Page 250 of Infernal Secrets

“Rae.” I squeezed her hand. “None of that matters. I’ll teach you what you need to navigate the palace, but you’re not expected to do more than you can. We’ll teach you the rest.”

She blew out a shaky breath.

“Now what else worries you?”

She turned her head to look at me. “I can’t lie to you.”

“I don’t want you to.”

Her face crumpled, and I could tell she struggled to get the words out. “I like Zeke… a lot.”

I tried to keep my face neutral, but judging by the confused look on her face, I’d failed.

“Why are you smiling?”

“Because I already know that.”

She blinked. “You do?”

“I do. And I’m okay with it.”

“You are?”

I chuckled. “More than okay, yes.”

“This is so weird.”

I stroked my thumb across the top of her hand. “Just another thing to get used to. I told you about multiple mates and partners. I’d always expected to share a mate. To share someone as amazing as you with the three men who mean the most to me feels incredible.”

“Yeah, but Cyn and Ezra…”

“I know you’re not there yet, but don’t write them off.” I squeezed her hand. “Not yet. Just keep an open mind.”

She shook her head as if exasperated but didn’t refuse. I’d take it as a win for now.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered, pain roughening my voice. We needed to address what we’d all avoided.

She turned her head to look at me. “What for?”

“Not believing in you the day the triplets arrived.”

“I don’t blame you.” She sounded sincere, but I could still see the pain flash in her eyes and smell it in the soured notes of her scent. “It hurt, but without being able to speak to you… and with the evidence…” She sighed. “I couldn’t expect to compete with someone you’d known for years. It’d make less sense if you trusted me over them.”

“After what Ranthus did to your voice, I’m less than pleased with him.”

“I think he really believed I tried to hurt y’all.”

“It’s still wrong.”

“It’s over, though. I forgive you.”

I leaned forward and brushed my lips against hers.

I’d intended the kiss to be a soft, fleeting thing, but when she chased after me as I pulled back, I gave in to the desire that had been riding me all week.

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