My soul pounded and my breath sharpened at the sight of his pink tongue, so different from my own. It appeared so soft and delicate. What was it about this human that drew me in? I didn’t understand.
“It is,” I conceded, keeping my voice even. “But this is not the place for him.” I told Caleb, “You need to move on, and I will help you.”
“Well, I’m not ready.” Caleb didn’t bother waiting for me to respond. He fled, disappearing through a wall.
He would be back. Caleb obviously cared about Seth, and I saw and heard him. That knowledge didn’t stop the instinct to chase him and confirm for myself that he was safe.
“He’s gone,” I told them.
“Will he come back?” Kalvoxrencol asked.
“I believe so.”
Kalvoxrencol held the back of Seth’s neck, muttering something. Seth bobbed his head and gave me a wave, going to the bedroom. I crossed my arms. I knew my little brother planned to lecture me about snapping at Seth. Kalvoxrencol was protective of everyone he loved, Seth more than anyone. Even though he was a creator soul, Kalvoxrencol got more overbearing in his protection than most warrior souls.
“Do not yell at my mate,” he growled, approaching me.
I got to my feet, not backing down. Kalvoxrencol was a better fighter than me, but I didn’t think he would attack me. He never had in the past, though he was now mated. That changed things.
“He injured you,” I said.
He paused, and I scoffed. Kalvoxrencol acted as if I and the rest of our older brothers didn’t know him as well as he knew us, which was a lie.
“Unintentionally.”
“He should’ve been more careful with his words,” I said.
“He’s my mate. He can say whatever he wants.” Kalvoxrencol glanced at the shut door and closed the distance between us. “You are to never tell anyone what I’m about to share with you.”
I tilted my head to the side, exposing my throat in concession.
He shoved a hand through his long hair, his eyes remaining on the door to his and Seth’s bedroom. “Seth was abused by his caregivers and by past partners.”
My soul froze before speeding up. “He was hurt?”
“Yes. Do not yell at him, Zoltilvoxfyn. It scares him, then he retreats deep within himself where I struggle to reach him. It makes him question his value when he’s afraid. I know you understand that.”
“I do,” I replied quietly as an ocean of guilt flooded me. I had a chemical imbalance that led to a deep moroseness. I got injections and spoke to someone about it, but it wasn’t a cure.
Kalvoxrencol’s tail curled around mine. “He’s similar to you, which I think is one of the reasons I fell in love with him. He hasanxiety, and while I don’t understand the word, I understand what it is. Everything is threatening to him already. Please don’t add to it.”
“I won’t. I apologize.”
Kalvoxrencol was shorter than me or any of our other brothers, and he seemed so small, reminding me of the child he used to be. My brothers and I had spent cycles trying to help when Kalvoxrencol was lost, but he was finding his way.
“I spoke before thinking,” I said. “I don’t like you hurting.”
“I know.”
“I will be careful with your Seth. I would like to get to know him.”
Kalvoxrencol beamed, and light began to pool beneath his scales. My eyes widened. I’d never seen his inner fire activate from joy, only anger or fear. The sight made me relax. He truly was happy with Seth.
Chapter 7
A new city to explore.
I raced out of the palace. I understood his need for me to pass on or whatever—it was his job after all. Despite that, it annoyed me that the reason he brought me to meet Seth was for information, not because he was nice or some shit.
