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Chapter 1
I've often been jealous of my brothers. Me, being the youngest, I've watched my father take Linc hunting before I could join, or been made to sit in my father's lap while my mother taught Olex to swim. So many instances when I was told to wait my turn, and that my time would come. Yes, jealousy is no new emotion to me, but envy; this bone deep envy I feel consuming me at this very moment...this is new.
I don't want to be doing what they're doing right now. I want to take their places instead. I want to be Olex, having claimed my mate a year ago. I want her standing beside me, pregnant with my child, and smiling up at me. I want to be Linc with my cavern prepared, waiting for my mate to be sent down here at midnight. I want it to beme, but instead, I'm left standing in the corner of our cavern full of anger.
As I watch my family congratulate Linc and give him their last encouraging words, I am burning to my core because the human leaders refused to allow me to claim my mate this year. I'm told to wait another three hundred and sixty-five days. Another twelve months. How can they expect me to wait? How can my father expect me to abide by this when he knows what it is like to long for your mate to be by your side? But again, like so many other times, I'm told to wait, to have patience, and that my time too will come...it feels like it never will, though.
My family laughs along with Linc, making a joke about a child giving him advice for persuading Keri to stay with him, but it only makes my shoulders tense more with the knots forming in them.
"At least you're in a position to be getting advice," I say through clenched teeth before I can stop myself.
My father looks my way with sadness in his eyes, and his mouth tightens. "If there was anything more to be done, I would do it, son. You know that."
"I know." I look down and sigh. I do know. It's not his fault. He tried as hard as he could. I look at Linc, hoping he sees the apology in my eyes. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to fu—"
My mother arches an eyebrow and my cheeks rise with a smile I felt like I haven't worn in months. It actually hurts my face a little.
"Mess up your day," I correct myself before making a joke that hurts to even say, "You just make sure Keri stays so I have two sisters to bring Leah home to when it's my turn."
"So much confidence, this one." Olex chuckles. "I'll have you know these Palmer women aren't so easily convinced."
Grace hits his chest. "The nerve. Here I am, fifty months pregnant with your baby and you have the audacity to say that."
"At least, I'll get to be here for my nephew's birth," I murmur. It's the only part that gives me any joy. The only thing that works when I try to think of any positives to waiting for my mate.
"Do not remind me that I have to push an entire baby out," Grace pleads.
"Just think about your sisters getting to meet the baby when they get here," my mother suggests.
Sisters.
When they get here.
She meant to reassure Grace, but her words hurt and anger me. It makes my envy come roaring back to life, reminding me that Leah, my mate, will not be down here anytime soon.
Grace breaks away from my parents and Olex wraps an arm around Linc's shoulders. My father keeps giving me worrying looks. He knows me best, so surely, he can tell that I'm ready to crawl out of my skin right now. I want to be with Leah. I want her here with me. I want...her. And each moment I can’t have her is driving me crazy. Today, most of all. I don't want his sympathetic or concerned looks though. Not right now, so I walk towards my brothers instead.
As I get closer, I hear Olex whispering to Linc, "I'm pretty sure we all know you were behind that little leak to the human's press, but I don't care. I see why you did it. And I think it will make all the difference."
"We all know it was him," I add.
Olex jumps in surprise, growling out, "Why do you always do that?"
I chuckle, but even I hear how empty it sounds. "You make it too easy to sneak up on you. I just want to say my goodbyes before mother and father take over. I know you'll bring her home, Linc. Just don't take as long as Olex did. I have a bet going on it."
Linc laughs. "Such confidence in me."
"You ready son?" my father asks Linc.
Linc nods. "I am."
We all get into a circle, huddling as we exchange goodbyes and I love yous. Linc touches Grace's stomach and whispers goodbye to our nephew. When we break apart, I begin to walk to my bedroom but my father's hushed words to Olex stop me.
"Watch Kayo."
I bite down so hard my molars hurt, but the moment I hear the door close, I turn to face Olex and Grace.
"You do know I heard that, right?" I snap out.
