Chapter 3
Kane
Briar disappears around the corner, and I loose a long sigh of relief. Her mere presence and powerful emotions cascading over me could have been my undoing. I scowl and tap my shoe along the floor. I need to create stronger barriers against her. It won't do if she starts to catch on that things between us have changed. For her protection and mine, I have to practice. I feel a twinge of disappointment at the thought. It's a heady feeling, knowing that her heart pounds when I look at her, or that her body throbs with need at my touch.
I roll my neck and sigh softly, closing my eyes. I need distance between us. Room for me to remember my purpose and not get sucked into her innocent wiles. Her company on the expedition is undesirable, but at the time it seemed impossible to refuse. And I can’t deny that there’s a tingle of anticipation in the back of my mind at the prospect. I run my tongue over my lips. I definitely need distance. Tentatively, I throw up a wall around my conscious, blocking her from sensing my emotions. But I leave a small hole, an opening large enough for me to track her and watch. It’s dangerous and risky to do such a thing, even the smallest note of excitement or fear from her could fracture my barrier.
My thoughts are divided as I sense Briar hurrying to her room while also focusing on returning to my study for last-minute preparations. I hiss softly as my toes catch on a wrinkle in the carpet. Suddenly, I feel a new presence looming near Briar. Her heart rate jumps, and I feel her wrestle with fear, curiosity, and damned mortal politeness. My eyes narrow, suspicion piqued when her breath catches in her throat the way it does when I run my fingers over her bare skin. A growl rumbles in my chest as anger washes over me. I don't bother to take the stairs or run through the halls. With a mere thought, I magic myself to my bride, using the shadows as a shortcut.
When I lift my head from the midnight black shadows coiling around my feet, I can barely stop myself from scorching the carpet and walls around me. Briar stands in the crossroads, hands wringing behind her back as she leans away from my brother. Tanned and angelically blonde, Aiden has a reputation with women. He flits from realm to realm, goddess to mortal to goddess again with no care to the consequences. But what is he doing in my damn castle?
I stalk towards them, and Briar turns, gasping. She projects a wave of guilt towards me and my scowl deepens. I throw up the wall between us but it's weak. I'm too angry to focus my energy on the barrier and the shadows are calling me. It's all I can do to resists tearing my claws across the silk wallpaper and digging my teeth into Briar's neck to claim her. Instead, I flick my wrist and send my shadows towards her. They wrap around her waist, tugging her into my darkness with ease. My brother grins, and I see a flash of anger in his eyes. He wants to compete. But this is my realm, and I am Death. Aiden is simply a minor god, a courier of war and strife. If he wants Briar, he'll have to embrace the cold touch of my shadows first. And that he simply won't do.
I grin back viciously, memories of Aiden challenging me flashing through my mind. “Hello, brother,” I purr.
“Kane.” Aiden dips his chin as if with reverence, but he doesn’t bother to hide his smirk. “I thought I might stop in for a visit.”
"The last time you visited, you brought an army and a cursed dagger to kill me." I cock my head. "Solo this time?"
Aiden laughs, tossing his head back. “It’s not like that this time, Kane. You know Desona was furious when she found out I challenged her baby. I just wanted to see my little brother.”
From the corner of my eye, I see Briar’s head snap towards me, though she hides her surprised gasp well. “I’m afraid I can’t stay and chat,” I say smoothly, pinning him with a glare.
“Being King must keep you busy.” Aiden’s voice is bland, but his eyes flash. Silence hangs between us before he turns to Briar, partially hidden in the dark. “You haven’t introduced me to your bride.”
I command the shadows away from Briar, revealing her. I slip my arm around her waist, resting my hand over the crook of her hip and thigh. She inhales sharply, and I can feel her heart pounding at the intimate touch. I smile, eyes as sharp as knives. “I thought it unnecessary, seeing as you two had already met. Briar, this is my useless older brother, Aiden. He’s a minor god, nothing to concern yourself with.”
Aiden takes the slight with ease. "Nothing as impressive as Kane, to be sure," he agrees good-naturedly.
“Briar,” I murmur, lowering my lips to her ear. She shivers slightly as my lips brush over the sensitive flesh. I tighten my grip on her hip, desire sweeping through me. I rein it in, careful not to show any weakness in front of Aiden. “I believe you still have preparations to make. Leave us.”
She
