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16

PANDORA

B ram crouched in front of Gumdrop’s tank, his knees pressing into the worn rug that Comet usually kneaded her claws at. The soft hum of the filtration crystal buzzed faintly as he gently dangled an earthworm between his fingers. “You sure he likes these?” His voice was hesitant, almost shy in a way that made my heart melt.

The vulnerability in his tone made me smile.

Shy Bram was so adorable—and I wanted more of him.

He’d been stressing about winning both Gumdrop and Nebula over lately, and it was so cute.

“Likes them?” Reed chuckled from his spot on the bed. “Gumdrop lives for them. Go ahead and give him it.”

Bram’s hand stilled as Gumdrop swam closer. His tiny, beady eyes locked onto the wiggling treat. Bram dropped it in, and with a swift motion, he snatched the worm from the water and ate it. His mouth curled in what could only be described as a smile as he regarded Bram.

“He smiled at me!” Bram’s excitement burst out and shot down our matebond. His face lit up as he glanced back at Reed, seeking confirmation.

Reed shook his head, laughing softly. “Looks like he’s finally warming up to you, Bram. Though, bribing is definitely the reason for it.”

“Whatever works.” Bram tossed his arms up in victory.

Across the room, Nebula was perched on my nightstand. “Do not forget to take me with you,” he hissed. “You can’t leave without me.”

“Of course. I won’t forget.” I walked over and put Nebula in my bag before adjusting it on my shoulder.

Dex smirked, his fog gray eyes glinting mischievously. “Careful, Bram. Nebs is totally cock-blocking you.”

Bram’s cheeks flushed a deep crimson, and his dark red eyes shot to me. “I—she—we’re just…”

Hunter’s voice cut through as he tapped away at his tablet. “Dex, cut it out. Bram’s embarrassed.” He turned toward my bag, where Nebula was. “Let them have some alone time soon, alright? But I get wanting to tag along to the Havoc manor tonight.”

Nebula sighed theatrically. “Tonight is non-negotiable, but I agree. I can do that.”

“He’s just concerned for her safety the same way we all are,” Skel interjected from the corner where he sat with Comet nestled in his lap. The tiny calico purred contentedly as Skel stroked her fur.

My shadow snaked out of my palm, wrapping around Dex’s waist and pulling him closer as I gasped. “Fates!”

Dex let out a mock yelp but didn’t resist, grinning as he allowed himself to be dragged toward me. “I’ll get close to you whenever you want me to, trouble. You don’t have to exert so much effort.”

Demo burst out of my stomach and into the room, yapping excitedly as Chaos followed in his wake from Bram.

Their combined chaotic energy sent the room into a flurry of movement as my shadows slunk back into my mark.

“Alright, alright,” Dex said, waving his hands in surrender. “Let’s go before the chaos manifestations destroy the room. I promise to keep an eye on them.”

Bram straightened, brushing off his dress pants. He wore a black pair with a simple white button-up, and he looked stunning. “I can watch her, too,” he mumbled, his eyes flicking to me and then away just as quickly.

I smiled at him, smoothing down my silky black thin-strapped dress that hit below my knees. “You’re sweet, but Dex freaks out if he doesn’t see that I’m okay.”

“I won’t bug you,” Dex promised. “I’ll stay in the shadows. It’s not you, dude. I feel like I’ll lose my shit without seeing her.”

“Okay.” Bram nodded. “I get it.”

I went around and kissed each mate on the lips before Dex’s shadows wrapped around us, shadow-traveling us to Havoc Manor.

* * *

Slater’s manor loomed before us. It was like a smaller version of Dad’s manor, but no less intimidating.

A stone path led up to the grand staircase to their home.

Bram fidgeted beside me, his nervous energy palpable through our bond.

Dex wrapped a hand around my throat and pulled me against him for a deep kiss. “Be safe for me, trouble.”

“I will,” I promised as he let go of me reluctantly.

“You’re going to be fine,” Dex told Bram, clasping his shoulder before melting into the darkness.

“He’s right,” I assured Bram, brushing my fingers against his arm in reassurance. “Everything’s going to be okay.”

He offered me a tight smile but didn’t reply as we walked up the path.

Before we could knock, the heavy doors creaked open, revealing a butler with a precise demeanor that practically screamed nobility. He inclined his head respectfully, stepping aside to let us in. “Welcome to the Havoc residence, Bram and his fated.”

“Thank you,” we murmured in sync, stepping in.

The butler led the way, and we followed until the hall led into a dining area. The dining room was beautiful. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the polished mahogany table, which was set with enough silverware for four.

Slater rose from his seat as we entered, his grin wide and genuine. “Bram! You made it!” He crossed the room in a few long strides, pulling his brother into a firm hug.

Melinda, Slater’s mother, followed suit, her demeanor softer but no less welcoming. She took my hand in both of hers, and her red eyes were very kind. “Gravesend, it’s so lovely to meet you. Thank you for coming.”

“Thank you for inviting us,” I rasped, matching her warmth. “You can call me Pandora.”

“And you can, of course, call me Melinda.” She smiled softly, carefully reaching out and brushing her fingertips against my shoulder. “Your hair is so beautiful. What do you use?”

“Oh.” My cheeks heated. “I just used whatever my dad bought. It’s a caramel scent, though.”

“It’s lovely.” She smiled, and my chest eased at how kind she was.

“Thank you.”

Slater rubbed his hands together. “Food is already done. We were just waiting for you to arrive to pull it out so it wouldn’t get cold. Bram, would you mind helping Charles and I bring it out?”

Bram nodded stiffly and followed Slater and the butler toward the kitchen; he shot me a quick glance for reassurance, and I smiled.

As they disappeared, Melinda guided me to a seat.

“I’ve heard so much about you,” she began. “And about Bram. He’s…well, he’s been through so much.” Her voice softened, her empathy clear. “Slater and I…we only want to help him feel like he belongs. Like he has a family. I know Harry was a piece of work, but Harry’s father, Bram’s grandfather, was a good man. I hate that Bram has issues with both of his parents. It’s not fair to him.”

My chest ached for my mate. “I’m just glad he’s giving Slater a chance. And it’s nice to see that you care about Bram as well.”

“Of course I do,” she murmured. “I admit that I hate his mother and his father, but Bram was innocent in all of this, and he’s Slater’s brother.”

“Slater seems to really care for Bram.” My heart swelled as I thought about how hard Slater had pushed Bram to be a part of his life.

“He does.” She smiled softly, glancing toward the commotion in the kitchen. “He’s always wanted a brother. When I told him he had one, he reached out and wouldn’t give up.”

“I’m so glad he didn’t,” I told her. “You raised a good son.”

“I only wish I could’ve taken part in raising Bram,” she whispered, her eyes filling with sadness. “No kid deserves Harry Hemlock as a parent. I had hoped Harry’s mistress would’ve cared for their son. I truly thought she would’ve. If I had known…maybe I would’ve tried to stay around. If only to help Bram grow up better.”

My eyes pricked with heat as I blinked the tears away. “I know Bram would feel good about your sentiment. He’s had it rough.”

“He has, and…I know you have, too.” She met my gaze, unwavering. “I want both you and Bram to consider our home your home, too.”

My eyes widened slightly at how kind Melinda was. I’d never met such a sweet chaos demon before.

Before I could reply, our conversation was cut short as the others returned, carrying platters of food that smelled delicious.

“You all will love this,” Slater bragged. “Charles is the best fucking chef, ever, right, Mom?”

“Yes.” Melinda nodded, sending Charles a sly wink. “He’s the best chef. We wouldn’t know what we would do without him.”

Charles cleared his throat and adjusted his collar as his soul lit up from the praise. “Thank you, Madam Havoc.”

“Charles,” Melinda scolded playfully. “How many times will I have to ask you to call me Melinda?”

“I couldn’t,” he whispered hoarsely.

“You used to,” she murmured, her expression turning sad. “We were childhood best friends, weren’t we?”

“Yes.” His gaze shone with devotion. “I decided to live for you just as my father lived for yours. The moment we turned of age, it became improper for me to call you by your first name. I respect you far too much.”

“If you respect me, call me Melinda…” Her voice wavered. “Please, Charles.”

“Yeah, Charles,” Slater piped up. “Listen to what Mom wants. You know we all consider you family.”

Charles turned another shade darker, but he bowed slightly. “For my fondness of our childhood, I fear if I let myself refer to you as Melinda, my heart may not be able to take it.”

Melinda’s face morphed into shock before a light laugh tinkered out of her. “Then, let me worry about that. Okay?”

Charles’s blue gaze lifted to meet hers, and he nodded once. “I’d love to, Melinda.”

“Please, sit.” Melinda pointed to the chair next to her.

Charles opened his mouth to argue, but she shot him a pointed look, and he sat down.

Dinner was a whirlwind of flavors and surface-level conversation after that, but it wasn’t long before Slater set down his fork and leaned forward.

“Bram, Mom and I have something to ask you. Don’t freak out, okay?”

Bram tensed immediately, his fork halting mid-air. “What?”

I reached over and placed a hand on his thigh for support. He was so nervous. It radiated down the bond.

“We know you’ve cut ties with the Hemlocks. That was a smart thing to do, but it’s also painting a target on your back in the Demon Capital. We want to offer you something that we don’t know how you’ll react to, honestly.” Slater rubbed the back of his neck nervously as he glanced at his mom.

Melinda took over, her voice gentle and kind in the same way it was with me when they left to get the food out of the kitchen. “I know I’m not your mother. But I am Slater’s, and you’re his brother. I’ll be frank. We want to adopt you, Bram. To officially make you part of our family. As a Havoc.”

The room fell silent.

Bram froze, his expression unreadable.

Then, suddenly, a rush of anger and discomfort flooded our bond before he lashed out. “I don’t need your pity,” he snapped, his voice trembling. “Or your nobility.”

Slater’s gaze didn’t waver. “This isn’t pity. This is family. You’re my brother, Bram. That’s not going to change.”

Melinda nodded urgently. “We’re not trying to replace what you’ve lost, but we’d like to give you something new. We do not pity you, Bram. You are doing well for yourself. We just…want to be part of your life.”

Bram’s shoulders sagged, the fight draining out of him. I felt the moment hope entered his soul, replacing all of the anger. “But you’ll never understand how I tick,” he muttered.

“Let us try,” Slater said simply.

“You could let them try,” I whispered softly, flooding my bond with him with encouragement. “They’re sincere. I can see it in their souls, Bram.”

“I…” Bram trailed off, uncertainty in his gaze as he flicked his red eyes between Slater and Melinda.

“You don’t have to answer now.” Melinda placed a hand on Slater’s and smiled at Bram. “Just think about it, alright?”

He nodded reluctantly, and the tension in the room eased.

“By the way,” Slater changed the subject, and Bram relaxed more as he did. “I told you that I got my official invite to take the entrance exams at Apex Elite Academy, right?”

Bram nodded. “You did. It’s an awesome opportunity for you, Slater.”

I smiled. “I meant to tell you congratulations! That academy is a huge deal from what I’ve heard. What are the entrance exams like?”

Slater grinned, leaning back in his chair. “ Tough . They’re designed to push you to your limit. Magic control, physical endurance, tactical thinking—it’s all part of the vetting process. And then, there are the specialized houses.”

“Houses?” Bram furrowed his brows.

“Eight of them,” Slater explained, excitement flashing in his red eyes. “Each one is tailored to a specific skill set. Students are sorted based on their strengths after the first year. Trust me, getting through the exams is only the beginning. I’m so fucking excited, though, you know?”

The room buzzed with anticipation as we speculated about the academy Slater would have the chance to attend. Even Charles talked to him about how amazing the opportunity was.

Chaos magic vibrated in my stomach out of nowhere, causing Demo to manifest, slinking out from under the table with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

“Demo, no,” I warned her.

She darted toward the sitting room, ignoring me completely.

A crash followed moments later.

“Demo!” I called out in horror before swinging my gaze toward Melinda. “I’m so sorry.”

Chaos manifested from Bram and bolted after Demo, barking wildly.

The sudden noise startled everyone, but Slater laughed as he stood up and stretched. “Chaos magic is... chaotic , and we get it more than anyone else would.”

“He’s right. It’s fine.” Melinda giggled. “My chaos manifestation always sneaks away. They’ll come back.”

Sure enough, they returned a few moments later, jumping back into us.

“Your magic has grown a lot,” Slater commented to Bram. “It’s awesome.”

Bram shifted uncomfortably before standing up. “I’m working on controlling it.”

“I can help you practice as soon as we get the time,” Slater offered. “My chaos manifestation is a snake, not a wolf, but the principles are the same. I also only have one chaos manifestation in contrast to you having several different forms. Control takes practice, and I’m sure you need extra control considering you have more than just the wolf manifestation that can come out.”

Bram hesitated, then nodded. “I’d appreciate that.”

Just as the moment settled, my shadow twitched from my palm and lashed out, smacking the wall with a loud thud.

I froze, horror washing over me as everyone turned to look. “Sorry,” I muttered, my cheeks burning.

“It’s okay,” Slater said gently, though his eyes lingered on the dark tendril retreating to my palm. “That thing looks dangerous.”

“It is,” I squeaked.

“But also super cool,” he added cheekily.

“I guess that’s my cue,” Dex chuckled, stepping out of the shadows.

As we stood to leave, Slater reached out and hugged Bram tightly. “ Really consider it, okay? You are family, whether you want to let us adopt you or not.”

Bram didn’t reply, but his grip on Slater tightened briefly before he stepped back.

Melinda moved forward and carefully hugged Bram and I both, but she lingered on Bram. “Please consider what we said, Bram. We want you around.”

“I’m not used to people wanting me around,” he muttered as he pulled back.

“You will be,” she promised.

Charles cleared his throat. “I do hope I’m not speaking out of turn, but Madam Havoc—no, Melinda and Slater are the best demons I’ve ever met in the Demon Capital. You couldn’t get better family.”

Melinda and Slater both smiled at Charles.

“Thank you,” she whispered to him.

Before we left, I reached out to grasp Bram’s arm. “Do me a favor. I want you to sense their souls with my magic.”

“Sense their souls?” He hesitated, glancing back at his brother. “Okay, I’ll try.”

He took a deep breath, and I felt my magic swell inside him. I pressed my magic against him, guiding him to sense Slater’s soul—and Melinda’s, too.

Overwhelming care and love flooded Bram, and it took his breath away.

He stumbled back a few steps before looking at me, his expression a mix of shock and confusion.

“They mean what they say,” I whispered.

He didn’t respond, but as Dex shadow-traveled us back to the dorms, the weight on Bram’s soul seemed a little lighter.