After his father’s visit, he felt drained, every spark of joy sucked away. His father had a way of doing that to him.
He slid off the bed and walked to the door to see who was in his space.
Sirhe?
What was he doing here?
His brother moved around the cooking station, preparing food for him. That was strange. Sirhe didn’t leave his centre unless it was something serious.
Jamue deflated as it suddenly hit him. His father must have sent him to come and talk to him.
Shit.
“You’re finally awake,” he said, moving around the counter. He pulled out a chair for him. "Come eat."
Jamue sighed.
It was too early for you-have-to-bond-with-the-wealthy-alpha talk. He wasn’t even awake yet. He walked to the chair and sat down. His brother placed a plate of food in front of him.
Jamue stared at the mashed leafy greens, rare meat with a pool of red juice beneath it.
His stomach roiled all over again.
“I’m not hungry,” he pushed the food away.
“Are you okay? Your alpha told me what happened yesterday.”
“Mac connected with you?”
“Yes. He was worried about you.” Sirhe’s eyes roamed his face. They drifted lower to his neck, and then he looked away.
His father had done the same thing yesterday. Jamue wondered if he had something on his neck. He brushed his fingers there. But there was nothing.
“How are you feeling?”
“I’m fine. I thought father sent you.”
“He did,” Sirhe said with a grimace. “He wants you home for the bonding ceremony. He told me…no he commanded me to bring you home by all means necessary.”
Jamue straightened. “Are you going to do it?”
Sirhe pushed his plate away and sighed. “Why don’t you just bond with him? Father won’t stop until you do. He’s a good match. His family is wealthy, you’ll have an amazing life. Father chose well for you. He’s not going to let go of the match. Just…just give in. You’ll get used to him in time.”
“I’ll get used to him. Is that what you want for me?” he asked, tears prickling his eyes. He wiped them away and got to his feet. “Do you want to know why I got sick?”
Sirhe frowned. “Mac said father upset you. Is there more?”
“Yes.” Jamue bit his bottom lip. He’d never told anyone this. But maybe it was time he did. His brother was a doctor. He could help him. “I can’t stand the thought of being with an alpha. I can’t stand it so much that I get physically sick. What do you call that, doctor?”
Sirhe stared at him. As always, his eyes drifted to his neck. “Jamue, listen…”
“No. Tell me. I need to know what’s wrong with me. I can’t…I can’t bring myself to share my heat with anyone, but I want to. I really do, but the thought of an alpha touching me…” Jamue wrapped his arms around his stomach.
“Oh brother, I’m sorry,” Sirhe said.
He pulled him into his arms and held on tight. Jamue tried not to cry, but he couldn’t help himself. He’d been holding on to this for a long time. Now that he was back, it was all coming back. “I’m sorry, Jamue. I’m really sorry.”
“For what?” Jamue pulled back and stared at him. Sirhe touched his cheek softly.