We’ve been having this same conversation since we were kids. Where I was the quiet, confident child, Rowan was the explosive loud one.
He channeled that nervous energy into writing stories—and the older he got, the darker they became.
A lot of those stories turned into plots for some of our best-selling games.
His panic, however, isnota game.
“Hey. Do this.” I place my hand to my chest, pressing gently against my sternum.
He copies me, and exhales softly.
“Sorry,” he mumbles after a moment. “Fuck…she just means a lot to me. And it seems like I already messed up with her.”
I nod. “We’regoingto mess up. That’s how life is. The goal is to not screw up so badly that it damages the relationship.”
Rowan makes a face. “How the fuck do you always know the right thing to say?”
I shrug. “Facts and logic? Critical thinking? I don’t know.”
My brother shoves me playfully. “Yeah. Just, thinking about what she went through, it’s amazing she trusts us enough to let us in.”
I nod. “She and Travis have a lot in common, too. I’m just not sure he’s told her what he’s been through. It took him years to tell us.”
“He’s an idiot, then. Blair, of all people, would understand.”
“Probably.”
Blair’s story is heartbreaking—but I know that none of us can change how she sees herself or her belief that she was responsible for what happened to her ex-pack.
I wish I could, but doing that would be like trying to convince my brother that everything will be okay.
They’re not wired like that, and I can respect it, even if it’s frustrating and heartbreaking as hell.
Posie and Rosie trot in, and the three of the kittens break out into a brawl. Ash comes in behind them, sitting in front of my feet and surveying the chaos of his sisters.
“Come on.” I motion to Rowan. “They have a babysitter now. Let’s leave them alone and get ready.”
Hopefully, stepping out of this room will help him snap out of his spiral, too.
We have a lot to be excited about.
Our scent match is visiting.
By the timethe doorbell rings, I’m antsy.
Rowan and I sat on the couch, waiting like high school kids for our date to arrive.
I’m up and opening the door before Rowan can reach it, and Blair is there, standing in front of me, radiant and smiling softly. Her eyes, though gorgeous, are still slightly guarded, as if she’s still unsure how to navigate all of this.
“Hey, you,” she says. “Long time no see.”
Her scent hits me then, and I realize something I wasn’t able to catch before.
My inner Alpha stirs to life, inhaling greedily.
She’s close to her Heat.
My scent match is close to her Heat.
