Page 29 of Air of Seduction
Lucas leans forward and puts his forearms on his knees. “So, how do you two know you’re brothers and don’t just share a common ancestor?” He looks at Markus before swinging his gaze to Gawen.
Markus and Gawen stare at each other until Gawen nods.
Markus turns to Lucas. “The voice in our heads told us so. It said, and I quote, ‘my sons, find the third and be complete.’”
Gawen nods again. “Yes. And it was a male voice.”
“What does the third mean?” I study Markus’s face. Four thousand years old. It’s difficult to even comprehend. All the historical events he must have witnessed, at least if he was in the right place at the right time.
Markus shakes his head before his gaze meets mine, probably feeling my scrutiny. “I can’t be sure, but I think we might have another brother somewhere.”
“My thoughts as well.” Gawen pulls his mate closer. “I wonder what he meant by complete, though. It could be both good and bad. Who knows?”
A shiver of fear and foreboding races down my spine. Whatever it means, I have a feeling we won’t have to wait long until we get to find out.
***
Ronan
My eyes are on my hands, which are folded in my lap, making me look deceptively relaxed when I’m anything but.
What just happened to Markus and Gawen is incredible and life-changing, but even so, I struggle to concentrate on the current conversation.
My mind seems to have room for only one thought.Is Payton all right?
I keep my hands folded to avoid fidgeting or constantly checking my phone to see if she has sent me a text. I know she hasn’t, since my phone hasn’t vibrated in my pocket.
Lifting my gaze, I study the couples in the room. Five true-mated couples, the most I’ve ever been in the company of at the same time. I can see the deep bond they share. It’s evident in every look and movement.
Before I realize what I’m doing, I have my phone in my hand, staring at Payton’s number. No texts, no calls. But then I haven’t texted or called her either.
My body feels like one big solid lump of tension, and it’s been like that since I watched her get into the car with Olivia and drive away.
Is Payton my true mate? The more I ponder that question, the more I become convinced she is. And if she is, I won’t be able to stay away from her, because true mates are destined to be together, and once they meet, there’s no turning away. Fate will always win.
“I’m sorry. You’ll have to excuse me.” I’m up and moving toward the door before I can stop myself.
I need to know Payton is safe one way or another. I can’t sit still for another second until I know.
My feet take me to the stairs, and I ascend them three steps at a time.
“Ronan.” Noah’s voice sounds behind me just as I reach the second floor. “Have you heard from Payton? How is Olivia?”
Turning to him, I shake my head. “I haven’t heard from her, so I don’t know.”
His lips press into a hard line, and he scrubs a hand down his face. Then his eyes bore into mine with an intensity that’s almost scary. “Ihaveto see her. I have to know if she’s all right. She’s been through hell. I should be there for her. Take care of her.”
I shake my head again. “She needs peace and quiet and rest. Perhaps when she’s had those things for a while, she’ll agree to see you. If you approach her now, you’ll only make this worse for yourself. For both of you.”
His eyes narrow, and his hands curl into fists. “So, I’m just supposed to wait… Is that what you’re telling me? I can’t fucking do that. She’s mine.” The last word comes out barely discernible from a growl.
Crossing my arms over my chest, I narrow my eyes right back at him. “And this behavior is exactly why you should stay away from her. How do you think she’ll react when you growlthat she’s yours? Do you think she’ll be more or less frightened of you than she already is?”
Noah stumbles back a step like I’ve just pushed him. “But she… I…” His shoulders slump, and his head tips forward.
“I’ll talk to Payton and ask her how Olivia is doing and if there’s anything we can do to help.” I walk up to him and put a hand on his shoulder. “I’ll let you know whenever I get an answer, but it’s past midnight, so it might not be until the morning.”
He nods but doesn’t look at me. “Okay.” Without another word, he turns and heads toward his suite, which is in the opposite direction from mine.