Page 35 of Kidnapped Forced Mate

“That won’t be necessary,” I assure her, lifting her hand to my lips to press a kiss there. “They’re not that imposing, I promise.”

***

“Brother, I need to speak to you,” I tell Stryker when I find him in the corridor leading toward the dining room.

My family had just arrived back from Italy, their joyful chatter audible from where I’d found my twin. He slowly looks up with wonder in his eyes.

“What is it, Stryder?” he asks, and I pull him into the nearest study, shutting the door behind us.

I turn to him, my brows worrying as I take a breath. “You can’t tell them how I brought Olivia to the island.”

“What? Why not?” he asks in confusion.

I take a few cautious steps forward, lowering my voice so that no one can hear us. Their arrival prompted the reality of it all – the secret I’ve been keeping from Olivia, one that I find myself hesitating to tell her.

“The Council wanted me to meet her in the mortal world. Have her agree to willingly bear my children–”

“Wait…” he frowns. “You haven’t told her about that, have you?”

Running a hand through my hair, I huff agitatedly. “Well… no,” I concede, shaking my head slowly. “Things didn’t go exactly as planned. You know what happened.”

Stryker sighs, throwing me a look of deep contrite. “You know it’s only a matter of time before the truth comes out. She should know why she’s here, Brother.”

“I don’t dispute that,” I relent, hanging my head shamefully. “It’s just that–”

I’m interrupted, or saved by the bell when there’s a knock on the door. I’m not sure how to see it. Not only have I been keeping a secret from Olivia, but I’ve also gone against the Council’s instructions.

I’m not sure what’s worse. Right now, all I know is that I can’t reveal the truth to my family. They have to believe that I did as the Council advised. Things have been so peaceful that I’m not ready to face the tumult.

Don’t worry, Stryker assures me mentally as he strides toward the door. Your secret is safe with me.

Thank you, Brother, I appreciate through our mind link just as he flings the door open for Draco to come inside.

“Twins!” Draco greets us, hugging Stryker while he beams at me. “How have you two been? Everything good on the island?”

I chuckle as I step forward to greet my eldest brother, the Alpha of the Aurora Dragons. “All good, Alpha Draco,” I jest. “How was your trip?”

Draco scoffs as he pats my shoulder. “We’ve once again managed to douse Lily’s family’s suspicions. But Mother and Father have decided to extend their travels.”

“Ah… So they haven’t returned?” Stryker asks with a pout.

“Unfortunately not,” Draco tells him, turning to me. “That means you still have time to sweep your human off her feet.”

“I’m rather disappointed our parents are not back,” I lie. “I was hoping they’d be here to meet Olivia.”

Draco glances at Stryker before returning a frown to me. “She’s here already?”

“Yes,” I reveal with a smile. “She’s in my quarters, actually.”

“Splendid!” Draco claps his hands together, a delighted smile forming on his lips despite the frown he maintains. “That was rather swift.”

“Well…” I shrug nonchalantly. “I have my ways.”

Stryker chuckles and playfully pats my shoulder. “Yeah, Stryder is very charming when it comes to women.”

I catch the way his eye twitches as he watches me suspiciously, but I ignore it momentarily when Draco speaks.

“I’d love to hear all about it over a drink or two. Will she be joining us for dinner?”

---