Page 60 of Dark Company

At his words, I look down at Brennen, studying his slack jaw and glossy eyes. He’s still alive and still breathing, but it’s coming out as a raspy, wheezy mass of bubbling blood. Leon is right. I can’t let myself lose control; not until I know where Karis is.

Brennen’s lips lift, but just a touch, enough to show the emotion. But even that little bit causes him to wince in pain. “She’s gone, motherfucker. You’ll never find her.”

The words are slow, methodical, and ground out. Every movement of his jaw makes his eyes screw up in pain. Just getting that much out of him was probably pure agony. Curling my hand back into a fist, I drive it into his stomach, forcing his head forward so that more blood spills out onto the ground.

“Keep this up, and I’ll die before you ever know anything.”

I have to speed this up. I have to know where Karis is. I thrust my hand out, gripping Brennen’s balls, retribution flowing through my fingers as I tighten them. I can feel the round orbs shift about in a desperate plea to escape the crushing might of my grip. Brennen’s eyes bulge out as only a thin whisper of sound escapes his lips.

“Where. Is. She? If you want any hope of having children later, you will answer me.”

“L -. L-.” I ease off my grip, allowing him to speak fully. “Laxa. I sold her to one of those robed freaks.”

Satisfied with his answer, I choose to make his ending quick. Tightening my fingers once more, I grip his limp sac and twist as I pull my hand back in a fast motion. The fibers of his skin as it pulls apart reverberate up my arm, fueling my bloodlust. I continue to pull until his entire sac, balls and all, rest in my palm.

A short, loud keening erupts from his throat just moments before his eyes roll back into his head and he goes limp in my arms. He’s not dead yet, but there’s no way he’ll ever survive. Tossing him into the sand, I watch as it soaks up the blood pouring from his body.

“May Jarosh have his vengeance on you when you meet him in the afterlife.” With a flick of my wrist, I toss his testicles and skin onto the ground beside his body. It should make a delightful treat for the birds.

Turning back to the communicator in my sleeve, I first put out a message to the camp. At this rate, it will be much quicker for us to go to Laxa from where we’re at instead of making the trip back to them. In short, concise words, I order them to gather the two omegas and head back to Stanlion.

They are to reside in two separate cells until I’m able to come back and stand at their trial. After getting confirmation that my orders will be carried out, I send another communique to Stanlion, asking for both a transport and a diplomat, just in case things get dicey.

Naturally, there’s fear about Karis’s wellbeing, but until I can find her, I have nothing else to report. I tell them everything that’s happened, except that I have made Karis my mate. I know full well that Jaxxon is listening in; I can hear his huffing breath every time I mention Brennen. And so, I don’t want to reveal that part just yet. I want to see him face to face.

“But he’s dead. Correct?” Jaxxon finally breaks through, his words sharp.

Staring down at the body, I study his chest for several moments before confirming. His eyes are open but unseeing. His body is stiff and rigid, his jaw limp. Soon, his body will be food for any animals that roam about, and I can’t think of any other way for him to go off into the afterlife than this.

“He is dead.”

Jaxxon’s relief is almost palpable as it comes through the static. “Good. I’ll update Annora. Just find Karis. Do whatever it takes to get her back. I’m not familiar with Laxa as it is now, but in my past life, they were peaceable, willing to make deals. It will always be in their favor, but typically not unjust. Just give them whatever they want, and I’ll compensate you when you’re back.”

Closing the panel in my uniform, I take my horse back from Leon and head into the city. Luckily for me, this is one of the war horses and not one of my own personal stock. It would be the last straw if I had to give him up. As it is, a thread of sorrow still winds around my heart as I reach up to pat his nose.

It’s not his fault that he can’t come with us. The transports we own are small, but that’s what makes them so fast. I’m more than willing to sacrifice this warhorse if it means getting to Karis sooner, but it doesn’t make it hurt less. When the gods saw fit to give me an omega, I didn’t realize how much they’d want from me as payment, but she’s mine now, and I’ll give up the world if it means getting her back.

The little boy is still there, his brows drawing down as he sees us coming. His lips turn into a slight pout as he looks between Leon and I. “Where’s the other man? The beta?”

I pause, looking over at Leon for guidance. I don’t deal with children; I never have. But instead of helping me, the bastard takes a step back and smiles before motioning for me to answer the question.

“He is asleep.”

Leon busts out with a bark of laughter, drawing my angry gaze to him.

“He’s dead. Is that what you mean? Everyone dies here, mister. It’s only a matter of time. You don’t have to shield me like I’m a baby. I’m not a baby. I’m nearly ten, old enough for you to not lie to me.”

Shock zips through my brain as I stare down at the small child, hands balled into fists as he stares up at me. The utter fearlessness of him. This is exactly what I picture Karis and my children as being like. Never afraid and always questioning everything around them.

“Yes. He is dead.”

“Good. He was a bad man.”

Once more, my body bristles, wishing I could kill Brennen all over again. “Did you see him do something to the lady?”

The boy shakes his head before looking back at me. Dumbstruck, I watch as he freezes, his body jerking for just a few moments, then nothing. I’ve never seen anything like this. He stares ahead, but nothing on him moves. It’s as if he’s frozen in time. Even Leon finds this odd enough to step forward, placing his hand in between us, his free hand palming the pocket that has his blaster.

After several moments where none of us speaks, the little boy shakes, as if coming out of a dream. “Take heed,” he whispers, his eyes still struggling to focus. “Your victory will be short-lived. Watch those around you. Keep what’s precious to you close. Your bond will guide the way.”