Page 185 of Making Choices

My love will be the catalyst of their destruction.

I saw it in action when Slash admitted his feelings for me to Zeke at the compound yesterday. If I hadn’t intervened, told Zeke the technical truth, clung to my denial of my feelings for Slash, they would’ve killed each other.

Their egos are my worst enemy.

Their pride acts as a barrier between me and them.

As long as they refuse to love each other as much as they love me, we’re doomed.

I know this in the same way that I know my eyes are blue without double checking.

Instinctually. Viscerally. Intuitively.

After all, I grew up watching them battle for my attention.

Back then, it was exhilarating.

As an adult, I know better.

If it comes to a choice between them, I’ll walk away.

Not because I don’t love them.

Not because I’m an egotistical princess who expects to be chased.

Because I know what they don’t...

They are stronger together.

True soul mates.

Counterbalances.

Yin and Yang.

I’d rather be without them, than cause their ruin.

And it’s with that thought in mind that I slip my hand out of Slash’s, put a little distance between us, and redirect my focus to the video call. Out the side of my vision, I spy Slash frowning at me. I swallow down the urge to reach out and smooth the furrowed skin of his brow. He needs to concentrate on Zeke’s release, not me. I’ll be fine. I’ll be stronger than I have been. We’ll marry, then we’ll divorce as soon as it’s acceptable. Zeke and Slash can ascend to the leadership of the Shamrocks like they’re supposed to, and if my presence becomes too much of an issue, I’ll find a way to build a life separate to them elsewhere.

It’s not a perfect solution.

It is the best I can do in the situation.

“This is my little treasure,” Crystal announces. While I was zoned out, Alasdair has been joined by a dark-haired woman who appears to be his wife and three girls with golden-blonde hair. Female replicas of Slash, Hunter, and their deceased brother. I smile politely when I realise that Crystal is introducing me. “Hopefully, I’ll be callin’ her my daughter very soon... if all things fall into place.”

Heart pounding at the reminder of the request we’re going to put before the Trinity as soon as they accept Crystal’s resurrection and decree that her sons receive the same entitlements as the other families of the guild, I force my smile to widen as they murmur their greetings.

“It’s nice to meet you all,” I reply once they’re done.

“Has she been prepared for the ritual?” Alasdair’s wife asks. “It won’t be easy, especially for an outsider.”

Slash’s hand clamps down on my thigh when I lean forward. “What ritual?”

“We’ll talk about it later.” Crystal waves away my question. “Now, tell me, Alasdair, are you willin’ to join our side?”

Crystal’s brother doesn’t hesitate. “As long as the covenants are adhered to, I see no reason to withhold my support.”

“Wonderful,” Slash’s mother declares. Smiling wide, Crystal blows her newly discovered nieces a kiss. “I’m hopin’ you’ll make it for the ceremony?”

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