nerves were jumping all over the place. He hadn’t seen his omegin in months, not since the final day of sentencing after the trial. “Medical record consent forms. For Dustin’s records and those of my deceased brothers. I’m working with Senior Constable Karter Jenks to look in to unexplained events in my childhood, and those records may help.”
“Why isn’t the constable doing this himself?”
“Because Dustin doesn’t know him. I’m Dustin’s son and heir, and am more likely to convince him to say yes.”
The beta seemed to war with himself for a moment, which suggested Dorian’s request was unusual and possibly against the rules. But he also seemed to want to help. “If Dustin agrees to fill out your forms, ask one of the guards to come to me for a pen. He’ll watch the entire time.”
“Thank you. I appreciate it.”
“I hope you find what you’re looking for.”
“So do I.”
The guard pushed a button and the door behind him made that same clacking sound. Someone on the other side pulled it open. “You’ll find him in Room B.”
This new corridor was similar to the first, with mostly wide-open doors along its length. At least a dozen that he counted quickly, but Room B was immediately to his left, and the uniformed guard behind the door pointed him in that direction. The room itself looked almost like a tiny living room, with a couch, an armchair, a table between them, and even a vase of fresh flowers.
Guess being in the medical ward has its comfort perks.
Dustin sat in the armchair, knees drawn up to his chest, feet on the cushion. He wore simple red pajamas and slippers, and his hair was a tangled mess. Purple bruises on his neck stood out against pale skin. But he was also clear-eyed and curious.
“I never thought I’d see you again,” he said, voice raspy and rough. “You made your disdain for me very clear at the trial.”
“I never thought I would either.” Dorian took a few steps closer, not quite ready to sit yet. The guard hovered outside, observing without being obnoxious about it. “I suppose asking how you feel is a stupid question.”
“I’ve had worse days.” His nostrils flared and he squinted. “You seem different.”
“I am different.” For as much as he wanted to preen over this news, Dorian couldn’t. He was too…sad over seeing Dustin again. Seeing him in such a state after everything he’d suffered. “I met my bondmate last month.”
Dustin smiled but there was no real joy in his eyes. “That’s wonderful news. I’m grateful you told me in person, rather than a letter or phone call.”
“My visit isn’t about my mating. I mean, yes, it is about that but in a different way.”
“Oh?” He unfolded his legs and sat up straighter. “Does his family object because of what I did?”
“They don’t all object but they are very well-aware of your actions.” Dorian perched on the edge of the sofa farthest from Dustin. “My bondmate and I have talked, and we both have concerns about Kane and Orrin’s deaths.”
His curious expression flattened. “Why?”
“Because two of my siblings died before they were four years old. Of ill-defined natural causes, and my bondmate is worried I might pass along some sort of genetic defect to our children. We want to know everything we can so we can prepare. We can’t fathom the pain of losing one child, much less two.”
Dustin closed his eyes, then blinked several times. When he finally looked at Dorian, his lashes were wet. “You won’t find the answers you want in their medical records. There are no lurking genetic anomalies to worry about, I promise.”
“I can’t take your word on that.” He studied the way Dustin was trying hard to remain stoic, to not give anything away. “You know how they died. The real reason that isn’t on their death certificates.” Dustin’s chin trembled; Dorian didn’t relent. “I know about the battery and rape reports you filed against Sire.”
“What?” A single tear tracked down Dustin’s right cheek, and the sight of it told Dorian everything he needed to know about the truth of those complaints. “How?”
“A friend of mine is a Senior Constable. He found them buried in the wrong place and under your pre-mating name.” Dorian’s chest hurt. “I didn’t want to believe they were true, but from the look on your face I know they are.”
“It was a different time back then. My failure to conceive—”
“Is not justification for him beating you and raping you. Period.” He