Corday had rushed to carry out his mission for the resistance, eager to return to Claire. It wasn’t because he didn’t trust her to stay put, it was because he didn’t trust her at all. The look in her eyes when Senator Kantor had arrived to guard her had been nothing but calculating. There was none of her former fear or skittishness, her reaction numbed as she sized up the Alpha.

The Senator could see the change in her as well, Kantor reacting with cautious courtesy. They exchanged pleasantries, Corday made them coffee, and then he left to meet Brigadier Dane. Corday’s duties kept him out past dark, and the Enforcer was utterly unprepared for the sight that met his eyes when he returned home.

Claire was asleep, curled up on the couch next to Senator Kantor, who was boldly purring in the dark.

A stab of something unwelcome drew Corday to frown. “Did she ask you to do that?”

“No. I knew what would lull her to sleep,” Senator Kantor answered in a hushed tone. “Rebecca struggled to fall asleep too. I learned a lot tending my wife in the years the Gods blessed me with my Omega.”

It was taboo to speak of deceased mates. Corday was surprised to hear the Alpha mention Rebecca—especially considering the sad circumstances of her long ago murder by Kantor’s political adversary. It had been a sensation and had led to Senator Bergie, several of his staff, and even Bergie’s son being incarcerated in the Undercroft.

Unsure what to say in response, Corday lit a few candles, and dragged a seat over from the kitchen, his face grim as he looked at the sleeping girl. “How was she today?”

“Better once she ate—less catatonic, more cognizant.” Senator Kantor studied the wasted thing. “Miss O’Donnell’s physical reaction after having parted from the father will be complicated. The pair-bond and the pregnancy will make her ill.”

Corday had faith things might turn out better. “She told me the pair-bond was broken. As for the pregnancy, I will take care of her.”

Senator Kantor shook his head “It doesn’t work that way, son.”

Shooting a look at the Alpha, Corday ground his teeth. “We’ll see.”

“Now that you are back, the three of us need to have a discussion.” Senator Kantor sat straighter, smoothing his sleeve. “Get dinner in her first; afterward the two of us will explain.”

It was unsettling to be ordered around in his own home, but Corday nodded and went to the kitchen. Simple fare was prepared. There was some fresh fruit for Claire, an apple he’d bartered for a handful of batteries.