Page 68 of Bonded Chaos

“You’ll wear a hole in the carpet if you keep that up.”

I turned to face the newcomer who’d intruded on my tumultuous self-reflection.

“I’m in no mood, Riordan,” I warned.

My brother pushed off the door frame he’d been leaning against and headed toward the cabinet, where we kept an assortment of liquor.

“I can see that,” he remarked as he grabbed two tumblers, filling them with whiskey.

Riordan offered me a glass, and I took it, emptying the contents in one swallow. The liquor burned my throat, and I relished the sting. The pain grounded me, strengthening my resolve.

My brother studied me from where he stood, his muscular arms folded against his chest, and his gaze sharp and thoughtful.

“Tell me what happened.”

“Father figured out that Cadence is my mate.”

The words tasted bitter on my tongue, and I marched toward the cabinet to refill my tumbler.

“Not to add insult to injury, Brother, but you made that obvious when you slaughtered eight men for her.”

I glared at my younger brother. He was right, but that didn’t ease my irritation. Ignoring his observation, I lifted the whiskey to my lips and drank greedily.

“That won’t help anything, Ryker,” he chastised.

Silence stretched between us as we both considered this new turn of events.

“Did he threaten her?” Riordan asked.

“He commanded me to follow through with my marriage to Celeste or risk Cadence.”

Riordan groaned. “This is exactly what I was trying to forewarn you about.”

“Do not test me, Little Brother,” I warned. “You and I both know why I’m in this predicament.”

A muscle feathered in Riordan’s jaw, but he didn’t push the matter further.

“What do you intend to do, Ryker?” he asked instead. “You took her from her home. You exposed her to this. Now you need to protect her.”

“Don’t you think I know that?” I snapped. “She’s my mate, Riordan. Mine. And Ialwaysprotect what’s mine.”

I gave my brother a pointed look, and this time, he dipped his chin in acknowledgment.

I exhaled a defeated sigh as I ran a hand down my face.

“If I keep her locked in my chambers, she’s no better than a prisoner.”

Riordan snorted. “Of course, your mind goes straight to restraining her.”

I smirked, but didn’t defend myself. “While I’m not against that idea, the prospect will undoubtedly displease Cadence. Doing it would only push her further away, and I am trying to make the stubborn woman submit to me and accept the bond.”

“You don’t have to make her a prisoner, Ryker. You only need to guard her. Your men are loyal to you. Use them. They’ll ensure her safety when you cannot.”

A growl rumbled up my throat, and I glared at my brother.

“Are you suggesting I cannot protect my mate, Riordan?”

My brother rolled his eyes.

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