Page 64 of Tangled Hearts

“You think they can keep you safe? They can’t even keep Laima from reaching you in your dreams,” he smirked.

She stilled behind me, and now I knew what had happened.

“Her mates and I will keep her safe,” I said, trying to keep my temper under control.

“Her mates?” he laughed. “You let them take your mate?”

“You took my mate for your own,” I snarled. “You decided to play with everyone’s lives so you could what… feel powerful?”

“You think this is about power?” he laughed.

“I don’t remember you being so powerful, and you always envied what I could do,” I said, looking around, knowing he didn’t come alone. “What else was your motive to do this? Were you not happy?”

“I could have had everything if it weren't for you,” he sneered. “You had to go and find her.”

It was my turn to laugh.

“Did you honestly think I wouldn’t come find my mate? Taylin, you are dumber than I thought.” I glared at him. “You knew she was my mate, you knew how much I loved her even before our bond took hold.”

“You were supposed to forget about it, both of you were, but we underestimated the power of your bond,” he growled. “Every time we did something, you always gravitated back towards each other. She was supposed to be mine, but your stupid bond was adamant about keeping you together even when we tried to break it.”

“You had no right to take it away from us,” I growled.

“She and I were supposed to be together, but you took all of her time and attention,” Taylin growled.

“What are you talking about?” I almost yelled. I was getting frustrated with this conversation because all I wanted to do was to take Oria from here, but I also wanted answers.

“I’ve always loved her; we were always together when we were younger, but you…” he snarled. “You and she grew closer, leaving me behind. It was always Maxton and Oria until our parents threw you together. I loved her from the beginning and when the opportunity presented itself, I knew I had to make her mine. I did this to save you.”

“Save me?” I grew wary of Taylin because of that look in his eyes.

“You don’t know what is about to happen, this was my way of saving you, but you had to screw it up, both of you did.” His nostrils flared.

Oria stood closer to me, her body shivered, and I didn’t know if it was fear or anticipation. I didn’t know what to say, but I knew my brother was no longer the same person he had been before.

“Taylin—”

“Don’t pull that bullshit with me. Don’t patronize me.” He stepped forward, the air crackled with power that felt too powerful from what I remembered him having. “If you love her, she needs to come with me.”

“What did you have to do for your power, Taylin?” The first sliver of fear hit me that if he had more power than me, I didn't stand a chance.

“I did what I had to do to protect us.” He stepped closer to us, and I stepped back. “Now, if you get out of my way, brother, I will take my mate and be on my way.”

“She. Is. Not. Yours,” I clipped, hoping the guys had disregarded my instructions or they had heard or felt Taylin.

“Leave now, don't make me have to kill my brother,” he said angrily.

“No,” I snarled.

“Save him, Ria, or you might see all of your mates dead,” Taylin said, and I knew what she was going to say.

“No, Oria.” I looked over my shoulder.

I won't go with him, I can just buy you some time to get the guys.

I tried to hide my surprise that I could hear her in my head.

“I have to, Max, I won’t let something happen to you guys,” she said, selling it.

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