Page 31 of The Blood Moon Oath

“Jealous, Finn?” he says, swaggering toward the door. “Can’t blame you. She didn’t invite you.”

Before either of us can respond, he’s gone, the door swinging shut behind him. I shake my head, rubbing a hand over my face. “You’re going to regret this binding, Kael. Sooner or later.”

Kael doesn’t respond, but I catch the faintest flicker of something in his eyes—something that tells me he already does.

Chapter

Nineteen

TORIN

Ileave Kael’s chambers, the door clicking shut behind me, and my grin stretches wide. I don’t bother to look back—I know Finn and Kael are probably glaring holes into the wood, all broody and serious as usual. Let them. I have better things to do.

Like her.

Kitten. Sheaskedme to come to her room.Me.Out of everyone, she invited me. The thought makes my chest swell, and my blood rushes to my cock with anticipation. She must want me. Why else would she whisper for me to come? The possibilities of what might happen tonight make me hard just thinking about them. She’s all fire and fight, and the idea of her finally giving in, letting me fight her,haveher, sends a jolt straight through me.

I take my time crossing Finn’s chambers to get to hers. Finn, ever the perfectionist, has everything arranged justso. His books are neatly stacked, his desk an orderly shrine to his ever-turning brain.

Boring.

I make it a point to knock over a stack of papers as I pass. One or two fall to the floor, scattering just enough to drive him insane. Perfect.

I pick up a small statue from the shelf—something ancient and dull—and set it just slightly askew, not enough for anyone else to notice but just enough for Finn to catch. He’ll fume about it for hours. I do this all the time, and it’s always worth it. He needs to loosen up, and who better to help him than me?

We’re brothers, after all. Not by blood, but our bond is thicker than that. We help each other, each in our own way. Finn keeps me in check when I get too wild, and Kael...well, Kael handles the strategy, the big picture. He’s the leader who keeps us all from tearing each other apart. Me? I’m the chaos that keeps things interesting. We balance each other out. Most days, anyway.

I finally reach kitten's door and knock once, loudly, before pushing it open. It swings inward, revealing nothing but an empty room. My grin widens. “You’re not going to jump out and attack me, are you, kitten?” I call out, stepping inside and letting the door close behind me. “Because I’d really enjoy that.”

She sighs from somewhere near the bed, and I catch the gleam of her blade as she slides it back into its sheath. My grin falters, just a little. “What a shame,” I say, shrugging dramatically. “Why’d you put it away? I was looking forward to a fight.”

“Because it’s pointless,” she mutters, dropping onto the edge of the bed. “I’m learning that trying to fight you—or escape—is pointless.”

I cross the room lazily, leaning against the wall as I watchher. “True,” I say, tilting my head. “But it would’ve been fun anyway.”

That gets me a tiny, reluctant smile, and I pounce on it immediately. “There it is,” I say, my voice low, teasing. “I like that look on you. Almost as much as I like your attitude.”

She snorts. “You’d be the first.”

“Probably,” I admit, grinning as I drop into the chair across from her. “But I like a challenge. And you, kitten—you’re one hell of a challenge.”

Her eyes narrow at the nickname, but there’s no real heat behind it, just a flicker of irritation that makes her all the more intriguing. She folds her arms, her shoulders tight, like she’s bracing for something.

“So,” I say, leaning back in the chair and giving her a lazy smirk. “Why’d you want me to come here? Don’t tell me you’re falling for my charm already.”

She lets out a sharp breath, not quite a sigh, and looks away. “I wanted to ask you something.”

I tilt my head, watching her closely. “Go on. I’m all ears.”

She hesitates for a moment, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of the blanket she’s sitting on. “I want to know about the binding,” she says finally, her voice quieter now. “And the Trials. What exactly have I signed myself up for?”

The question takes me by surprise, but I recover quickly, letting my grin spread. “Ah, so you wanted me here for my expertise, not my company. I should’ve known.”

She glances at me, the faintest hint of a smile tugging at her lips despite herself. “Are you going to answer me or not?”

“Of course I am.” I lean forward, resting my elbows on my knees. “But let’s get one thing straight first. Did Kael ask you before he bound himself to you?”

Her lips part slightly, and she hesitates, her eyes darting away from mine. It’s all the confirmation Ineed.

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