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“I think there’s one in the room Kyson set up for the baby, across from his old quarters,” I suggest, recalling glimpsing a folded blanket on the end of the cot. Before I can offer to go and check, we hear a knock on the door. All heads turn towards it as Kyson steps inside.

“So this is where you disappeared to,” he remarks, his earlier anger dissipating. He stands behind me, reaching down to offer me his hand. I accept it gratefully, allowing him to pull me to my feet.

“Are you okay?” he whispers, burying his face in my neck. I sigh, feeling a wave of relief wash over me in his presence.

“Yes, now that you’re here,” I reply honestly, and he presses a gentle kiss to the side of my neck.

“Where are you headed?” he asks, glancing over at Gannon.

“He was going into town to get Tyson a blanket, but I mentioned there might be a microfiber one in the room across from your old quarters,” I inform him, turning my head to meet Kyson’s gaze.

“No, it’s fine. Gannon can buy one,” Abbie quickly interjects, and Gannon hums in agreement.

“No, it’s fine. I think Azalea is right,” Kyson decides, his lips brushing against my cheek. “I’ll ask Matt to bring it over,” he offers, and Gannon places Tyson on the bed.

“Are you sure?” Gannon asks, seeking confirmation.

“Yeah, nothing in there is getting used anyway,” Kyson replies, his words tinged with a hint of sadness that reverberates through our bond. Leaning into his embrace, I notice the faint tremor in his hand resting on my waist.

“Come on, let’s go. Besides, I’m sure that Abbie is tired of tiptoeing around her own room just to avoid accidentally walking toward me,” I chuckle lightly.

“Or I could show you how to remove the command,” Kyson whispers behind me, and I look up at him with a mixture of curiosity and hope.

Chapter

Eight

AZALEA

“You’ll show me?” I ask, my voice tinged with anticipation. Kyson leans down, his breath warm against my face as he playfully bumps his nose against mine. A surge of electricity courses through me, heightening my excitement. He brushes his lips against mine, a soft and gentle touch that sends shivers down my spine.

“Yeah. I think if I don’t, my Beta may quit,” Kyson chuckles, his voice filled with amusement. The corners of my mouth lift into a smile at his lightheartedness.

“About bloody time!” Abbie exclaims, her voice brimming with excitement. I can’t help but share in her enthusiasm.

“I can only use it when I’m angry,” I explain, nervously chewing on my lip. Kyson takes a seat, pulling me onto his lap on the floor. Abbie settles herself across from us, her eyes fixed on the scene unfolding before her.

“I can explain it to you, but I know you will hate it. However, I can also command you to drop it. That might be easier, and you’ll feel the pressure behind it,” Kyson offers, his voice filledwith sincerity. My heart skips a beat at the thought of him commanding me.

“If it works, I’ll try anything. I would like a proper hug,” I chuckle, glancing at Abbie with excitement dancing in my eyes.

“And I would like to walk toward you without having to do the one, two-step,” Gannon adds with a laugh.

“So, it’s similar to a command. A command where you add pressure and forcefully impose your will upon them,” Kyson explains, his words slipping out slowly and deliberately. Surprisingly, I find his aura less discomforting than expected as it rolls over me, perhaps because he didn’t intend for it to be unsettling.

“To rescind the command, you pull it back into yourself. Reabsorb your aura and command.”

I feel him drop the command behind me, and my body, which had been unknowingly tense, relaxes.

“So, you can try it yourself, or if you prefer, I can attempt to command you to drop the command. Although, I’m not sure if I can actually command you now,” Kyson suggests.

“What do you mean?” I inquire, turning to look at him over my shoulder.

Kyson sighs, his gaze shifting to Gannon, who raises an eyebrow in response. “Landeena command can kill. Your command is more potent than mine. I just know how to use mine. You don’t,” he reveals, leaving me stunned. Kyson had just disclosed a truth that horrified me even more knowing that I could have unintentionally harmed them.

“Wait! I could have hurt all of them?” I stammer, sudden fear gripping me like a vice. The thought of wielding such power without control terrifies me.

“Yes, but not before you had awakened your gifts,” Kyson assures me.