“It is, and it will affect all of us.”
“Because you are her alphas, too,” I say confidently.
“No, we’re not, and we can’t be. But we are alphas, and just being near her will call to our natures, imploring us to go and take her.”
I don’t like the way he said that or the way he’s trying to distance himself.
“You say she’s not yours, but when you look at her, your eyes glow, Alpha,” I say the word, but I don’t expect the reaction he gives me. The pure, unadulterated hunger.
“Don’t,” he snarls, “call me that again, Leviathan.”
“Think about it, Ronit, she needs us. She’s a match, I’ve watched you fight, I’ve seen your strength. You are weak here, and I don’t know why, but in my oceans, she is your match.”
He stares at me like I’ve grown another head.
“Are you done?”
“No, I’ll be done when we’re all in that nest, and she’s safe, with all of us keeping her that way.”
With that, I prowl away, frustrated and worried about what tomorrow will bring.
I know what I want, and I’m going to fight for it.
Chapter 22
Mei
Iget up and force a cocky smile, but I don’t think I’m fooling anyone. My smile slips off when they don’t say anything right away. Six pairs of eyes just stare at me, I can feel each one like a physical touch, waiting for me to break.
“How are you feeling?” Canto asks warily.
I take a shaking breath. They probably hate me. I ran away, I know that curse hurt them as much as it hurt me.
“I feel good. I slept well, and I have rested.” My shoulders curl as guilt slices through me. I search around for something to say, but my mind comes up blank.
All my confidence is gone. The will to fight them is gone. I feel vulnerable and exposed, and they are still mysteries, still strong. They have each other.
All I’m doing is bringing down danger on them.
The urge to run again grows stronger. I think sometimes the words in my brain cause deeper wounds than anything I could experience from Deux. Running will not help, and those words aren’t the truth.
Lirin and Reed begin talking softly, but I can’t focus on their words, I’m so lost in my head.
It’s not until Canto touches my chin that I realise I’ve stopped paying attention to my surroundings.
“Whatever you are thinking, stop it.”
“We need to make a plan,” Brio says.
“Of course, let’s go sit and do just that,” Lirin says and laughs. I hear running and realise Brio is chasing Lirin around and that they are playing. Then Leaf joins in, and it’s so foreign, so bizarre to feel them happy.
Have I ever played with anyone before? No.
Canto grabs my wrist and drags me away.
“Go away, Leaf. I’m just talking to her.”
The dragon growls, but he stops and doesn’t follow.
