Page 14 of Bite for Sore Eyes

"Are you okay?" Torren's voice carried immediate concern, his arm tensing beneath her touch as if ready to catch her should she fall.

"Yes." The word came out breathless. "Let's go exploring."

They moved down the corridor as a unit, her arms linked with theirs, their longer strides automatically adjusting to match her pace. The sensation of being connected to both of them simultaneously was overwhelming—like being the center of a circuit that had finally been completed. As they approached the grand staircase, Lana found herself marveling at how natural this felt. She should have been awkward, uncertain, overwhelmed by the logistics of being between two powerful men. Instead, she felt anchored, complete in a way that defied rational explanation.

The staircase soon stretched before them in all its carved glory, and they descended together, her feet finding the rhythm of their movement as if they'd walked this way a thousand times before. When they reached the bottom, they turned left into the main corridor of the castle's lower level.

"The common rooms are this way," Rath said softly.

They moved through the castle like a perfectly choreographed dance. The living room with its massive fireplace and furniture that spoke of generational wealth and older power. The dining room with a table that could seat twenty and windows that offered breathtaking views of the gardens. Each space was more incredible than the last, but what fascinated Lana most was watching Rath and Torren navigate their shared leadership.

She could see the subtle communication between them—the way Torren would step back when Rath moved forward to explain something, how Rath would pause and look to Torren to see if he had something to add. It wasn't submission or dominance; it was partnership refined to an art form.

"And this," Torren said as they entered what was clearly the heart of the castle, "is the library."

Lana almost stopped breathing. Floor-to-ceiling shelves stretched toward a vaulted ceiling painted with constellations she didn't recognize. Rolling ladders provided access to the highest shelves and reading nooks with oversized chairs were scattered throughout the space like invitations to lose herself for hours.

"I think I'm in love," she murmured, then immediately flushed when she realized how that sounded.

Both men laughed—rich, warm sounds that made her stomach flutter.

"With the library," she clarified quickly, which only made them laugh harder.

"We figured as much," Rath said, but his eyes held a heat that suggested he wouldn't mind if her declaration had been more inclusive.

As they continued through the castle—past the warm, inviting kitchen where she could already picture herself making coffee in the mornings, through sitting rooms and studies and spaces whose purposes she could only guess at—Lana found herself falling into an easy rhythm with her companions.

When she teased Rath about the excessive number of weapons displayed in one room, his laughter was surprised and genuine. When she complimented Torren on the thoughtful placement of chairs near every window, his smile was soft with pleasure.

By the time they'd completed the circuit of the lower level, something fundamental had shifted. The awkwardness was gone, replaced by a comfortable synchronization that felt as natural as breathing. She could picture herself here, in this castle, with these men. Not just for a few days or weeks, but for something longer, something that whispered of possibility and hope.

The realization should have concerned her, made her worry about the implications. But instead of running back to her safe, shrunken life on Earth, she was thinking about staying here in Varkesh Hollow.

This may be the best decision I ever made, she thought with wonder.

And for once, living felt more important than worrying about how long she had left.

SIX

RATH

As they completed their tour of the castle's lower level, Rath found himself studying Lana's expressions with a focused intensity that bordered on obsession. The way her eyes lit up when she discovered each new space, how she unconsciously leaned closer when something particularly fascinated her, the way her brow furrowed when he was being a bit too formal reminding him to loosen up. Every reaction sent satisfaction coursing through his chest, and his bear preened with territorial pride, eager to show her more of what belonged to them.

"Are you getting hungry?" The question emerged rougher than he'd intended.

Lana's stomach chose that moment to emit a soft rumble, and she pressed her hand against it with an embarrassed laugh. "Apparently my body is answering yes for me."

Rath gave her a small smile as his mind immediately shifted into planning mode. "Well then, Torren and I should take you to the outdoor market. That way you'll get to see more of the territory."

Her face brightened with unmistakable eagerness. "I'd love that. I want to see everything."

The genuine enthusiasm in her voice made something fierce and possessive unfurl in Rath's chest. This was his territory, the land he'd protected and nurtured for fifteen years, where every stone and tree held memories of leading beside Torren and of the lifelong friendship they shared. Showing it to Lana felt like offering her a piece of his soul.

"Then let's go." He gestured toward the corridor that would lead them back to the front entrance. "The market is at its busiest this time of day."

They retraced their steps through the castle, passing beneath the soaring arches and between the massive stone pillars. When they finally reached the heavy wooden doors of the front entrance, Rath stepped forward to pull one open, the familiar weight of the ancient oak a reminder of all the times he'd passed through this threshold to face whatever challenges awaited outside.

He held the door wide, his free hand gesturing for Lana to precede him. "After you."