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“That doesn’t mean a damn thing so don’t go thinking she has some rights you don’t because she’s…”
“One of you.”
“You’re one of us,” Jo stated firmly and Zion added, “You’re family, Toy, and not just because of Rafe.”
“I know, it’s just…”
“No…” Jo shook her head to shut down whatever I was thinking. “You’re ours and you’re his, okay?”
I wish it were that simple.
“Okay.”
“Zion, give us a minute.”
He crossed the room and pulled me into a hug. I clung to him for a moment because I needed to feel like I belonged. Xander being home had snatched that away from me. As much as I’d wanted him to return, in his absence, his brothers and Jo had made me feel accepted and like family. Xander had always been a friend but held me at arm’s length. I never understood why. He was mine and I was his but he kept me on the outside of his world.
“This will be okay, Toy. Xander will get his shit together or Laz and I will make him. You’re going to be okay.”
I might not be.
“Thank you. You’re an amazing brother and an even more amazing uncle. I wouldn’t have survived this year without you.”
He smiled, looking like a younger but equally handsome version of his two brothers. “I know.”
After he left, Jo and I sat on the sofa. She covered my hand with hers and stared at me without speaking. Naturally I grew anxious.
“Why are you staring at me?”
“I’m waiting for you to tell me what’s really going on.”
“Wha…what do you mean?” My anxiety spiked more and I slipped my hand away from hers.
“You kept pinching the back of your neck and rubbing your earlobe. You do that when you’re nervous or stressed, both of which apply, but it seems more than usual. So what’s going on?”
“Nothing.” I rolled my shoulders back and she huffed a sigh.
“When I call you family, I mean it, Toy. You are my family but more than that, you’re my best friend. My sister. Since I’ve been here you’ve become an important part of my world. You saved my life. It’s us against the universe so you can trust me with your secrets. I know you have a very important one you need to share. So please, tell me what’s going on. We can’t fix this if you don’t tell someone.”
“I don’t…there are no…I just…”
“What happened the night of my ceremony? How about we start there? Why did Xander leave?”
“Because he doesn’t want me and we’re meant to be. So it’s easier if he keeps his distance.”
“I’m sure it is, but that’s not the entire truth, is it?”
Oh God.
I slowly shook my head.
“Then tell me. If you don’t want Laz or Zion to know, I won’t tell them. But someone needs to know what’s going on with the two of you.”
I closed my eyes and gave her my confession. “I used magic. The night of your ceremony.”
“You…oh…”
“Not to make him claim me, just to force his true feelings to show. I thought if he couldn’t resist, that if he didn’t hold back, he would seal the bond and everything would be fine.”
