Chapter 51
Chapter
Fifty-One
TORIN
I lean against the doorframe to Kael’s chambers, flipping the blade in my hand for no reason other than the satisfying weight of it. Kael stands at the far end of the room, staring out the window like the broody bastard he is. I can feel it too—the shift in the bond. Sable’s created a bond with Finn and it's strengthening, intertwining with a pulse of power that thrums through the air like a distant drumbeat. It’s subtle, but unmistakable.
Kael doesn’t say anything, but the tension in his shoulders tells me he’s feeling it too. He’s angry. Jealous, even if he won’t admit it.
“Say it,” I finally drawl, flipping the blade once more before sliding it into the sheath at my hip. “Say what’s got you pacing like a caged wolf.”
He glances over his shoulder, his icy blue eyes sharp enough to cut. “I don’t pace.”
I grin. “You’re pacing in your mind, Alpha. That bond humming away between Sable and Finn? It’s eating at you.”
He turns fully, crossing his arms over his chest. “I don’t need a lecture from you, Torin.”
“Lecture?” I laugh, stepping into the room. “No, no. You don’t get lectures from me. That’s Finn’s job. I’m just here to tell you to stop being a jealous prick.”
Kael’s jaw tightens. “I’m not jealous.”
“Right.” I snort, walking up to him and slapping a hand on his shoulder. “Look, I get it. She’s bound to you, and that’s a big deal. But she’s not just bound to you, is she? She’s bound to me too. And now she’s binding to Finn. That’s what’s supposed to happen.”
Kael shrugs my hand off, his expression dark. “It’s different.”
“How?” I press, cocking my head. “Because you don’t like sharing?”
“Because she’s different,” he snaps, his voice low and dangerous.
I grin wider. “Exactly. She’s different. Which is why we’re all drawn to her. And why she’s drawn to us. That’s the point, Kael. She’s not like anyone we’ve ever met. She’s... more. And you can’t let your jealousy ruin that.”
He glares at me, but I don’t back down. I’ve never been one to shy away from Kael’s temper. “Look,” I say, softening my tone just a fraction, “I know it’s hard for you. You don’t like emotions. You don’t like vulnerability. But this? Us, her, the bonds? It’s bigger than all that. And you’ve got to put your feelings aside, brother.”
Kael doesn’t respond right away, and for a moment, I think he might actually lunge at me. But then he exhales sharply, running a hand through his hair. “You’re annoying when you’re right. ”
“Always,” I say with a wink. “But seriously, stop being a broody asshole. She cares about you. She cares about all of us. That doesn’t diminish what she feels for you.”
Kael nods reluctantly, his shoulders easing slightly. “Fine. But don’t expect me to be happy about it.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it,” I tease, slapping him on the back. “Now, let’s go check in on them, see how they’re doing.”
Kael stiffens again, his eyes narrowing. “I’m not going in there.”
I raise an eyebrow. “You sure? You didn’t seem to mind joining in the last time.”
“That was a one-time thing,” he growls.
“Uh-huh.” I smirk. “Whatever you say, Alpha.”
Kael scowls but doesn’t argue, and I take that as my cue. “Fine. Stay here and brood. I’m going to see if I can get in on the action.”
I don’t wait for his response. I’m already halfway down the hall, the bond with Sable tugging me forward. I can feel her warmth, her contentment, and Finn’s steady presence wrapped around her like a protective cocoon. It’s... nice, I guess. But I have no intention of letting them hog all the fun.
I push the door open without knocking—because why the hell would I—and grin at the sight before me. Finn and Sable are lounging in bed, a tray of food balanced between them. She’s laughing softly, her cheeks flushed, her hair a wild mess that tells me they’ve already had their fun.
“Am I interrupting?” I ask, leaning casually against the doorframe.
Finn looks up, his expression as unreadable as ever, but there’s a hint of annoyance in his eyes. Sable, on the other hand, beams at me. “Torin,” she says, her voice warm. “Perfect timing.”
“Perfect timing for what?” I ask, sauntering into the room. “ To see if Finn’s recovered? Or to see if you two are up for round two?”
Sable laughs, and I can’t help but feel a surge of pride at the sound. She glances at Finn, then back at me, her green eyes sparkling with mischief. “I think we’re up for it,” she says with a grin.
“Good,” I say, kicking off my boots and shrugging off my jacket. “Because I’ve been waiting for this all damn day.”
Finn sighs, but he doesn’t protest. And Sable? She just smiles, leaning back against the pillows like the queen she is.
This is going to be fun.