I miss you.
He flinches.
Please talk to me.
He doesn’t.
I stand and start toward him.Enough! You’ve pouted long enough.
He glares, but then his eyes widen as he notes that I’m closing in on him. He must decide that damp fabric beats a conversation with me because he dives in, fully clothed.
You kissed me without my consent, Enzo, which gives me every right to be angry, but I’m not, because your act wasn’t born from malice but from misplaced desire.
Though he sinks deep and doesn’t respond, I know he can hear me.
You know who else has a right to be angry? Cathal. For I was his mate, once upon a time. Histruemate. But I’m not his anymore. I belong to no one, Enzo, not to you and not to him. However,youbelong tome. You are my Serpent, whether you want it or not. And not just any Serpent, but my first. That makes you special.
Still, I’m not your son,he hisses.
I might not have given birth to your human body but Ididgive birth to your Serpent one.
I would never have kissed my own mother. That’s revolting.
I catch the gleam of green scales beneath the limpid surface that glitters as though tiled with the same tiny, convex mirrors that adorn my ceilings.
What do you think of Agrippina?
She talks a lot.The corners of my mouth begin to flip up until he adds,And she’s related to Justus Rossi.
The mention of the man I await flattens the curve.
Why do you await him?
Enzo’s question makes my pulse falter. I should’ve kept his name from my mind.
The chuff of air on the Amkhuti’s surface draws my gaze low.I’m not special enough to know your secrets? I thought we were one big happy…den. Especially now that his daughter is part of it.
Tears brim on my lash line that he’s crumbled the wall he erected between us.
I’m still angry that you went to Luce without me. And that you picked Agrippina,he adds with a grumble.
I smile.
I get to pick our next denmate without veto.
Yes. You have my word that our fourth Serpent is yours to choose.
Good. Now why is Justus Rossi on his way?
If I tell you, you must promise not to tell Taytah. I know the two of you are close.
There’s a beat of awkward silence.She…told you?
Tell me what?
Nothing.
Obviously, it’s notnothing.
