“But she’s your wife,” she stressed. “Your responsibility.”
Callan’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully for a moment. He was her beloved older brother, but she could see where Merinus had been unable to refuse the story once she saw his picture. He was exceptionally handsome in a rough sort of way. High cheekbones, a narrow, savage face. Sensual lips. He had the Lion’s cast to his face, but it didn’t detract from his looks in the least.
“She is.” He nodded. “But Kane was a part of her life first. And for longer. Why should I resent or interfere in the relationship that he cherishes so dearly?”
Merinus hadn’t said anything. She dipped her Oreos placidly in the glass of milk and watched Sherra with eyes that were far too knowing.
Sherra shrugged. “I was just curious.”
“You are never just curious, Sherra,” he reflected. “What’s the problem? You’re still in heat, yet you stand here asking me questions rather than taking time to bond with your mate.”
She stilled, blinking over at him in confusion. “It’s sexual…”
Callan breathed out heavily. “Sherra.” He shook his head. “I won’t argue your beliefs with you, though I highly disagree. The heat isn’t just physical, I’ve warned you of this.”
He had. He had lectured on emotional, physical, and spiritual bondings. It hadn’t made sense then, and it
didn’t make sense now.
She hunched her shoulder as she walked over to the doors that led to the sheltered grotto outside.
“So where is Kane?” Merinus asked casually, though Sherra could hear the hint of anger warming her voice.
She shrugged. “His room, I believe.”
“And you’re here, why?” Merinus asked. “What happened?”
She turned back to them, frowning in confusion. “I don’t know. I came out of the bath and he appeared…almost sad…melancholy, as though the weight on his shoulders was too heavy to bear. I assumed the heat was the cause and reminded him that I had warned him of the consequences.” She looked to her brother, frowning as she tugged at her lower lip with her teeth. “He just walked away, Callan. I can’t understand why he just walked away.”
Callan grimaced. “Kane is different, Sherra. You can’t see him as you do me, or one of the others. In many ways, his life has been just as hard, the inner scars as deep as the outer. Perhaps you should ask him.”
“He wouldn’t tell her,” Merinus said at that point, leaning back in her chair and laying her hands on her distended abdomen.
Sherra frowned over at her. “Why not?”
“Because you should know. You know him better than you think you do, Sherra. You’re just trying to deny that you don’t.” Merinus shrugged as her hands smoothed over the light blue cotton smock she wore. “Besides, if he thought you didn’t know what the problem was, then he wouldn’t have hesitated to tell you.”
“So I’m supposed to read his mind now?” Sherra growled. “The man is the most exasperating, confusing male I have ever met in my life, Merinus. How am I supposed to know what goes on in his brain?”
He was going to drive her insane.
“Kane’s brain isn’t what you should be worrying about,” Merinus assured her. “From the way you said he was acting, you’ve hurt him, Sherra. Somehow, you’ve hurt him deeply.”
Emotion glittered in the other woman’s eyes, a sheen of tears that caused Sherra’s heart to clench. In all their conversations about Kane, Merinus had never shed tears. Why would she now?
“How could I have hurt him?” She spread her hands wide in confusion. “I didn’t do anything, Merinus.”
Merinus’ look was hard, cold. “Evidently you did do something. You defeated Kane. And until now, I could have sworn no one could.” With the help of her mate she rose to her feet, her gaze never leaving Sherra’s. “If I lose my brother because you’re too damned stubborn to admit the truth to yourself, then I’ll never forgive you. Remember that one, sister-in-law.”
She leaned down and kissed Callan lingeringly. “Come to bed soon. I miss you when you’re not there.”
He touched her face. It was a curiously gentle gesture, his fingertips sliding over her cheek as though he enjoyed the touch of her skin.
“Love you, babe,” he whispered.
“Love you back.” Merinus’ fingers trailed over his shoulder as she waddled past him and headed for the elevator in the hall outside the kitchen.
“You seem confused, Sherra,” Callan grunted as he rose from the table, collecting Merinus’ saucer and glass and taking them to the sink.