Evander pov
"Is this how you treat your own brother?"…he paused, then added, "You, haven't seen for while." he said softly, giving me a puppy dog glare.
"It won't work this time , young man. I looked at him even meaner. "We are no longer kids." I added.
"Some people are born with bad attitude." he muttered.
"And some are born with a charm to annoy others." I fired back at him, sipping the dark wine.
"Arrogant man." He hissed. I smiled, honestly I miss annoying him so much .
"It feels good." My wolf whispered.
"You look like hell, Evander," Kaelen said, dropping the titles now that we were behind closed doors. He tossed a piece of meat into his mouth. "Seriously. The madness is biting hard, isn't it? I can see the silver in your eyes."
I sank into the chair opposite him, grabbing the wine bottle and taking a long swig. "It's been a nightmare, Kaelen. The Council is breathing down my neck, Cassian is a traitorous snake, and now they're trying to chain me to Princess Isadora."
Kaelen whistled, leaning back. "The North girl? I saw her in the hall. Sharp as a razor, that one. Not your type at all. You like them with a bit more... heart. Like the little healer in there." He pointed at the lock room.
I stiffened, glaring at him. "Don't start. She's the Anchor. That's all."
"Yeah, sure," Kaelen smirked, reaching for the wine. "And I'm a vegetarian . He added, been all sarcastic.."Come on, man. I've known you since we were pups. You've got that look.
"What look?" I asked been confused.
"The 'I'll kill anyone who looks at her' look." he said grinding the meat in his mouth.
"I don't know what you are talking about." I tossed a big meat into my mouth.
"Nice act. But take your talent to the theater," he kicked my knee with his boot.
"Don't stain me," I groaned. Cleaning his mud off my cloth.
"Whatever!!..arrogant man." He mumbled, as he continue devouring the meat on the tray.
"So she's the reason you didn't rip cassian throats out yet?" He asked.
"You heard?" I was shocked.
"That's the first welcome I got . Every one is talking about it". He replied, "So tell me". He added as he sipped his wine.
I looked at the closed bedroom door. "She's the only reason I can even hear my own thoughts. When I'm near her, the shadows stay quiet. But the Council... they want her gone. They think she's a distraction."
"She's a lifeline," Kaelen corrected, his face finally going serious. "Listen, I spent months in the dirt because you're the only one in this family worth a damn. The rest of them? Vultures. I'm back now. If you need someone to bash heads or keep watch while you... 'anchor' yourself, I've got your back."
I felt a ghost of a smile hit my face. "I missed you, you idiot."
"I know, I know. Just don't hesitate to ask me for my autograph , I'm delighted." Kaelen stood up, clapping me on the shoulder.
"I hate you. Moron." I laughed. "What the hell am I supposed to do with your autograph." I whispered.
"Get it framed." He replied stretching his body.
"Eat. Get some rest. I'll stand guard at the door tonight. He replied, grabbing my piece of meat from my plate.
"Hungry idiot." I laughed slightly. I watched toward the, feeling a weight lift off my chest. Having one person I could trust changed everything. I headed back into the bedroom, ready to collapse, when a soft knock came at the main door.
"Your Majesty? You have visitor". Kaelen said.
"Who's that ?" I asked.