Page 264 of Claimed By the Rival Alpha

“Because I care about you both, and from where I’m standing, it seems like you’re interested in each other, but your relationship is staying in one spot instead of moving forward. I want to give you space, but I’m curious about where you stand.”

She didn’t say anything.

“You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to,” I said.

“No, it’s okay.” She sighed. “I guess I’m not sure. I do like Dom, and I care a lot about him, but after everything that happened when I was kidnapped…” She gave a slight shake of her head. “I don’t think I’m the best person for him. I already feel like I fall short of being a good friend to Bryn or a good sister to you. How can I expect to be a good partner for Dom?”

My heart twisted painfully. “Octavia, that’s not true. Dom doesn’t think that about you, and neither do I or Bryn. You’re an amazing person, and anyone with eyes can see that.”

She shifted on her branch. “I don’t see that in myself. Not anymore. I don’t think I would be good for Dom as I am now. He needs a woman who can stand at his side, not someone who can barely convince herself to go to the commons.”

“But what about whatyouneed, Tav?” I asked. “Don’t you deserve a man who will stand by you even when you’re at your lowest? Do you genuinely believe Dom would reject you if you let him in?”

Tavi picked at the bark. “No…I don’t know. I don’t want to think that, but I’m not sure if I’m ready to find out what he thinks about me. I’m satisfied just being friends with him right now.”

I nodded. “I’m not trying to push you into a relationship before you’re ready. But you need to know that none of us—not Bryn, me, Dom, or Violet—would ever abandon you. We’re all here for you as much as you want and need us to be. Because you’re worth it.”

She sniffled. “Thanks, Night. You’re such a strong figure in my life, and I’ve always looked up to you. I think I needed to hear you say that.”

“I’m sorry it took me so long to say it. I didn’t want to make you uncomfortable or crowd your space or?—”

“No, no, I get it.” She wiped her eyes and smiled down at me. “You’re a good big brother, Night. I hope you know that even when I’m feeling at my lowest, I’m glad I have you and the others in my life.”

I grinned. “I couldn’t imagine a better little sister.”

She snorted, sniffled again, then moved to a branch closer to me. “So, what were you doing in the library?”

“I’m looking for books on old wolf legends and magic,” I said.

“Oh, is this about the portal stuff?”

“Yeah. According to the Kings’ elders, there are stories about shadow monsters. Those legends might be why the kids went into the woods.”

“Sounds like you’re after books about our mythologies. Need my help?”

I was taken aback by her offer. “I can’t ask you to look into that. You were just talking about looking for a book that would help you relax.”

She waved my words away. “Yeah, but I was going to look into the fantasy section next, anyway.” She shrugged. “Might as well help you out. And besides, looking through books about myth and legends will be a hell of a lot more interesting than looking through old invoices for that elusive account number.”

“I guess that’s fair.” I chuckled. “I’ll leave it to you, then.”

We didn’t hug or kiss each other on the cheek, but I felt closer to Tavi than I had in weeks. It was a relief to reconnect with her like this, and I was glad we’d had the chance to talk again.

Iarrived at the training grounds to find Dom already there. He was keeping an eye on our men as they did drills. Some Kings had decided to join them, which was nice to see. Off to the side, Xavier and Lance were each doing their own thing.

I hadn’t seen them train for a while. Seeing them now reminded me how stiff the competition would be if I faced off against either of them. But I was preparing for that scenario, and I’d improved a lot as a fighter because of my regimen. I intended to win, and it didn’t matter who got in my way.

I went to stand next to Dom, bumping him with my shoulder. “How are you doing?”

“Can’t you tell?” He gave me a half-smile. There were bags under his eyes, and he looked paler than usual. “My brain hasn’t been able to work through it all yet. I’m still shocked. Part of me feels like I imagined everything you and Bryn told me, even though I know it’s real.”

“Itisreal,” I said, knowing he needed someone else to confirm it for him. “I’m sorry you had a rough morning.”

“I just can’t stop thinking about it. How’s Bryn doing?”

“She’s doing a lot better. I feel like an idiot, though. She told me over and over again that she wanted to find out more about her mother so she could learn more about herself, but I didn’t want her to do the ritual.”

“Why not?”