Page 6 of Brandy Snap: Part One

He was a jumble of emotions that could not be sorted, like tangled wires that had been left twisted for too long. They could never regain their original shape, and that was our fault for biting him before considering the consequences.

We needed to leave. I regretted abandoning my sister, but they would not provoke her when they were alone. We were always the targets.

“For now,” Zania sighed as if she carried the weight of London high society on her shoulders. “I’ve included samples of the ladies’ scents in the list, so you and Caspian can decide which suits your particular tastes.”

Kai was our absolute perfect taste. His amaretto blended so well with my vanilla and Caspian’s caramel that my mouth watered whenever I was in our pack house. And when Kai was in heat, I couldn’t get enough of it. We didn’t need any other scent added to our pack.

“Understood,” I forced out as I took the folder from her. I’d rather have her believe we had reconsidered than have to sit there for another second of her hate. “We’ll take all your sage suggestions into consideration. You can expect a positive answer, given your conditions.”

Kai sucked in a harsh breath. If we left with the impression that we would protect Camille over Kai, it would settle them for long enough that we could plan.

“Good.” She nodded, lifting her teacup again. “I’ve arranged them by usefulness. You’ll find Lady Montague at the front. Do study her closely.”

“Naturally,” I replied smoothly. “Because the omega we choose must be beneficial to the family.”

“Exactly.” She nodded. “I’m so glad we’re still on the same page.”

I didn’t deign to answer her. Anything I said would only make the situation worse.

As we turned to leave, Zania unwisely chose to continue.

“Sin, dear, do remember you’re always welcome to visit,” she said with a small smile.

“Of course, Zania. Thank you again.” I bowed, tucking the folder under my arm and stepping in behind Kai, making it very clear who was leading who.

The moment I pulled the door to, with just an inch to go, nearly free from their twisted words, Zania glared at my mother.

“Really, I don’t know why they insist on bringing that thing here,” she sighed, instantly ripping a gasp from my omega.

I slammed the door as hard as I could, informing her we had heard every drop of poison that spilled from her.

I instantly rounded on Kai, wrapping my arm around his shoulder and pulling him to my side.

“I am so sorry,” I murmured, kissing his hair, taking in his almond scent that was my home.

I couldn’t bring him to my chest. The tea had cooled but, no matter how much I wanted to hold him properly, it would ruin his makeup.

“I really just wish you’d let me at her,” he grumbled against my chest. “You know I could take that stuck-up bitch one-handed.” His grin carried in his voice as he flung his arms around my back, rubbing his scent across my arm, solidly marking me as his.

His hair only just scraped my chin, but it made it easier for him to snuggle into me at night.

He was a tough omega, but even he could not step away from an interaction with my mother and Zania unharmed.

I bent to nuzzle my nose against his neck and scent mark him in return. “You could burn this entire mansion to the ground and I would love you for it. But we must keep the peace until Camille is safe.”

He stilled, barely hiding his flicker of hurt, but I still caught it. I knew he hated how we held him back, but it was for everyone’s sake. We couldn’t take any risks, not when Camille was so fragile.

“Oh, man, that’s still number one on my bucket list,” he laughed, tipping his head to beam up at me. “We need to go and find Cas.”

I straightened, returning to business as I adjusted the folder under my other arm. “Are you sure you want to come?” I asked him.

“Er, yeah. Duh. There’s no way I’m missing out on furious Cas. That’s my favourite Cas, apart from horny Cas.” The fact he could joke helped ease the darkness swirling through our bond. But it wasn’t over yet.

“When we get back, I want you to knot me so hard we all forget all about this,” he said, lifting on the tips of his toes.

“I’m sure that can be arranged.” I dipped my head so he could kiss me more easily, as his smile lit his eyes.

“Now, come on, our mate is waiting.” He smirked.

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