Page 15 of Bite for Sore Eyes

But before Rath could follow through on his intention to help her down the stone steps, Torren was already moving. His co-Alpha positioned himself at Lana's elbow with fluid grace, offering his arm for support as they began their descent. Rath's jaw tightened reflexively, his bear bristling at being denied the opportunity to care for their mate. The protective urge ran deeper than conscious thought, an Alpha imperative that demanded he be the one to ensure her safety. But even as frustration flickered through him, he forced himself to remember the conversation he and Torren had in the gardens.

Creating space for each other. Being the best mates we can be for her.

This was exactly what they'd agreed upon—reading each other's instincts and allowing the other to step forward when the moment called for it. Torren's natural attentiveness was one of his greatest strengths, and Lana deserved to experience that care just as much as she deserved Rath's protection.

Trust the process, he commanded his restless bear. Trust Torren.

By the time they reached the bottom of the steps, Rath had wrestled his Alpha instincts back under control. So when Lana turned toward him with that radiant smile and linked her arm through his, the contact was surprising but very welcome. Then she reached for Torren with her other arm, recreating the connection that had felt so natural during their castle tour.

The sensation of her touch combined with the knowledge that she was choosing both of them—not favoring one over the other but deliberately including them as a unit—made Rath's chest expand with something dangerously close to awe. His bear settled with a rumble of satisfaction, finally understanding what his human mind had been trying to explain.

This wasn't about competition. It was about completion.

Glancing over Lana's head, he caught Torren's eye and saw his own amazement reflected there. His co-Alpha wore that particular expression he got when a seemingly impossible problem suddenly revealed its elegant solution—the look of a man who'd just discovered that what he'd feared might be complicated was actually beautifully simple.

They began walking toward the heart of Varkesh Hollow, their steps naturally synchronizing as they moved along the stone pathway that wound through the castle grounds. Lana's head turned constantly, taking in every detail of the landscape around them—the way the twin suns cast double shadows through the purple-leafed trees, how the distant mountains seemed to shimmer in the afternoon heat, and the exotic flowers that bloomed in colors Earth had never produced.

"This is incredible," she murmured, her voice filled with genuine wonder. "The biodiversity here must be extraordinary. Are those really natural colors, or has genetic modification played a role in the ecosystem development?"

Rath found himself grinning at the technical curiosity underlying her wonder. "Completely natural. Nova Aurora's unique stellar positioning creates different light spectrums than Earth receives. The plant life evolved to process wavelengths that don't exist in your home system."

"Fascinating." Her mind was clearly spinning through the implications. "The photosynthetic processes must be completely different. I'd love to study the—" She caught herself and laughed. "Sorry. My dad always said I could turn a sunset into a science lecture."

"Your father sounds like a wise man," Torren observed. "What did he do for work?"

"Park ranger. He spent thirty years protecting Maryland's state forests." Her voice carried deep affection. "He taught me that nature is the most complex system we'll ever encounter, and understanding it requires both scientific knowledge and intuitive respect."

"I love that perspective." Rath felt a connection spark between them that had nothing to do with the mate bond and everything to do with shared values. "I've always used hiking as a way to clear my head when Alpha responsibilities get overwhelming. There's something about being surrounded by living systems that puts human problems in perspective."

Lana's eyes brightened with recognition. "Exactly! When I'm in the woods, my life becomes just one small part of a much larger ecosystem."

"We should definitely go hiking later," Rath said, his deep voice carrying more intensity than he'd intended. "There's a trail that leads to an overlook above the pink ocean. The view is spectacular under the twin moons."

Torren's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly, and Rath realized he'd just claimed an entire evening with their mate without consulting his co-Alpha. But before he could backtrack, Lana was already responding.

"That sounds perfect."

"Then it's settled." Torren's voice carried only warmth, though Rath caught the subtle tension around his eyes. "Rath should definitely take you tonight. That'll give me a chance to check in with Jace at the security center."

Rath smiled, grateful for Torren's gracious acceptance of the arrangement. "Perfect."

As they crested a small rise in the pathway, the Varkesh Hollow market spread out before them—a bustling collection of colorful stalls and vendor booths where the day's commerce played out in a symphony of voices, scents, and movement. Bear shifters moved through the crowds with their characteristic blend of power and grace, some conducting business while most just simply enjoyed the beautiful day.

But as they approached the market's edge, Rath became acutely aware of the attention they were drawing. Curious glances followed their progress, and he could practically feel the speculation rippling through the crowd. A human woman walking arm-in-arm with both Alphas was unprecedented in Varkesh history, and their people's interest was both understandable and unavoidable.

Let them look, his bear growled with possessive satisfaction. Let them see our mate choosing both of us.

Rath steered them toward his favorite place to eat, the weathered wooden sign above the market stall bearing the name "Rosie's Fresh Fare" in purple lettering, and beneath it stood the woman herself—a bear shifter with silver-streaked hair and the kind of warm smile that had been welcoming hungry customers for decades. Her keen brown eyes swept over their approaching trio with undisguised curiosity, lingering on Lana with the frank assessment of someone who'd witnessed countless changes in Varkesh Hollow over the years.

"Well hello there," Rosie called out, her voice carrying the easy familiarity of someone who'd known both Alphas since childhood. "Who do we have with you boys today?"

The question hung in the air, and Rath felt the weight of decision settle on his shoulders. He could deflect, offer some vague explanation that would satisfy casual curiosity while protecting their privacy. It would be the politically safe choice—the kind of careful maneuvering that had helped him navigate fifteen years of leadership without unnecessary complications.

But as he looked at Lana, saw the way she stood between him and Torren with quiet confidence despite being surrounded by an alien world, he made a better choice. This woman was his mate. Their mate. The most significant thing that had ever happened to him, and he'd be damned if he'd hide that truth from anyone.

"This is Lana Morales, our fated mate," Rath said with utter confidence.

Rosie's eyebrows shot toward her hairline. "Our fated mate?"