64. Harlow
Kiron and I stood around the corner from the kitchen, listening to Nik finally open up to Sina.
I sniggered like a child at how awkward my brother sounded, every word stiff and measured, like he was afraid one wrong syllable would undo everything.
He’d never once tried to explain himself at the expense of sounding vulnerable, not to anyone, but he was trying for her.
That alone felt huge.
This was good. All my hard work was paying off. Progress didn’t have to be loud. Sometimes it just had to be honest.
“I’m so proud,” I whispered to Ki, wiping a fake tear from my eye.
He rolled his eyes, but there was a smirk tugging at his lips.
He definitely looked more relaxed after his shift last night, the worst of the tension burned off instead of coiled under his skin.
It had been hell convincing him our mate needed space and he needed an outlet, but he’d listened. Eventually.
I leaned my head back against the wall and closed my eyes for a second, letting out a slow breath.
I was exhausted from keeping up with Rafe and Kiron last night.
Somewhere along the way, I’d become the voice of reason since Sina came into our lives.
Me . Of all people. Surprisingly, I was starting to get used to it. I’d do anything for her.
She made me want to be better.
“I’m sorry I compelled you yesterday,” Nik said quietly. “I was an asshole.”
She snorted. “Yeah, you were. But I get why you did it. I was spiraling, and you were trying to help in your own stupid way.” I straightened slightly at that. So did Kiron. “Plus, you stopped when I told you to.”
Kiron frowned, the line between his brows deepening, but I just shrugged. If Nik had crossed that line, the ever-disciplined alpha, it hadn’t been done lightly. That kind of choice was calculated and only happened when he thought there were no other options left.
“I panicked,” he admitted. “When I saw you put that blade to your wrist, Sina… I almost lost it.”
Sina was quiet for a beat.
“You scared me, Nik. I don’t ever want to be afraid of you.”
My chest tightened. Guilt stirred low and unpleasant. Their blowup yesterday had started because of my meddling, whether I liked admitting that or not. If she panicked… It was my fault. Kiron shifted beside me, and this time neither of us stayed put.
We stepped into the kitchen together.
They both sat at the bartop with a plate of french toast between them.
Sina had her hair tied back in a ponytail, her throat bare and exposed.
My fangs lengthened. Her green eyes met Kiron’s first, then settled on mine, her eyes locked on my mouth.
I smirked, running my forked tongue along my fangs and stalked across the kitchen, no longer fighting the pull to be near my mate.
‘She’s covered in our scent,’ Ghost purred happily.
I grinned wider. Yeah. I smelt it too.
My gaze dragged down her frame, slow and unapologetic as I towered over her. “Are you wearing my sweatshirt, little vixen?”
Her cheeks pinkened instantly. Fuck she was so damn responsive, I loved that. I chuckled and leaned in to press a kiss to the top of her head, lingering just long enough to murmur near her ear, “I missed you, darling. I've been a good boy. Letting all of your mates take a turn with you.”
She tilted her head back, bringing our lips inches apart, close enough that I could feel the warmth of her breath and smell the maple syrup.
“If you want anything from me you've some explaining to do first, Ghost .” Her brows rose, daring me to deny it .
I smirked, lifting a hand to the counter on either side of her, boxing her in. “I’ll make it up to you, preferably with my tongue between your thighs.” My voice dropped, rough with lust.
She gasped again, her gaze flicking to my mouth before lifting back to my eyes. “Harlow.”
“Yes darling?” I murmured, unapologetic. “Can you really blame me for wanting to be near you as much as possible? I’m addicted.”
Beside her, Nik cleared his throat, sharp and pointed. “Let her eat in peace. And stop pressuring her.”
Kiron snorted. “He’s been meddling for days. He has absolutely no control over himself.”
I straightened just enough to behave, flashing Sina one last grin that promised I wasn’t done. Not even close. I crossed the room and grabbed a plate, then reached into the fridge for a bottle of blood. Sina’s eyes tracked the movement, wary.
Did she not like the bottled blood Rafe got from Ash Harbor Hospital?
“Should I put this back?” I asked lightly. “I’d much rather quench my thirst with you anyway.”
“Harlow,” Nik snapped. “Sit down and leave her alone.”
I paused, bottle still in hand, and lifted a brow as I looked back at Sina, waiting on her.
I might’ve sounded like I was teasing, but I wasn’t.
I was desperate for any piece of her she was willing to give me.
I wasn't kidding when I said I was addicted to her.
Sina was my own personal brand of heroin.
Her hand tightened around her fork. I tilted my head, watching her closely. Was she really debating it?
I’d been teasing—mostly. The only blood I wanted was hers. I licked my lips, then set the empty plate and the unopened bottle on the counter and crossed the room back toward her .
“Harlow,” Nik warned again.
I flipped him the bird without looking. Then caught the edge of her stool and turned it just enough to face me, and leaned in. Close enough that she could feel me there. Her eyes searched mine.
“Say the word, little vixen. Or tell me to fuck off,” I murmured, low and rough. “Choose darling.”
I stayed perfectly still, waiting for her answer. Completely captivated by her emerald eyes. Her breath hitched once. Then she swallowed. My hand ended up around her throat, wanting to feel her pulse, her tremors, her gasp of surprise against my palm. I was obsessed with the little sounds she made.
Slowly, she tilted her head to one side, completely surrendering to me. A silent offer. Fuck. Something in my chest cracked open at that.
“I don’t know what I did in a past life to deserve such a perfect mate, Sina.” I ran my nose along her collarbone to her chin, brushed it up to her jaw, breathing her in. She made a small sound, soft and involuntary, and it wrecked me. “I will never want anyone but you.”
She whimpered just as I sank my fangs into her butter-soft skin.