His brother’s Luna, his mate

Her toes

*Ethan*

She has the tiniest toes. Even with feet and ankles swollen, it's obvious that her toes are small and delicate. Why the bloody hell do I find them so intriguing?

As I stride into the library, I'm grateful to find no one is yet waiting on me. I cross to the side table, pour myself an unhealthy amount of scotch, and toss it back.

I have to take care with my words, have to ensure I give her no cause to doubt Nathan’s devotion to her. I can’t mention other she-wolves’ ankles or thighs or lovely attributes. I can give no indication that I remain a man who finds other she-wolves attractive. Although at this moment, I can’t think of a single she-wolf other than Josie who appeals to me. Still, I need to tamp down all natural urges to avoid finding myself taking advantage of this situation. I quickly drink another tumbler of scotch.

Even the urge to drink to excess has to be curbed. I could get by with it for a couple of days, chalking it up to grief, but I doubt Josie has ever seen Nathan deep into his cups. And if I am drunk, I could very well make a ghastly mistake and reveal who I am. Although it is likely that could happen if I am sober.

I wander to the desk and graze my finger over the shiny ebony box. I noticed it earlier but assumed it always sat on my brother’s desk. In the past, I often visited my brother at the estate but never really lived within the residence, especially after Nathan married Josie.

The manor had been closed up when our parents died, so when Nathan reached his majority, he came here, hired new staff, and opened the place back up. I know a few by name, but most I couldn’t have cared less about. Knowing Nathan, he probably knew them all. Dear Goddess, I have stepped into a quagmire. I’m going to have to tread so very carefully.

I return to the table, reach for the decanter, and pause with my fingers wrapped around the delicate crystal.

With a harsh curse, I pick it up and sling it against the wall, taking no satisfaction when it shatters into shards and sends amber liquid raining down along the dark paneling.

“Not so easy being your brother?”

With another harsh curse, I spin around to face Killian, grateful it isn’t Ashe standing there with his Luna. I almost blurt out that Josie has tiny toes, as though Killian would give a fig. “She’s exhausted; we won’t be joining you for dinner.”

“You’re afraid we will slip up.” He says.

I plow my hand through my hair. “More afraid I will.”

“Tug on your ear,” Killian says as he casually strolls nearer. “When you reach for your hair, tug on your ear.”

“Right.” I do so now, knowing it’s too late. Nathan tugged before he spoke, not after.

Killian plants his hip on the edge of the desk. “I suspect she is stronger than you give her credit for.”

But she has the tiniest, most delicate toes. And such silken skin. Whatever was I thinking, skimming my fingers over her calves, across the backs of her knees? “Can’t risk it. The babe is all that remains of my brother.”

I can’t explain the hole that now resides within me, the place where Nathan had been. I need this child to survive as much as Nathan wished that it would.

“I was a baby when my mother died,” Killian says quietly. “I grew up with a father who perpetually mourned her loss. Nothing replaces such a loss.”

“I’m not expecting the child to be a substitute, but I owe Nathan this small sacrifice. My mind’s made up, and while you are very skilled at laying out your arguments, on this matter, nothing will sway me.” I tell him.

Killian glances over at the mess left by the hurled decanter. “You might want to reel back your temper a notch.”

I chuckle harshly. “More than a notch, I’d say.” Nathan never displayed a temper.

Hearing footsteps, I glance toward the doorway in time to see the Alpha and his Luna enter. Killian is halfway correct about my reasons for not joining them for dinner. I fear the Luna will figure me out. She is too sharp by half.

“The affairs of the past few days have worn Josie out,” I tell them. “She and I will not be joining you for dinner.”

“I assume she will have a tray in her bedchamber,” Melina says. “Perhaps it would be best if I joined her there, to give you gents a little more time to catch up.”

I tug on my ear. “I appreciate the offer, but I think we have caught up all that we need to. I left my mate alone for far too many weeks. I intend to make that up to her now. We will see you at breakfast.”

I catch a spark of approval in Ashe’s eyes; not that I’m seeking approval, but apparently, I have managed to conduct myself more as my brother might. Now if I can just do the same without stumbling through the maze that has been Nathan’s life with his Luna.