But she was also confused. I saw it in her eyes before I kissed her. That desperate need to understand why I’d do all this for her.
Because you’re mine, I wanted to say. Because taking care of you is my right as your mate. Because I can’t stand the thought of you suffering when I have the means to make things better.
But I couldn’t say any of it. So, I kissed her instead.
Smart, Darius. Reallyfucking smart.
I realize I’ve been driving without conscious thought, my hands steering automatically while my mind spirals.
The car comes to a stop. I look up, and I freeze.
I’m parked in front of her apartment complex.
What the hell?
I don’t remember deciding to come here. Don’t remember making the turn onto her street or pulling into this spot.
But here I am. Sitting in my car outside her building like some lovesick idiot.
I should leave. Turn around, go home, and pretend this lapse in judgment never happened.
But the pull is already dragging me forward, demanding I check on our mate.
It’s midnight now. I could just go see if the party is still happening. Make sure she’s okay. Make sure no one’s giving her trouble.
That’s all. Just checking.
Am I so gullible that I believe my own lies?
Before I can talk myself out of it, I’m exiting the car and heading for the entrance.
The elevator ride up feels endless. Each floor ticks by while my heart pounds against my ribs.
What am I doing? What the hell am I doing?
The doors open on the penthouse level, and I force myself to walk down the hallway. Each step feels heavier than the last.
I reach her door and pause, my hand hovering over the wood.
Music drifts from inside. Muffled laughter. Doesn’t sound like many people, though.
I knock before I can lose my nerve.
Footsteps approach. The door swings open.
Sienna stands there, her cheeks flushed, her eyes bright from alcohol. She blinks at me in surprise, then grins.
“Darius!” She laughs, leaning against the doorframe. “What are you doing here?”
“I wanted to check on Violet.” I say, then pause to clear my throat. “Make sure everything’s going well.”
“Aw, that’s sweet.” Sienna’s grin widens, and I can smell the wine on her breath. “Big brother checking in?”
My jaw clenches. “Something like that.”
“She’s passed out on the couch. Girl went hard on the wine.” Sienna giggles. “First real party, I think.”
“She’s not used to drinking.” The protective edge in my voice makes Sienna’s eyebrows shoot up.
