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“But it’s not an accident if you try to recreate it now. You’ll actually be creating a weapon.” Wyatt’s low voice was more cutting than if he were shouting at him.
Bel planted both palms flat on the desk and pushed to his feet. “A weapon to protect you and River. To protect my family! River was almost killed today! I refuse to allow anyone to hurt either of you again!”
“And we’re not going to allow fear to turn you into a monster,” Wyatt countered. He shook his head, the sadness in his lover’s expression crushing Bel’s heart. “This isn’t you, Bel. Our Bel uses his beautiful brain to save people, not hurt them.”
Bel took a small step backward, flinching at Wyatt’s words. A monster? Did Wyatt really see him as a monster?
Wyatt closed the distance between them in a few quick steps and pulled Bel to his chest, wrapping his arms around him so tight Bel could barely breathe. “Baby, don’t look at me like that,” he whispered, his lips on Bel’s temple. “I love you. I will always love you. I just don’t want you to go down this dark path. River is safe. I am safe. Your family is safe. We will find a way through this.”
“How?” The single word came out broken and rough.
River squeezed in between them, hugging both Wyatt and Bel. “I don’t know, but we will figure it out together. Without you selling your soul and forfeiting your life. Remember, there are no martyrs in family.”
“No martyrs in family,” Bel repeated. He didn’t agree with their reasoning, but he let go of the idea of trying to recreate his formula. For his family. He wouldn’t do anything to hurt the Variks or his wolves.
“Have faith in the Variks,” Ethan said, and Bel’s heart healed a little to hear the pride in the man’s voice. “We’ve got this.”
Footsteps echoed on the floor outside the office and came to a sharp stop very close by. “Should I even ask what the hell is going on in here?” Marcus grumbled.
Ethan laughed. “Just a little family bonding.”
“Uh-huh.”
Bel was smiling when he stepped out of Wyatt and River’s embrace. He was still terrified for the safety of his family, but he had to believe they’d find another way. When he turned to Ethan, it was to see the young man snatch up the paper he’d been making notes on and rip it into tiny shreds.
With a chuckle, he grabbed Ethan and pulled him into a quick hug. “Thank you for saving me.”
“Anything for family,” Ethan murmured.
Marcus sighed loudly. “Someone will need to explain this to me later, but for now, Winter is here, and he’s brought food, if anyone is interested.”
Bel followed Ethan, Marcus, and River out of the office and down the hall to the library. Wyatt slid his arm around Bel’s shoulders, pulling him in close as they trailed behind the rest of them. He was grateful they’d stopped him. The temptation was still there in the back of his mind, but it was the wrong choice. There were other options, smarter options.
Before they even reached the library, hints of barbecue drifted through the air, and Wyatt’s stomach growled. His poor wolves.
They were the last to arrive: Philippe and Rafe were cozied up on one of the love seats. Winter had cleared the coffee table and was unloading a few large bags with containers of pulled pork, brisket, ribs, and endless sides. Aiden was standing close by with a glass of blood in one hand, watching Winter work.
Winter looked up as the latecomers entered the room and smirked. “I wasn’t sure who would be eating or how much to get.”
Ethan still ate food regularly, and it appeared that Marcus was getting into the habit, partially as a way to spend time with his mate. Bel didn’t eat much, but he didn’t mind picking at food if it meant he got to be close to Wyatt and River. Clearly, Rafe wasn’t much into food, considering the look of disgust curling one lip. Philippe just appeared bemused and curious.
“Oh, my God! Winter, you are fast becoming my second favorite vampire!” River declared. He closed the distance between himself and Winter, wrapping the man in a tight hug. Winter’s head popped up, and he sent Bel a slightly panicked and confused look over the wolf’s shoulder.
Bel laughed, leaning against Wyatt. “Wolves are very affectionate. You’ll get used to it.”
“Yes, we heard this afternoon exactly how affectionate you all were,” Rafe drawled.
“Really?” Philippe said, arching a golden brow at his lover. “I’m surprised you could hear them over your own beg—”
Rafe slapped a hand over Philippe’s mouth, but the laughter in his eyes was still crystal clear. “I didn’t say that I heard a great deal.”
“I gave you my blood, and Winter is your second favorite?” Aiden teased.
