Chapter 29
Levi
Elijah’s eyes are locked shamelessly on Zane like he’s stumbled onto a priceless work of art casually lounging in my living room.
“This feels illegal,” he declares dramatically, waving his wineglass in Zane’s general direction.
“Is there some hotline I should be calling? Because someone clearly broke the laws of nature here.”
Zane, to his credit, looks absolutely delighted. He leans an elbow on the counter, his lips quirking. “If admiring me is a crime, I promise I won’t press charges.”
Elijah visibly blushes, sipping his wine like he’s contemplating many things. “So, uh…how long exactly are you in town for?”
Dominic strolls out from the bathroom, wineglass in hand, catching Elijah mid-ogle. “Elijah, if you’re openly thirsting,” he says, letting out a delighted sigh, “at least invite me. Manners, babe.”
I groan.
Dominic ignores me, his eyes raking over Zane’s effortless charm, then Porter’s intricate sleeve tattoo, practically stroking it with his eyes. “What exactly is happening here? Three devastatingly attractive brothers…and all three are queer? Are we being punked right now?”
The spread is perfect. Or it would be if my friends weren’t acting like we’re hosting an audition for the world’s thirstiest reality show.
The table glows, a last-minute bowl of white roses and rosemary sits in the center, and the wine…
oh, the wine is definitely flowing. Too much, if Dominic’s flushed cheeks are any indicator.
Zane chuckles warmly, clearly enjoying Dominic’s bluntness. “Listen, life is too short to limit yourself, don’t you think?”
I’m pretty sure Zane is pushing the limits of Dominic’s self-control as we speak.
Porter’s expression remains composed, though a subtle smirk sneaks through. “We tend to keep things pretty fluid.”
Hayden clears his throat, trying for composure, but I catch the mix of nerves and reluctant amusement in his eyes as my best friends practically throw themselves at his brothers.
Dominic nods approvingly, swirling his wine. “Fluidity. We love to see it. Makes everything so much more…delicious.”
“Dominic,” I snap, shoving a salad bowl at his chest. “Less flirting, more leafy greens.”
He waves me off. “If I have to be here and not get to enjoy the fruits of my labor, I might as well have some fun in the process.”
“You’re both feral,” I mutter. Elijah only shrugs, eyes openly fixed on Zane.
“And?” Dominic smirks over his glass. “You know we love an audience.”
Elijah snorts, leaning closer to Dominic. “I’m not convinced we aren’t the audience here.”
“Okay, out!” I say, shoving them toward the door. “Your work here is so appreciated but please go home.”
Dominic laughs, downing the last of his wine before grabbing his coat. “Fine, fine. But if you don’t call me later with all the details, my husband will never cook for you again.”
Before crossing the threshold, Dominic pauses. “Remember, Elijah can cook, but if any of you are in need of dessert—”
“Elijah! Collect your husband, please.”
Dominic blows me a kiss. “Have fun, boys. Don’t break anything.”
With that, he winks at Zane, who smirks right along back, and then he’s gone, leaving me alone with three literal gods in my tiny apartment.
I steal a glance toward the couch where the three of them sit and wonder if I should have braced myself for all this.
Because my apartment suddenly feels too small.
Zane, sitting in the center of my tiny couch, is taking up more space than should be physically possible, legs sprawled, expression amused.
Porter, on the other hand, is more measured, his posture relaxed but his gaze sharp, watching everything.
He doesn’t sprawl the way Zane does, but somehow his stillness is equally daunting.
Hayden’s shadows coil at his feet as we sit down to eat, restless but restrained, stretching into the corners of the room as if testing his brothers’ presence.
Elijah outdid himself: roast chicken, creamy garlic mashed potatoes, a citrus salad, bread still steaming. Heaven on plates.
I take my seat beside Hayden, who still hasn’t said much.
Zane and Porter, however, talk about their lives. Zane, as it turns out, is the mayor of a small Midwestern town that worships the ground he walks on.
I blink. “Wait, you’re seriously the mayor?” I turn to Hayden. “I thought that was a joke?” He shrugs.
Zane leans back, flashing a practiced politician’s grin. “Seven terms and counting. Turns out charisma is a renewable resource.”
“That’s…amazing,” I say, impressed. “What kind of town keeps electing the same guy? No offense,” I quickly add.
“The kind that knows a good thing when they see it.” Zane winks. “What can I say? I have a gift.”
Hayden snorts. “And it’s not humility.”
Porter sighs, barely glancing up from his plate. “It’s terminal.”
Zane nudges him. “Jealous?”
Porter rolls his eyes but doesn’t answer and the whole thing is very…brotherly.
I rest my elbows on the table, fascinated by the scene unfolding around me. “Okay, but why mayor? Out of all the things you could do with your mortal life?”
Zane smiles. “Seemed like a good fit. The same reason Hayden here gravitated toward the funeral business, I guess. I like people. And I’m very good at telling them what to do.”
Hayden scoffs, his demeanor starting to loosen. “Biggest understatement of the century.”
“Besides,” Zane continues, ignoring his brother’s commentary, “it keeps me busy.”
“And what about you?” I ask Porter, reaching for my wineglass.
He nods, setting down his fork. “I’m a marine biologist. I’ve been stationed not too far from Savannah for the last few years. Research and conservation work, mostly.”
“That’s actually incredibly cool,” I say, leaning forward. “Dolphins? Algae? Secret sea monsters yet to be discovered?”
Porter’s lips quirk. “And wouldn’t you like to know.”
I narrow my eyes. “You do know something! I knew there were secrets down there.”
“I know a lot of things.”
“There he goes,” Zane snickers. “Being vague as hell.”
Porter sighs. “I’m not vague. I study whale migration patterns.”
“So, what?” I ask, genuinely fascinated. “You just follow whales around all day?”
He lifts his wine. “Data, migration, conservation laws…the unglamorous stuff.”
“Saving the planet one whale at a time,” Zane interjects helpfully.
Porter shoots him a look so pointed I half expect him to be the one with sparks. “It’s important work.”
I nod, impressed. “I mean, I think it is.”
“See?” Porter says, more animated than he’s been this entire time. “Levi gets it. I knew I liked him for a reason.” His comment, compliment adjacent, makes my stomach swoop. Winning Porter’s approval feels like a gold star in Immortal Sibling Relations 101. Who knew I’d ace this class?
“So, Levi…” Zane leans forward, shifting the conversation to me as his massive arms swallow up my tiny dining table. “Spill it. What’s it really like dating the broodiest man on the planet?”
Hayden scowls immediately, pointing to himself. “I’m literally right here.”
Zane waves him away without breaking eye contact with me, clearly unbothered. “Exactly. You won’t tell me anything, so I’m going straight to the source.”
I smile, feeling the playful warmth in the air. “You say broody; I prefer delightfully grumpy with a surprisingly gooey center.”
Zane lets out a sharp, incredulous laugh. “Gooey? Hayden?”
Even Porter cracks, one brow lifting. “Sorry, Hayden, no offense, but I genuinely cannot picture that.”
“Oh, trust me.” I lean forward like I’m about to reveal a secret. “He’s basically a certified lover boy. Don’t let the scowling and shadows fool you.”
Hayden mutters something under his breath about betrayal, but notably, he doesn’t actually deny any of it. Smart man.
Porter eyes me thoughtfully, curiosity softening his expression. “Have you lived in Stonevale your whole life?”
I nod, absently picking at what’s left of my salad. “Born and raised.”
Zane tilts his head, puzzled. “And you never wanted to go somewhere else? You know, bigger city, brighter lights?”
“Oh, I tried. College. Traveling. My parents roam the country now and I could join them. But…” I trail off, my fork pausing against my plate. “My brother is here.”
Zane straightens, sensing an opening. “Well, come on…invite him over! Fair is fair. If we get interrogated, so does he.”
A knot forms instantly, sharp and familiar, twisting my gut. But before I can respond, Hayden’s voice cuts in quietly. “He’s buried here.”
Zane’s face falls in an instant, regret darkening his bright demeanor. Porter visibly tenses beside him, a muscle flickering in his jaw. They both clearly wish they could rewind the last thirty seconds.
“Shit,” Porter mutters, sincerity coloring his tone. “I’m so sorry.”
Zane exhales heavily, running a hand over his face. “Seriously, that was incredibly thoughtless of me.”
“No, really, it’s okay,” I assure them quickly, smiling even though the thought of my brother and the life he could have had makes my chest feel tight. “I mean…I’m getting better at talking about him. It’s good for me. I want to remember him, you know? I’d rather feel it than forget.”
There’s a quiet pause. Porter’s gaze drifts between Hayden and Zane, a complicated expression crossing his face. Regret, maybe longing, something deep and guarded that I’m not sure he’s ready to name yet. Then, clearing his throat, he meets my eyes again, voice sincere.
“You’re braver than most of us, then.”
Zane recovers quickly, sliding back into his usual easy charm. “And you’re certainly too wise for Hayden,” he teases softly.
My smile widens. “Excuse me. Where do you think I picked up all my best moves?”
Under the table, Hayden’s fingers find mine. I squeeze back, grounding myself in his quiet comfort.
I watch as Zane’s gaze shifts slowly between us, eyebrows lifting slightly with dawning understanding. “I get it now,” he murmurs, voice softer than before. “Why you told him, brother.”