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“But my issues aren’t life or death,” Trev protested, straightening and meeting the Aether’s assessing gaze.

“It could be argued they are.” Crossing to the bench seat by the window, Damian drew up his slacks and sankdown. The elegance of the man was enviable. His brother, Simon, had that same effortless grace Trevor worked hard to achieve.

“How do you figure?”

“Your insistence that you’re cursed.”

Disappointment keen, Trevor grimaced. “Soleil’s been talking.”

“No. Draven and I have. Soleil is a closed book if you don’ttake into accounther expressive face.” Damian narrowed his eyes as if trying to find the right way to say whatever was on his mind. “You walk through life waiting for the other shoe to drop, Blane. That’s no way to live.”

“And you don’t?” Trevor scoffed. “You’re a king expecting tobe toppledfrom his throne at any moment. How heavy is the crown you wear when it comes at the expense of your family, Dethridge?”

“Valid point. However, I’m not afraid to love or procreate, even knowing there will always be someone coveting what we possess.” He sighed heavily. “I’m well aware there are constant threats or challenges I must answer and put down. We were both there for the Morcant incident.”

“Exactly. Your wifewas murdered.”

“But we revived her.” Damian didn’t look as if he’d recovered from the incident, and the memory of Vivian’s death still haunted Trevor, too. “You helped me. Without you, I wouldn’t have my family. That’s why I want to repay you.Why I want you to seek out love.Don’t fear it.”

“They die,” Trevor snapped. “All of them! They die.”

“Not Simon. Not your father.”

“My father might as well be dead. He abandoned us a long time ago.”

“Fair. But the person you love most in the world is still with you. And I believe Soleil could be another column to help support your foundation.”

“I wouldn’t be able to handle it if she were to die because of me, Damian.” Trev opened himself up, allowing the Aether to feel his overwhelming fear and worry. “Now do you understand?”

“She’s my sister by marriage. Do you honestly believe I’d allow anything to happen to her? Why do you think I’m here?”

“What about ten years from now?”

“If I’m alive, I’ll be there, too. And twenty and thirty years.” Compassion transformed Damian’s visage from reserved to caring. “There are never any guarantees, Blane. You know that more than anyone. But I’ll make you the same promise I made your brother. Should Soleil need healing due to the bleeding off of your power, I’ll seeit’s done.”

“I don’t want her to suffer. Ever.”

“She won’t. No more than she would if she were with another.”

Jealousy unfurled within Trevor at the idea of her with someone else. Just as it had earlier when he’d suggested the possibility to her. He tried to bealtruisticfor her benefit, but the selfish part of him would happily murder any man she chose.

“Your jealousy speaks for itself,” Damian said with a half smile.

“I want her to be happy, but I don’t want to see her with someone else.”

“You’re fated mates, Blane. It’s normal for you to feel bonded to her in the way you do.”

“This is some bullshit,” Trev muttered.

After a full minute of tense silence, the Aether cocked his head and gave him a considering look. “Is there another reason you don’t want to be with her? Do you feel she’s not good enough for you?”

“I might’ve mistakenly believed that when I was first assigned to watch her. But no. It’s the reverse. I’m not good enough for her.”

“Why?”

“The lives I’ve taken have tainted me.”

Damian stood and approached the door. “From day one, you refused to hurt anyone undeserving, Trevor. You’ve gone so far as to heal others without permission. Lily Stockton is an example.” The man’s look was determined as if he desperately wanted to impart truth on him, and Trev listened with an open mind. “I don’t believe it’s a secret to Soleil or you that Gene is romantically interested in her. They share common interests. Yet you are willing to heal his daughter without any reward or guarantee he won’t end up with your girl. What is that if not selflessness?”