Page 7 of Twisted Mates

He rolls his eyes and fights back a smile. “Maybe.”

The night carries on and my new mate and I choose to veer on the side of caution, holding hands and maintaining polite conversation as we stroll through the party guests. Everyone appears happy about our match, wishing us a long life together and many cubs. Just the thought of forever and a family of my own have me tailspinning. It’s hard to think that far ahead when Kai and I have so much to figure out about ourselves as a couple.

The easygoing mood shifts when we reach the back of the ballroom and are met with Xander’s icy stare.

“Congratulations, brother,” he says, his deep voice sending a shiver through me.

Kai lifts a brow and says, “Looks like you no longer have to worry about who will take the crown.”

Xander runs his palm over the light stubble on his jaw. “I never lost any sleep over it. I never wanted it. I think it’s gone to the best heir for the job.”

Kai lifts his chin slightly. “Well, that’s good to hear. Wouldn’t want you trying to dethrone me before I even get a chance to step up.”

His brother scoffs. “Yeah, I won’t be doing that. Don’t have the time or the energy.”

I’m starting to get annoyed. Is he going to acknowledge my existence or are we just going to pretend I’m not standing here?

“Uh, hey,” I blurt, lifting my hand in a quick wave, unable to hold it in any longer. “How’s it going? I’m Alexia. Remember me?” I too am out of energy; I’m done masking for the day and my filter is gone.

Xander plasters a clearly fake smile on his face. “Sorry, Alexia. I didn’t mean to ruin your night. Congratulations on your mating. It couldn’t have been easy to do what you chose to do.”

“You didn’t ruin anything, I just—”You just reverted back to the days before you learned how to control your impulses, Alexia, what the hell?“Sorry. It’s just been a long day—well, a long ninety days, really, and I’m tired. I apologize for snapping. That was rude of me.”

Kai slides his arm around my waist and grips my hip. It’s the most affectionate he’s been all night without prompting, and while I’m certain he’s only doing it because he knows I’m embarrassed right now, I’m grateful.

“You’re fine, Lex,” he whispers, pressing a kiss to my temple. “Xander’s probably pretty overwhelmed too, what with being around the family again. After what... ten years?” His tone is pointed, and I can almost feel the sharp blade he’s flinging in Xander’s direction.

“I’m not having this out with you right now, Malakai. Go enjoy the rest of your night with your beautiful mate. You can voice your grievances with me another time.”

“I’m going to hold you to that.”

Xander dips his chin. “I wouldn’t expect anything less,Your Highness.”

“Fuck you, Xan.”

“Love you too, little bro.”

Kai ushers me into the center of the room, and

I look over my shoulder at Xander.

His lips press together as he dips his head in what is clearly a silent apology.

The most anticipated night of my life has just tangled itself into a messy web of family animosity and unspoken words. And a whole lot of uncertainty. It all has me questioning if I jumped into this too soon. Maybe I should have just let the bond play out naturally instead of forcing its hand. I don’t know if I’m ready to face what my future holds. But I do know that after this party I will be thrusted into it whether I like it or not.

THREE

Alexia

The Braxton’s chateau is only about five miles away from the temple, but it takes about thirty minutes to get there due to the winter storm that unexpectedly hit our town over the weekend. Kai and I trail behind Clayton and Carrington in Kai’s brand-new Land Rover, while Xander brings up the rear in his black truck that has impressive-looking snow tires on it.

“You warm enough over there?” Kai asks, keeping his eyes on the road as we climb higher into the mountains.

“Yeah, I’m good. The rump roast is nice,” I say.

Kai laughs. “The what?”

I look over at him and wiggle my ass against the supple leather, thankful I changed from my dress into jeans and a hoodie that my parents brought from home. “The rump roast. You know, the heated seat.”

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