Jealous?

Matthew was starting to worry as Ronan and Sophia were taking too long to return. He didn't think Ronan would hurt her, but it was hard to trust his brother, who had a habit of pushing boundaries. The thought of what Ronan might be doing weighed heavily on Matthew's mind.

[Stop worrying so much about them. Ronan wouldn't hurt his mate. He doesn't hate Sophia as much as he pretends to], Valentina linked to him telepathically.

[But still… he's already played mean pranks on her], Matthew countered.

[I know what you're thinking. Don't go interrupt them. You know Ronan will get pissed and end up punishing her for it. You have to be careful and patient with him. Remember what Mom said].

Matthew sighed. Their mother had always insisted that things weren't as they seemed with Ronan. The darkness inside him influenced his personality, but she believed he wasn't a lost cause. She was working on helping him, but it was taking so long.

Breaking the link with Valentina, Matthew turned to Minerva. "Maybe you should go get them," he suggested. Minerva had a way of convincing Ronan to behave.

Minerva laughed. "What? No way. Why would I do that? Sophia went with him willingly. She's his mate too, Matthew. Stop being so jealous."

"I'm not jealous, I'm just worried," Matthew protested. "You and Ronan are close, so I thought maybe you could keep him away from her. I'm still not used to the idea of sharing a mate, so I feel like it would be better if Ronan found someone else. And honestly, I always thought you two would end up together."

Minerva's expression darkened. "I'm not going to lie—I was disappointed when I found out Ronan had a mate. I always liked him as more than a friend, but I don't think he feels the same way. He sees me like a little sister."

"Are you sure?" Matthew asked, surprised. "You two seem so close. I always thought there were deeper feelings involved."

Minerva tossed her hair back and laughed. "Are you serious? Ronan doesn't do feelings, especially not romantic ones. Trust me, I know. I tried to tell him how I felt before, but he dismissed me. He's never been interested in love. Just think about it—have you ever seen him trying to find a girlfriend?"

Matthew knew she was right, but a part of him had hoped Ronan would choose Minerva over Sophia, leaving Sophia to him. It was hard sharing a mate, especially with Ronan constantly intervening.

Forget this, Matthew thought. I'm going to find them. They'd had enough private time, and Matthew wasn't going to stand around, seething with jealousy. If Sophia got mad, he could handle it. He was doing her a favor by keeping her and Ronan apart.

He closed his eyes, trying to sense where Ronan might be. Their sibling bond allowed him to track Ronan's location within a certain distance. Moving closer to the woods, he followed the pull.

Sophia's scent lingered on the path leading to the woods. She must have taken Ronan to the cave Matthew had shown her before. Bad move, Sophia, Matthew thought, though he admired her bravery.

When Matthew reached the cave, he gasped in anger. Ronan had Sophia pushed against the wall, her legs wrapped around his waist as they kissed passionately. Ronan's lips trailed down her neck, and Sophia's eyes were closed, lost in the moment.

Matthew watched silently, torn between rage and resignation. Seeing them in such an intimate position fueled his anger, but a part of him knew this could be a good thing.

If Sophia made Ronan fall in love with her, Matthew wouldn't have to choose between his mate and his brother.

His parents had always taught him to love Ronan unconditionally, no matter how bad things got. Ronan had pulled mean tricks on him growing up—some of which nearly killed him—but Matthew had learned to forgive.

Even when Ronan almost burned his face off with a fireball or threw him into a well, Matthew always forgave him. He could forgive him for being with his mate too, especially if Sophia could tame the dark beast within him.

Sophia may have appeared weak and innocent, but Matthew sensed a strength in her. If anyone could turn Ronan around, it was her. Sometimes, Matthew saw something in Ronan's eyes when he looked at Sophia—something that wasn't hatred. Maybe it was love, hidden beneath the rage.

But first, Matthew had to make sure Ronan wasn't forcing himself on her. Clearing his throat, he announced his presence.

Ronan jolted back, letting Sophia drop to the ground. "Ronan!" she cried, glaring at him.

"I was startled," Ronan grumbled.

"So you just drop me?" Sophia whined.

"What? Stop acting like you're made of glass. You're fine. I'm sure your butt is fine. Stand up and shake it off," Ronan barked.

"Go die in a hole, asshole," Sophia screamed.

Matthew couldn't help but laugh. This relationship was going to be an absolute mess.

"Are you two done?" Matthew asked, stepping forward with a smirk. "I was starting to think you'd decided to live in this cave."

Ronan crossed his arms, his expression unreadable. "Jealous, brother?" he asked, his tone mocking.

"Not at all," Matthew replied, keeping his voice calm. "I just thought it was time for you two to rejoin the rest of us. We still have things to discuss, and I didn't want to leave you out."

Ronan raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. "Sure. Or maybe you just can't stand the thought of me being alone with her."

Matthew forced a chuckle, trying to hide how accurate Ronan's words were. "Believe what you want. I'm just trying to keep the peace."

"It was a mistake coming here with him," Sophia said, taking Matthew's arms. 

Matthew smiled. Guess the fight between them was far from over.