Chapter 15
FIFTEEN
FINCH
“Honeys, I’m home!”
Ocean’s cheery voice cut through the quiet of the house, bringing a breath of fresh air. I could see Kaos’s tense shoulders relaxing as he turned his head toward the door. He was present but in one of his jittery moods, where he felt tense like static.
“Report,” I said, sitting up straighter.
“I come bearing gifts.”
Ocean ignored my order, bowing deeply as he stepped into our dingy living room and waved a scrap of red cloth.
His face was lit up by his contagious smile, and he was glowing with joy in the bond. I ground my teeth.
Kaos made grabby hands at the cloth, and Ocean hopped onto the back of the couch, putting Kaos between his legs. He dangled the red fabric like a cat toy.
Kaos snatched it with no real effort, just a sudden snap of his hand in the air.
“Yikes. Remind me not to mess with you,” Ocean said, ruffling Kaos’s hair.
“Fat lot of good that would do,” I grumbled.
I’m sure he could feel my impatience, but I was indulging whatever scene Ocean was playing out, mainly because Kaos seemed interested.
Kaos’s face was intent as he inspected the cloth, bringing it up to his face and inhaling deeply. A growl rose in the room as his pupils blew, his hand tightening on the cloth. His shoulders had hunched.
I leapt to my feet, snatching the cloth out of his hand.
“What the fuck are you doing to him?” I snarled as Kaos bared his teeth at me, but before he could move any further, Ocean started running his fingers through Kaos’s long, blue hair.
Kaos’s shoulders relaxed again, a purr rumbling from his chest.
Ocean shot me a smug grin. “What do you think?” he asked, nodding at the fabric.
I frowned and looked down at the silky fabric in my hand. It didn’t look like much, but then I brought it closer and the scent hit my nose.
Vanilla and roses.
Floral and sweet, filling my lungs and burrowing into my soul.
Absolutely not.
“Why did you bring this home?” I growled, shoving the fabric back at Ocean.
Kaos’s hand shot out again as he snatched it out of the air, winding it around his hand and wrist.
Ocean shrugged. “Sharing is caring, right?”
“Where did you even get this?” I asked.
Ocean looked smug again, his hands starting to weave braids into Kaos’s hair. This was dangerous. Kaos had been furious last night after Ocean’s news, and I didn’t like that I couldn’t get a read on him right now.
“She came to my room last night with a basket of gifts,” he said.
“So, what? She was trying to manipulate you?” I asked.
Ocean’s face morphed into something thoughtful.
“You know, I see why you say that. But I actually don’t think so.
When I first met her last night, she didn’t catch my scent.
And she was what we expected—aloof and poised and perfect.
But when she talked to me, she changed. It’s like I got a glimpse of the real her. ”
Kaos squeezed his eyes shut, stroking the fabric around his wrist. His fist was clenched so tight, his skin was turning white.
“When she came to my door, she wasn’t all dolled up.
She was wearing this oversized hoodie and didn’t even have shoes on.
She looked so sweet. And she went bright red and was fumbling through her words.
Not at all like what you'd expect. I mean, what if she’s not that bad?
What if we can convince her to help us? And get our omega? ”
“No. It will never happen,” Kaos said, his eyes snapping open and looking at Ocean.
“Oh. Thought you wanted an omega?” Ocean said, looking hesitant for the first time.
“Not her,” Kaos spat at him.
Ocean’s face flashed with something, and he opened his mouth.
“Enough, Ocean,” I snapped. “We have to stick to the plan.”
Kaos nodded, his face dark. I didn’t think he’d noticed that he was rubbing the ribbon under his chin now, his dark eyes far away.
“Sure,” Ocean said finally, and started humming as he continued to braid Kaos’s hair.
None of us mentioned what was glaringly obvious. As soon as her scent had hit him, Kaos settled in the bond. It was the calmest I’d ever felt him.