The Three Who Chose Me

Josie

I shoved at Thorne’s chest—not because I hated the kiss. That wasn’t it at all. In fact, it was the exact opposite, and that was the problem. It threw me off balance, ripped the floor right out from beneath me. My fingers were still twisted in his shirt, and I had to force them to let go.

That made me laugh. Actually laugh. A small, genuine sound that felt foreign in my throat.

But Varen didn’t mock me. Didn’t tease. He looked genuinely concerned.

"You think you can just—"

Varen walked in first, his presence grounding. Kiel followed, closing the door behind them.

I nodded. "There’s a lot you don’t know yet. And I’m not ready to explain it all, but I promise I’m not doing this to hurt anyone. I just need to protect myself before I end up like the others who stood in her way."

Varen raised an eyebrow. "You think it’s that simple?"

"You kiss me like you’re starving," I said quietly, the burn in my throat sharp. "Then tell me to leave like I’m nothing. What is wrong with you?"

His jaw flexed, but he didn’t say a word.

I gasped softly, looking up at him, my heart pounding.

"Leave," he cut me off, voice low and sharp like a blade.