"We should go," Luca said. "Let you think."
They headed for the door. Jaxon paused at the threshold, looked back at me.
"For what it's worth, Pretty Girl? I think you're scared of the wrong thing. You're not dangerous. You're just powerful. And your mom taught you to be afraid of that power instead of embracing it."
Then they were gone, leaving me alone in my apartment with my racing thoughts and pounding heart.
I sank onto my couch, head in my hands.
They wanted this. Both of them. Wanted to try for a trinity bond despite the risks, despite the complications, despite everything that could go wrong.
And God help me, I wanted it too.
But wanting something and being brave enough to reach for it were two different things.
My phone buzzed. A text from Shayla.
Mmm, did I just see Vale and Roarke at your building tonight. You okay?
I stared at the message. The only way to keep a secret was to die and take it to the grave.
I'm fine. Just... complicated.
Her response was immediate.Complicated good or complicated bad?
I didn’t want to share more than needed.Not sure yet.
I could see Shayla texting something on her end.Want me to come over? I can bring wine and bad advice.
I smiled despite myself.Rain check? Still a little under the weather.
She shot back another reply.Okay. But I'm here if you need me. And Reina? Whatever you decide, make sure it's what YOU want. Not what anyone else thinks you should do.
I set the phone down, her words echoing in my head.
What did I want?
Of course, I fucking wanted both of them. Wanted the life we could have had if we'd never been torn apart. Wanted to see if this impossible thing could actually work.
But I was terrified.
Terrified of hurting them. Of watching them hurt each other. Of proving my mother right.
My phone buzzed again. This time it was Luca.
I meant what I said. Take all the time you need. But Reina? We're not kids anymore. We can handle this. We can handle YOU. Stop being afraid of your own strength.
Then one from Jaxon.
Sleep on it. But remember this: the only person who gets to decide what you're capable of is you. Not your mom. Not some outdated medical study. You.
I read both messages three times.
Then I got up, walked to my bathroom, and stared at my reflection in the mirror. Brown eyes. Blonde hair. Nothing special. Nothing dangerous.
Just little ol’ me.
Who happened to be Category Red. Who happened to be dual-bond capable. Who happened to have two Alphas willing to risk everything for her.
