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“It is magical,” Cade said quietly, unable to stop himself. “When it’s right.”

Finn looked up, surprise flashing across his face before he masked it. “I’ll have to take your word for it.”

Drew opened his mouth, clearly ready with another barb, but Logan silenced him with a look that promised retribution later.

An awkward silence fell over the table, broken only by the sounds of cutlery and the occasional whine from the pets who had positioned themselves strategically around Finn’s chair. Mochi sat at attention by his right side, Boba had flopped dramatically at his feet, and Pixel was perched on an adjacent chair, her one good eye fixed on Finn’s plate with predatory focus.

“So, Finn,” Keir said aloud, deliberately changing the subject, “how’s your latest project coming along? The mixed media piece you were working on last week?”

The effect was immediate and striking. Finn’s entire demeanor transformed—ears perking up, eyes brightening, tail swishing with genuine enthusiasm. “You remembered I was working on that?”

“Of course,” Keir said, as if it were the most natural thing in the world to remember every detail about Finn’s art. “The one with the driftwood and sea glass, right? For your portfolio?”

Drew caught Cade’s eye across the table and mouthed silently, “You’re welcome,” with a smirk that promised more torture to come.

“Yeah,” Finn said, his voice warming with passion. “I actually finished it the other day. I’m trying a new technique where I incorporate actual sand and crushed shells into the paint to create texture. It’s tricky because the weight can crack the canvas if I’m not careful, but when it works, it catches the light in this really interesting way that mimics how sunlight plays on water.”

All three brothers leaned forward, drawn in not just by the subject but by the transformation in their mate. When Finn talked about his art, he glowed—confidence replacing insecurity, passion overwhelming shyness. His hands moved expressively as he explained his techniques, his eyes bright with creative fire.

“I’d love to see it,” Cade said softly, meaning it more than Finn could possibly understand. He wanted to see everything Finn created, wanted to watch him work, wanted to be part of that world where Finn felt confident and free.

Finn hesitated, surprise flickering across his face. “Really? I mean, it’s not finished-finished. I still need to seal it properly and?—”

“I’d love to see it too,” Logan interrupted, his gruff voice gentler than usual. “Your work is… impressive.”

Coming from Logan, who rarely commented on anything not related to security or training, this was high praise indeed.Finn’s ears twitched in obvious pleasure, a faint blush coloring his cheeks.

“Maybe after lunch?” Keir suggested. “We could all go to your studio.”

The brothers had converted one of the mansion’s sunrooms into an art studio for Finn’s sixteenth birthday, filling it with professional-grade supplies and perfect lighting. It was one of the few spaces in the house that was entirely Finn’s, and they had always respected it as his sanctuary.

“I… sure,” Finn agreed, though his tail curled tighter around his waist, betraying his nervousness. “If you really want to.”

“We do,” all three brothers said in unison, making Drew snort into his water.

“Creepy,” Finn muttered, but there was amusement in his tone. His lips quirked into a small smile, and for the first time since the ceremony, something like hope flickered in his eyes. It was tiny, hesitant, but it was there.

Through their bond, the brothers shared a moment of cautious optimism. Maybe, just maybe, they hadn’t lost him yet.

“So,” Keir said as they finished lunch, “about that studio visit? I’m curious to see what our resident artist has been creating.”

“It’s not exactly the Louvre,” Finn rolled his eyes, but his fox ears perked up with poorly concealed enthusiasm. “And if any of you say something stupidly alpha like ‘it’s just a hobby,’ I’m using my paintbrushes as improvised weapons.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Cade said smoothly, rising from his chair. “We do possess some cultural awareness, contrary to popular belief.”

“Debatable,” Drew muttered, earning a sharp look from Logan.

Chapter 6

SINCLAIR BROTHERS

The path to Finn’s studio took them through the east wing of the mansion, past floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the cliffs. The brothers walked behind their mate, three pairs of alpha eyes fixed on the gentle sway of his tail, the way his oversized shirt kept slipping off one shoulder to reveal tantalizing glimpses of skin.

This was a mistake. Logan’s internal voice was strained.Being in an enclosed space with him dressed like that…

Focus, Cade commanded, though his own control was fraying.This is about reconnecting. Nothing more.

Keep telling yourself that, Keir quipped.Meanwhile, I’ll be over here not staring at how those shorts barely cover his thighs.