He looked at me again, really looked, and I saw the exact moment the dots connected in his head. Recognition. The disbelief. Theno, that can’t be rightwarring within,but it is.
His eyes flickered to the side again before looking at me.
Rowans expression twisted. Shock, grief, hope, and fear. It was all tangled in a way that was like a tornado brewing.
He shook his head once, like he was trying to clear it. “No. No. that’s-Van wouldn’t – he wouldn’t just – “
But he stopped himself. And I was so tempted, the words right there on the tip of my tongue, to confess who I really was. I knew who I was; Evy knew. But it wasoursecret. And I wanted to keep it as that for just a little longer.
Rowan looked at me again. “You’ve been here a few days.” He repeated, like he was trying to get them to process. “And he didn’t tell anyone.”
I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t know if I was supposed to say anything. He cut himself off again, pressing his lips together. Then, quieter, almost to himself, “Holy hell.”
“Maren knows I’m here.” The small confession was enough to make Rowan’s shoulders relax a tiny bit.
“And…she didn’t…fuck. What the hell is my brother getting himself into?”
He’s getting into my life, making things better,I thought, but didn’t say the words.
“He’ll be back soon.” My voice cracked as I pulled my legs even closer to my body. Angry Alphas…. or in this case a Beta never ended well with me. I think he may be a Beta. I didn’t know. He acted like he could be, since he didn’t have that demanding power for him. Not like Evy, who never took advantage of it.
“Right. That’s in…” he glanced at the clock that hung on the wall across the room. “In less than an hour.” His voice sounded distant, like he was doing math in his head, and none of the numbers were adding up.
“And Mom knows?”
I nodded once.
He let out a breath that was half laugh, half panicked. “Does…. crap. I…. This isn’t possible. You look likehim, yet…. You don’t. You sure don’t act like…well anyone Van would hang out with. He’s kind of stuck up and moody and…not all that thoughtful. He used to be, but after…. He changed. Still Mama’sboy, but he’s not happy. And for you to be here, looking likethis…just…no.”
His eyes swept over me again, softer.
He dragged a hand down his face, muttering something under his breath that sounded like a prayer and a curse tangled together. Then he looked at me again and whatever he’d been about to say died on his tongue. ?
I must’ve looked worse than I realized. Because Rowan’s whole posture softened. He glanced at the couch, then at me, then at the empty stretch of floor a few feet away.
“Okay,” he murmured. “Okay. Don’t freak him out. Don’t be a giant. Calm down. There’s a good explanation for all of this.”
And then, suddenly, he just lowered himself onto the floor. Right there in the middle of the house. Cross legged, tool kit beside him, hands resting loosely on his knees.
He breathed out, long and steady. “I’ll just…wait for Van.” His voice was soft, almost apologetic.
Couldn’t he do that…like outside?
Rowan had gone quiet, too quiet for someone who looked like his brain was running a marathon. He sat there, elbows resting loosely on his knees, gaze fixed somewhere on the coffee table instead of me.
I hugged my knees tighter, trying to steady my breathing. Rowan didn’t move. Didn’t fidget. Didn’t even clear his throat. He was doing everything he could to make himself small and somehow that kept me from panicking.
Then, the front door opened again. Softly this time. Carefully, like someone easing it shut behind them so it wouldn’t make a noise.
My heart still jumped.
Rowans' head snapped up. “Van?”
Evander stepped inside, keys still in his hand, camera bag slung over a shoulder, eyes immediately scanning the room. He froze when he saw Rowan sitting on the floor.
“What the – Rowan?” His voice was sharp. “What are you doing here?”
Rowan lifted both hands, palms out, still seated. “Before you freak out, I didn’t do anything.”
