I'm baffled. Why is Kaden's brother here?

"Well, I'm going to show my way out..." Cheysa walks out the door, pausing for a second to get a look at Alpha Black.

He walks in, so similar to Kaden, but so different. He has grown his beard out. His eyes are darker, and his clothes crumpled like he just shifted and pulled them on.

"I don't have much time," he grumbles, and it sounds like the last words of a man on his deathbed.

Yeah, I figured he doesn't have much time left. The patrol guards probably caught wind that he's here, and are on their way. Black isn't welcome on Kaden's land, but I will listen to what he has to say. I'm too curious to walk away.

"Alpha Black." I stand up, because he has the same overwhelming effect that Kaden does. I don't want to remain seated and give the illusion of being meek.

"How can I help you?"

"Kaden cares for you," he declares. "Just like he did for the one before you."

The one before me? Is he talking about Sylvie? Oh, sweet Moon, don't tell me he's team Kaden and Sylvie and is here to reprimand me because of the rumors he's heard.

"Just like the girl he was going to make his chosen until she betrayed him. This was a long time ago— nearly a decade ago. Kaden is over it, but I still remember. Don't betray Kaden like she did. Take care of him."

"I—" I'm stunned. This is the most unexpected encounters I've ever had. Why is Black speaking to me like Kaden and I are at an altar? Why is he handing me the heavy responsibility of his brother's happiness? He doesn't even know me.

He looks over his shoulder. "I'm out of time."

"Wait. Black!"

He leaves as swiftly as he came. Minutes later, patrol men are here, questioning me. They're nervous, because they have to report Black's breach to Kaden, and the alpha will definitely respond with anger.

I assure them I'll see Kaden and deliver the news myself. Then, I walk out of the clinic and rush to Kaden's home. I knock on his dark door and look over my shoulder. The last thing I need is to be found on his doorstep like a mid-day booty call.

By now, I hope that Black has left the territory. Judging by their last encounter, I know Kaden won't be too keen of his visit.

When the door goes unanswered, I knock again. He must not be home, but to make sure, I walk around the house and peek into the living room. This guy has no curtains, like he doesn't care about the world peering in. Then again, when you're as hot and successful as he is, there's little for him to be ashamed of. He could walk around naked and no passerby would be offended.

I find our great, powerful Alpha in his living room, sweeping. He has a set of headphones over his ears, and a broom much too small for him in his calloused hands.

What the fuck is Kaden doing? Sweeping, of all things? Is he practicing how he's going to sweep dirt over my grave when he finally manages to kill me?

I can't lie, though. He looks good. His shirt is gone, and so is my self-respect. I stare at his biceps pump with every motion and his bare abs clench. He can be my butler anytime. My butt is ready to be serviced.

I wave my arms like a madwoman, trying to get his attention. After a whole minute of me demonstrating what a heart attack looks like, he lifts his head. He recognizes me, sets his headphones down, and walks to the door.

I dash for the entrance and walk in. "Finally. It took you forever to notice me."

"I noticed right away, actually. I jut wanted to let you work out for a little while. Your cardio needs some work."

I frown and cross my arms over my chest. "What makes you say that?"

He shrugs. "Last time we fucked, you were out of breath, although you were on your back and I was the one doing all the work."

I cringe internally. Of course, this is the direction he takes. In my defense, it's not easy getting fucked by him. He's well-endowed with dick in his pants and in his personality. The guy is a walking sex shop.

"Keep talking and I'll shove that broom so far up your ass the bristles will replace your teeth. What the hell are you doing, anyway? I thought you were too high and mighty for cleaning and would have your maid do it for you."

He sets the broom aside. "I need to burn off energy somehow. Exercise isn't enough anymore." He runs a hand through his hair. "Unless you'd like to help me in bed?"

I roll my eyes. "Can I come in?"

"Of course. Do you want a key?"

"Your sarcasm is unnecessary, Kaden."

He closes the door and looks at me with confusion. "I'm not being sarcastic."

He's mental. Certified.

"You want to give me a key to your house..." I squint. "Where you have confidential pack information, money, and probably a couple of dead bodies lying around."

"It's a yes or no question, Kenna. Besides, I cremate all my bodies." He sits on the couch, and I forget his morbid joke only because he sits with his legs spread apart, casually giving me a glimpse of the outline of the dick in his pants.

Mmm. I like that broom.

"There's too much going on," Kaden continues. "I'm dealing with the situation between you and Milton, figuring out what to do with Sylvie, having conflict over stocks, issues allocating new medical staff, and planning for the festival."

I listen closely. No wonder he has to release this tension. He's so busy it's a wonder he ever has time to eat.

I feel guilty for bringing more to his plate.

"Anyway, what did you need?" he asks.

This is the moment of truth. I could not mention Black and risk this blowing up in my face later, or I could come clean. Maybe it's best to tell him. After all, I don't know why Black is banned from the territory.

"It's your brother."

He tenses. It's like every bit of a tension that he released is crawling back through his pores. Veins bulge, nostrils flare, hands clench. He is in full Alpha mode.

"What about him?"

"He came to see me, and—"

I gasp when I'm grabbed and spun. My back meets the cushion of his couch, and Kaden pins me down. "What did he want?" he growls, his ferocious face only inches away.

I raise my hands and instinctively press them against his chest to keep. "Uh... nothing. Just told me to be good to you."

He trembles with rage. His lips contort, as if he's searching for his next words, but can only manage growls. My hands move on their own, stroking his chest gently. My eyes are locked on his, calm and patient.

Kaden abruptly swings me up, and I find myself straddling his lap. He hugs me tight, like he's holding onto his last bit of humanity. I cradle the back of his neck, gesturing his face against my breasts. My lips fall on his hair.

"Calm down. He's gone."

I should have learned by now that Alphas can't be commanded. Kaden tips his head back, connecting our lips. I don't freeze, don't pull back. I can't say I hesitated, because I kiss him right back and melt into him. The hands at the nape of his neck trail up until I'm clutching handfuls of his hair, and pulling him closer.

The last time I was in here, I took his load of seed in my mouth, and then I ran off with detergent all over me. This time, I have every intention of staying.