Claim | ?

"What are you doing here?" I asked Solomon with my arms crossed over my chest.

Solomon responded with a raised eyebrow. "I came to see Milo like I told you before."

I didn't buy anything he said for a second. In the twenty-one years I'd known Solomon, he always had an ulterior motive. I wanted to believe that my brother simply decided to come visit because he was a kind person, but I knew that in reality, this more than likely had something to do with being alpha.

My eyes drifted to where Simon sat on the couch and I quietly sighed. "You can go, Simon."

The omega didn't need to be told twice. He quickly stood up and darted out of the door, causing Solomon to chuckle to himself.

"What are you actually here for, Solomon?" I asked again.

"I told you—"

"Cut the bullshit."

Solomon's smile dropped slightly and I could see a flash of annoyance on his face, but he quickly covered it up and his eyes shifted toward Milo.

"Believe it or not, Slater, I don't always have a hidden agenda. I told you I was going to visit Milo here once he shifted so that's what I did. I do have to say though, he's not what I expected—especially given that he's your mate."

"What is that supposed to mean?" I raised an eyebrow.

Solomon hummed. "He definitely has a lot of personality. Doesn't really seem like your type."

I couldn't stop the scowl from forming on my face at his comment. "Get out."

"I just got here."

"And you've already overstayed your welcome," I deadpanned. "Get out."

Solomon frowned. "I can't meet my older brother's mate?"

With my hands crossed, I walked toward him and stopped when there was a small gap between us. My voice dropped slightly and I said, "I don't know what your real intentions are, but I do know that I don't want you anywhere near my mate. Do you hear me?"

"You're always so stiff and worrying about the wrong things," Solomon rolled his eyes. "That's what the elders' problem with you is. Unwilling to accept change or consider anyone else's ideas. You think you can do it all and you know it all, Slater."

I scoffed. "The pot to the kettle. Whether you want to admit it or not, you and I are very similar in that regard, Solomon. You're stubborn to a fault and unable to let go of something once you've made up your mind and one day you're going to learn that actions have consequences."

My brother's eyes narrowed slightly. I knew that he didn't like the fact that I compared the two of us, but even if he wanted to, he couldn't argue. Solomon was just as—if not more—stubborn as I was and he knew it.

"Get out," I sighed. "I don't have the energy nor patience to deal with you today."

Solomon opened his mouth to respond, but his words came to a halt when the sound of the remote hitting the floor echoed through the quiet room. Both our eyes shifted to Milo who I realized was now staring at the both of us.

"I know this may be hard for you to believe, but not everything is about you, brother. I told you why I stopped by and it wasn't for you. I came here to visit Milo and believe it or not, we were actually having fun," his head turned to Milo. "Isn't that right?"

Milo doesn't reply, but I knew that Solomon didn't expect him to. My annoyance was quickly turning into anger and the real catalyst wasn't his unplanned visit or his words; it was when his hand reached out past me and he attempted to touch Milo while still holding my gaze.

Before I could process it, my hand shot out and I yanked Solomon up with a glare on my face. My grip on his arm tightened and I let out a low growl.

"Get the hell out," I growled out.

"Really?" He shot me that annoying amused grin I was used to seeing.

"Get out now!" I raised my voice.

Solomon's eyes shot behind me and I saw his grin widen. I glanced behind me and I saw Milo staring at the two of us, specifically me, with wide eyes.

Shit.

My grip on Solomon's hand loosened and I started to reach out toward Milo, but he flinched which caused me to pause. A hand rested against my shoulder and Solomon leaned closer to me until his lips were only a little ways away from my ears.

"I'll go now, Slater, but this is what I mean. You asked me a while back what my problem with you was. Do you remember what my answer was?" The corners of his lips turned upward. "You're weak, Slater."

With that, Solomon left. My eyes fluttered shut and I took a deep breath. As angry as he made me, now wasn't the time to show it. I needed to calm down.

When I opened my eyes, Milo was still sitting on the couch, but his attention was no longer focused on the TV. His eyes were glued to me and his expression...his expression broke my heart.

"Milo," I called out softly and started to move toward him.

Milo eyed me hesitantly, his eyes flickered between the front door and me. He moved further back into the couch and I stopped walking. I wanted to pull him into an embrace, but I could tell that was the furthest thing he wanted so, with a dejected sigh, I took a few steps back.

"I'm sorry for scaring you and I'm sorry you had to see that," I told him quietly.

I walked toward the front door and made sure to lock it before heading back to the bedroom. I closed the door except for a small crack and leaned up against it. I ran my hand through my dark hair and sighed again.

My phone buzzed in my pocket and I took it out and saw a message from Alpha Emerson asking if everything was okay. I stared down at it for a few seconds before tossing the phone onto the bed and headed toward the bathroom. I turned on the sink and used my hands to splash my face. I did so, I thought about both Solomon and Milo.

As much as I hated to admit it, there was little chance that Solomon and I would get along again. After years of fighting, I couldn't see us making up. I could accept that my relationship with my brother may very well be broken beyond relief, but I wouldn't let it be the same with Milo.

I couldn't.

Vote and comment your thoughts!