Page 53 of Unnatural Fate
“I have coffee,” Vin called from the kitchen.
“How do you know I’m awake?” I replied, rolling to my back to stretch the newly healed skin, tight and itchy everywhere. Blood play had a price.
“The change in your breathing.”
I laughed, forcing myself out of bed and not bothering with clothes, finding a fresh cup of coffee sitting on the counter and Vin dressed, making eggs. The clock told me he should have been long gone.
“I’m surprised you’re still here.” My gaze didn’t leave him as I enjoyed the coffee, leaning against the counter.
“I canceled my day.”
“Why?”
“Did you think I’d let you face Rafael alone? I’m not that cold.”
I scoffed. “I’m not sure you want to be here when he finds out what I plan on doing. He may try to kill you himself before I can commit alpha-cide.”
He laughed heartily, turning with the pan to dump the eggs he’d made onto two plates. “If I’m not scared of your wolf, what would lead you to believe I fear your brother?” He smiled, showing off his fangs. “I didn’t get to be this old without a trick or two up my sleeve.”
As if my waking had summoned him, Raf’s footsteps approached as Vin and I finished eating. I didn’t turn to greet him when he walked in. I finished the dishes, placing them in the drying rack, before turning.
Rafael scanned my naked body, and I didn’t shy away, not caring that he saw all the fading marks that were the remnants of Vin’s love.
“Long night?”
“Yes.”
He gave a single nod. “Care to tell me what happened?”
“I’m not allowed to enjoy an aggressive fuck?” I wasn’t about to tell him what Vin knew until we had a better direction or solution for how to keep the pack safe.
Rafael growled.
“Everything under control today?” I asked, getting the business out of the way.
“Quiet night. Maybe it will hold.”
“Maybe,” I replied, shooting a look at Vin. More of a question than anything else.
He glanced between Vin and me. “If you keep having him here, someone is going to notice.”
“About that—we need to talk about the quickening.”
Vin drew in a sharp breath. I hadn’t even told Vin what I intended to do.
Rafael pressed his eyes closed and growled. “Do not say what you are going to say. Do not do this to yourself or him.”
“To me?” Vin sounded amused, which was good.
I didn’t need the two of them getting into it. We didn’t need any more blood spilled.
“Don’t make him weak in front of his people.” Raf turned on Vin, tension in his tone. He wanted to appeal to someone who didn’t understand our ways.
“I don’t think choosing a mate makes him weak,” Vin replied, not taking the bait.
“You know it does. You know our ways. You know more about us than maybe any other of your kind. I’m not stupid.” He spat on the floor. “And don’t try to pretend you don’t know. I looked into you as hard as you looked into me. The first word of his soul mating, and I did my homework. I won’t insult you and insinuate you didn’t do the same damn thing.”
“I know you did. I would have thought less of you if you hadn’t.” Vin took a step toward Raf, ratcheting the tension up. “I know enough to know with a strong mate by his side, Dominic will be seen as more, not less.”