Reject (mxm)

Chapter Twenty-Five: Ciaran

Why can't I make him happy? Why can't I stop hurting him?

The door suddenly opened and closed. The scent of chamomile and honey filled the air. I didn't have to turn to know who it was.

"What do you want?" I murmured. I really don't want to deal with her right now.

"Nothing much," Jean answered sitting on the chair across from mine. "I want to break both of your legs. But I figured since I'm a guest in your home I'd settle for an arm. If you're willing to oblige me."

I chuckled and eyed her, insolently, from head to toe. I could easily tear her to shreds before she could blink. That's how big the difference is in our strength and stature. But I have to hand it to this woman. She has serious balls. She sought me out, alone, locked the door and has the nerve to threaten me. I don't know if she has amazing skills to back up her threats or just plain stupid. But sure, whatever, I'll sheath my claws for now and play nice.

"If you wanted to attack me you could have done so already," I said my as eyes leveled with hers. "After all, giving out warnings and subtlety is not your cup of tea."

"Your people deserved what they got," she sneered manically. "And you'd deserve what's coming to you if you don't clean up your act."

"Try me," I dared. "I'm not like Bran who charges in without thought or care for my opponent and I won't be caught unaware so easily like Lorcan. And I'm definitely not easy to intimidate like Prior. So go ahead and give it your best shot..."

I haven't finished talking but she already flicked her wrist to attack me. I felt the edge of the sharp blade she threw centimeters away from my face graze my cheek. It landed on the wall behind me with a resounding thud.

I couldn't help the smile that formed in my lips. I had a feeling Jean is the type who carries weapons in her person at all times but I didn't expect her to seriously come at me with a knife.

"Ruari would not like it if we fought." She took out another wicked looking blade from her sleeve and started twirling it in between her slender fingers. "And I really don't like it when Ruari is upset."

Her accusatory glance was hard and uncompromising as it focused on me. I sat still and accepted her silent admonition knowing full well I deserved the censure. I hurt Ruari, I know that, but I don't need her to remind me of the fact because I can punish myself quite well on my own.

"Who are you to him?" I asked after a while, my eyes still locked with hers. "Why do you care so much?"

"I love him." She answered without thought or hesitation. "I love Ruari with all my heart."

Hearing Jean confess her affection for my mate was as painful as hearing Ruari say he loved her.

Again, my mind understands that the love Jean is talking about is not the romantic kind of love or the lustful one. But my entire being is rejecting the idea of sharing that sort fondness or affection when it involves Ruari. I'm arrogant and selfish. I want all of him and I'm not good at sharing.

Jean chewed her lower lip as we continued to stare at each other quietly. My eyes narrowed. She wants to tell me something but was unsure whether it'd improve the situation or not.

"Did you know Ruari almost died five years ago?" She revealed, breaking our eye contact.

I felt a cold sliver of fear crawl slowly up my spine. My heart started beating at an incredible pace. I had to grip the armrest of the chair because my hands started to shake. And for the first time since the conversation started, Keiron stirred wildly inside me with the need to know more.