Chapter 3

He put the medicine in Serena's hand and, as she started to say something to keep him there, said, "Go rest. I have things to take care of." He grabbed my arm and pulled me into the bedroom. He clearly had something to say. But I didn't want to hear it. I kicked him away and walked out. After Cain was fully settled, I finally went back to the room. Dorian had been waiting a long time. He was sitting by the window, surrounded by smoke, the ashtray in front of him full of cigarette stubs. I walked over, frowning, and shoved the window open. "All you ever do is smoke. Why can't you be more like Cain? He doesn't smoke at all." Dorian nearly choked, coughing for a long moment before he recovered enough to grind out: "Ivy, is there anything you want to say that doesn't involve Cain?" "No. Just like the only thing you ever want to say involves Serena." At the mention of Serena's name, Dorian's expression went impatient. He was about to say I was being petty again — and then he turned and saw the Bond anniversary cake sitting on the table. Alone. Untouched. It hit him then. Today was our fifth Bond anniversary. Dorian's voice went quiet and careful. "Ivy, I'm sorry. I forgot today was our anniversary. I'll make it up to you." "I've already scheduled Serena's heart surgery. Once she recovers, I'll send her away. Okay?" When Dorian turned gentle, his eyes went deep enough to drown in. I almost said yes. Then a knock came at the door, and Cain's voice came through. "Ivy, are you asleep?" I didn't even look at Dorian's face going dark. I ran to the door. "No. What's wrong?" Cain kept his eyes down, his fingers tight around the hem of his shirt. He looked very uneasy. "Ivy, after losing my sight I developed anxiety. I'm scared. I can't sleep." How can anyone be this unlucky? I felt terrible for him. I took his hand and said quietly, "Don't be scared. I'll stay with you until you fall asleep." I walked him back to his room. Dorian blocked our way and demanded, "Ivy, you can't go sleep next to another man. I'm your mate." Cain said nothing, just let his eyes go red. The scales in my chest tipped completely. I stepped in front of Cain and glared at Dorian. "Can you have some perspective? Can't you see Cain isn't well? Is it so hard to give him a break?" We must have been too loud, because we woke Serena. She appeared in the doorway clutching a stuffed rabbit, looking startled as she watched Dorian. "Dorian, I just had a really scary nightmare. I can't catch my breath. Can you stay with me? Just for a little while." Dorian went silent. Since Serena moved in, he had spent almost every night with her. After a long pause, Dorian finally spoke. "Serena, we're not children anymore. It wouldn't be right for me to be with you. If you're scared, sleep with the lights on." Serena went white and nodded, her eyes instantly filling with tears. But I knew she wouldn't leave it there. Sure enough, not long after she went back inside, there was a loud crash. Dorian kicked the door open and found Serena collapsed weakly on the floor. He couldn't think about me and Cain anymore. He scooped her up and took her to the Pack Infirmary. I didn't bother watching. I brought Cain back to his room. His anxiety was as bad as he said. He kept startling awake, and each time he woke, he had to make sure I was still there before he could settle back down. I stayed with Cain all night. Dorian stayed with Serena all night. When he dragged himself home looking exhausted, he found that Cain and I had already gone. Cain said he wanted to see the stars. I took time off and brought him to Hawaii. When we got back, we were both busy with work. Dorian was also busy taking care of Serena. We didn't cross paths even once. After the thirty-seventh time he came home and couldn't find me, Dorian had finally had enough. He had someone pull up everything on Cain. The moment he saw the file, he swore under his breath. "You're three years older than me. How dare you call me your brother?" He kept cursing, then went back to the file. The further he read, the more serious his face became. Halfway through, he pushed all his work aside and drove home. I was at work. Serena was at the infirmary. Cain was home alone. Dorian didn't tell anyone. He quietly pushed the door open. His eyes went wide in shock. Cain was wearing — Colored contacts! Both eyes were completely fine. His movements were sharp and easy. He didn't look sick at all. Dorian nearly lost his mind. "I knew you were faking!"