Furious tears welled in Sorrel’s eyes. His nostrils flared, and for a few seconds, he didn’t speak.
“Let me fill you in,” Sheba said coldly. “Since Konrad’s death, Sorrel has been training as a fighter instead of for his original duty. When Rorik failed, Sorrel proudly offered to take his place as a dragon-killer.”
“And that’s why you sent that message,” Viol muttered. “So Sorrel could kill me. Is that it?” He laughed bitterly. “You stupid idiots never learn. Go ahead, Sorrel. Come and get your fucking revenge if you want it that badly.”
Sorrel’s ears briefly flicked back before he put on a brave face. He wasn’t really going to attack Viol, was he?
But then I remembered that horrible day. Konrad didn’t allow the omegas to witness his cruelty, and so they didn’t see Viol’s true power, either. They only saw the aftermath of Viol going feral—the fire and the avalanche beneath the dark silhouette of his wings in the sky.
Tears fell from my eyes. I didn’t stop them, and I didn’t stop Sorrel. I felt awful, but what could I do? My brother had no respect for me, and he wouldn’t listen to anything I said. The only thing occupying his mind was revenge. He wouldn’t be satisfied until he killed Viol.
So, I sat there miserably and watched him try.
Sorrel glanced at Sheba and Knox for approval to charge into action. As soon as Sheba nodded sternly, he bolted towards Viol with bared fangs. My mate stood still as Sorrel leapt at his throat. He let my brother sink his fangs into his scales, but it was useless. His attack was too low on the neck, so his teeth couldn’t pierce Viol’s natural armor.
Viol allowed my brother to bite him for a few measured moments before he swatted him away. Sorrel landed on all fours, still growling. He looked crazed—like if he kept trying, he could really do it.
I noticed the alpha bears slinking back. Did they really think Sorrel’s head-on attack would do anything? They’d seen Viol’s raw power with their own eyes that day. Surely they knew it would take more than a single omega wolf to harm Viol. Maybe they were just as misguided as Sorrel, clinging to their hopeless dream of revenge.
I felt awful for everybody left behind here. Even the alphas.
I just wanted to rescue my brother and go home. But he didn’t want anything to do with me. We’d come all this way for nothing.
“Are you satisfied now?” Viol asked, tired and irritated. “You can’t hurt me. Not like this.”
Sorrel breathed hard. His gaze slowly slid to me. For a split second, I saw that look in his eyes—the brief idea of hurting me to get back at Viol.
“You won’t harm Poppy,” Viol growled. “You’re notthatfucked up. I know you’re not, Sorrel. So stop this fucking bullshit already.”
I walked up to Sorrel. “Even if you won’t come home with us, there’s other places you can go,” I pleaded. “You don’t have to stay here. We can help you.”
Sorrel’s eyes swam with frustration and confusion. He backed away from me, but I caught up with him again, refusing to let him go.
“Why’d you come back?” Sorrel demanded.
“For you.”
His voice cracked as he cried, “What if the message was real, and the alphasweregoing to kill me? You wouldn’t even exchange my life for that dragon’s?”
Viol snorted. “Come on, give me a little credit. You don’t think I’d stop the alphas if they tried to murder you?”
The two alpha bears rapidly snapped their gazes to Viol, as if they hadn’t considered that outcome.
“Don’t act like I’m a total stranger,” Viol growled at Sorrel as he slowly walked closer. “YouknowI tried to help you before. And as fucking annoying as you’re being right now, I’m still here to help. Because Poppy loves you, and I love him.”
“No, you don’t,” Sorrel muttered through angry tears.
“Sorrel.”
My voice was crisp and sharp—the epitome of a stern older brother’s voice. And it still worked on him. His eyes widened as they met mine.
I took a deep breath. “I’m in love with Viol. I’ve loved him since the day we met on the plains, all those years ago. And now, finally, we call each other fated mates. Every day, I feel safe and warm and protected. I’m happier than I’ve ever been.” I pressed my snout into Sorrel’s neck fur. His familiar scent made my chest ache. “Please stop clinging to your vengeance. There’s more to life, I promise. There’s someone out there who will love you this deeply, too.”
Sorrel hesitated. For a brief second, his gaze flickered over his shoulder before he forced it back on me.
Who was he looking at?I wondered.
“Hey. You two,” Viol shouted. “Alpha bears.”
