“He’s beautiful, isn’t he?” I make sure to hold eye contact with Sayda as I hold her mate’s pup in my arms. The corners of my mouth pull upwards slightly.

“Keegan, it’s time. Kalla needs you.” The female looks between us, and Keegan nods his head. Face grim and tight. He does not move at first. “She is calling out for you.” The female’s voice is urgent with concern.  “Keegan, your mate needs you. Now.” I am now regarded with her eyes. She draws her vision over Keegan again, then me. Her brows pull together.  “Your mate said if you need your brother for support, you can ask him to come.” 

There is a brutality in the way Keegan picks up Kalla. His powerful hands find her, fingers dig into her fleshy sides. His teeth slide into the soft part of her neck, where males mark females. He sinks himself to a depth that will leave a part of himself inside her. I should not be a witness to this. She first whimpers until a long, slow moan exits her open mouth. Kalla’s breath is ragged, and I confess so is mine. It is unsettling to witness this marking.

“Keegan, you have me now.” Those silver eyes focus on my face while his lips expose a quiver.

Our eyes meet. I hold no welcome or joy in mine... He understands that I know what he has done. 

"What's your name?" he asks. His voice is above the calm before the shifting of a storm that’s coming. I know it’s coming but it’s the wait.