“I…” I start, then find myself nodding. “I’d like that, too.”
His smile is brilliant, transforming his already handsome features into something that makes my insides tingle. “Tell me about yourself. Your family?”
I settle more comfortably on the bench, still maintaining some distance but no longer poised to flee. “I come from a family of healers. My parents, my siblings—they’re all much more talented than I am.”
“I doubt that,” Zane says with conviction that surprises me. “You saved my life with your healing. That wasno small feat.”
“I’m really not very skilled,” I protest, but he shakes his head.
“You’re being modest.” His fingers find another strand of my auburn hair and twirl it gently. The gesture should make me feel like he’s being presumptuous, but instead, it sends warmth spreading through my chest. “What else? What do you enjoy doing when you’re not healing people?”
“I like reading. Spending time in the gardens.” I find myself relaxing with his attention, the way he listens as if every word I say matters. “I’m not very interesting, I’m afraid.”
“Reading is a very attractive trait,” he replies, still playing with my hair. “Intelligence is beautiful.”
I can’t help but smile despite the heat creeping up my cheeks. “You’re very good with your words.”
“Only when I’m properly inspired,” he says with a grin that makes my wolf rumble with satisfaction.
The sound of footsteps makes me look up, and irritation flares through me instantly.
Seth is marching toward us across the garden, his face thunderous, green eyes blazing with fury. His jaw is set in that dangerous way that means someone’s about to get hurt, and every line of his body radiates barely controlled rage.
Of course he has to ruin this moment. Can’t I have one peaceful conversation without him showing up to make everything worse?
Zane looks at Seth, too, and there’s something almost predatory in the smile he gives him, despite its charm.
He takes my hand, his fingers intertwining with mine in a gesture that feels both protective and possessive. The contact sends heat shooting up my arm, and my wolf hums with contentment.
Seth reaches us with a low growl emanating from his chest. “What the hell are you doing?” he demands, his eyes fixed on me with an intensity that should make the mate bond flare to life.
But it doesn’t.
“Selene…” Seth grabs my wrist and yanks me to my feet, his grip tight enough to bruise.
Before I can even process what’s happening, Zane jumps up andpulls me back against his chest with one arm. I lean into his embrace, my heart hammering as I find myself caught between the two men.
“Commander Rowan,” Zane says, his voice pleasant but with an edge of displeasure. “What exactly do you want?”
“This is a private matter between me and Selene,” Seth snarls, his eyes never leaving my face.
Zane’s arm tightens around my waist, pulling me closer against his side. “There are no private matters between you and Selene, Commander.”
Seth’s eyes narrow dangerously. “And why is that?”
“I’m a jealous man, you see,” Zane says conversationally, though there’s steel beneath the polite words. “I don’t particularly like other men talking to my fated mate.”
Seth goes completely still, his expression shifting from anger to utter bewilderment. “What?” The word comes out strangled, like he can’t quite process what he’s hearing. “Your…what?”
“My fated mate,” Zane repeats calmly, as if he’s discussing the weather. “Selene.”
Seth’s mouth opens and closes several times, no sound coming out. His green eyes dart frantically between Zane and me, confusion and what appears to be alarm crossing his features. “That’s…that’s…”
“Quite fortunate for me, wouldn’t you say?” Zane continues with that same charming smile, seemingly oblivious to Seth’s obvious distress.
Seth’s jaw works silently for several seconds before he manages to speak again. “I need to interview Selene about the incident in the woods,” he says finally, his voice hoarse and uncertain.
“Then you can do so in front of me,” Zane replies smoothly.
