Page 27 of Bound By Alphas 1: Bound

“There is,” Cade said firmly. “He’s responding to the bond, even if he doesn’t understand it yet. His body knows who he belongs to, even if his mind is fighting it.”

On the beach, Finn suddenly stopped his game with Drew, turning toward the mansion with an expression of confusion. His fox ears swiveled in their direction, and even from this distance, they could see the way his tail swished nervously.

“He feels us watching,” Keir said, a note of triumph in his voice.

“The bond is stronger than he realizes,” Cade confirmed. “Even with the distance, he can sense us.”

Drew shifted back to human form, and they watched the brief conversation, saw Finn’s glance back up toward them before the pair began gathering their things.

“They’re coming back,” Logan said, straightening. “We should?—”

“Stay right here,” Cade finished for him. “Let them come to us.”

“And then what?” Keir demanded. “More pretending? More distance?”

“No.” Cade’s voice was firm. “No more pretending. But we move carefully. He’s skittish, confused. We show him how we feel without overwhelming him.”

And if he rejects us?Logan’s internal voice was raw with the possibility.

Then we let him go, Cade responded, the words as painful mentally as they would have been aloud.And we wait. For as long as it takes.

The three brothers remained at the railing, watching as Finn and Drew made their way up the path toward the house, their mate’s slender form moving with unconscious grace despite the wet board shorts and tail that should have made him awkward.

“They’re coming up to the deck,” Keir warned, his voice tightening.

Before they could retreat to a less obvious position, Finn and Drew emerged onto the lower deck, still dripping from the ocean. Finn stood there, board shorts hanging dangerously low on his narrow hips, the waistband barely clinging to the curve of his backside. His fox tail emerged just above the hem, the fur damp and slightly darker from the seawater. His chest was bare, water droplets sliding down the lean planes of his torso, catching sunlight like diamonds against his pale skin.

Mochi trotted alongside Finn, shaking his white fur and sending water everywhere. Boba waddled behind, tongue lolling as he panted dramatically from the exertion of the climb.

Logan’s growl was audible, causing Drew to freeze mid-step, immediately recognizing the sound of an alpha on edge. A slow, knowing smile spread across his face as he took in the brothers’ reactions.

“Well, look who’s enjoying the view,” he said cheerfully, draping an arm around Finn’s bare shoulders. “We didn’t expect an audience for our triumphant return.”

Finn, oblivious to the effect he was having on the brothers, shook his head like a fox caught in rain, sending water droplets flying. “Sorry about the puddles. Elena’s going to kill us.”

“I think Elena has other concerns,” Drew said with mock seriousness, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he deliberately pulled Finn closer. “Like the three alphas who might shift and tear up the deck furniture.”

“What?” Finn looked between the brothers, confusion evident on his face.

“Nothing,” Cade managed, his voice remarkably steady despite the white-knuckled grip he maintained on the railing. “I see you enjoyed the beach.”

Finn turned slightly to grab a towel Drew offered, the movement revealing the three silvery marks on his lower right hip—the pre-marking scars partially visible above his sagging shorts. The sight of their claim on his skin sent a jolt of possessiveness through all three brothers.

Those shorts are a crime against my self-control. Keir’s internal voice was strained.One wrong move and they’ll fall completely.

Focus on his face, Cade commanded, though his own gaze kept dropping to the visible marks.

“You should have joined us,” Drew said, his tone innocent but his eyes knowing as he tossed another towel at Finn. “The water was perfect. Finn here is quite the swimmer—beat me in a race, actually.”

“Did he?” Keir asked, his eyes tracking Finn’s movements as he attempted to dry his hair, the motion causing his shorts to slip even lower.

Boba flopped dramatically at Finn’s feet, rolling onto his back and exposing his belly. Finn laughed and crouched down to rub the dog’s stomach, giving the brothers an even better view of the marks on his hip.

Is he doing this on purpose?Logan’s internal voice was strained.

No, but Drew definitely is, Keir responded.

“You should go shower,” Cade said aloud, his tone making it more command than suggestion. “The salt water will dry your skin. You’ll catch a cold.”

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