Page 44 of Aine

I hum, remaining quiet to give him the opportunity to share without interruption. There’s a tense moment before Alex sighs and continues.

“She was mad at me for refusing to fight Damien for his position. We’re twins, and tradition states the winner gets the title. I never wanted it, but she did. I wouldn’t have won even if I tried. Fighting was always Damien’s thing."

“Is that why you work in the gardens?” I ask.

Alex shakes his head. “No. I got banned shortly after Freya left. I was so angry, and I was getting too violent during the fights. Damien banished me to the gardens after I accidently hurt one of the teens.”

Oh. I’m surprised to hear that. Alex doesn’t seem the violent type.

“Anyway.” Alex continues what he was saying before. “Damien got drunk one night and—” he pauses, clearing his throat. “She found her way into his bed.”

He turns and leans against the shelves, his weight causing them to whine and bend. “Damien wasn’t in a good state of mind. She left after he rejected her and hasn’t been back. Last night was the first time I’ve seen her in years.”

Alex lets out a choked snort, his voice cracking as he pushes off the shelving. He moves for the wheelbarrow, but I run around the object and throw my arms around his midsection before he reaches it.

He freezes, but after a second relaxes and returns the hug. I can’t imagine how hard this must be for him. Damien’s a real piece of work for treating Alex like this, his behavior cruel and spiteful. I don’t understand what the beasts even see in him.

“I’m so sorry,” I whisper.

His arms tighten. I continue holding him as his body curls around mine, pretending not to notice the shaking of his shoulders as he cries silently above my head. We stand like this for a while, and I slowly rub his back until he sniffles and pulls away.

His eyes are red and wet as he looks down at me.

“Do you feel better?” I ask, hoping this helped to alleviate some of his pain.

Alex nods, his teeth sinking into his bottom lip. There’s an odd glint in his eye as he evaluates me, and his lips are on mine before I have time to decipher it. I freeze underneath his touch, my muscles tense, but I find myself relaxing after a second.

I know this isn’t a kiss of lust or desire. I’m familiar with the need to feel wanted after such a painful experience. It was one I searched for myself after finding my husband with another woman for the first time.

Alex’s lips are soft and still against my own, and no attempts are made to deepen our kiss beyond a peck. I slide my hand up his bicep and squeeze gently, trying to show my support and care.

“I shouldn’t have done that,” Alex murmurs, straightening back up.

“Probably not,” a deep voice growls.

My blood runs cold as I spin to face Damien. He stands in the doorway, his expression murderous as the wooden door frame cracks under his hard grip.

Alex doesn’t seem at all surprised by his presence as he puts some space between the two of us. I gulp, watching with wide eyes as he refuses to meet my own. Did he know Damien was here?

Damien steps to the side, opening the doorway so Alex can pass. I’m shocked by how calm he is, and maybe even a little impressed, but as his hand curls around Alex’s throat, I realize I assumed too quickly.

Alex chokes as Damien cuts off his oxygen supply, his movements frantic as he tries to pry his brother off. Seeing them fight is hard. I adored my brother and would give anything to have him back. These two shouldn’t be acting like this.

“It wasn’t his fault,” I cry, moving forward to try to help Alex.

Damien’s pupils dilate as his head snaps toward me, his lips curled. He looks me head to toe in disgust, the sight making me freeze in fear. These beasts are strong and dangerous, and there’s nothing stopping Damien from ending me if I make him too angry.

Getting involved will only get me killed, and I’d do well not to forget that.

“This makes us even,” Damien says, his grip tightening with each word. “Next time, I’ll rip out your teeth.”

Alex stumbles as Damien finally releases him, the man audibly panting as he tries to get oxygen back into his body.

“Even?” Alex gasps. “I don’t think so.”

“You don’t?” Damien snorts. “What is it you want, then?” His gaze slides to me. “Do you want to fuck Aine?”

I gulp, looking between the two in horror. This wouldn’t be the first time I was offered up to settle a bet, but never has actual sex been on the table. The possibility of pregnancy is too great.

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