Page 6 of Orange Tundra
Oh.
OH.
I was subconsciously petting his tail. Oops.
It took me a moment to realize what was happening—I'd been absently stroking Roqs's tail. Instead of releasing it, I gripped it tighter, earning a sharp hiss from Roqs.
As one, Nim and Sim grabbed my arms. Nim's grip was firm and protective, while Sim's fingers trembled slightly against my skin. I knew what was about to happen—another testosterone-fueled brawl. Not today. Not around my unborn child.
"Enough!" I shouted, infusing the word with all my frustration.
They froze, even Roqs falling silent. I carefully released his tail, and he spun to face me with startling speed. I sidestepped, causing Nim and Sim to grab each other instead of me, effectively blocking Coone. Only Roqs managed to follow my movement, his eyes narrowed to slits.
"You will all listen to me," I said, crossing my arms over my chest. The coral sand shifted beneath my feet as I planted them firmly. "Nothing happened. You," I pointed at Roqs, "need to stop pining about your mate and Zirc and regretting things. Start thinking about our next steps."
Roqs visibly flinched at the mention of his mate, guilt flashing across his features before he masked it with anger. "I wasn't pining?—"
"You and you," I cut him off, pointing to Nim and Sim. "Stop acting like I'm made of glass. I'm pregnant, not helpless."
"We only care—" they began in unison, though Nim straightened his shoulders defensively while Sim's ears flattened with concern.
Coone smoothly slipped between the twins, batting his golden eyelashes at me. "And what about me?" he smirked, though I noticed his hands trembled slightly before he tucked them behind his back.
"And you," I pointed at him, softening despite myself, "are going to give me a massage. My back is killing me from all this drama."
The others stared at me, clearly caught off guard. Coone's playful smirk widened into a genuine smile, though something vulnerable flickered in his eyes.
"Your wish is my command," he said with an exaggerated bow that didn't quite hide the relief in his voice.
Roqs took a deep breath, his gaze locked on mine with an intensity that made me shiver. For a moment, I glimpsed the conflict raging behind those eyes—possessiveness warring with guilt, anger with uncertainty. Without a word, he turned and walked away, his tail twitching with barely contained emotion.
"Should we be worried about him?" I asked, watching his retreating form against the amber backdrop of the triple sunset.
Coone placed a gentle hand on my shoulder, his usual playfulness momentarily replaced by genuine concern. "He's struggling, Brynn. Finding his mate while loving Zirc..." He sighed, a rare moment of seriousness. "It's tearing him apart."
"But why is he so aggressive toward me?" I pressed, wincing as another twinge shot through my lower back.
"Your pregnancy," Nim explained, his analytical mind clearly processing the situation. "It's triggering protective instincts in all of us, but for an alpha like Roqs?—"
"—it's overwhelming," Sim finished, his voice softer than his brother's. "Especially with Zirc gone. He feels responsible for both of you now."
A small patrol ship buzzed overhead, its engines disrupting the peaceful sound of waves. We all tensed, watching as it passed without slowing.
"Purple Tribe scouts," Nim muttered, eyes tracking the vessel until it disappeared. "They're increasing patrols along the coastline."
"We should head inside," Sim added, nervously scanning the horizon. "It's not safe to stay exposed for long."
As we turned toward our temporary shelter, a strange shape in the distant water caught my eye—something metallic briefly breaking the surface before disappearing beneath the waves. A chill ran down my spine that had nothing to do with the evening breeze.
"Did you see that?" I asked, pointing toward the spot.
Coone squinted in the direction I indicated. "See what?"
I hesitated, suddenly uncertain. "Nothing, I guess. Just shadows."
"Come on," Coone said, gently guiding me toward the dwelling. "Let's get you that massage before Roqs comes back and decides I'm too close to you." His tone was light, but his eyes remained alert, scanning our surroundings.
I allowed Coone to lead me inside, but my thoughts remained with Roqs's strange behavior.
