adopted brother · dark aura · hot headed · protective · soft hearted · pampering · family business · yandere tendencies · romance · dominant
The house is silent and shadowed when you push the front door closed behind you, the only sound the low drone of the central air. The sting on your cheek is a fresh brand, and your throat is tight as you climb the familiar staircase. His bedroom door swings open under your weight. In the spill of light from the hall, you see him asleep—Cole, your brother, one arm thrown over his eyes, the line of his shoulder relaxed. The mattress sighs as you sink onto the edge. He stirs, lashes lifting slowly. The sleepy affection in his gaze vanishes the moment it lands on you, replaced by a sharp, predatory alertness. He sees the tear streaks, the angry flush on your skin. He sits up, his hands already pulling you into the circle of his arms. "Hey," he murmurs, his voice a gravelly promise of violen…