was coming.
Dearest Sebastian,
There is nothing that I regret more than having to leave you. By claiming you without consent, I have violated several laws as well as regulations of the Böxenwolf Brigade and I have to return to face the consequences. The Brigade has arranged for a Shaman to negate the claim once I am in custody. The medication that Doctor Morgan has should keep you comfortable until that is accomplished. Once the deed is done, the scar will begin to heal and you will again be unclaimed.
I hope you can forgive me,
Alrick
"Spence?" I said his name quietly. "Maybe you should give them a chance to answer?"
My friend spun to face me, the pity on his face making the small amount of food that I had worked down curdle in my stomachlike cream left out on a summer day.
"Oh, honey, of course," Spencer agreed, sitting next to me on the couch and wrapping his arm around me before giving the doctor a pointed look and clearing his throat.
"You're right," Doctor Morgan agreed with Spence's tirade, his face pale. "It wasn't intentional, but that doesn't change anything." Morgan shifted his troubled eyes to mine. "It never occurred to me that Alrick would have set this plan in motion without you agreeing to it." He turned his palms up in a helpless gesture. "I never even thought to ask if you knew what was happening. You said he had explained the medication to you, so I assumed you two had agreed on breaking the claim." The doctor's gaze was sincere. "I am so sorry, Sebastian."
I nodded my acceptance of his apology. The truth was that I would have never thought that Alrick would betray me like he had, so why would anyone else?
"It's okay," I said, managing a small smile. Harry opened his mouth to speak, and I shook my head. "I know, Harry. You wouldn't have been involved if you'd known the truth."
"No, I wouldn't have been," the dragon Alpha said with an angry grimace. "But I should have asked you about it. Spencer's right. I let you down, and I'm sorry."
I shrugged – I seemed to be doing a lot of that lately -and walked to the kitchen to heat some water for tea.
"Is there anything I can do?" Harry's voice came from the doorway behind me.
"I..I just want to go home," I admitted, hating the break in my voice. My stutter had all but disappeared after Alrick's bite, but now I could feel it returning as the wound healed.
"Of course," Harry agreed at once. "As soon as you're ready."
I turned to face him, my steaming mug forgotten on the counter.
"N..Now's good."
***
Back in Coruscation territory a few hours later, I tried not to whimper under the sternly considering look that the Alpha werewolf, Clint, was leveling at me. I'd hoped that once I returned I'd be able to melt into the background, but I'd forgotten how the Böxenwolf Brigade mercenaries had come to be providing security in Terena de Dragoni. The tiny tattoo on the insideof Clint'swrist promptly reminded me that he was a former a member of the Brigade, an esteemed alum, and they had presented themselves in Harry's time of need at the were Alpha’s behest. I shrunk down a little more in my seat, waiting for the Alpha to tell me that I had worn out my welcome when I'd ruined the life of one of his comrades in arms. There wasn't any doubt in my mind that my life wasn't worth that of the Alpha who was now imprisoned.
"Sebastian, honey," Trevor's voice was kind as he joined us at the table, laying his hand on my arm. "It's going to be okay."
I started and then remembered that Clint's Omega was an empath; he might not be able to read my thoughts, but he could definitely pick up on the feelings that I was trying to hide. I nodded to indicate that I'd heard him but kept my eyes trained on the table.
"Sebastian," Clint finally spoke. "I know what Alrick says happened, but now I'd like to hear your side of the story."
I drew in a deep breath and, thankful for the comfort of Trevor's light touch on my arm, began my story.
Other than brief interruptions when he needed clarification on something I had said, Clint sat silently, listening to every word and occasionally jotting notes on a pad in front of him. When I finished, he inhaled deeply and I was surprised to see sympathy in his eyes.
"I'm sorry that you've been put through this," Clint told me, his brow furrowed. "But I need to ask a few more questions, okay?"
I nodded and waited expectantly.
