Chapter 70

Mason

Damn it.

Why am I such a coward? From the way Niko was looking at me last night, it was like he was silently urging me to take King's offer, but I just couldn't do it. I don't know why. I'm already helplessly attached to Alyssa; I want her more than my next fucking breath, but the thought of sharing her with my brothers stirs something uneasy in my gut. Maybe it's because, even if I go through with this, she'll never really be mine. King will always be her first, and I'd have to make peace with that.

I follow Alyssa to the room so she can put Zuri down for the night. The ceremony's starting soon, and I volunteered to watch Zuri, which gives me an excuse to avoid the celebration. Too many people, too much damn noise. I'd rather be here in this quiet room, cracking open a book and enjoying the solitude.

Leaning against the doorframe, I watch Alyssa in silence. She's reading Zuri three different bedtime stories—her favorite ones, from what I can tell. Zuri seems to li