“Axel?”
“I… don’t know.” It was the first time he didn’t outright dispute it, and it was almost cathartic.
“How often did you take something when you first started?”
Axel didn’t hesitate. “Once a week or so, you know, to help with the pain.”
Kace’s gaze was direct. “And now?”
Axel gripped the towel between his hands. “Every day or two.” With a groan it ripped in two. Frustrated, he balled them in his fists, staring down at the frayed edge.
“Are you on something now?”
Yes.But Axel couldn’t bring himself to admit it. “K, how did you overcome your issues with your beast?”
Kace’s brow raised. “Why? Do you think there’s an issue withyourbeast?”
“It's like there's a connection between me and the beast that's broken.”
“If it's broken, then it can be repaired.”
Axel let out a humourless laugh. “How did you do it? Your beast was a fucking maniac and yet you’re... not as irrational as before.”
Kace chuckled, sinking to the floor opposite. “My beast is still a homicidal maniac, but since I've mated Eva, I’ve better control. It's constant work, and I still crave violence. I’m pretty sure the rage will always be there, it's just not as constant when I'm around her. Eva grounds me.” He smacked his chest with an open palm, just above his heart. “Right here. It’s hard to explain.”
“I’m happy for you, brother.”
Kace’s smile was small. “Out of us all, I would never have believed there was a soulmate for me. I was prepared to be alone, always fighting against our curse until the very end.”
Axel shook his head. “I don’t think I could ever mate.”
“Why? Because you like guys?” Kace frowned. “Same sex relationships amongst Breed aren’t uncommon.”
“No, no it’s not that.” Axel glanced at the ring Kace wore on his finger, the gold stolen from Eva’s ex-boyfriend. It was an interesting choice.
“Hey, are you guys coming?” Xander poked his head through the door, Kyra smiling beside him.
Axel was thankful for the chance to settle his thoughts. “Coming where?”
“There’s a battle of the bands or something. Supposed to be a fun night out and I’ve never been to a concert before,” Kyra answered. “And neither of you are out hunting tonight.”
“It sounds busy,” Kace said as he stood. “I don’t do crowds.”
“No, but you’re coming,” Xander said. “Because you can’t stay away from Eva.”
Kace clicked his neck. “Fine, but only because I plan to seduce my mate back to our bed.”
Xander looked amused, his pale eyes brightening. “What if she doesn’t want to leave?”
“Then I’ll put her over my shoulder and take her home anyway.”
Kyra’s laugh echoed around the gym. “She’ll bite you.”
“Oh, I hope so.” Kace smirked.
“I take it back,” Axel muttered. “You’re still a maniac.”
Kyra shook her head, still laughing when she turned to Axel. “So, are you coming or not?”
