Page 120 of Drama Queen

"Yes," I whisper, a single word granting them permission for everything. I crave it all from them—the life we should havehad years ago—because deep down, we all knew they were my mates. Subconsciously, it was there all along. I shouldn't have let Tamera intimidate me when we were younger.

"Fuck, yes.Finally." Kato settles closer, nuzzling my neck, inhaling my scent as deeply as I breathe theirs. "Mate. Mate. Mate. Mm… My fucking mate. The worst mistake of my life was agreeing to leave you alone until after you presented, until we knew for sure…" His voice falters, throat tight with emotion. "I'm sorry, mate." He sinks to his knees again, resting his forehead against my thigh, overcome with regret. "I'm so fucking sorry."

My lower lip trembles, caught between my teeth, while my fingers gently stroke through Kato's midnight hair. My heart swells and then soothes as Knox kneels beside his brother, mirroring his apology. Maddock returns from settling Evie, assessing the situation instantly, and seamlessly joins them on the floor.

"It's my fault, Moon," Maddock's voice wavers with his confession. "We knew how much you disliked attention, and with us always in the spotlight, we worried about its impact on you. Over the years, we distanced ourselves too much, but we never stopped watching. Not until you disappeared." Sincerity shines from his crystal blue eyes, tinged with pain and regret.

Identical whimpers escape from the twins as they nestle into my lap, seeking comfort like affectionate house cats. Maddock clears his throat, drawing my attention back to him just as he's about to resume his apology for the fourth time since arriving. I playfully press my fingers against his lips, making them pucker like duck lips, causing his brows to rise in amusement before breaking into a smile.

"Maddock, enough apologizing. We've talked about this at length." I gently cup each of the twins' cheeks, urging them to lean into my touch, eliciting another soft whine. "And you two,let's catch up. I forgive you. Whatever guilt we're all feeling, it's unnecessary. If I hadn't listened to Tamera when we were young, my doubts wouldn't have been so prominent—normal teen angst. The point is…"

"I fucking knew it!" Kato springs up, glancing between Maddock and Knox, eager for them to follow his train of thought. "No one believed my suspicions.What motive would she have to harm Drix or Ares?" He mimics a high-pitched, whiny voice, gesturing dramatically. "She's been obsessed with our brother since forever. Do you see it now?" His hands rake through his hair, his theatrics a manifestation of the tension and stress that bring my omega instincts to the forefront. The symptoms of my heat remind me that Kato is struggling.

I grasp his shirt, preventing him from pulling away. He stops instantly, glancing down and tilting his head in question. "Come." It's a breathy command, one he obeys by sinking back to his knees and burying himself against my lap. "Shh… I'm here now. That's what matters." My fingers replace his, running through his silky hair. While I comfort Kato, my gaze returns to Maddock and Knox, who both wear the same annoyed expression.

"What did I miss?" A warmth flushes my skin, turning my question into a moan, causing the Alpha in my lap to growl and nuzzle deeper. His face nearly buried between my thighs, seeking my scent, and I'm not sure how much more of this serious discussion I can follow.

"We've always disliked Tamera, especially as we've gotten older. For some reason, Drix has always defended her, even recently." Knox winces when I flinch at his mention of Hendrix with another female. "Sorry, baby." He brings my fingers to his mouth, nipping and marking his scent on my wrists. "He's been struggling for a while, but it wasn't until you returned that he confided his suspicions. He's been on leave from work becausehe suspects someone there may be drugging him, possibly since high school."

I gasp, covering my mouth in shock. "Are you saying Tamera's been drugging him, somehow controlling him since high school?" The thought devastates me. Poor Hendrix has been silently suffering all this time, struggling with confusion he couldn't understand. My lower lip quivers. "Where is he now? Shouldn't he be here?" A high-pitched whine escapes as my back arches, yearning for all my mates.

Maddock checks the clock and stands, gripping Kato's neck to pull him away from nuzzling my inner thighs. "What time did you talk to Drix?"

On the verge of his rut, Kato growls but understands the gravity of the question. He retrieves his phone from his pocket, checking the time of his call. "He should have been here by now. I spoke to him nearly an hour ago."

Seven

HENDRIX

The incessant ringingfrom the kitchen reminds me that I left my cell behind when I called our guy to pick up the tea. Josh left just minutes ago and should have a report within hours. Kato’s face flashes across the screen, and before I can say hello, he’s already complaining.

“Pick up the damn phone, Drix.”

“Yeah, I’m here.” It’s on the tip of my tongue to ask about Evie and Ares, but I don’t, knowing I haven’t earned that privilege.

“Ares is going into heat!” The words burst from his lips. “You need to get here now, Drix. Now!”

“Calm down, K. What do you mean Ares is going into heat?” I sink onto the couch; my legs can't support my weight any longer.

“Imean, fucker, that she’s going into heat. She needs you.” His voice escalates into meltdown mode.

“K, listen. You need to calm the fuck down. Everything will be fine. How far along is she?”

“I don’t know, man. I’ve never…” He trails off, not admitting what I already know. He’s saved himself for our mate, just likeI have. “Please, get here. She smells so fucking good—I’m losing my mind. And she’s asking for you.”

“The hell, Kato!” My words were barely recognizable through the rumble in my chest. He may be my brother, but my wolf won’t tolerate disrespect. “You don’t get to say shit like that to me.” The knot in my throat expands to my chest—a pain that’s unbearable. There’s no way she’s asking for me after what I’ve done to her, to us, to our fucking family.

“Drix, I’m not fucking with you. She keeps asking for you. We’ve talked—all of us—and we’re in a really good place. We can rebuild this.” He pleads, understanding my torment.

“You’re sure?” Insecurity threads through my question.

“Yes, brother. Come. She’s waiting for you.”

My heart cracks again. How could she forgive me? “I’ll be there.” Clearing my throat, I confirm louder. “I’m on my way.”

Kato doesn’t wait; he hangs up, igniting my adrenaline to get to them, to beg her forgiveness before touching her. My wolf surges forward, leading the charge back to the other half of our soul.

As I fling the door open to sprint to the car, Tamera stands on the other side, blocking my path. Her presence startles me, especially after my suspicions.

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