Page 32 of Branded in Love
Vlad steps closer. “Yes.”
I am aware of the most powerful family of witches. My advisors have endlessly insisted on the match. “The one who lives in Paris,” I say. “Jeanette.”
“No,” he breathes, shocked. “No, I mean Cassandra Deveraux.She’sthe heiress, Gavriil. She lives in the US.”
I slip my hands into my pants pockets, and my stare drifts to Luciana. She sits on the fountain’s stone rim, dipping her hand in the crystalline water.
“Heiress or not, I’ve already chosen my mate.”
“Have you, Gavriil?” he asks with intent.
“Volodya…” I mutter.
“Have you claimed her?” Vlad is merciless.
I swing my head towards him, uttering a low growl. “I’ve not,” I confess.
“And why haven’t you, then?” he asks, inching closer. True concern gleams in his grey eyes. He sheds from his role as leader of the pack and shifts into my older brother, the one I grew up with. The one who always looked after me. His hand lands on my shoulder. The empath in me senses his sincerity, his absolute worry. “The truth may be harsh, but you yourself cannot deny it.”
I move away from him. “Is that all you have to say?” I ask, putting a good three feet of distance between us. “After nearly a decade since you left me?”
Vlad’s countenance gains pallor. “Gavriil, I could not live forever under your shadow…” he breathes, pain hanging from each word.
“So you created a shadow of your own,” I mumble, looking away.
“My pack is my family now,” he says with earnest eyes. “You and I will always be brothers… That is why I’m here.” He purses his lips, hesitant to speak more.
After a minute, he adds, “Family and duty come first,Gavriil.”
The bear in me bristles. “Must you throw Father’s words at me like this?” I snap, wounded.
“I say these things because I care for you,” Vlad says, keeping his distance. “I will not interfere with your choices. However, I ask that you consider what we’ve spoken.” He inclines his head. “Your Majesty.”
One step back, and he disappears inside the house.
“Family and duty come first,” I mumble as warmth gathers in my eyes while I stare at Luciana. She’s heading towards me. The closer she gets, the more concern overwhelms her delicate features.
24
GAVRIIL
Imeet Luciana near the terrace. She blushes with a slight sun tan. It brings out the light freckles on her cheeks and nose. “Is he gone?” she asks, folding her hand on mine.
I nod in silence.
“Good,” she says, gliding under my arm. We stroll around the fountain with sluggish steps. “I don’t trust him.”
I flinch in disbelief. “He’s my brother,” I tell her in a soft tone. “We grew up together. You don’t know him like I do.”
“I don’t need to,” Luciana replies, adamant. We halt and she slips out of my hold, standing in front of me. “If he’s your brother, then where has he been for the past seven years? Touring Europe?” Her eyes narrow.
A pained expression mars my face. “You judge him harshly,” I mumble. My gaze turns vacant. Deeper worries whirl in my mind.
“What is it?” she asks, concerned, while inching closer. “What did he tell you just now?” Her voice becomes soft as a caress.
I heave a sigh. I drift away from her and glide on the stone bench. There’s no sense in hiding all I am. I cannot pretend my world is anything if not fueled with cruelty. I’m going to be honest with Luciana. She deserves to know the truth.
“Vlad reminded me of my station as leader of the clan,” I begin, gazing downwards. “He reminded me I have great responsibilities to consider...”
