My promise to protect Rorik dissolved the fog of distrust in the air. Viol kept out of the way, lurking against the wall with a blank look, while Mylo watched us closely, curious but no longer thirsty for bear blood. He must’ve been awake earlier when I mentioned Rorik’s brainwashing. Otherwise, I doubt he would’ve been so lenient.
“Come on,” I urged Rorik softly.
Rorik swallowed hard and followed me to the bedside. I felt a ripple of relief run across his skin when he saw Aurum breathing.
“Oh, thank gods,” he mumbled, grasping his chest with his free hand. His knees suddenly gave out. The huge omega sank to the floor as if the terrible weight on his shoulders had finally caught up with him.
“I’m sorry,” Rorik murmured. “I can’t make up for this by apologizing. But I am sorry.”
I couldn’t help but flinch at the broken quality of his voice. That wasn’t the strong, proud bear I knew.
I sank beside Rorik and put my arm across his broad back. His frame shook beneath my palm.
“It’s not going to happen again,” I stated.
“No,” Rorik choked out. “I would rather die.”
I growled. My nails dug possessively into his shoulder. “Stop that. Nobody’s dying, okay? Cut it out.”
Rorik turned his drained face towards me. I hated seeing him look so worn down and pathetic. I wasn’t angry with him—I was angry at the circumstances that led him to this.
Rorik shook his head miserably. “But I—”
Oh, for fuck’s sake.
I crushed my mouth against Rorik’s to silence him. He made a small sound of surprise that I swallowed. After a hesitant beat, Rorik kissed me back. His body sagged with relief, the demons of guilt exorcised by a good, long kiss.
When we broke apart, Rorik’s dark eyes were wet and glistening. I’d never seen him so close to tears.
I smiled and stroked his cheek. His stubble felt pleasant, like home.
A cough interrupted us.
My heart leapt when I saw Aurum awake. He was braced against the bed with a tired grin.
“Y’know, I would’ve preferred to seemymate’s beautiful face when I woke up, but I guess watching my twin brother make out with my almost-assassin is fine, too.”
“Aurum!” I cried.
Mylo and I dogpiled on Aurum simultaneously.
“Ow, hey, watch it!” Aurum complained.
We pulled back, though Mylo stayed close and snuggled against his arm. Aurum gave his mate a kiss on the head.
“How do you feel?” I asked.
Aurum flashed a lopsided grin. “Like a polar bear mauled me.”
Rorik winced, ducking his head shamefully.
“Oh, it’s fine, quit moping,” Aurum said, rubbing the bandage on his neck. “It looks worse than it actually is. Like when you get a nosebleed and it gushes blood everywhere.”
I snorted, grinning at Rorik. “Just like you.”
Rorik grumbled in embarrassment. “Please don’t compare my nosebleed tothis…”
Both Aurum and I chuckled, which seemed to make Rorik feel better.
