Page 27 of Twist of Fate

“Clear the room,” Connal demanded.

He realized a split second later that he’d just issued an order to the Consort. Connal ripped his gaze from Luke long enough to meet the Consort’s concerned stare and receive a nod of understanding before he turned and walked through the doorway. The room emptied, everyone following Cosmo’s lead.

Connal stepped closer to his mate.

Luke held his ground.

“I will not return you,” Connal said, his voice even, measured, leaving no room for interpretation. “You are not safe in your world.”

Luke’s expression did not change, but something in him did. Not his stance. Not his breathing. His focus. It settled on Connal with a quiet intensity. Luke wasn’t searching for an escape. He was reading Connal.

The wrongness eased, if only slightly.

Luke tilted his head, studying Connal with quiet deliberation. “You keep saying that.”

“It is truth.”

“Maybe.” Luke’s voice remained calm, almost thoughtful. “But it’s not the whole truth, is it?”

“There is no other truth that matters.”

Luke huffed out a quiet breath, not quite amused, not quite dismissive. “That’s convenient.”

The pull came again. Not demanding. Waiting. Connal did not immediately understand what it asked of him. Luke had not moved closer, and yet the sharpest edge of the tension dulled.

Connal stepped forward before he could stop himself. The distance between them should never have existed in the first place. “You do not understand the danger,” he said, quieter now, the insistence threading through his tone. “You were targeted. That should not happen. It will not happen again.”

Luke didn’t step back.

That, more than anything, gave Connal hope that not all was lost.

Instead, Luke met his gaze directly, his expression steady in a way that felt intentional. “You keep saying that, too.”

Connal’s jaw tightened. “Because it is relevant.”

“Or because it’s the only part you care about.”

The accusation struck deeper than Connal expected. The strain sharpened again, not as chaotic as before, but pointed now, directed.

Connal held himself still, forcing the reaction down. “Your safety is what matters.”

“To you,” Luke said simply.

Connal frowned. “That is sufficient.”

Luke considered him for a moment, his focus sharpening with quiet intent.

The bond responded.

It did not settle into alignment, but it drew closer.

The change stole Connal’s breath. He dared to reach out and place his hand on Luke’s arm.

Luke exhaled slowly, as if settling into something. “You want me safe.”

It was not a question.

Connal nodded once. “Yes.”