The table creaks beneath Malachi’s hands. “You didn’t see fit to mention that before we called her.”
I get a sense of Rylan’s internal conflict through the bond, but none of it shows in his face or tone. “We don’t have any other options.”
I keep massaging Wolf’s neck and try to think past the fury that burns through me. “Tell her not to come. There has to be another way.”
“No other way.” Wolf speaks against my thigh. “She’s the best. If she helps, it’s a sure thing—at least that part of it.”
Killing my father is the top priority, but I never expected the cost to be so high. That feels very naive right now, with Wolf feeling so small and human against me. I want to protect him, to wrap him up and keep him safe, and that isn’t the world we live in. “It’s not worth the cost.”
He tightens his hold around my hips. “I’m fine,” he repeats.
He most assuredly is not fine. Not when he’s clutching me like his favorite toy. I look to Malachi and Rylan for help, but they’re staring at each other and engaging in one of those silent arguments that I’m not a part of. Malachi is obviously furious they didn’t tell him what happened, and Rylan is clearly digging in his heels on his stance.
Huh. Apparently I can read them a lot better now, whether from the experience of being in close proximity for a few weeks or maybe as a side effect of the bond. Their argument ultimately won’t change anything. I have to go off what Wolf says. He’s my priority right now.
“Feels nice.”
I blink. “What?”
He shifts enough to look up at me out of one eye. “Being the priority. Wish it were better circumstances.”
Guilt slaps me hard enough to make me shake. “I’m sorry. I know I said it before, but things haven’t calmed down enough to talk about it. I’m sorry I compelled you.” Bad enough to do it, but then to simply not talk about it as if it’s beneath notice? I can’t believe I let it get this far. “Maybe now isn’t the time to talk about it…”
“Mina.”
The shock of him saying my name makes me tense. “Yes?”
“You’re strong.”
It’s such a random statement that I stare down at him blankly. “What?”
“Don’t apologize for being strong.”
I feel like we’re having two different conversations. “I’m not apologizing for being strong. I’m apologizing for forcing you to do something you didn’t want to do. Strong or not, it’s not right. I love you.” The last comes out in a rush. “I love all of you. I don’t want to hurt you and I don’t want to take your choices away. I shouldn’t have compelled you. You are a priority to me.”
“Seems like a silly thing to apologize for.”
“Why would you say that?”
He straightens and wedges himself between my thighs. Wolf isn’t as tall as Rylan and Malachi, but he’s more than a few inches taller than me. We’re nearly the same height like this. He holds my gaze, his blue eyes strikingly serious. “If you hadn’t made that call and forced the issue, we’d still be in your father’s tender care. Call me unhinged all you want, but I’m not a fool. I underestimated you.” He gives a sharp grin that almost looks like the old Wolf. “Maybe I should be the one apologizing.”
“I compelled you.” Like my father does to those around him. I took away Wolf’s willpower and forced and answer out of him.
“Yep.” He laughs suddenly. “Gods, love, but seeing you twist yourself up over this is enough to make me feel loads better.” He leans up and presses a kiss to my lips. “If you need my forgiveness, you have it.”
I sigh. “That doesn’t help with your sister.”
“Just sleep with her, too, and it will be a moot point.”
I frown. “Why is everyone so invested in me adding people to the bond? That’s the opposite of what we need if she’s as bad as you say.” Not to mention three bed partners is a lot. I can’t imagine trying to juggle the needs of more, let alone one as volatile as Wolf’s sister seems to be. No matter what else is true of our little group, the caring between us is real. The men’s goes back several human lifetimes. Mine is newer, but no less valid. “Besides, even if I could compel her, it only works in spurts. It’s not something that I can hold to ensure good behavior.”
“I’m joking, love.” Wolf shakes his head. “No matter what else is true, I do not want to be linked that closely with her. Better to get her agreement to pull this off for us and then to go our separate ways.”
I don’t have answers. I don’t know that I ever have. But we have time and I want to wash away that faintly lost look in Wolf’s eyes. This I know how to do. This is a way I can help. I cup his face between my hands and kiss him. I start gently, teasing his mouth open and delving inside. For once, Wolf doesn’t immediately take control. He meets my kiss halfway, but he allows me to lead us.