for the Creation Story. Don’t want to keep the Priestess waiting, if you know what’s good for you.”
The threatening look her brother gave them brought Ky to his feet, his hands clenched by his thighs. Her brother responded in kind, squaring his shoulders as his fingers curled into his palms. Their eyes met in an intense stare, sizing each other up.
“Men!” Lyn rolled her eyes. “Mierda. Back off, Matt.”
Her brother’s dark, angry gaze locked with that of her lover’s. His eyes narrowed in challenge, daring Ky to advance.
“Who is this male?” Ky demanded, his stare never leaving his opponent. He shifted his weight to one side, settling into a fighting stance.
“Who am I? Who the hell are you to be sucking face with my sister?”
The look of shock that settled upon Ky’s face would have made Lyn giggle if not for the tension that filled the air. “You are her brother?”
Matthias nodded his head and crossed his arms over his wide chest. His hands pushed behind his large biceps, making them look even bigger. “Yeah. And who exactly are you?”
Ky pulled his eyes from her brother’s to look at Lyn. “I thought I had met all your relatives, Lyn.”
The female demon lifted her shoulders in a carefree shrug. “What can I say? I have a large family. In the next decade, you may not get to meet them all.”
“Next decade?” Her brother’s gaze darted between her and her mate several times. “This”—Matt gestured at Ky with his thumb—“is more than just a one night stand?”
“He is my mate, Matthias. You will treat him with respect.”
“Respect is earned, Daelyn, not given.” Her brother eyed Ky with discerning interest as his arms fell loosely to his sides.
Lyn could not help but notice the way his hands tightened by his thighs. Her eyes darted to her lover, watching his fingers flex into fists. These two might be talking, but their bodies looked ready to battle. Like two predators eyeing prey, underneath their calm façade their muscles coiled, ready to pounce at a moment’s notice. She needed to do something to keep them from going to blows.
She knew her brother always craved a good fight, and Ky would be just the person to give it to him. Long ago their kind physically challenged family members for the right to mate with a female. And though they evolved past such archaic behavior, the instinct was still buried deep inside, waiting to come out.
Lyn pushed off the blanket, intending to rise to intercede. Immediately she found Ky’s hand in front of her face, palm up. She took the proffered hand, allowed him to help her to stand. Their fingers laced, and she bestowed a worried glance on her brother.
Matt’s eyes dropped to their hands, the sight causing his fists to relax. His dark gaze rose to meet her own. “You have chosen this male for your mate?”
A weak smile raised the corner of her mouth. “Yes,” Lyn replied without hesitation. “I have. I would like your blessing, but I do not require it.”
She shot him a pointed glare, watching the expression of quiet acceptance cross his face in understanding. Their eyes met, and held in a respectful stare.
Matt’s body relaxed, and the tension left his shoulders. Cool resignation replaced the heat in his eyes. If he had not yet accepted her choice, he had at least accepted that it was her decision as to who to take as a mate.
“Tell me, Lyn, do you intend to complete the Bonding Ritual with this male?”
She wrapped her arm about her lover’s waist, registering the feel of his muscles under his thin shirt. “I do.”
“What’s the Bonding Ritual?” Ky looked at her upturned face.
“You don’t know what the Bonding Ritual is?” Matt’s incredulous tone made Ky’s head snap in his direction. “What kind of demon are you?”
Ky’s muscles bunched under her arm. If she didn’t intercede soon this would get out of hand. Two powerful Alpha males in close proximity was never a good thing, but the same two males overly protective of her and volatile toward each other—well that was a recipe for disaster.
“Didn’t you say it was time for the Creation Story, Matt?” Lyn asked. “Maybe we should go down to the beach. We don’t want to miss it.”
“Mmm-hmm.” The expression her brother gave her told her he knew she’d tried to distract him. “You sure you want this guy for your mate, little sister?”
Ky bristled beside her. “I’ve had enough of—”
Lyn tightened her grip on his