“Mom,” Kael continued, his voice strained but steady, “you’ve got to let her go. She has no idea what’s happened since Jacob knocked her out yesterday.”

Alia Connon was sitting with an air of utmost indifference, her magazine shielding her face like an impenetrable wall. She didn’t look up to see Keal, instead, she snapped her magazine sharply, the sound echoing in the room. “I’m not releasing her,” she replied curtly. “She’ll stay where she is until I change my mind.”

Kael’s fingers drummed against the table, his patience thinning. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and toast filled the air, mocking the intensity brewing in Kael’s mind. His wolf was growling inside him.

The door creaked open, and Davon strolled in, whistling a song lowly as if he didn’t have a care in the world. He was shirtless, his tattoos on full display, and a lazy smirk played on his lips.

“Having a meeting without me?” Davon asked, settling into a chair and reaching for an apple from the fruit bowl.

Kael shot him a glare that could’ve stopped a charging wolf. “This doesn’t concern you.”

Davon bit into the apple with a loud crunch, leaning back as if he was settling in to watch a show. “Oh, I’m pretty sure it does. Especially if it’s about our lovely little human mate.”

Alia folded her magazine neatly and set it aside. “Your brother is obsessed with getting his human mate released,” she explained, her tone dripping with derision.

“Huh,” Davon scoffed, taking another bite of his apple. “Barely knows her, and he’s already acting whipped. Simp.”

Kael’s nostrils flared as he growled at Davon, who simply just shrugged. Kael turned back to his mom. “Mom, you don’t get it. She doesn’t even know where she is, and you’re treating her like some criminal.”

“She’s a liability,” Alia said flatly. “And you’re thinking with your emotions, not your head.”

“I’m thinking like someone who actually cares,” Kael shot back, his voice rising.

Davon let out a low whistle. “Touchy, touchy,” he muttered, taking another bite of his apple and leaning casually against the counter. “You’re really this worked up over someone you’ve known for what? A day?”

Kael glared at him as he snapped. “Stay out of this.”

Davon smirked. “I mean, it’s kind of hard not to when your little mate has got you acting all...domesticated. It’s cute.”

That did it. Kael was across the room in two strides, slamming the apple out of Davon’s hand and shoving him against the wall. “Say one more word,” Kael growled, his voice low and dangerous. “I dare you.”

Davon just laughed, like this was all some big joke. “Relax, brother. You’re gonna give yourself a heart attack.”

“You’re not my brother,” Kael spat. His fists clenched as if he was one word away from throwing a punch. Davon’s smirk deepened, he was clearly enjoying seeing Kael all riled up.

Kael released Davon with a shove, his breathing heavy as he turned back toward his mom, his frustration boiling over. When he reached her side, he grabbed the magazine from her and dumped it on the table. “Mom, you’re being unreasonable! She doesn’t even know what’s happening—”

“And she won’t need to,” Alia interrupted coldly. “She’s safer where she is.”

Kael slammed his palms on the table, his voice cracking with desperation. “She’s not safe! She’s locked in a room with a goddamn sword dangling over her head like some twisted punishment! She’s human, Mom. She’s not like us—she won’t heal from this!”

Alia’s gaze didn’t waver. “She’s a liability, Kael. I’m doing what’s best for the pack.”

Davon chuckled, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. “Gotta say, Mom, you’re good at making a point. Even I wouldn’t cross you.”

Kael’s eyes shifted from his mum to Davon. “When does he leave, Luna?”

“Leave?” Alia echoed, raising an eyebrow. “Davon’s not leaving, Kael. He’s your brother, and you’re both Alphas to this pack.”

Kael barked out a bitter laugh, shaking his head in disbelief. “You expect me to rule alongside him? This...vagabond?”

Davon smirked triumphantly, reclining in his chair. “Don’t be shy, twinnie. Say how you really feel.”

Alia sighed, clearly unimpressed with both of their behaviors. “Get used to it. You’re twins. It was bound to happen eventually.”

“This can’t work,” Kael protested, his voice rising. “It’s been less than 48 hours since I even knew he existed! And now you’re shoving him down my throat?”

“Oh, come on, Kael,” Davon drawled lazily. “Don’t tell me you’re upset because you’re afraid I’ll take your little mate for a spin. Jealous much?”

“Don’t start!” Kael growled, his wolf clawing at the surface.

“Why not?” Davon taunted, his smirk widening. “Admit it—you can’t stand the idea of me being anywhere near her. The thought of her moaning my name drives you insane, doesn’t it?”

With a snarl, Kael lunged across the table, grabbing Davon by the neck. The chair tipped back and clattered to the floor as the two brothers grappled, their wolves brimming just beneath their skin.

Alia pinched the bridge of her nose, her patience running short. Leaning forward, her hand reached for an apple from the fruit bowl and hurled it at them. It struck Kael squarely in the shoulder, making him loosen his grip on Davon.

“That’s enough!” she barked, her voice ringing with authority. Both men froze, panting and glaring at each other. “You’re acting like pups in a kennel. If you’ve got that much energy, go check on her. She should be awake by now.”

Kael straightened, brushing himself off while Davon leaned against the table, his smirk firmly back in place.

“Oh, this should be fun,” Davon said, sauntering toward the door.

Kael shot him one last glare before following, his chest tight with worry—and something else he couldn’t name.