Page 97 of The Blood Moon Oath

I can feel her, sense her. It's as if a thread of consciousness now binds us, allowing us to attune to each other on a primal level.

My gaze drops to my forearm, where a intricate tattoo has appeared, seemingly materializing from the ether. The design is a mirrored image of the new ring adorning Sable's wrist, now complete with a third band nestled between the others.

She looks at it and smiles. "I guess I was never meant for a normal relationship," she says with a laugh.

I let out a low chuckle, shaking my head in amusement. "Yeah, because nothing says 'normal' relationship like a magical binding and a hickey on your neck from your new mate."

Sable giggles, the sound music to my ears. "Torin will eat it up. He's always been the romantic one anyway. And as for Kael..."

She trails off, her expression turning serious for a moment before breaking into a reassuring smile. "He may take some convincing, but in the end, he'll come around. Family is family, after all."

I nod, hoping she's right. The thought of facing my brothers' reactions is daunting, but with Sable by my side, I feel a newfound courage.

"So," I say, turning to face her fully, "now that we've got the whole 'binding' thing sorted out, what do you say we get some food and really get to know each other? I'm curious to hear more about your past, your hopes, and dreams."

A soft blush colors her cheeks at my suggestion, and she bites her lower lip in contemplation. "That sounds wonderful, Finn. I'd like that very much."

I reach out, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, my fingers lingering on her skin. "Good. Because I plan on getting to know every inch of you, inside and out."

Chapter

Fifty-One

TORIN

Ilean against the doorframe to Kael’s chambers, flipping the blade in my hand for no reason other than the satisfying weight of it. Kael stands at the far end of the room, staring out the window like the broody bastard he is. I can feel it too—the shift in the bond. Sable’s created a bond with Finn and it's strengthening, intertwining with a pulse of power that thrums through the air like a distant drumbeat. It’s subtle, but unmistakable.

Kael doesn’t say anything, but the tension in his shoulders tells me he’s feeling it too. He’s angry. Jealous, even if he won’t admit it.

“Say it,” I finally drawl, flipping the blade once more before sliding it into the sheath at my hip. “Say what’s got you pacing like a caged wolf.”

He glances over his shoulder, his icy blue eyes sharp enough tocut. “I don’t pace.”

I grin. “You’re pacing in your mind, Alpha. That bond humming away between Sable and Finn? It’s eating at you.”

He turns fully, crossing his arms over his chest. “I don’t need a lecture from you, Torin.”

“Lecture?” I laugh, stepping into the room. “No, no. You don’t get lectures from me. That’s Finn’s job. I’m just here to tell you to stop being a jealous prick.”

Kael’s jaw tightens. “I’m not jealous.”

“Right.” I snort, walking up to him and slapping a hand on his shoulder. “Look, I get it. She’s bound to you, and that’s a big deal. But she’s notjustbound to you, is she? She’s bound to me too. And now she’s binding to Finn. That’s what’s supposed to happen.”

Kael shrugs my hand off, his expression dark. “It’s different.”

“How?” I press, cocking my head. “Because you don’t like sharing?”

“Because she’s different,” he snaps, his voice low and dangerous.

I grin wider. “Exactly. She’s different. Which is why we’re all drawn to her. And why she’s drawn to us. That’s the point, Kael. She’s not like anyone we’ve ever met. She’s... more. And you can’t let your jealousy ruin that.”

He glares at me, but I don’t back down. I’ve never been one to shy away from Kael’s temper. “Look,” I say, softening my tone just a fraction, “I know it’s hard for you. You don’t like emotions. You don’t like vulnerability. But this? Us, her, the bonds? It’s bigger than all that. And you’ve got to put your feelings aside, brother.”

Kael doesn’t respond right away, and for a moment, I think he might actually lunge at me. But then he exhales sharply, running a hand through his hair. “You’re annoying when you’re right.”

“Always,” I say with a wink. “But seriously, stop being a broody asshole. She cares about you. She cares about all of us. That doesn’t diminish what she feels for you.”

Kael nods reluctantly, his shoulders easing slightly. “Fine. But don’t expect me to be happy about it.”

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