16

“How about we focus on getting back my wolf,” Kiara inputted, breaking the ice and the two brothers turned to her, “that will answer all the questions. So why not focus on that?”

“That is a good idea,” Luka piped in, grateful for the tension breaker.

Devon and Marcos looked at each other and released a deep breath. “Fine then, you can come to my pack with me, and I will help you.”

“And what makes you think I’ll let you leave with her? She is safer here, and this pack is more capable of helping her than yours”

“How safe is it really if I swooped in and almost took her to mine, seamlessly ,might I add?”

“That is...”

“Enough.” Kiara said, exasperated, and they both turned to her, “You two must not bicker like an old married couple over the simplest of things.” Displeasure coated Devon’s face, but amusement coated Marcos’. 

“What do you suggest we do then? You cannot be at both packs.”

“I know, Devon, that’s why I’ll be staying where I have been staying all along. In this pack.”

The smile on Marcos’ face fell, “that’s not fair... you have been staying here all along.”

“You heard her,” Devon cut in, a smug smile on his face, “she wants to stay here.”

Luka and Kiara exchanged glances at the banter and they both rolled their eyes. “Marcos, you can come to visit, I’ll welcome you anytime. I think that’s fair now.”

“I get to decide who comes to my pack.”

“Then I guess you can come and visit me in his,” Kiara snapped, tired of the banter and that shut him up immediately.

Devon’s eyes shot daggers at Marcos, but he pushed his anger aside. This was a favorable arrangement after all. “Fine then, Luka will show you to your new room, I have somethings to discuss with my brother.”

Luka and Kiara knew that they were not going to talk, but they were extremely grateful for the opportunity to escape before it’s too late, so they gladly scampered out of the room, leaving the brothers alone.

Once left alone, Marcos stood up, ready to leave. “You came back quite fast, I am guessing Ketura did not give you the gift she was meant to,” he said, making sure to let all of his hatred seep into his voice.

“I’m not going to lie, I was disappointed. Given that the both of you paired up, I expected something enigmatic but you both disappointed me.”

A mask of anger coated Marcos’ face and his nostrils flared. “Maybe you haven’t received the gift because Ketura promised something grand for you.”

Devon thought for a while and shrugged, the only big thing she did was threaten him with Marcos taking away his mate, and right now, that threat is as disappointing as every other thing. “Well, sorry to burst your bubble.” He stood up, towering over Marcos, “Ketura was very disappointing today, and so were you.”

“She said it had to do with your mate, so maybe before you start drawing conclusions you should think twice.”

Devon breathed out a laugh and shook his head, “a few minutes ago, she was our mate, but in your bid to get back at me, you seem to have forgotten that. Is that how the mate bond works for you? I am sure Kiara will be thrilled to hear that, and just so you know,” he lowered his head to Marcos’ ear, “Ketura is currently my captive, so you can kill whatever thoughts of a plan you think you have up your sleeves.” Giving Marcos a quick pat on the shoulder, he walked out and headed straight to the guard room where Ketura was currently held hostage.

He believed there was nothing else they had up their sleeves, but for Kiara’s safety he needed to double check.

“You are finally free,” he muttered when he got to the room and Ketura was pacing around. She had been brought back from her pack like a log of wood, the spell must have worn out on the way.

“What do you think you are doing keeping me locked up? Let me out of here!”

“Not until you answer my question,” the screeching sound of a chair as it was being pulled filled the somewhat empty room, and only stopped when Devon made himself comfortable on it. “Marcos was going on and on about a gift you prepared for me... have I received this gift of yours?”

The agitation that was etched in her bones seemed to disappear and she stood up straighter and bolder. “That depends -“ Devon raised a brow and she angled her head to the side, “how was your interaction with Marcos?”

Devon narrowed his eyes, “what do you mean?”

“I mean, was it fun for you two long rivaled brothers to finally have something you are forced to share? Apart from your blood of course, something more of a... mate?”

The realization dawned on Devon like a bucket of cold water being poured on him, and he went deathly pale. Reaching out through the bars, he grabbed Ketura by her collar,and pulled her towards him. “What did you do?”

“Something you can’t change, Devon. Not without her wolf.”

“You forced a mating bond again?! Marcos will have your head as well when he hears this.”

“I have that part covered as well, Devon...” she pressed her face against the bars and lowered her voice, “no matter how he tries or how much he rages, Marcos will not be able to hurt me.”

“You placed a spell on my brother?”

She tutted, shaking her head. “He has your blood, he will get over it quick. The moon goddess covered that part up for me, she is on my side after all.”

“Ketura...” he called out in a low growl and she released a breath dramatically.

“Here is the secret, Devon, Marcos is my mate but I numbed his senses just enough.”