29

ALINA

I couldn’t explain how relieved I felt when I saw it wasn’t just Alexander at the table. Claude was there, and he smiled broadly the moment he spotted me.

I would’ve smiled back because relief fluttered in my chest like a trapped bird but Alexander’s earlier question echoed in my mind, the one where he asked if I’d been thinking of him. That memory tightened my lips.

I didn’t want to invite trouble to myself.

And it was exactly because of his reaction afterward that I didn’t want to be alone with him. Deep down, I didn’t think he would hurt me. At least not in the way one might expect.

It was strange how I felt so certain that he could kill me, yet equally sure he wouldn’t force himself on me. I sounded delusional, even in my own head.

“You honor us with your presence. I’m touched,” Claude said, placing a hand over his chest, the smile still lingering on his face.

My eyes darted to Alexander. He wasn’t looking at me. He focused on his food instead.

My heart sank. For a moment, I wondered if I’d done something wrong. Had I made him angry?

I told myself my only concern was that if he was pleased with me , if he saw I was trying, he’d be less inclined to kill me. But if I kept making him angry, he might just decide I wasn’t worth the effort and tear my heart out.

“Do you plan on eating where you’re standing?” He dropped his fork and lifted his eyes.

I jumped, startled by the sound of his voice. Claude rolled his eyes at his brother’s tone.

I didn’t think anyone could roll their eyes at the Wolf Slayer and live to tell the story. But Claude just sipped his wine, lounging back with an air of utter nonchalance.

Not knowing where to sit, I took a few tentative steps forward before coming to another halt.

I couldn’t sit at the end of the table. I didn’t know the seating rules here, but it didn’t feel right to face Alexander directly. Sitting across from Claude felt equally wrong. The only options left were beside Claude, or Alexander’s left, slightly further down. Maybe that one.

I’d just pulled out the chair when Alexander spoke again.

“I said join me for dinner. Not sit with the ghosts of my ancestors at the far end of the table.”

“Stop being so mean to her. She clearly doesn’t know where to sit,” Claude said.

My eyes widened. I hadn’t expected Claude to speak up for me.

He’d been kind. Checking up on me, speaking to me when no one else did, but I’d assumed he was just toying with me. I hadn’t allowed myself to believe it was anything genuine. But this? Standing up to Alexander? That meant something.

“She should use her common sense.”

“This isn’t common knowledge,” Claude snapped back. Alexander just huffed and looked away.

He was angry about something. I didn’t know if I’d said something, or failed to say something. But I wanted no part of whatever tension was growing between them.

“Come and sit beside me, love.” Claude’s voice was light, inviting. I hesitated, waiting for Alexander to object. He said nothing.

So I rounded the table and sat in the chair next to Claude’s.

I still found myself glancing at Alexander. The tight line of his jaw didn’t reveal much. He often looked like that. I doubted it had anything to do with me.

“What should I serve you?” Claude asked.

I stared at him, mouth slightly open. He chuckled at my expression. “I’m a gentleman, come on.”

Alexander still hadn’t looked at us, but I stayed cautious. In the end, I gave a small nod and let Claude decide.

When he placed the steaming plate of steak in front of me, my stomach betrayed me with a loud growl.

My cheeks flushed. Claude laughed harder.

“Eat now. You gotta feed that monster,” he said, teasing. I obeyed and finished everything on the plate.

By the time I was done, I felt like there was barely room for air in my lungs.

I took small sips of water until I genuinely couldn’t hold anything else.

They usually brought food to me, so it wasn’t like I was being starved. But we’d been out earlier and I’d missed lunch after falling asleep.

I couldn’t understand why I’d felt so ravenous. I missed meals often. Maybe I was starting to grow used to this privileged lifestyle. Which was dangerous. I didn’t need anyone to tell me that.

A pair of eyes settled on me. I glanced up.

My gaze locked with Alexander’s. There was something unreadable in his face, something that almost looked like pride. I couldn’t tell what he was proud of, but he gave a small nod.

Something warm fluttered in my chest. I shoved the feeling down.

“Wanna take a walk with me?” Claude asked, tossing his napkin onto the table. “It’ll be good for you.”

“I—I’m not sure—”

“Go with him,” Alexander said.

I’d been hesitating because of him.

He hadn’t voiced any objections, but the way he glanced over every time Claude made me laugh—it was enough to keep me on edge.

“Okay.” I bit my bottom lip and stood.

“I promise I’ll bring her back safely,” Claude said with exaggerated sincerity, tossing the line at his brother just as Alexander opened his mouth to speak.

“Coming from you, Claude, those words mean so little.”

“Aww, you trust me that much? I know. It’s hard not to.” He winked, then grabbed my hand and pulled me along in a short sprint.

The second the doors closed behind us, I heard the sharp shatter of glass. Only then did I understand why Claude had suddenly taken off running.

I couldn’t begin to explain the strange relationship they had.

Alexander always came off as cold, unreachable. But with Claude, he was calm. Patient, even.

I guessed having a sibling really was a blessing.

And he had taken that away from me.