Page 6 of Bite for Sore Eyes

"And we'll need to have our attendant arrange a complete wardrobe," he continued, his thoughts moving faster as his bear's protective instincts engaged fully. "Although we don't know her size yet, so I suppose we'll have to wait until she arrives. And then we'll need to make sure she meets everyone gradually so she doesn't feel overwhelmed, and⁠—"

"Rath." Torren's voice cut through his rapidly accelerating planning with gentle firmness. "Let's just take this one step at a time. Like we always do."

The familiar words, spoken with the calm confidence that had anchored their partnership for fifteen years, cut through Rath's spiraling need for control. Torren always knew exactly what to say when Rath's protective instincts threatened to overwhelm practical thinking.

He drew a deep breath, forcing his bear to settle despite the anticipation thrumming through his veins. Torren was right. They had faced impossible challenges before by approaching them methodically. This would be no different.

Even if everything about it felt entirely different.

"You're right," Rath said, pushing away from the table with renewed purpose. "Let's start with the guest room."

They moved together through the terrace's arched doorway into the castle's main corridor, their footsteps echoing against stone walls that had witnessed generations of Varkesh leadership. The familiar surroundings should have been comforting, but Rath found himself seeing everything through new eyes—wondering what Lana would think of the ancient tapestries, the carved beams, the windows that looked out over purple forests toward the pink ocean.

The guest room they'd finally chosen was located down the hall from Rath's private chambers, while Torren's chambers occupied the corridor's far end. The arrangement had always seemed practical, offering both Alphas privacy while maintaining easy communication. Now Rath wondered if the distance would complicate whatever sleeping arrangements a shared mate might require. He pushed the thought aside as they reached the guest room's heavy wooden door.

First, they would ensure her comfort. Everything else could be negotiated later.

The room beyond was spacious and well-appointed, with tall windows that filled the space with natural light from Nova Aurora's twin suns. Rich fabrics in deep blues and golds covered the furniture, and fresh flowers from the castle gardens added color and fragrance to the air.

It was beautiful. It was perfect. And somehow, it wasn't nearly good enough.

Rath moved restlessly around the space, his critical eye finding flaws that hadn't existed moments before. The window coverings could be adjusted for better light control. The seating area could be repositioned to take advantage of the garden view. The flowers should be replaced with varieties that might be more familiar to someone from Earth.

"What are you thinking about?" he asked Torren, who had remained motionless near the doorway, his expression distant and thoughtful. "You need to help me get this room perfect for her."

Torren's focus shifted back to the present, but something in his eyes remained troubled. "How are we going to do this exactly? How are we going to share a mate?"

The question hung between them with the weight of fifteen years of partnership suddenly viewed through an entirely new lens. They had shared leadership, responsibilities, dangers, victories, even a home. But they had never shared something as personal and intimate as a romantic relationship.

Rath studied his oldest friend's face, recognizing the uncertainty that rarely appeared in Torren's usually confident demeanor. The same uncertainty that was probably visible in his own expression, despite his attempts to project authority.

"Torren," he said, his voice carrying absolute conviction, "there has never been any competition between us. No jealousy. No distrust. Just complete brotherhood. This won't break that."

The words felt true as he spoke them, even as part of his mind wondered how they would navigate the complexities of a three-way bond. But if anyone could handle such unprecedented circumstances, it would be the two of them. Their partnership had survived everything else.

Torren's expression shifted from worry toward something more determined. "You're right. We've handled the impossible together, and this won't be any different. We'll approach this like we do everything—with control, honesty, and complete trust."

The familiar formula, applied to entirely unfamiliar circumstances, felt like solid ground beneath Rath's feet. They had built their leadership on those principles. They could build their shared relationship on them as well.

Rath extended his hand toward his co-Alpha, the gesture carrying the same weight as the oaths they'd sworn fifteen years ago. "Let's agree to work together to make our mate happy and comfortable. And whatever happens with this triad bond, we agree to support each other always. Just like we support each other on everything else."

Torren's smile transformed his entire face as he gripped Rath's hand firmly. "I agree. I think we can handle this."

The handshake sealed more than an agreement. It acknowledged that their partnership was about to expand in ways neither had imagined, while reaffirming the trust that had made their friendship successful.

As Torren released his hand, Rath turned back to survey the guest room with renewed purpose. Less than two hours remained before Lana Morales arrived to change everything.

But as he began moving furniture with precise, determined movements, Rath realized that for the first time in months, the morning's security reports had completely disappeared from his thoughts.

THREE

LANA

The morning drive to the Maryland power plant stretched through familiar countryside that had shaped Lana's entire life. Rolling hills dotted with oak trees gave way to suburban developments, then industrial corridors as her father's pickup truck carried them toward what felt like the edge of everything she'd ever known.

His weathered hands gripped the steering wheel with the careful precision of someone trying not to reveal how deeply shaken he was and the silence between them had weight. Not uncomfortable but heavy with unspoken fears and fierce love. Lana studied his profile, noting the tension around his eyes and the way his jaw worked as if he were chewing through thoughts too difficult to voice.

"Dad." She turned in her seat to face him more directly. "I need you to understand why this matters so much to me."