Having lost the man she loved to the cold clutches of suicide, Amara's impulsive decision to join him leads her to accept the marriage proposal of a mysterious stranger she shares a drink with at a bar.
Xelan's weddings were an awful affair, with ea...
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She couldn't say she was surprised at Xaine's words. The semblance between the men was obvious, from their raven hair that silvered in the moonlight to the glow in their eyes. But even with the look of silent rage on Xelan's face, he seemed to be more reserved than the carefree man in front of him. Xaine stepped forward, unfazed by the sword brandished in front of him.
"A rather unfriendly welcome but I'll take it," he said. Xelan slashed his sword and a curved bow of brilliant light rushed at his brother. Xaine removed his hand from his pocket to create a body length shield of silvery light. The collision was explosive, sending Xaine back a few feet with his feet dragging along the pavement harshly.
"I see you got your full powers back. Congrats," he replied, dusting the black leather jacket he donned. "At least watch the outfit, it's new."
"What are you doing here?" Xelan managed to grit out. Amara could feel him tense up, and her connection to him choke up with the fury he kept emitting. She reached out tentatively, placing a hand on his back in an attempt to soothe him. He tensed up more for a moment before relaxing under her touch. He didn't look back, but she could feel his relief. Probably due to getting here in time.
"Oh, come now. Am I not allowed to pay my favourite sister-in-law a visit? You didn't even invite me to the wedding. Cold."
Another curved bow went flying in his direction and this time, he flew out of the way.
"Geez, Xel, it's been what, five or six Syth years? You can't still be mad about that," Xaine grumbled.
Amara couldn't help but scoff in disbelief, making Xelan glance back at her.
"As much as I would like to catch up on what I missed since we last saw each other, bonding time will have to wait. I'm just here for the lady."
Xelan pulled her back behind him almost immediately, his grip on her hand firm. She furrowed her brows in confusion, unable to stop herself from asking,
"Me?"
The brothers' attention shifted to her, Xaine's smile widening. "Already breaking out of enchantments. You are on a roll with this inheritance thing, sister-in-law." He gave a mock bow, his mischievous eyes never leaving her face. " Xaine, youngest of the Calthorpe sons. Pleased to meet you."
He took a step forward, making Xelan step right in front of her, his broad shoulders blocking her from Xaine's line of sight. She stared up at his back, her foolish heart twisting at how safe it made her feel.
"You take another step and I will gladly rid you of your limbs," Xelan said. Xaine raised his hand, tutting lightly.
"Ooh, as much as my knees quiver in fear, she..." He gestured offhandedly at Amara "...has become a bit of a problem for me. And I can't have that."
She squeezed Xelan's hand tighter, fear welling in her chest. Xelan must have felt it, as he squeezed back, his reassurance reaching her senses.
"And I have no interest in giving you what you want."
