Page 78 of Bad Blood Alpha

What was that evil bastard doing to Kira? How much time had passed? She’s not dead, he told himself again. You’d know.

But would he? The two of them hadn’t ever finalized their bond. He’d been too fucking stubborn—too fucking sensible. More like, he hadn’t had the balls to make her his, and now she was alone.

He closed his eyes, trying to fight off despair. He’d fought all his life. First for the House of Al-Maddeiri. And afterwards, he’d fought for survival. He’d fought Alexander Fucking Grant’s guards and scientists. He’d fought for his crew.

He’d fought for Kira, and what good had it done?

He was so damn tired of fighting. He had nothing left.

Flynn.

Her voice was nothing but a whisper in his mind, so soft he thought he was imagining it.

Kira?

Their connection clicked into place. A sense of her presence flowed through him, like warm sunshine and cool water, washing away some of the black ice. He felt strength flooding through his limbs.

Flynn! He could hear the relief in her voice. Then anger—but not at Flynn. He told me you were dead. I didn’t believe him.

I should be, he said. I fucked up.

Don’t. One word, but he could almost feel her hand on his shoulder. Don’t do that to yourself. We knew the risks going in. Now we focus on getting out. Where are you?

Oubliette, he said. Even without the bonds he’s got me in, there’s no way out. What about Sloan and Caitlyn? Did he get them too?

I don’t think so. He didn’t gloat about it, the way he did about you. But I couldn’t ask.

No. If Ragnor didn’t know about Sloan and Caitlyn, she wouldn’t be stupid enough to give them away.

They’ll bring backup, Flynn said. They’ll get you out.

Her voice was firm. Get us out.

They’d probably never find him. But he wasn’t telling her that.

I’m sorry I failed you, he said.

Stop that. You’ve done everything you could possibly do.

Not enough. You deserve everything.

I have everything. I have you. Heart to heart, magic to magic. I love you.

The words pierced the walls he’d kept around his heart for so long. All this, and she still loved him. It took his breath away.

And he took too long to answer.

I love you too.

Nothing. Dammit, what was happening to her?

Kira?

She was gone. There was only a great aching emptiness. He’d lost her.

Then the rage came. Not again. Fucking never again.

Heart to heart, magic to magic. He was part draken, but first and foremost, he was a lion—and a Bad Blood.