"How much of it was hearsay?," Kaid broke the deafening silence.
"The tale was told by witches and recently an elder werewolf from Jeremiah's pack corroborated the details," Siona replied.
Ah, so Jerry did find out about it, I thought, still, it felt so surreal.
"What happens now?" Kaid followed.
"Trinity has to reconnect with her brother," Siona replied.
"But...how??" I was dumbfounded.
"The most typical way is to meditate, connect with your wolf, and search for the frayed connection of your brothers' soul or his wolf," Siona continued.
I scrunched my nose. I wanted nothing associated with magic and ritualistic activities.
"And if that didn't work?" I asked.
"Then, we will have to do something that trigger the twin bonds. Something more radical, like death — or near death experience — or....mate bonds," Siona looked at me meaningfully.
"That is just absurd!" Kaid roared, "Death of that friggin Madam Grant is more like it!"
"It could be the next step. But now, we need to know if her brother, Troy, is still really there," Siona pointed at my heart.
"I was not understanding any of this," I said quietly.
"Let me get it straight. So, first, meditate. If that didn't work out, she will try dying?! I'd rather she had the curse than ended up dead!" Kaid debated.
"Kaid, it's her body and her life. Trinity should be the one making the choices," Siona turned to me, "Your visions and nightmares, although you couldn't understand them, are enough indication that something or someone isn't quite right. It could be your brother calling out for you."
"After all these time?" I wondered.
"Perhaps you just got more attuned to your intuition, and wolves are very sensitive toward feelings. He probably used your emotion to emerge." Siona explained.
"You are spouting speculations." Kaid voiced his disapproval.
"I have nothing to lose, Kaid. I might try dying or I might die trying."
"That is everything to lose, my Lady!" Kaid shook my shoulders.
"I made up my mind. Let's just try meditating first. We'll see how it goes," I decided.
"Very well. I am ready when you are, Lady Trinity," Siona agreed.
Kaid groaned in frustration, "Unbelievable! You answer to me, Siona, you keep me updated with everything that's going on, and I would not forgive you if anything happens to her!"
I placed my hands on his chest. "Kaid, my King. I can take care of myself."
"No, you can't. This is madness, Trin!" His voice rising in anger.
"Kaid, love, I will be alright. I want to make it right," I said quietly, "Please allow me."
Kaid said nothing. He stared at me for the longest time. I knew from his expression how exasperated he was; how scared he was of losing me. His eyes changed color, his wolf surfacing. After so many years together, I knew what that meant. He tried to restrain himself.
"Why the hesitation, my King?," I asked earnestly.
That was the last straw before he lost every sense of control. He crashed his lips onto mine, all his emotions — anger, desperation, dread, and remorse — spiraled into desires. His wolf took over and my wolf responded intensely.
Raw emotions swept over us — all the things that were left unsaid. Ragged breaths in between rough unyielding kisses. He pushed my back against the wall, his hands roamed freely, and I could no longer think rationally nor keep my guard up. Every nerve pulsated and his presence reverberated deep within me. I saw Garnet in his eyes, and I let Maxine meet him.
When we finally broke away, I realized Siona was already gone. I felt my cheeks blushed. I wanted to pull away but Kaid instinctively reined me in. His voice came out thick and raspy, "Trinity Atlas, I will make you my queen."
I suppressed my wolf even though Maxine was clearly fighting me. I could very much see Kaid's intention, and my legs felt like they were ready to give out. I steadied myself instead, "Lycan King Kaid, we should get ready for the announcement."
Not yet, Trinity, he must earn it.