Page 23 of No Honor Amongst Shifters
That was all there was to the kiss.A lot had happened tonight and recently, and Roslin didn’t want to overwhelm Alcott.He kissed the tip of Alcott’s nose, then his lips again before leaning back.“Sleep well,” he murmured.
Alcott stared as he slowly nodded.Roslin was supposed to make sure that Alcott was locked in his bedroom, even though he didn’t want to.He gently steered Alcott inside, knowing he needed some time alone after the evening he’d had.He hated the sound of the key turning into the lock, but at least he’d know that Alcott was safe and that no clan member would try to hurt him during the night.
Alcott deserved to be able to sleep without fearing that someone would attack him and so much more, and Roslin would make sure he could.
Chapter Nine
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ALCOTT WAS STILL THINKINGabout the kiss the next morning—of course he was.How could he not be thinking about the way Roslin had been so careful with him, or about how Roslin’s lips had felt against his?He’d barely slept, replaying the moment in his mind to the point he wanted to scream.
What was he supposed to do with this?What did the kiss mean?
He didn’t think Roslin would have kissed him out of pity.That wasn’t the kind of person he was, and Alcott didn’t think Roslin pitied him.They’d been spending time together, and Roslin had always treated him as if he wasn’t a prisoner.
That meant he’d kissed Alcott because he wanted to.Alcott had a hard time wrapping his mind around that.He was also wary.It was too soon after Damien.Alcott didn’t trust himself, let alone anyone else.He’d thought that Damien wanted him, just like he thought Roslin did.He’d been wrong the first time around.He couldn’t afford to be wrong this time, too.His heart wouldn’t survive.
Maybe he wouldn’t, either.
He tensed at the soft knock on the door.It didn’t sound like Roslin, but he didn’t relax until the door opened and his brother appeared, carrying a tray.When Misha walked in, Alcott flopped back onto his bed and stared at the ceiling.
“I know it didn’t go badly because I talked to Terrence before coming here, so what’s wrong with you?”Misha asked.
Alcott waved.He still believed that his brother should stay as far away from him as possible, but now that they’d talked, he found it hard to push Misha away.He’d warned Misha that he wasn’t staying, so Misha knew what he was walking into.Alcott hated the thought of hurting his brother more than he already had, but he couldn’t forbid Misha from coming around, and not talking to him was hurting both of them.
Misha sat on the edge of the mattress and waited.Alcott knew that he’d stay silent until Alcott told him everything.Misha had always been quietly stubborn.
Alcott didn’t know if telling Misha about Roslin was a good idea.His brother would be happy and would push him into Roslin’s arms, but he didn’t know if he could take that step.The logical part of him knew that Roslin was nothing like Damien and that he wouldn’t hurt him, but he’d thought the same when he’d first met Damien.His heart was terrified, and with good reason.
“Everything did go well,” he confirmed.“We convinced some of the cockatrices to stand back, and they said they’d talk to others.I don’t think we’ll be able to convince all of them, but even with some of them fighting with the coven, I think we can win this.”Alcott couldn’t consider any alternative.
“What is it, then?”
Alcott sat up and buried his face into his palms.“Roslin kissed me,” he mumbled.
“I can’t be sure because you’re covering your mouth, but did you just say that Roslin kissed you?”Misha’s fingers wrapped around one of Alcott’s wrists, and he pulled.
Alcott looked at his brother.“Yes, that’s what I just said.”
Misha’s smile was blinding.“That’s good.”
“Is it?How am I supposed to know he’s not planning on using me?Right now, the clan needs me, but what will happen once this is over?”
Misha frowned and dropped Alcott’s hand.“Roslin would never do something like that.”
“I know, but I can’t stop myself from being scared anyway.I trusted Damien, too.”
“You shouldn’t have.Damien’s a mage and belongs to a powerful coven.Roslin is nothing like him.”
“Just because he’s a psychic doesn’t mean he’s a good person.”
“Him being a good person doesn’t have anything to do with him being a psychic.I didn’t even know Damien existed, but I know Roslin.I spent time with him.I consider him a friend, and I know he wouldneverdo anything to hurt you.Besides, he knows your history.”
“Which is why he might use it to manipulate me.”
Misha shook his head.“I know it’s your broken heart speaking, but I trust Roslin with my life.Hell, I trust their entire family with my life andyours.I want you to be happy, and I truly think that Roslin could make that happen for you.”
“You only say that because you want me to stay.”
