Dahlia’s POV
A whirlwind of thoughts crashed through my mind. What was this one’s name? And why did they both act like I belonged to them?
Why hadn’t Liam told me he had a twin?
And why wasn’t I more furious about it?
Wait-I was furious about it! And terrified!
The weight of it all pressed down on me, leaving me breathless. I wanted to scream, but the words stuck in my throat. Blue, on the other hand, was utterly useless. To her, this was the best thing that had ever happened. They’re both ours! We get to keep them both! She practically sang in my head.
Liam’s voice cut through my spiraling thoughts.
“I’m so sorry I didn’t tell you, Lia! I wanted to, but you were already so uncertain, and I didn’t want to scare you. We weren’t even sure if we would share a mate or not, so I kept telling myself it wasn’t necessary-at least not right away. But that was just me being a coward. I should have told you. I should have.” His words tumbled out in a rush. “Please don’t reject us!”
I heard him speaking, but it took a moment for the meaning to register. Liam had always been careful about my personal space, giving me room to think. His twin, however, had no such reservations. He was close-too close. And it was scrambling my brain.
“I, uh… I don’t understand,” I managed to stammer. “H-how can you both…” The words faltered, lost before I could finish the thought.
“I promise we’ll explain everything,” Liam pleaded. “Just please-don’t reject us before we get the chance.”
That’s when it hit me-I didn’t even know this other one’s name.
“Well, I think a proper introduction would be a good start, don’t you?” I asked, glancing at Liam. The moment I turned my head, his twin took the opportunity to nuzzle the side of my neck. I shivered.
“Oh! Right! Sorry!” Liam said quickly. “Lia, this is my twin brother, Logan.”
“Hi, Logan,” I murmured, finally looking at him. My gaze locked onto his seafoam-green eyes-identical to Liam’s.
Damn my traitorous body.
I wanted to be furious. I wanted to shove them both away. But I was barely holding onto my sanity with one mate-how was I supposed to manage two?
“Hi there, Kitty,” Logan whispered, his nose nearly brushing mine.
The way he looked at me-like a starving man finally given a feast-made my knees weak. And Liam’s gaze carried the same intensity.
I needed space. Now.
Somehow, I managed to slip out from between Logan and the wall, collapsing into the nearest chair with a sigh. But before I could blink, they were both kneeling in front of me, matching expressions of concern on their faces.
And this-this right here-was why the mate bond was dangerous.
They were turning me into mush when I wanted to be angry.
I was angry.
My frustration boiled over all at once.
“I can’t believe you didn’t tell me, Liam!” I snapped, my glare sharp enough to cut. “I deserved to know there was a possibility I could have two mates! How is that even possible?!” The last part wasn’t directed at anyone in particular-maybe at Liam, maybe at the Moon Goddess herself. Either way, I doubted I’d get an answer that would make me feel any better.
Liam’s shoulders sagged. “I know I screwed up,” he admitted. “I just… I wanted you to feel safe. To trust me. Trust us. And I know I ruined that.” He exhaled heavily, regret written all over his face. “But I swear, I was going to tell you tonight. I thought I had more time. Logan wasn’t supposed to be back until tomorrow night. I didn’t expect-” He stopped, shaking his head. “I’m so sorry.”
I swallowed hard, fighting back the sting of tears. It was too much-too overwhelming. But trying not to cry only made me angrier. And I needed an outlet.
I turned my glare on Logan.
“And you!” I snapped, making him jolt slightly in surprise. “How were you okay with keeping this from me? Did you think it would be funny to just show up like this? Were you hoping for a laugh at my expense?”
Logan growled, a low, warning sound that sent a shiver down my spine. His expression flickered-remorse, then frustration.
“Don’t talk to me like that, Kitty.” His voice was firm, but not unkind. “If you’re upset, fine. We can talk about it. But don’t assume the worst of me. That’s not fair.”
Damn him.
He was right.
I exhaled slowly, forcing myself to take a few steadying breaths.
“You’re right,” I muttered. “I’m sorry. I tend to speak first and think later when I’m mad. It’s… a bad habit.”
Logan reached for my hand, his lips curving into a knowing smile. The second our skin touched, a wave of tingling warmth spread through me. We both stared at the connection, momentarily lost in it.
“We’ll have to work on that,” he said, smirking as he reached up to brush his knuckles against my cheek. “And for the record, I would never do that to you. I had no idea about you, either. Baby boy over here kept you a secret from me, too.” His gaze flickered to Liam before returning to me. “I just got back tonight, and I smelled you on him before I even saw you.” His voice softened slightly. “I don’t agree with how he handled it, but I understand why. I haven’t exactly been the best brother lately.” A shadow passed over his features as his shoulders slumped.
Liam took my other hand, and I felt the weight of his emotions-guilt, sorrow, longing. Logan’s feelings were harder to read, but I picked up on the same desire burning in Liam, along with something deeper… admiration, maybe? Was this another part of the bond-being able to feel them like this? Their emotions bled into mine, their scents wrapped around me, thick and overwhelming.
I needed space.
And food.
I hadn’t eaten all day.
How the hell was I supposed to process something like this on an empty stomach?
Just as I was about to say so, my stomach beat me to it, rumbling loudly.
Both of them were on their feet in an instant.
“Let’s get you something to eat, Angel,” Liam said, tugging me to my feet.
“Food first. Talk later,” Logan added.
And before I could even think to protest, they were already pulling me toward the door.