Page 29 of Twist of Fate

Luke didn’t move.

Didn’t yield.

Instead, he met Connal’s advance with that same steady, deliberate focus. “You can’t.”

His mate doubted him? Connal’s expression darkened. “I can.”

“You don’t even know what it is,” Luke said, not mocking, not dismissive—just stating a fact.

Pressure tightened along the bond again.

Connal did not like that.

“Then you will tell me.”

Luke’s mouth curved slightly. “Or…”

Connal stilled.

The bond paused with him, the tension along it held in place.

Luke continued, “… you let me finish it.”

“No.”

The refusal came faster this time, sharper, instinctive.

Luke didn’t react to the word at all. If anything, he seemed to expect it.

“That’s your choice,” he said. “But if I stay here, this doesn’t get resolved.”

Connal’s jaw tightened. “It will be resolved.”

“Not by you,” Luke said. “Not without me.”

Connal held himself still, forcing his thoughts into order.

This was solvable.

It had to be.

Luke watched him, waiting.

The bond shifted again. Not toward agreement. Toward possibility.

Another path. Not the one Connal preferred, but a path nonetheless.

Connal exhaled slowly, the decision settling into place with controlled precision. “If you return,” he said carefully, “you will not do so alone.”

Luke’s eyes flickered, just slightly. “I didn’t think I would.”

“You will remain under my protection,” Connal continued. “At all times.”

Luke considered that, his expression unreadable for a moment before he gave a small, almost amused huff. “I can agree with that.”

Connal ignored the tone. “You will not act without my knowledge.”

“Within reason,” Luke said.