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A man who was the source of that delicious scent.

Eve grinned as she came closer. “You’re missing a third piece. I think I’ve found it.” She gestured to the huge man at her side. “This is Victor Berzoner.”

Jake blinked. “The guard Theron ordered you to fight?”

She nodded. “And apparently that was meant to be. Because otherwise he wouldn’t be here now.” She tilted her head. “I’m right, aren’t I? Heisyour mate.”

Doc’s jaw was the first to drop.

“No. It can’t be.” He lurched to his feet, and Jake was maybe a second behind him.

That scent. It has to be.

Victor gaped at them. “You… you are my mates?”

Doc smiled. “It seems so.”

Jake walked toward him, his hand outstretched. “I am so very happy to meet you.”

Victor ignored his hand and pulled Jake into a bone-crushing hug. “Mate.” Then he stilled. “But what are you?”

“A tiger,” Jake told him, and Victor’s face lit up.

“Always I have been a cat person.” He peered at Doc. “And you? Are you also a sleek, fast cat?”

Doc chuckled. “No, I’m a huge, lumbering elephant. And what are you?”

Victor beamed. “I am hippo.” He released Jake, and Doc got the chance to have his ribs crushed too. “I will protect my mates. Do you fight against the Gerans too?”

Doc shook his head. “I’m a doctor. My hands are made to heal, not harm.” He glanced at Jake.You realize what’s the first thing we’ll have to do when we get our home in Nebraska?

Find the biggest bed ever made?

Doc laughed.No—have a pond dug out. Or better still, a small lake. Something perfect for a hippo to wade in.

Victor froze. “How can I hear you in my head?”

“Try it for yourself,” Doc suggested.

Victor gave him an incredulous stare.This is magic?

Jake chuckled.No, it’s simply part of being mates.

One of the mysteries he would never understand but would be forever grateful for.

He gestured to the chairs. “Please, join us. We have a lot to discuss.”

Jake listened as Victor related what had happened since his encounter with Eve at Thurland Castle. Richard Deveraux had taken care of him, and once Victor was well enough to travel, he’d made arrangements to send Victor to Aelryn.

Something clicked into place. “The little girl who came with Aelryn? She’s your sister?”

Victor nodded. Apparently, he’d had no idea Irena had been located, and the poor man couldn’t stop his tears.

Thankfully, they were happy tears.

Jake had to admit they were a strange match, but he wasn’t about to argue with whoever had decided they were a good fit.

What do I know?