My Alpha Biker Mate

CHAPTER 35

CHAPTER 35

CASSIAN'S POV

I can smell him before I even head outside. As I step outside with Jason, a part of me holds my breath.

It has to be my brother. There is nothing that is going to convince me that it isn't him. But he hasn't been to the pack in years. Why is he suddenly here? And what the f**k does he want?

He took Beatrice, and I let him have her. So why is he back?

“You don't have to come outside,” Jason says, and I consider letting him be the one to handle my brother. But at the same time, he has to know that I'm not the weak brother that he knew. I'm not the weakling that watched him take almost everything that belonged to me all because he was the first child.

And he is just like my mom. I am going to die soon, so there is no use even keeping me alive. Or giving me the things that I actually deserve. Wouldn't it be nice to show them how it is actually done?

My chin is tipped up as I walk outside. Everything in me wants to send Nova inside. But I'm not going to control her. I'm more than sure that she wants to see things. And I am going to let her.

“You don't have to worry,” I say, and Jason looks up at me like he is trying to make sure the words are coming out of my mouth. “I'm sure I can handle him,” I say anyway, and he gives me a small nod, still not leaving my side. He is one of the few people that I am never going to let go of. And he is proving himself over and over again.

I finally see the both of them.

My brother, Killian, and his beloved wife, Beatrice.

Doesn't it sound iconic?

He has a smirk on his lips as he gets off his bike. The moment his boots hit the ground, I can tell that there is a shift in the pack energy. He has a smirk on his face either way.

That is when I notice that Beatrice is still wearing those leather trousers that she usually wears. The ones that cling to her skin. She knows exactly what she is doing.

And I am more than glad to disappoint her. The sun suddenly hits her neckpiece, and I notice that it is the same one that I gave her.

I can feel Jason's eyes on me. And the moment I look down at him, I can tell that he notices what I am seeing as well.

Nova is right beside me. She doesn't know who he is just yet, but she is beside me, holding on to my hand. It is almost like she is trying to tell me that she is there for me, without actually saying anything.

Fuck, I could kiss her in that moment.

Killian takes a step toward me, and I notice the way his eyes are fixed on Nova.

No, no, no.

I know that look. And there is no f*****g way he is going to take Nova too.

He walks toward me, and I feel my stomach turn. I know that I couldn't have had any f*****g orange juice. The whiskey would have been a lot better.

But of course, Nate is there.

“Hello, brother,” he says, bringing me in for a hug. A hug?

The one that he didn't even bother to give all those years ago. So where is the act coming from?

I end the hug as quickly as I can. “Hello, Killian,” I say, and even I can't recognize my voice. My hands are balled into fists. For the longest time, I have fantasized about punching him. I never got the opportunity when I was younger.

Now is the perfect time. The perfect way to welcome him to the pack.

“You still haven't changed,” he says, making me c**k an eyebrow at him.

“Changed from what exactly? I don't remember having any bad habits that needed changing.”

“Staying away from your family. I mean, I know that your end is near. The least you should be is close to your people.”

I look over at Nova, and I am waiting for her to look at me with confusion written all over her. Instead, she has her eyes fixed on Killian, her face devoid of any emotion.

She doesn't think he is handsome as well, does she?

And of course, my dearest brother just has to remind me that I am going to sleep and never wake up again.

But I know the main motive behind that statement. He wants to remind me that once I am gone, he is going to inherit the pack. Yes, he is that confident.

“I don't have to be close to people. If my end is near, then I'd rather have it alone.”

He smiles. “Oh, I see that the sharp tongue is still there. It really won't take you anywhere.”

“And I'm well aware,” I say.

“Hello, brother-in-law,” Beatrice says, before walking over to me and wrapping her arms around me in a hug. I quickly hold her at arm's length.

“Did I do something wrong?” she asks, and I almost burst out laughing. A question like that from her?

Did they have some kind of rehearsal for the questions that they were going to ask me? Because they are being extremely ridiculous.

“The distance is better, Beatrice. I would love us to maintain it.”

She frowns. “But you didn't have a problem with me touching you a few years ago. Hell, you wanted my touch like it was the one thing that you survived on.”

“Well, I'm glad things have changed.” I look up at Killian, and he has his eyes on Nova again. She is staring him down.

“What are you really here for?” I ask, and Killian gestures toward the other men who are bringing bags from where I don't even know.

“Well, I'm here to spend a little holiday with my brother.”

“That's a lie,” I say. Yes, he is there to stay, but there is another reason why he is there.

“Why are you really here?” I ask, and he looks from me to Nova. Then he c***s an eyebrow like the answer is pretty clear.

“Is this the new mate?” he asks, taking a step toward her. My hands ball into fists again, and Jason almost steps in front of me.

“Calm down,” I hear him say through the mind link, and my head is c****d to the side.

“Her name is Nova,” I say, and his smirk widens.

He looks at her from head to toe.

“She looks… interesting.”