Page 34 of Fractured Memories

Technically, he’s my partner. He leads the government, manages the classes, and maintains the city. If there are uprisings, I’ll lend my guards, but the moral concern and actual planning are his responsibility. It’s the only reason I allow him to think he has a modicum of power. Because it benefits me.

With a lack of a soul and a black heart, I couldn’t be bothered with half the shite that keeps people in line. So I let him think he has some kind of importance, even living across the mountain instead of down in the city. But he’s under my thumb like all the others, working for me.

“Make him handle this.” Another groan from Lochlan. “Problem solved,” I say as I shoot a look at Rohan.

“My point, Kieran, is that you are being rash, and it is causing more trouble than it’s worth. You want a fight? Go train with the guards. Jude will gladly take you to the mat, and it’ll be a real challenge. You’re bored? There are better uses of your focus. But for fuck’s sake, stay out of the cages.”

I work my jaw. Jude has been pushing me about telling Lochlan and Rohan the truth. It’s been three months since I first saw Eden, and he doesn’t approve of my sneaking down to the city. It seems even his loyalty has limits.

He says it’s because he cannot properly keep me safe if I refuse to take extra guards or Lochlan. When I remind him that I can handle myself, he only scoffs.

It’s truly humbling.

“Fine.” I swipe a bottle of whiskey and pour myself a full glass. “I’ll consider it, yeah?”

Rohan’s nostrils flare, and he pushes up to his feet. “You need to get your fucking head on straight.”

He stalks off without another word, and I watch Lochlan’s eyes follow him. A moment later, I hear the door slam shut.

Lochlan’s dark blue gaze slowly moves back to me, and his expression is enough to even rattle my cold as fuck heart. Because this isn’t the Lochlan I’m used to. This isn’t the one that will dive into a fight for the excitement without asking any questions. This isn’t the brother I grew up with that can be loud and obnoxious.

This is the Lochlan that found his mother dead and didn’t speak for a week after. This is the version of him that was abandoned by his own parent and left at the mercy of mine, something even I couldn’t protect him from.

Lochlan might hide everything behind a smile, might be down for a fight or a drink at any moment, but I’ve never forgotten what lies beneath all that. He’s the most human of us three—though barely.

And he looks it right now.

“He doesn’t want you dead, Kier,” he says softly, and I feel a twinge of guilt. Only these two can pull those kinds of emotions out of me. “It’s obvious something is going on, but you always tell us what it is.” Pushing to his feet, he holsters Rohan’s gun at his side. “We’re all shite with words, but we’re supposed to be in this together, yeah?”

It’s fucking sobering when Lochlan acts like this. I’m protective of the arsehole, and it’s the first time I’ve really considered what Jude’s been saying.

“We are.” I try to keep my voice neutral, but I know there’s a tinge of emotion in it.

He nods slowly, looking away from me. He’s got demons worse than either me or Rohan, and I know that it’s half the reason he acts the way he does. He’s always outrunning them. “Doesn’t seem like it lately.”

Then, he’s gone, too.

I toss the whiskey back and drag a hand down my face. I’ve really fucked this up.

Rarely have I actually felt like the piece of shite that I’ve been accused of being. I have no qualms about the blood on my hands or the decisions I have made. But when it comes to those two, I know I’ll need to make it right.

Not tonight, though.

It’s actually good they left before I had to tell them to fuck off. Jude should be back any minute.

Standing, I leave the glass on the table and make my way down the hallway. I’ve just rounded the corner when I hear footsteps moving toward me. Based on the steady stride, I know it’s Jude before I even see him.

What I’m not prepared for is the amusement dancing in his eyes or that knowing smirk. I don’t trust it.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

He stops in front of me, looking so damn smug. “Eden is just outside. I’ve stationed the guards outdoors, so you’ll have privacy for the night, and everything is arranged on your patio.”

“That did not answer my question.”

“Someone found Eden on my way in to collect you.”

My jaw clenches. “Who?”