Walter sighed. “It was an interesting meeting, sire. He said he was messing with Mike and Jake because he was, and I quote, “bored”.
“Wait, he threatened Mike because he was bored?” Brian said, sitting up.
“Yes. He definitely has an odd personality.”
“Will he stay away from the pride?” the king asked, and I internally cringed. I knew what was coming next.
Walter glanced at me before saying. “He agreed to leave Mike and Jake alone but not to stay away from the pride… he has a new target.”
“What? Who?” Edward growled. I felt his kingly power ripple through the room.
“He appeared rather interested in Talon,” Walter answered.
The king’s brow furrowed, and he stared at me. “Talon? Why would he want to hurt Talon?”
Walter cleared his throat, and I shifted from foot to foot. “He doesn’t want to hurt him…. Or maybe he does. It was more sexual undertones than anything.”
“What?” Brian was the one to shout now. “Why would he think there was a possibility? Did you feel the same? What about my brother?”
I took a step back, and my eyes widened. The accusatory tone was one I’d only experienced when I was younger. “I…”
“Are you my brother’s mate? Why haven’t you talked to him?” Brian continued to his barrage of questions.
“Bunny, easy. You said you wouldn’t get involved,” Edward tried to soothe.
Brian scowled at his mate. “This has to do with my brother, Edward. And he’s playing with his heart.”
“I’m not playing with anything,” I said, finding my voice.
Brian spun back toward me. “Then what the hell is going on? Is my brother your mate or not?”
“I don’t know,” I all but shouted. “I haven’t talked to him because I don’t know. All you mated couples say your lion will tell you, and you’ll know. Well, mine knows jack shit. I like Lucas, but I don’t know if he’s my mate.”
Everyone stared at me with their mouths hung open. It was the first time I admitted even liking Lucas, let alone the possibility of us being mates. I should’ve known they’d notice the attraction between us.
Brian shook his head and took a deep breath. “You need to stay away from my brother until you can get your feelings in check. Am I clear?”
This wasn’t just a brother defending his family. Brian’s words were spoken with the authority of the King’s consort. I bowed my head even though my lion roared within me.
“I’ll stay away.”
Brian jerked a nod and stormed from the room. A loud sigh echoed in the room, and I turned to look at my king.
“Sorry about that, Talon. Brian is protective of his brother. Lucas didn’t freak out when meeting me like the rest of his family. You were there,” the king explained.
“I know. I wish I could tell him otherwise,” I said softly.
“I wish you could too. Is your lion telling you anything?” he asked.
I shook my head.
“What about the demon? Is he saying anything about him?”
I didn’t reply right away. Did I tell him I and my lion had the same reaction to both of them? I shook my head. I needed to figure things out myself first.
“Okay, watch your back regarding the demon. Who knows what he’s going to do.” Edward let out another sigh. “If you need to talk about what is happening with Lucas, I’m here.”
“Thank you, sir. I…. I just need to deal with this on my own. I’ll do as the consort asked and stay away.” I bowed my head and left the room.
