That shudder instinctively tightens his arms around her, darkening the look on his face. In a way, doing this to Blue -- this trembling, lingering fear, a horror she can't shake -- is worse than simply hurting her. They are strong, resilient; it takes a lot to injure them enough to stop them. But Blue can't just walk this off. And Omega can't take pain away from her, no matter how much he wants to.

"Yes," he answers her, pleased to be able to assure her of that much, at least. It would be impossible to keep that cruel satisfaction out of his voice, so he doesn't try. "I wanted to keep him alive to torture. Before I knew how badly you were hurt."

Omega nuzzles the side of Blue's head. "Your Alpha finished him off."