Page 68 of Whispers of Wisteria (The Garden of Eternal Flowers #5)

Thus was the nature of our connection.

And with me to focus on, it was better. I could, at least, handle anything he’d do to me.

Titus went still, and his expression made my stomach cramp. Finally he said, “Do you have any idea what it does to me when you say things like that?”

I didn’t say anything.

The waiter returned with soup, cutting off any reply he might have made.

He didn’t speak again for the rest of the meal. He stayed silent, deep in thought, while I sipped on a sweet café crème and nibbled at warm madeleines.

And I…

I kept my thoughts carefully blank. There was no need for him to know how twisted my thoughts could get.

Titus shifted, his gaze landing on mine. Then he stood, extending a hand across the dessert tray. “Come with me.”

I wavered, glancing between him and my coffee, before tentatively placing my hand in his. “O-okay…”

His hold was firm as he led me through the doors and onto the balcony.

He let me go when we reached the white rails and looked past me. “I won’t let you lose yourself to him.”

Huh?

“You will not sacrifice yourself,” he said. “And you don’t have to fight him. That is our job.”

“But—”

“The four of us, your family, everyone,” he interrupted. “This is what we’re here for. You…” He grabbed my waist and put me on the banister. I held on to his shirt as he moved between my knees.

He touched my face and ran his thumb along the corner of my mouth. “You’re not alone anymore.”

“I know that,” I said breathlessly.

But it still felt so weird, even with so many people around me.

“Then I’ll keep showing you,” he said. “Until you finally get it.”

My heart began to race. “What?”

“You’re mine.” He pressed one hand on my lower back and grabbed my chin with the other, turning my face to meet his. “I’ll make you see it. I’ll fight your battles for you. I don’t need anything else.”

He didn’t need… My face burned.

But we were supposed to have mutant dragon babies. They’d be so cool.

And I was so good at teaching dragons how to fly. Practically an expert.

“You will not be throwing any children of ours off a building,” Titus said, voice even. “We’re not birds.”

Boo.

“But,” he continued warily. “This wasn’t something you considered before.”

“Ah.” I pulled back, scrambling. I picked at the lace on my wrist. “Well, I-I’ve been thinking… maybe, one day, I could try to be o-open to it.”

“Not if you’re scared,” he said.

“I…” I swallowed. “I’m going to be scared. It’s just… what I know. But maybe… I could learn that it’s different?”

Titus watched me for a moment, contemplative, before he leaned toward me and touched the back of my head with his fingertips. His thumb caressed my cheek. “I owe you,” he said.

I blinked. What was—

He suddenly pressed his lips to the corner of mine.

My heart lurched. We were three stories up, and I was perched on the edge of the balcony—perfect timing for his revenge.

“Not like that,” he murmured, breaking away just enough for his words to brush across my lips.

His mouth claimed mine before I could think.

I gasped, and he deepened the kiss, hand at the back of my head to keep me from pulling away, the other anchoring me at my waist. There was no way I could escape unless he let me.

His lips moved against mine, and I let out a helpless sound that he swallowed like he’d been waiting for it.

Something stirred in my chest, although I should have felt panic, I didn’t.

I liked this. I liked him making the decisions. I liked not needing to, not on this.

And instead of suffocating me, it was freeing.

“That—” he said, pulling back only enough to speak. He held my gaze. “—is what I mean when I tell you you’re not prey.”

I stared, still holding on to his shirt.

“You don’t run from me,” he said, brushing his thumb over my lower lip. “But if you do, I’ll catch you anyway. I’m not here to hurt you. I’m here to remind you that you’re mine.”

My heart was racing, but this time I didn’t care that he heard it.

“Okay,” I said, and pulled at his shirt again.

Titus smirked and stepped back, setting me on my feet. He brushed his hands over my arms and shoulders, putting me straight. “We’re done.”

“What?” I could only dumbly ask.

This wasn’t fair! I was totally into it and wasn’t even having a mental breakdown. Why would he stop now?

“You’ll appreciate it later,” Titus said.

“But…” Words failed me.

I wanted to make out now. This wasn’t the deal at all. Everyone was supposed to follow my lead.

That’s what they’d been telling me.

His smirk widened. “You’re going to have a shock with Julian then.”

“What?” I narrowed my eyes, no longer feeling generous. “Why?”

Julian would do whatever I wanted. I could go to him right now and he’d kiss me and stuff.

Still, “You told me not to bring up anyone else.”

“This is different. I’m giving you a warning.” Titus brushed his sleeve. “I think it’s fun when you challenge me. Damen finds it amusing—”

Amusing? Damen was the one who needed to be challenged the most. That was quite possibly the most insulting thing I’d ever heard.

“—and Miles…” He paused, his nose wrinkling. “Well, Miles is turned on by it. But Julian… Well, actually, I’m not sure. He’s not himself right now, especially with you. He and Damen are both struggling.”

I leaned against the banister. My stomach twisted. I didn’t like that they needed help, mostly because I had no idea how to fix it.

“You need a Soul Bond with Damen,” Titus said at last.

“Um…” Why would he say it like that? Wasn’t it obvious? “I know?”

It was his turn.

Titus’s expression darkened. “No. You don’t understand.”

“What’s there to understand?”

“He won’t do it,” he said flatly.

“Oh.” Well… I wasn’t going to force him. Still, he was so clingy and codependent it didn’t make any sense. “Why?”

“We don’t know,” Titus said, rubbing the back of his neck. “He won’t say. I think he wants to, but is afraid you’ll be targeted because of who he is.”

I flipped my hair over my shoulder. “Well that’s stupid. I’ll talk to him.”

“Good luck with that,” Titus said.

I wouldn’t need luck; this was my job. I’d make him see the light. It was for his own good.

“Oh boy.” Titus rolled his eyes. He grabbed my hand, weaving his fingers through mine.

We went back inside. The candlelight flickered across the table like nothing had changed, even though my coffee was cold. Titus ordered a new one and pressed his foot against mine.

It was like everything was back to normal.

But I knew better. Damen was refusing the Soul Bond for some reason. Jason was still out there. And there was something else…

There was a darkness gnawing at the edges of my thoughts. Something I needed to remember—a feeling that wasn’t quite mine.

I pushed my toes against Titus’s foot and willed the feeling away.

For tonight, I could pretend. Tomorrow, I wasn’t so sure.

I didn’t come to this part of the house often, but it seemed like every time I did, it was to clear up some kind of misunderstanding with my brothers or to learn something new.

Still, even though I thought I was ready, I couldn’t bring myself to knock on Brayden’s door.

But it was inevitable now, and I wanted to understand. If I were going to do this thing, then it should be done correctly.

That didn’t make it any less terrifying.

I was standing there for what felt like forever, unable to move, when his door opened.

Brayden made a sound and jumped back, startled, but quickly regained his composure. He looked down the hallway to where Damen’s front lobby was lit some dozen feet away. “How long were you standing out here?”

“A while?” I replied. What difference did it make?

His mouth turned down and his forehead wrinkled. “What happened?”

“I—I’m still scared,” I told him.

“Scared?” He frowned. “What’s wrong?”

I bit my lip and pushed my toes against the hard floor. I knew what I wanted to say, but I couldn’t seem to find the words.

“Hey, come here.” Brayden grabbed my hand and pulled me into the room. I glanced at the impersonal decor as he led me to his bed and had me sit on the blue and white comforter.

He knelt in front of me, expression serious. “Talk to me.”

I pressed my legs together. “I’m not used to this.”

“Used to what?” he asked.

“This,” I said, pushing my hands against my knees. “Be—being surrounded by so many people. Not feeling like I’m alone.”

Even Finn—best friend that he was—always felt distant in some unreachable way.

“That’s because you’re not alone, Bee.” Brayden squeezed my hands. “And you won’t ever be again.”

My breath caught.

Bee?

He’d given me a nickname—and it was so much better than that one Bryce had chosen, even though it was only a variation of the same word.

“You’re my little sister no matter what,” he continued.

My shoulders slumped. “I k-know that—”

“No, you don’t,” he interrupted. “You might think you do, but you’re not even close.” He let go of my hands, sat close, and wrapped his arm around me.

I’d frozen, panicked, the first time he’d touched me like this. But this time I wasn’t afraid at all.

He was just… Brayden. My big brother.

“And it’s not just me. You’ve no idea how insane everyone’s been acting,” Brayden said. “Both sides are dying to meet you.”

A warmth began to rise in my chest.

This was it. The main reason why I was here.

I wanted to know more.

“I asked Bryce why you’re at Whisperwind instead of… wherever the Dubois people live. He told me our grandfather would try to kill me,” I admitted, forcing out a nervous laugh.

“Don’t listen to him.” Brayden rolled his eyes. “He’s just dumb. The Dubois live in Ravenswatch.”

“Are you not allowed there?” I asked.

“We can live wherever we want. It’s quieter at Whisperwind. Plus, Bryce and Dad don’t get along with our grandfather,” Brayden replied, unconcerned. “But they’re not bad. Technically, we’ve got a setup in Ravenswatch, too.”

“Oh,” I replied. “Why don’t they get along?” Bryce had been rather passionate about hating him.

Brayden’s expression turned gentle and he squeezed my shoulder.

“Dad and Grandfather never agreed on things. We lived at Whisperwind full-time before you were born because they were always fighting. But then, after you’d disappeared, Dad wanted the Dubois to make a scene.

But Grandfather said it was too risky. If an enemy knew you existed and found you first…

” His words trailed off, and his hold tightened.

But then he blinked out of it. “Dad looked on his own while Grandfather searched his way. Though they did work together sometimes. Bryce is just following Dad.”

I swallowed, my mouth dry.

“Anyway.” Brayden grinned and squeezed my shoulders. “Yes, both sides want to know you. Zane’s super excited to hang out. You might not be able to see it on his face, he’s kind of a stick in the mud, but I can tell.”

“It’s not like I’m going to see him much,” I muttered. “But I’ll do what I can.”

“What’s there to do?” Brayden raised his eyebrow.

I breathed in, bracing myself, and ignored Brayden’s question.

“How did you choose your major?”

Brayden blinked at me. “Huh?”

“I know you’re majoring in library science,” I started, fidgeting with the hem of my nightgown. “But what do you like about it?”

“I like the research,” Brayden replied. “I helped Uncle Caleb sort through reports and records while they were searching for you. I stayed with it because I like it.”

“Oh…” My shoulders tensed. It was…

I looked at my lap, unable to meet his eyes anymore. “Thanks…” I said, and his chest stilled. “For n-not giving up on me.”

He was quiet for a second longer, but then he crumpled over me.

“Never!” he said, holding me tight against his chest. “I’d never give up on you. No matter what. Do you understand?”

I nodded. I think I was starting to.

“What else did you want to know?” he asked.

“I guess…” I began, twiddling my thumbs. “What’s your favorite food?”

He stopped petting my head, and for a minute, I thought he might laugh at me, but then he held me back and answered. “Anything with blueberries. Why?”

“Just…” My face burned. “Something I’m working on.” I stood and pulled at my gown. “Thanks—“ I said as he tilted his head. “I’m—I’m going to bed now.”

“Want me to walk you to your room?” He stood.

“It’s okay.” I shook my head. “I’m supposed to sleep with Julian tonight.”

Brayden frowned.

“Goodnight.” I stepped closer to the door. He didn’t stop me as I left.

I walked down the hallway, stopping at the bottom of the stairs, and leaned my back against the wall.

I… did it. And he didn’t make fun of me. My face was on fire as I pulled out my phone.

I might be behind now, and there was a lifetime of information to learn, but one day, I’d get there. I just had to move forward one step at a time, until maybe it’d feel like I belonged from the very start.