Masked Desire のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 131 - チャプター 140

Avalon's POVThe interrogation room has become familiar.Commander Hayes sits across from me with another investigator. Maps. Documents. Names circled in red."Tell us again about your father's contacts in the Council," Hayes demands.I've told them three times already. But I tell them again."Lord Blackthorn. Council member from the Western territories. He funded research facilities." I point to a location on the map. "Here. And here. Hidden under agricultural development grants."The investigator makes notes. "Who else?""Senator Greymark. Eastern representative. She provided political cover when questions were raised about omega disappearances."Hayes's expression darkens. "You're certain about this?""I saw correspondence. My father was careful, but not careful enough."This is my fourth week working with the investigators. Providing details about the conspiracy. Names. Locations. Money trails.It's the only useful thing I can do from confinement.The only way to contribute someth

Kaelen's POVSix weeks of confinement and cooperation has earned me something I didn't expect.Freedom.Not complete freedom. Guards still escort me. I'm still restricted to certain areas. But I can move around the stronghold now instead of being locked in my quarters.The first place I go is the library.It's massive. Three floors of books, scrolls, ancient texts. Collections spanning centuries.I lose myself in it immediately.The guard assigned to me - a younger warrior named Cole - seems amused by my enthusiasm."Never seen someone so excited about dusty old books," he comments."These aren't just books. They're history. Knowledge. Understanding.""If you say so."I start with recent history. The past century of omega rights and treatment. What I find shocks me.Current restrictions on omegas - the claiming laws, breeding programs, lack of autonomy - most of it is recent. Within the last two hundred years.Before that, omega rights were more expansive. Omegas held positions of pow

Ivan's POVThe summit is in two days.Two days until Jason stands in front of hundreds of the most powerful supernatural beings in the world and tells them why omega rights matter.Two days until my mate becomes a public target.I'm in the war room with my mother and father, reviewing security protocols for what feels like the hundredth time."Three perimeter teams," Commander Hayes explains, pointing to the map. "Inner security around the stage. Magical wards on all entrances.""Not enough," I say."Your Highness, we have—""Not. Enough." I lean over the map. "Jason will be exposed on that stage. Vulnerable. Speaking controversial positions that will make enemies."Marcus speaks from his position near the window. "Perhaps he shouldn't speak at all."I turn to face my father. "What?""This speech will create permanent enemies. Powerful packs who view omega rights as threats to their authority." His voice is measured. Logical. "Jason becomes a target the moment he takes that stage. A t

Jason's POVI can't think straight.Kaelen's confession keeps replaying in my mind. His voice shaking as he read that letter. The raw honesty in every word.I love you, Jason Blackwood.I walk through the stronghold in a daze. Guards follow at a respectful distance. Increased security after the assassination attempt.But I barely notice them.All I can think about is Kaelen. His letter. His love.What do I do with that?Ivan knows something is wrong the moment I enter our chambers."What happened?" he asks immediately."Kaelen. He... he told me he loves me."Ivan goes very still. "He what?""He wrote me a letter. Read it out loud. Told me everything he feels.""And? What did you say?""That I needed time. To process. To figure out what I feel."Ivan starts pacing. I can feel his jealousy through our bond. Sharp and immediate."He's making a move. Trying to claim you—""He's not trying to claim anything. He just told me the truth." I sit on the bed, suddenly exhausted. "He said he does

Avalon's POVI can feel it through the mate bond.Jason and Kaelen. Their connection growing. Deepening. Becoming something real.I'm happy for Kaelen. Really, I am. He's wanted Jason's genuine affection for so long. Worked so hard to earn it.But I'm also jealous.Because I want that too. Want Jason to look at me with the same warmth. Want to be part of what they're building.And underneath both emotions is fear. Fear that I'll be left out. That they'll form something together and I'll just be the fourth mate no one really wants."Tell me what you're feeling," Dr. Thorne says during our session."Jealous. Happy. Scared. All at once.""About Kaelen and Jason.""Yes. They're building something. And I'm watching from outside.""Is that where you want to be? Outside?""No. But I don't know how to get inside without forcing it."Thorne leans forward. "What do you actually want, Avalon? Not what you think you should want. What do you genuinely want?"I've been asking myself that question f