I frown at the Alpha still in my doorway, confused on why he’s still here. That is, until real, genuine concern filters onto his face, different from when he was asking Sai earlier. “You know what you are doing with him? Really know?”
“Yes.”
“Because Sai isn’t someone who does things halfway. If you’re in, he’s all in. And if you leave—”
“I am not leaving.”
Koda studies me. Whatever he sees in my face satisfies something. He nods before saying something else. “He’s good for you too, is he not?”
The question cuts closer than expected. That I need this too. “Yeah,” I say. “He is.”
His smile returns as the tension in his shoulders sags a little. “You’re going to need that confidence and whatever is driving you two together. Navigating our family sucks ass, Mavi and they don’t take kindly to disruptions to their plans.”
This time, it’s my turn to laugh. “I’m well versed in families making plans that don’t involve me or my desires.” He raises an eyebrow, daring me to explain that. “Seriously? My parents disowned me for not choosing the Alpha they wanted so I threw them the finger and made it on my own.”
The Alpha nods, pushing off the wall. “So, this is a thing, yeah? For real?”
“I am not going anywhere,” I say again, quieter this time. “He needs structure. I need to be the one who provides it. It works for both of us.”
“I can see that. The collar, the anklet, the way he relaxed the second he walked in here after seeing you. I have never seen him like this. Still. Quiet. Like the noise finally stopped.”
I feel a small surge of pride at the words, Koda opening the door and leaving me with one last word. “Get my number from Sai. You might need it and I always come running for family. The familyI choose.”
The door shuts a second later, leaving me in the aftermath of Koda’s presence. I head back into my bedroom to see Sai finishing up his call, his gaze darting to the door. “Koda left. He really did just come to check on you, Sai.” I move closer, caressing his face in my hands. “I’m so proud of you, you know? You came straight here when things got loud and you even let your cousin see you. That takes strength.”
Sai hums as he stares into my eyes, a slow grin spreading on his face. “I’ll always come to you, Doll.Always.”
“You’re safe,” I murmur against the top of his head. “No one is taking you from me. Not Lyric. Not your mother. Not whatever other crazy shit your family wants to throw at us. You’re mine and I keep what’s mine.”
