Page 81 of Mate of a Monster

“Because.”

“Don’t let him make decisions for you, my king.” Arabella cuts in sharply. “You may be the youngest, but you are still a king. The strongest, I’d bet.”

I search my brother’s gaze. “Knight?”

He hesitates. “I can’t explain right now but trust me, brother.”

“Legend,” Arabella calls again.

I shake my head, fucking confused.

“Stay beside me,” Knight orders. “Shit’s fucked up, Legend. We never should have done this to you.”

My chest tightens, something tugging hard behind my ribs—tugging me backward. I resist it, forcing my feet to move forward, even when Knight’s fingers dig into my arm.

“The fuck is wrong with you?” he snaps.

I shake him off, pulling Arabella into my arms. Without hesitation, she dives in, clutching my shirt. Her face presses against my chest like she’s trying to crawl inside my skin.

“Walk away, brother,” I murmur. “You’re stressing her out.”

“No.” Knight steps closer, his jaw tight. “You’re acting like a fucking puppet. That thing—” he jabs a finger toward Arabella, “—is playing you, and you’re letting her.”

London moves to Knight’s side, her hand resting on his forearm.

“Careful,” I warn lowly. “That’s my mate you’re talking about.”

“Is she though?” Knight tilts his head, eyes hard. “Because I remember you acting pretty fucking different with someone else. Someone who didn’t hold your leash like you might fucking run away, Legend, but dared you to.”

My blood heats. “Don’t.”

He laughs, bitter and sharp. “You were ready to burn the world for her. Now you’re carrying around this Argent doll and pretending you don’t feel the difference. Empty versus full.”

London’s knuckles turn white as her grip on her mate tightens. “Knight.”

He keeps going. “Unsure versus certain.”

I take a careful step forward.

“Strong versus weak.”

“Knight.” My limbs start to shake.

He steps closer, his voice dropping. “You flinch when she touches you. Your eyes go distant every time someone mentions—”

“Enough.” I bite, baring my teeth.

“It’s our fault!” Knight finally snaps, and London’s eyes go wide.

Arabella stiffens in my arms. I don’t even get a minute to check on her before she turns in my arms and shoves away from me. Her chest heaves, blue eyes blazing as she rounds on Knight. “You want to talk fault, don’t forget actions have consequences.”

London’s eyes grow dark.

“Arabella.” I grab her wrist, pulling her back. “You need to calm down.”

“I will not calm down!” She rips free, whirling on me. “Your brother is trying to ruin us, Legend. He knows we’ll be stronger together. He will say anything to keep you away from me!”

“Hey!” I snap her out of her spiral. “Not a single fucking person can tear me from you.” My throat swells, saliva tasting like acid. “Come on. You just lost your parents; you must be having the worst fucking day ever.” I glare at both London and Knight as I pass them.