Liam looked down at his sister, the stiffness in his posture softening. “I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I didn’t think my emotions would affect you so strongly. I’ll do better, I promise.”
I ached for both these siblings reunited after so long, trying to navigate their bond while still learning each other’s strengths and weaknesses. It wouldn’t be easy, but then again, nothing worth having ever was.
Liam moved to the other side of the room, away from Liza, but closer to the pale Sabrina. I’d forgotten she and Rosalie were still in the room. Sabrina was human, and although she knew about shifters, it had to have been frightening for her to see her friend like this. She was looking at Liam in an unusual way, but that was a mystery to unravel another time. Right now, Liza needed all my attention.
“Thank you.” Liza tried to push herself out of my arms and up from the floor, but her muscles quivered.
“Let me help you.” I stood and slid my arms under her, lifting her with as much care as I could muster. She leaned heavily against me, her breathing shallow and labored. She was so exhausted she didn’t even protest when I scooped her into my arms and cradled her close to me. The soft scent of her shampoo filled my nostrils, mixing with the underlying aroma of her wolf.
“Thanks.” Her words slurred with fatigue. “I’m not sure what happened. I’ve never struggled to control my wolf like that before.”
“She was trying to protect Liam,” I muttered softly, my voice a calm facade over the storm raging within me. “It’s a natural instinct to want to protect your brother, especially considering how new your relationship is. Don’t worry about it just now. We’ll figure it out.”
I practically felt the last ounce of energy leave Liza’s body as she sagged against me, her breathing shallow, her face pale and drawn.
“This is why Liza needs to develop better control,” Liam said in a hushed whisper. “I’ll start working with her, training her. As an omega, she needs to learn discipline.”
“Training? For an omega?” My brows furrowed. “How do you even know where to start?”
Liam sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “My father taught me when I was young. He wanted me to be prepared for anything.”
“Your father?” I let out a dry chuckle. “I think that’s the first time you’ve mentioned him without a hint of malice.”
“Believe it or not, Ty, he did a few things right,” Liam muttered. “He might have been an awful person, but he made sure I could handle myself, my wolf, and others, too.”
The air became heavy, and I found I couldn’t ignore the truth resonating in his words. Liam may have had a difficult past, but he had emerged from it stronger than ever, and if he could pass a fraction of that strength onto Liza, then perhaps she’d stand a better chance at overcoming her own demons.
I inclined my head. “You can train her. Remember, she’s not just some random shifter you’re dealing with. She’s my mate, and if anything happens to her...”
“I get it. Protectiveness comes with the territory.” Liam held up a hand. “Trust me, I have no intention of hurting Liza. I want her to be able to control her wolf, not fear it.”
He was being sincere, and despite my reservations, I knew he was right. Liza needed guidance, and though it pained me to admit, Liam was better equipped to provide that than I was. For all my alpha instincts, I had never faced the same adversity he had. I certainly had no idea how to train an omega. If there was anyone who understood Liza’s struggles, it was Liam.
“Fine.” I clenched my jaw to suppress my growl. “But I’ll be watching you. If anything goes wrong, don’t think for a second I won’t step in.”
“Understood,” Liam stated firmly, his penetrating stare searing straight into my soul. “I promise, Ty, I’ll do everything I can to help her.”
As much as the idea of entrusting Liza’s safety to someone else made my blood boil, it would be wrong if I let my pride stand in the way of Liza’s progress. If Liam could give her the tools she needed to master the skills her wolf needed as an omega, then it was a risk I had to take, because ultimately, all that mattered was keeping my mate safe, strong, and in control.
I exhaled deeply and let go of my lingering reservations. “We’ll start her training as soon as she’s well enough. In the meantime, we need to monitor her and make sure she doesn’t push herself too hard.”
“Agreed.” Liam nodded, and when he looked down at the sleeping woman in my arms, I saw no trace of the hard mob boss so many shifters were terrified of. “She’s stubborn, but that’s part of what makes her so special.”
“Tell me about it.” I cracked a small smile despite myself. It was true. Liza’s stubbornness could be maddening, but it was one of the many things I loved about her.
Liza stirred in my arms, her voice barely audible as she whispered, “Ty, I’m so tired.”
I leaned down and nuzzled her hair with my nose. “Shh. You just need to rest, Liza. We’ll take care of everything.”
I cradled her limp form against my chest and carried her to our bedroom. It was a stark reminder of how much responsibility I held for her wellbeing not just as her alpha, but also as her fated mate. Each step brought me closer to the realization that this burden wasn’t one I bore alone. Liam was now an integral part of our family, and his influence on Liza was undeniable.
In the doorway of our bedroom, I hesitated, overcome by a strange combination of protectiveness and vulnerability. I tightened my grip on Liza as a sense of security washed over me, yet deep in my heart, I had an unsettling feeling there was a deeper, unexplained power influencing our lives.
“Ty?” Liza must have sensed my inner turmoil because her voice quivered, and her wide-eyed expression met mine, pleading for reassurance.
“Everything will work out,” I assured her, trying not to let my doubt show. “Just get some rest, okay?”
She nodded, and I laid her down on the bed, tucking the covers around her for added comfort. Her eyelids fluttered closed, and within moments, her breathing slowed and deepened as she fell asleep.
