Chapter 31

Nikolai

"Between you and me...what is King's endgame with Alyssa?" Mason's question catches me off guard as we pull into King's driveway.

I glance at him, narrowing my eyes. "Why are you asking?"

He stares ahead, avoiding eye contact, his tone uncharacteristically soft. "I can't stop thinking about what she said earlier. I just want her to be...happy."

Seriously, what's been going on with him? He's usually so laid back, but lately, there's almost something almost possessive about the way he talks about Alyssa. I'm starting to entertain the ridiculously insane idea that he wants her again.

"I don't know what his intentions are," I admit, uncertainty creeping into my voice. "But he won't hurt her."

King may be emotionally fucked up, but I have faith that he'll do right by her.

If not, I'll have to step in.

We step into the house to find King on the couch, Zuri nestled comfortably in his massive arms, suckling on her bottle. The sight tugs at something deep in my chest—a mix of envy and