20. Dominik

CHAPTER 20

Dominik

I've always been my brother's keeper; it's not a task I take lightly. Jayce has always been the sensitive one between us. I was schooled in combat, where he was schooled in the art of negotiating and politics. For being twins, we're polar opposites. I'm a brute; I'm bulky and have a horrible temper, whereas Jayce has a toned, athletic build and is calm as all hell. I mean, seriously, it takes a lot to rattle his cage. Our faces are almost identical, except I have more green in my hazel eyes, and he has more gold. I always thought it was unfair because it seems like his wolf is showing more often than not.

I stand here listening to Aurora talking to Andre about Jayce, and my chest hurts thinking about how this is hurting her. The level of understanding she has for what he's going through is mind-blowing. I wish Jayce could hear what she's saying. Then I remember I have my cell phone, so I start recording the conversation. He needs to know that she's seeking help to understand. Listening to her makes me love her more. How could you not? She defended my brother against me, of all people, when she first met us. Put me flat on my back, and sadly, she was right I... was being a dick.

Andre is a saint of a male having raised her; it couldn't have been comfortable with as jumpy as he always seems to be. Nico, her father, has arrived, and shit, I didn't know he is bi also. Am I the only one that hasn't fucked or been fucked by another male?

I'm kind of feeling like the odd man out here. Sebastian kissed my brother, and the way Aurora confirmed what I smelled… shit, it was hot. I didn't think two dudes kissing would ever be seen as hot by me, but it was. I almost was able to imagine myself in Jayce's place. What the fuck am I thinking? Am I bisexual? Do I want to fuck my bond mates? I mean, anyone other than my brother because that would just be fucking weird. I know it's common among our culture for the dominant wolves to fuck the weaker ones to establish dominance. Hmm, I wonder if I could dominate Sebastian by fucking him stupid, then I will be viewed as an equal to him instead of a threat.

I start to turn to walk away and spot my brother reappearing with a brown paper bag in hand, looking suspicious. Nicodeamus roots Jayce to the spot with a glance as he tells his sad tale. I watch the emotions flitter over my brother's features, and he seems more at peace with the way Aurora responds to her dad. Nico moves to join Jayce, and they walk off together. What the actual fuck just happened? Did I miss a secret meeting or something? I must have. I return to Aurora's side, and she snuggles in closely and kisses my cheek.

"What can I do to help your brother? I mean, I don't want him to feel pressured, but I also don't want him to feel ignored or isolated." Her beautiful brows furrow as she ponders her predicament.

"The best thing I can suggest is to spend time with him. He likes to cook and bake, so maybe hang out in the kitchen with him. Tell him which foods are your favorite, and he'll be thrilled to cook for you." I beam with pride. I am always so very proud of how good of a cook my brother is. And if his cooking could bring them closer together, then that would be awesome.

Sebastian and I could definitely use the help. There have been times where we have come damn close to tapping out. Aurora is a beast in the bedroom, with an appetite that we're having problems keeping up with. I hope my brother gets with the program soon as I don't know how much longer Sebastian and I can last. She's got the drive to handle three mates, and when only two are in the game, it gets exhausting.

As I step into his line of sight, my brother's surprised expression speaks volumes, his eyes widening in shock at my unexpected arrival. But any tension that lingers in the air is quickly dispelled by the warm smile that spreads across my face as I approach him.

"It's all good, brother," I reassure him, my tone gentle and reassuring. "Let me help you." I move to join him at the picnic table, taking in the array of chocolates and the carefully arranged basket before us.

As Jayce's gaze meets mine, I can sense the weight of his uncertainty, the doubt that lingers in his heart as he grapples with the complexities of courting Aurora. And yet, beneath his uncertainty, there's a determination, a fierce desire to show her how much she means to him.

"I hope it helps," he confesses, his voice tinged with vulnerability. "I mean, I don't want Aurora to think I don't care for her. I want her to know that she's special, and I'm only hers." His words resonate with sincerity, a heartfelt confession of his deepest desires.

With a soft smile, I reach out to place a reassuring hand on his shoulder, offering a silent gesture of support and understanding. "You're doing great, brother," I assure him, my voice filled with encouragement. "And I'm sure Aurora will appreciate the effort you've put into this."

But as he continues to stuff the fluffy stuffing into the basket, a shadow of doubt crosses his features, his uncertainty laid bare for all to see. "I'm not sure how to date a female anymore," he admits, his eyes searching mine for reassurance. And in that moment, I realize the depth of his vulnerability, the fear of rejection that lingers just beneath the surface.

With a gentle squeeze of his shoulder, I meet his gaze with unwavering confidence. "You'll figure it out, Jayce," I assure him, my voice filled with conviction. "Just be yourself, and let your heart guide you. That's all anyone can ask for."

And as we continue to prepare the surprise for Aurora, I can't help but feel a swell of pride for my brother, his determination to show her how much she means to him a testament to the depth of his love. For in this moment of uncertainty and vulnerability, I know that he'll find his way, guided by the unshakeable bond that binds us together as family.

"Okay, not a problem; that's an easy one, and I'll do what I can to help. You know how you like being held and snuggled?" He nods emphatically. "Well, Aurora loves touch, especially her neck. It's super sensitive, and she'll soak her jeans if you kiss her just right. If you're looking to build up to sex but not have it, then offer to give her a massage, but don't touch her neck." I can tell he's taking mental notes, and his eyes are pulsing between human and wolf. "Maybe go hunt with her. She loves a good hunt, and it would be a good base layer for you two."

He raises his right eyebrow and tilts his head to the left. "Seriously, Dom! You know I'm not a great hunter. I don't want to look like a complete ass in front of her. You know it would be my luck Sebastian shows up and makes me look like a worthless pup." He already looks defeated, and he hasn't even tried yet.

"I'll get Dimitri to keep Sebastian busy so you can have some quality time with our girl. I promise it will be okay." I walk over and give my brother a heartfelt hug and kiss to his temple. "Your present looks fantastic, now let's go find our queen so you can give it to her. I'll be right there with you, I promise." He smiles and nods, then starts to head towards Aurora's favorite tree on the property.

There she is, our future queen, hanging upside down from the lowest limb on the tree, just swinging back and forth. Her hair is so long the tips are touching the grass blades. "Keep that up, love, and your beautiful white hair will be stained green." Her eyes pop open, and she smiles at Jayce and me.

Curiosity is getting the better of her, so she drops down out of the tree. "Whatcha got there, cutie?" Slowly she moves towards us, like the apex predator she is—her steps, silent and deadly as she approaches Jayce and kisses the corner of his mouth.

Gently she snuggles into him, trying not to spook my poor brother. Jayce bands a single arm around her waist and touches his nose under her chin in submission. "I brought you a present, love. I hope you like it." He carefully backs up and offers her the present. Up to this point, I believe my brother is the first of us to get her one. Aurora's eyes light up, and she bounces up and down before dragging Jayce over to a picnic table. Ever so gently, she sets the package down, afraid to break its contents. I've never watched her do anything so carefully in my time with her. Nico and Andre are on the hill to our left, watching with rapt attention.

Slowly the bow is untied, and the ribbon is laid out flat on the table. The first layer of the iridescent paper is gently pulled away and folded neatly. It's placed reverently next to the ribbon. Watching her closely, I see tears forming in Aurora's eyes; this single action has touched her heart so deeply. The following layers are peeled away in the same careful manner and placed on top of the first. Now she's down to the fluffy stuffing. Aurora looks completely baffled as to how to remove it without damaging anything. Her steel-grey eyes plead with Jayce for help, and he swoops in quickly to assist her. "Close your eyes, love."

Aurora obeys Jayce immediately. Everyone gathered is completely shocked, watching her immediate obedience to the omega of the pack. Jayce removes the fluff and sets it down beside the basket. Now all the different chocolates are exposed. "Open your eyes, love."

Aurora can't open her eyes fast enough. Those same eyes open so very wide in shock. It appears he's the first to render her speechless. Her eyes dart between him and the chocolates, then back again. "They're all for me?" Aurora's tone is so innocent you could almost forget the carnage she caused less than a week ago. Jayce gives her a single nod, and she leaps into his arms, burying her face into his neck, sobbing and thanking him repeatedly. Poor Jayce doesn't know what to do. Honestly, he kind of looks frightened. I catch his attention and motion for him to hug her and hold her tight.

Instantly he bands his arms tightly around her middle, holding her. Aurora slowly lifts her head, and it's the happiest I've ever seen her. Her eyes search his face, questioning if he's okay. Jayce smiles like the big idiot he is and kisses her cheek gently. Aurora buries her face between his neck and shoulder again. He turns in my direction and locks eyes with me, mouthing thank you .

I give him a thumbs up and walk off towards Andre and Nico. As I approach, they hand out high fives all around at my arrival. "I thought that would never happen." I breathe a sigh of relief. I was starting to get frightened that he was going to be stuck in a holding pattern forever. Apparently, I wasn't the only one—Andre and Nico nod.

We watch my poor brother fumble through the gift exchange. He's finally hit by a stroke of genius, or should I say a text message. Andre shoots him a text suggesting he feeds Aurora some of the chocolate. He glances our way just briefly, and by the look on his face, my brother thankfully takes the hint. He sits on the tabletop, and Aurora lays her head in his lap as he feeds her piece by piece.

Possible disaster averted by our covert team of matchmakers. Now, if we can get Sebastian to stop being a fucktard, we'd all be in a better place. Speaking of the fucktard, I better have a talk with him so he doesn't piss in Jayce's cheerios.