Viola shook her head and squared her shoulders. No! Why go to the darkest place first? Brochan didn’t want to hurt his brother, that was all. And she didn’t either.
“I’m sorry you helped me ruin your immortal life, McCadden,” she blurted out, now that she had the chance. Wait. That had come out wrong. “Let me try again. Don’t worry. I can get this right. Because I can do anything.” And…go. “I regret that I extended your existence for you.” No! Bad. How was one supposed to do this, exactly? “I apologize for misleading you? I’m sorry you were hurt by my actions? Yes. Those. But maybe we can extend your life the same way Brochan plans to extend Fluffy’s? If you’d like. A wing root,” she explained. Was Brochan willing to risk McCadden’s life the way she considered risking Fluffy’s? "Did you ever consider it?”
“I didn’t. I don’t think I had the courage to let myself.”
“And now?”
“I will allow McCadden to make the decision.”
The Fallen One pulled at his collar, drawing their attention. “I’m happy for you, brother,” he said. “And I…forgive you, goddess. Mostly. But if you ever hurt my brother, I will—”
“Don’t,” Brochan interjected with what she assumed was his best impersonation of a dad voice. “I love you, lad, but I won’t tolerate disrespect to your mother.”
She swallowed a snort. See! He wasn’t ashamed of her. He’d just claimed her in front of his only son, her former boyfriend.
“Did you refer to me as McCadden’s mother?” she asked, certain her eyes were twinkling.
He hiked one of his shoulders. “If Fluffy is mine, McCadden is yours.”
Crafty Forsaken. He simply hoped to pin her down in every way imaginable, no doubt. Very well. She could play along. Snuggling into Brochan and smiling at the Fallen One, she said, “Feel free to call me Momma. And do yourself a favor. Always remember Momma doesn’t like sass.”
McCadden looked between them again. “You two deserve each other. You really do.” He was mumbling under his breath as he strode off.
Viola snickered, and at first, Brochan joined in her merriment. He deflated right before her eyes and scrubbed a hand over his face. “Brochan?”
Scowling, he motioned to a wall. “Remind me what we’re hanging there.”
Okay, what was going on? All this because she refused to accept the position of Mrs. Brochan…Something? Well, he knew what he needed to do. Why would he not seek her test to gain his every desire?
There was only one reason. Deep down, he believed he would lose her.
Enough was enough. Viola flashed in front of him and gripped his shoulders, forcing him to stop. Eyes mere slits, she told him, “Never tell me I do not do big romantic gestures for you. Because guess what. I’m about to make your wildest dreams come true and…chase you.” She shuddered, the words distasteful. Her. Chase a male. “I hope you’re happy.”
“I’m happier than I’ve ever been, and I’ve never been more miserable,” he shouted, as if accusing her of another crime. Strain stretched his skin, pulling over muscle. He averted his gaze. More calmly, he told her, “Also, I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“The test. Even though you haven’t begged me for it, I’m going to give it to you.”
Fluffy shrieked and raced from the room as if they’d stripped naked. Kids!
“No.” Brochan shook his head. “Don’t.”
“You’re going to win me, Brochan.” She grew more certain by the moment. Just look at him.
“But what if I don’t?” He clasped her by the waist and yanked her closer. “I can’t lose you.”
“Then don’t.” Time to prove she was right, in all ways, always.
Viola melted into him. Using her most official tone, she said, “Brochan the Goddess Tamer, riddle me this. If disowning McCadden forevermore is the only way to be with me, will you do it? And you can’t just say you’ll do it. You must do it, do it. Will you betray your brother to be with me?”
Panting, he dropped his head. His gaze. “Viola…goddess…kitten. Please don’t ask this of me. I am begging you.”
“Oh, my sweet darling,” she said, kissing his chin. “I’m not asking you for an answer. I’m demanding one. Here and now.”
He wheezed his next breath, squeezed her waist. “I can’t. I just…can’t. I’m so sorry. I need you both.”
I need you both.
I need you.
I need.
I…
His words echoed inside her head, mini explosions with bursts of fireworks. A brilliant smile bloomed—and yes, she knew it was brilliant because she was Viola. “Congratulations, Brochan! Our party has officially become a reception. You just got yourself a wife!”
His head whipped up, his gaze locking on hers once again. “I passed? But…I don’t understand. I refused to part with my loved one. In essence, I rejected you.”
“You hush that foul language immediately!” she cried, pressing a hand over his lips. When he merely blinked at her, she lifted her palm. “You have been so gone for me, you got everything twisted inside your head. The other males agreed to betray their loved ones. They switched loyalties easily, never fighting to protect and defend those in their care. If they’ll be that way with others, they’ll be that way with me, and I had enough of that with my mother.”