“No problem, sweet thing.”
While Ethan washes his hands, Bryn takes the long way around the massive island to brush his hand across my lower back as he passes. He follows a grinning Ayo out of the room.
“Will Ayo be able to finish the charm without Bryn?” I season the vegetables, then get to work cutting up an avocado.
Ethan sighs as he slices the steak evenly. “I hope so. They’ve broken a whole bunch of stones trying to layer on all the spells, and Ayo also wants to add a camouflage over the top so that his magic is undetectable when it’s worn. I’ve never heard of a charm this powerful before, but Ayo’s convinced they can do it.”
“If anyone can, it’s our alpha-mate.”
He reaches for the next steak. “Definitely, although he’s adamant it would be impossible without your dragon’s guidance.”
“He’s notmydragon,” I huff. I appreciate that he recognises Bryn’s value, of course, but calling him mine is ridiculous.
His lips twitch. “That’s what you’re going with? You know I can smell you all over each other, and he’s possessive as hell.”
“I also know your nose is sensitive enough to detect that we’re not having sex.”
“Yet.”
“Sod off.”
He laughs. “Seriously though, it’s nice to see you this way with someone.”
I narrow my eyes at him. “I’m not any way with him.”
He smirks. “Whatever you want to tell yourself.”
We fall silent, and I immediately regret being dismissive about the possibility of something between Bryn and me. I’d been searching for my mate for months before I decided to take a break from dating, and while it’s unlikely Bryn is my person, it feels wrong to deny my attraction to him. Besides, this might be the last time for a while that I can talk to Ethan face to face. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to open up about how I’m feeling.
Before I can say anything, Ethan finishes slicing the last steak and brings the strips over. “We don’t have to talk about this if you don’t want to. I’ve got your back no matter what.”
“I know.” After so many years spent side by side through thick and thin, there’s nothing we wouldn’t do for each other. “I just…”
“Didn’t expect to have real feelings for a man?”
I sigh. “It’s not that. I guess I always saw my future a certain way, and Bryn breaks every part of that mould.”
Not that we’d necessarily have a future together, of course. Not every relationship lasts, if the attraction between us even develops into a relationship. It’s just that the women I’ve dated were usually sleek professionals with the same appreciation for designer clothing and fine wine that I have. Bryn and I have very little incommon.
Ethan smirks. “I dunno, you’ve always been attracted to bad boys. He’s absolutely your type.”
“Excuse me? I don’t have a type when it comes to men.” I tip the cooked vegetables into a large serving bowl and put the pan back on the heat, ready to add the steak.
He nudges me aside and lays the strips of meat in the pan. “You fucking do. You can’t seriously tell me that Bryn isn’t a lot like Nicos.”
“That’s…” My cheeks flood with heat. Nicos was a bartender I met at a gay bar in Cyprus about fifteen years ago. I didn’t act on the mutual attraction because I hadn’t even realised I was into men prior to that first night. Ethan and I went back a few times when we were allowed time away from the base, because it was a great bar and Nicos happily flirted with me every time, but the idea of acting on it was too much for me back then.
Ethan gives me a knowing look. “Exactly. Or what about Erich, or?—”
“You can stop now.” I don’t need a list of all five men. “Besides, it doesn’t matter if he fits my type. I don’t date people I work with.”
He raises an eyebrow. “Are you judging me?”
I give him a dry look. “Don’t be ridiculous. You and Ayo are fated mates.”
He moves aside so I can add the lime juice and spices. “Bryn could be that for you.”
My tiger perks up at the idea, but I shake my head. I’m sure I’d know by now if he was. “It’s unlikely, but I feel like if I don’t give this a chance between us, I might miss out on something special. Crazy, right?”
