Page 6 of Twisted Mates

“Xander came tonight,” I say, pure shock sending my voice an octave higher.

Kai tries really hard not to roll his eyes. I can tell. But he doesn’t succeed. “Yeah. He can manage to keep up with his royal obligations, but he couldn’t seem to get here for our mother’s funeral. That fucking tracks.”

“I didn’t know that you and Care had seen him since your mom’s death.”

“Seen is about it. We’ve not spoken a word. He does what he has to do and leaves. No hi or bye.”

I can tell it’s a sore subject, and I wish I hadn’t opened my big mouth. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have said anything. It’s just that I haven’t seen him in so long, it caught me by surprise.”

“I know you couldn’t see it, but the great hall was packed with wolves. Even on a full moon I’ve never seen that many in one place. Not that many unmated wolves would ignore the jointinvitation that your father sent out with mine. I'm not surprised to see him.”

I lock eyes with Xander one more time and he doesn’t look away. So I do.

This is my moment with Kai. I’m not letting him ruin it just because he’s pissed off that he felt like he had to be here tonight to attend my ceremony. He can grow up and get over it.

I shrug and readjust my grip around Kai’s neck, closing the tiny bit of distance between us. “Well, he can go back home now. He’s off the hook.” I give him a wink and add, “I’m happy with my choice. I think I’ll keep him.”

Kai snorts a laugh. “Xander may have the tattooed rebel thing down to a science, but there is no denying that I’m the better-looking brother.”

With his light brown hair pulled back into a low ponytail and his suit covering the tattoos that litter his arms, he is a sharp contrast to Kai’s golden boy look. There isn’t much they share in common. Xander has a neatly trimmed beard now, and it somehow highlights his strong chin and sharp jawline, where Kai’s face still holds traces of his youth like his pouty full lips and dimples in his cheeks. Kai’s older brother stands inches over almost everyone in the room and his clothing clings to his broad shoulders. The muscles beneath my hand are leaner and since my final growth spurt in high school, my mate isn’t much taller than me. But I wouldn’t necessarily say Kai is the “better-looking brother.” They are both attractive in their own ways.

“Do you think he’ll go back to Virginia Beach after this?” I ask absentmindedly.

“I overheard him talking to Carrington about staying a couple of days. He said something about being sorry that he hasn’t been around these past years.”

I hum a response and drop the subject. If he’s going to be at the house for a bit when we get there, I’ll have plenty oftime to hyperfixate on why the hell he wouldn’t come back for his mother’s funeral but manage to make it here for my mating ceremony.

I don’t know why I care.

The song finally ends and the crowd bursts into applause. We take a little bow, flash grins around the room, and when I glance at Kai, he actually looks comfortable with the attention. That makes me feel better, and by the time we sit back down, I’ve relaxed just enough to ask the question that’s been on my mind since I took the blindfold off.

“Kai?”

“Yeah?”

“Are you good with this? With me choosing you as my mate? I know you may not feel it like I do yet because I've been cleansed and all that but... are you okay with it?”

He takes a moment, his gaze darting around the room but not seeming to take anything in. A line forms between his eyebrows like he is really considering my question. Seconds tick by and I squirm in my seat, regret taking hold of me.

I open my mouth to steer the conversation in another direction when he says, “I think I just need time to let it all set in. I honestly just showed up tonight out of obligation. I never thought you would choose me.” He meets my gaze, and his lips twitch up in a sad attempt at a smile. “I’m sure it will all click into place, Lex.”

My heart sinks and I bite the inside of my lip to keep it from quivering.Don’t cry, Alexia. “Yeah. I’m sure you’re right. I didn’t think I’d choose you either. To be honest, I thought I had better taste,” I deadpan, covering my embarrassment with humor.

He lets out a genuine laugh. “Me too. I’m flabbergasted that you stooped to picking a future king. I always took you as the type to aim higher.”

“Why didn’t the moon goddess lead me to a billionaire with a personal yacht so I could spend my winters somewhere tropical?”

He flicks the tip of my nose, a playful act that he’s done since we were kids. “Sorry, you’re stuck with me.”

I laugh and bump him with my shoulder before meeting his gaze with what I hope is a more serious expression. “Stuck isn’t the right word. I meant what I said earlier. I’m happy to be a part of your family. I just don’t want you to feel like I’m ruining your life.”

“It’s not you, Lex. You understand that this morning started off as another day for me. Now, I’m going to be preparing for my coronation. Can you imagine me as ruler of this pack? Just last week I was struggling to choose a beer from the tap at the bar down the street.”

I purse my lips and say, “Well... that’s why you have a queen. A partner to help you make the tough decisions.”

He levels me with a stare. “Alexia, you can’t decide which pair of shoes to wear in the morning. Can’t you just see the two of us as king and queen? We will be the most indecisive, ADHD, carefree pair of rulers this pack has ever seen,” he declares, taking a sip of his wine.

I nod and don’t even argue. I have no comeback. “True. But... maybe the two of us together will make one competent leader?”

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