But hours later, as he tossed and turned, trying to find sleep, it wasn’t Quinton’s reassuring statement that stayed with him.
It was Nadine’s final accusation.
I intend to prove it’s you and your twin brother.
And beneath that, the unwelcome hum of a bond that defied his every attempt to deny it.
CHAPTER 3
THE NEXT MORNING, CONALL’Sshoulder still ached where the tranquilizer dart had penetrated his skin.
The counteragent Nadine had administered had prevented the worst effects, but his muscles still felt like they’d been stretched to their limits and then released too quickly.
Should’ve been worse, he thought, rolling his shoulder experimentally as he entered the new pack meeting space.Much worse.
He paused midway into the room, catching Quinton’s scent before his twin appeared from a back hallway.
You look like shit,Quinton said with the blunt assessment only a twin could deliver.His expression mirrored Conall’s own—they shared the same dark hair and eyes, the same strong jawline, the same height and build.
Good morning to you too,Conall replied, continuing toward his brother.Nice to know you were concerned.
I was.You should’ve called me.
The unspoken accusation lingered between them.You never go into danger without me.
Didn’t have time,Conall said.
He’d never lied to Quinton before.Not about anything that mattered.
But how could he explain what had happened in that ravine?Nadine—and the shock of recognition that had slammed through him when their eyes met.
The unwanted, unwelcome mate bond with a woman who apparently hated him.
You okay?Quinton asked, scrutinizing him through narrowed eyes.You seem…off.Even more than I expected.
Just sore,Conall said, another half-truth.Those tranquilizer darts pack a punch.
Anders wants a full debrief at the pack meeting,Quinton said, falling into step beside him as they headed toward the kitchen.Malcolm and Larissa pushed everything else off the agenda.Whoever attacked you has the coalphas spooked.
I don’t think they were after me,Conall said.At least not initially.They came for her.
Quinton raised an eyebrow.You mean Nadine Torrance?
Conall nodded, grateful that the kitchen was empty as they entered.He needed coffee before facing the interrogation that awaited him at the pack meeting.
Conall busied himself with the coffee pot, avoiding his twin’s penetrating gaze.Water gurgled through the coffee maker, filling the kitchen with the rich aroma of fresh brew.Conall inhaled deeply, focusing on the familiar scent to center himself.
So who’s she working for?Quinton asked.
For the first time in their lives, Conall found himself reluctant to share everything with his twin.
Not sure,Conall said slowly.Assuming the operatives who attacked us in the ravine were Chimera… They seemed to be after both of us.I mean, she had some kind of counteragent for their tranquilizers.
That’s…interesting.
Yeah.Conall poured two mugs of coffee, handing one to his twin.We’ll get it all sorted at the meeting.
He wondered, fleetingly, if she felt it too—that persistent pull, that awareness of connection despite their mutual hostility.Then he pushed the thought away.It didn’t matter.He wouldn’t acknowledge the bond.Wouldn’t accept it.
