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Even as Blake talks, my chest aches when I feel Devin’s frustration. I lace our fingers together, trying to be subtle about it. I don’t want Blake and Ember to know he’s upset. Whatever he’s upset about isn’t because of them personally. I try to find Devin’s happiness and expand it, but he’s blocking me so I can’t.
“Are you okay?” Blake asks, squinting his eyes. “Your eyes are orange.”
I blink, shaking my head. “Yeah. Sorry. I’m fine.”
Blake gives me a pointed look—one that says he knows I’m lying. But I don’t want to talk about it right now and not at all with Blake.
Ember quickly changes the subject. “So how is everything going with King Hastings?”
Devin and I fill the two of them in on everything that happening. But the entire time, Devin never relaxes. His emotions are all over the place, which makes me anxious.
Blake and Ember must realize that something is going on because they leave quickly before we even have dinner. As much as I want to hang out with my friends, I want to figure out what’s going on with Devin more.
As soon as the front door shuts, I turn my attention to Devin.
“What’s wrong?” I ask.
Devin runs his fingers through his hair, letting out a long breath. He looks at me and doesn’t as a word as he pulls me into his arms. I let him hold me because I know this is exactly what he needs right now.
“Devin, talk to me.” I run my fingers through his hair, hoping to ease some of his anxiety. “The emotions you’re projecting are very intense.”
He pulls back, his green eyes piercing into mine. “They’re getting married next month.”
I nod. “I’m happy for them.”
“I want to marry you now,” he continues. “This whole waiting thing is killing me. I can’t stand it. I want to make you mine more than anything.”
My chest aches at his admission.
I know it’s been hard on Devin, but I don’t think I realized just how hard. It’s not just him—it’s his wolf too. It’s like his wolf needs to complete the bond for him to feel settled.
I’m not sure what to say to him, so I just put my head against his chest and wrap my arms around him. He squeezes me tight and I feel his lips at the top of my head as he gently kisses me.
“It’s not just your brother,” I tell Devin. “I have to learn how to control my elemental powers before we can get married.”
“You’ll master them within a few weeks,” he says. I can feel that he means the words—he fully believes in me.
I can do this. He’s right. I’ve survived so much in my short life. Getting control of my elemental powers, though definitely a challenge, will eventually become second nature.
“Winter says that elementals consider hybrids dangerous because they’re more powerful than a full blooded elemental.” I look up at Devin. “I don’t want to hurt anybody.”
“You won’t.” He doesn’t break eye contact as he makes the promise. “I believe in you, Tori. You’ve got Winter training you. You’ll get there.”
“I will learn so we can get married.” I look up at Devin through my lashes. “Knowing that you’re my prize is the best motivation.”
He smiles, but I can tell that it’s forced. “I’m sorry that I made our friends leave with my poor mood.”
I shrug. “It’s okay. Blake and Ember still love us. We’ll have plenty of time to spend with them. Blake told me he’s joining our pack.”
Devin nods. “He asked me once he figured out he’s mates with Ember. They’re both close to their families, but he couldn’t bare to ask Ember to leave her family. Ember has a lot of nieces and nephews.”
“What would you have done if I hadn’t wanted to leave my family?” I ask.
“Probably move.” He chuckles, shaking his head. “Haven’t your figured out yet, I’d do anything for you. I’d give up my alphas status, my pack, my home, and my family if that’s what you wanted.”
“I wouldn’t be a very good mate if I wanted those things.”
He shrugs. “It doesn’t change my answer. The only thing I need is you. From the moment we met, you’ve had me wrapped around your finger.”
