“So, how do we stop him?”
“First, let me assure you”—Liam’s sincerity shone through in his expression—“I have no intention of ever using Liza’s trigger word or doing anything to harm her. If anything, I want to help deprogram her, to free her from the chains our father placed on her. And I believe you can help me with that, Ty.”
That caught me off guard, but I heard no lies in his words. Despite our rocky start and the inherent mistrust between us, there was also an undeniable bond, and a connection born from our shared love for Liza.
“Deprogram her?” I asked, my eyes narrowing. Was it even possible to undo the damage that had been done?
“I’ve researched it,” Liam declared confidently. “With the right combination of therapy, support, and time, we can help Liza break free from her trigger word.”
I swallowed the lump in my throat, my taut muscles slowly relaxing. “I’ll help you, but on one condition. You keep us updated on all the information you have about Castro and his plans.”
“Deal,” Liam said without hesitation.
“If we’re going to stop Castro, then let’s get started. The sooner we put an end to his plans, the better.”
“I agree,” Liam stated firmly. “First, we need to make sure Liza is safe. The thing about the trigger word is that it can’t be used remotely or over the phone. The omega has to be near the handler, otherwise it won’t work. If Castro has it, he’ll stop at nothing to get his hands on her.”
“Then, we’ll just have to make sure he doesn’t succeed.” I growled, my wolf itching to protect our mate. “We’ve stopped him before, and we’ll do it again.”
“Damn right we will,” Liza said with more strength in her voice. Her resilience shone through as she declared, “I won’t let him use me or anyone else like this ever again.”
Liam sighed and rubbed a hand over his hair as he leaned back in the plush office chair. Then he groaned. “I have to admit, I’m a bit let down that you’re not evil, scheming pieces of shit.” He looked at each of us in turn, his gaze lingering on Liza. “From the second I discovered my sister was alive and with you, I’ve been preparing to take you all out.”
I slowly turned from Liza to her brother. Seeing the similarities in their profiles was disconcerting, yet oddly reassuring. “Excuse me?”
He shrugged. “I thought you were using Liza, but listening to you all, I know the support she has here is genuine. You truly aren’t a danger to her.”
His words stung like a slap to the face. How could he even think we were capable of such things? I had to keep in mind that Liam’s perception of us was built on assumptions and half-truths. The most important thing at this moment was his awareness of the full truth, which would allow us to move forward.
As we hashed out the details, a glimmer of hope sparked within me, fueled by our shared love of Liza. I wasn’t a shortsighted man. The journey ahead would be difficult, filled with danger and uncertainty, but the thought of freeing Liza from the chains that bound her made it all worth it.
As I stole another glance at her, she seemed to sit taller, emboldened by courage, and I firmly trusted our love could conquer even the darkest shadows.
103
LIZA
Listening to Ty and Liam go round in circles about what I was, how best to protect me, andwhowas better placed to protect me, drained all my energy.
“Enough!” I said, my exhaustion finally getting the better of me. “I’m not some science experiment for everyone to analyze. I just want some peace and quiet.”
Their combined concern bore down on me, but I couldn’t bring myself to care. All I wanted was a reprieve from the constant chatter about my safety, my powers, and whatever dangers lurked in the shadows.
“All right,” Ty said gently, having felt my exhaustion and exasperation through our shared bond. “We’ll give you some space.”
“Thank you,” I said, turning on my heel and marching back to my and Ty’s room. The moment I closed the door behind me, glorious silence enveloped me. I exhaled in relief.
Peeling off my clothes, I stepped into the shower, letting the hot water cascade over my body. The heat soothed my tense muscles and washed away the grime and stress of the day.
As I lathered up my hair, the shower filling with the familiar scent of my shampoo, I pressed my fingers firmly into my scalp and allowed my thoughts to wander to the events of the past few days, to the uncertainty of what lay ahead, and to the love and support I’d received from Ty and my family.
Strong fingers joined mine, massaging my scalp.
“Ty.” I gasped, my cheeks flushing with surprise. “What are you doing here? I was sure you and Liam would be talking for hours.”
“I’ve been apart from you for almost four days. I couldn’t stay away.” He helped rinse my hair, then slid his hands around my waist as he pressed his body against mine. The water sluiced over us, and steam rose off our heated skin. His eyes bore into mine, dark and intense, leaving no doubt about the depth of his desire for me.
“Missed me?” I said, an attempt at a playful smile tugging at the corners of my lips. My pulse raced as the solid, reassuring weight of him pressed against me.
