Which means the urge to drink from Selene is claiming.
Claiming? Admit the actual word behind it.
I can’t. Not yet.
Sometimes the need to claim is apparent. It grips you so profoundly that each side knows what is happening.
Occasionally, fate is wicked. It prefers to play games. The need to claim can be tedious, like a predator stepping out from an uncharted forest. Hesitant, careful to make sure it survives.
“Holy shit!” Tristen mutters, but the fool says it loud enough to capture Selena’s attention.
“What?”
“Nothing?” I bark, my eyes dig into Tristen like a nail pressing a warning sign into soft wood.Shut up! It is not that!
His forehead wrinkles.Tell me, what is it then?
“You two truly can speak without words,” Selene remarks. “This can come in handy.”
“We’re brothers,” I mutter. Regret coats my tongue as soon as the words slip free.I hang my head. “I’m sorry.” I didn’t mean to bring up Everett.
“Tristen, please help your brother,” Selene sneers. “He has a sickening need to apologize after every utterance. An odd trait for a soldier. An annoying one. Our boat is built; we’re all inside.No more regrets. We must learn how to paddle. If not, we all shall sink.”
“Speaking of navigating waters. What about Sable?” I ask.
Selene crosses her arms, her gaze flicking towards the door. “What about her?”
A cloud shifts, and morning light pours into the room. Strands of her black hair catch the glow, turning the edges gold.
“I pickedyou,” I say.
A flicker of blush blooms on her cheeks, but it’s gone as suddenly as it comes.
“Sable’s got a bone to pick with me.” I shift so my back is to the door, blocking her exit. “We’re not leaving until you assure me my brother is safe from Sable.”
Her unflinching eyes lock with mine. “She will not attack you. She’ll aim for me. Consider me your shield, Titus.”
“I don’t need a shield.” My chest stiffens as my brows pull together.
“Then call me your sword.” She speaks loud enough to turn this into a duel of titles and power.
You want me to bend a knee? Fine. I can fight when on the ground, my queen. I’ll protect you, my brother, and Everett’s magic.
“Don’t question me,” she commands.
I step close enough to feel her body tremor. “That’s not how this friendship works, Selene.” My voice drops low. “My brother’s life is on the line now! I ask, you answer.”
“Now you sound like my husband.”
It’s a slap in the face, “Never compare me to a man who deceives and cheats. I’ll kneel for you, obey your demands, but unlike Galen, I expect you to do the same. If you ask me, I answer truthfully. Show me equal respect.”
The steel in her posture melts; her arms drop to her side.
“When I sense Sable’s attack, I will let you know. I promise. We have time before this happens. Galen already put her in the dungeons. She’ll be cautious now. The most important thing is getting a handle on your new magic.”
“No, that is not the most important thing. It is you. You’re my queen,” I retort.
“Did you forget about me, big brother?” Tristen steps closer, wedging himself between us. His tone is light, but his eyes are full of concern as he glares at me.
