Page 45 of A Curse So Cruel (Fated Mates of Shadowbone Academy #1)
Chapter Thirty-One
~ Shade ~
O ver the following days, I stay in the guys’ rooms. They provide me with a steady pile of books, and I spend my time reading and fielding their questions, most of which I can’t answer.
Now that the three of them are onboard with me being their mate, they’re determined to help me get my memories back. After the second day, the pain in my stomach has completely gone, but they’re not in any hurry for me to return to classes.
Not that I mind. They keep me content with a constant stream of books, delicious food, and mind-blowing orgasms. Okay, so sure, none of the guys have actually gone further than the oral stuff with me yet, and I get this weird feeling that they’re waiting for Knox, but it’s still pretty great.
Every night, we sleep in Thane’s room, because apparently his bed is the biggest, and it’s the weirdest sensation waking up to find shadow warriors beside me every day.
It’s the fourth day when I finally convince Galen to magic me up some proper clothes, instead of the large shirts he keeps conjuring for me. He hums, staring at me as his shadows swirl around my body, and when they clear, I peer down at what I’m wearing.
“I said jeans and a t-shirt,” I complain light-heartedly.
I’m wearing a black, silk gown with a tight, corseted bodice that shows a ton of cleavage, and a flowing skirt that reaches my ankles.
There’s a long slit that goes up to my hip, and Galen comes up behind me, sliding his hand into the slit and resting it on my bare thigh.
“Yes, but this gives better access,” he says with a devious smile. “What do you think?”
“I look like I’m ready to attend a ball,” I point out. The man even fixed my hair, which is styled in soft curls that have been pinned into a messy bun.
“Galen likes the elegant look,” Raith says from where he’s relaxing on the bed. “I’m the one who likes the leather.”
I nod once. “And Thane, what does he like?” The professor is busy teaching his physical training class at the moment, and I’m ecstatic that I’m missing it.
“You’re our mate. You could be wearin’ a paper bag, and it wouldn’t matter to him,” Raith says with a hearty laugh. “Same goes for all of us, really.”
I’m tempted to ask what Knox likes, but I hold my tongue.
I haven’t seen the man the entire time I’ve been here, though sometimes I pick up on his scent when I’m in the living room.
I’m guessing he must be visiting while I’m asleep, and the fact he’s going to such lengths to avoid me makes my stomach twist.
“Good to know,” I say with a small smile.
Galen brushes my hair away from my neck and presses a kiss to my collarbone. “Eventually, you’ll easily be able to create your own clothes,” he tells me. “When we figure out why you’re having such trouble with the task.”
I’m not so sure about that. “And what happens if we can’t figure it out?” I don’t want to dampen the mood, but I can’t stop myself from voicing the question that’s been weighing on me.
“We will,” Galen replies. “In time.”
“Maybe, but I can’t keep staying here,” I point out. “I’ll go crazy.”
Raith’s lips quirk up. “I don’t mind ’em a little psycho, sunshine.”
“You know what I mean,” I say. “What’s the end plan here? You’re going to help me figure out my past, and then what? We all know what the prophecy says.”
Galen had explained to the others days ago about how he’d told me their prophecy, and the warning about bonding with their mate.
I suspect it’s another reason why they haven’t slept with me.
Because a part of them is worried that I’m the mate that might destroy them.
To bond we’d all need to have sex at the same time, and we would all have to be touching, but I’m guessing, they haven’t even been willing to risk it one-on-one.
“Are we sure the memory stone can’t help speed this up?” I press.
We’d discussed this option earlier, and Galen’s expression is just as grave as it was when he first answered my questions about this. “The stone was created to remove memories from individuals. Not the other way around.”
I groan in frustration.
“We’ll figure this out,” Raith says like it’s a simple matter.
“But we’re not letting you go,” Galen whispers in my ear, and his hot breath against my skin makes me tremble. His grip on my thigh tightens possessively, and I’m about to turn and steal a kiss when the door swings open.
Thane fills the doorway, and his face is as serious as ever. Behind him, I can just make out Knox standing in the living room, and my heart skitters.
Raith immediately sits up on the mattress.
“What’s happened?” Galen asks, whipping his head toward the professor.
“It’s Queen Krosia,” Thane growls, and he turns, striding into the living room and leaving us to hurry after him.
Knox’s eyes darken when he sees me.
“You tell them,” Thane says, gesturing his head to Knox.
“It’s somethin’ fuckin’ bad, isn’t it?” Raith murmurs, coming to stand next to me.
Galen moves to my other side, wrapping his arm around my waist.
Knox watches them, and his lips thin. “You’d better hope you can keep your little pet hidden,” he snarls, staring at me with disgust.
No one corrects him that I’m their mate, and it stings even though I tell myself I should have expected it.
Galen and Raith tense.
“Why?” Galen asks as he strokes my hip with his thumb reassuringly, like he can sense my change in mood.
Knox lifts his chin, his dark eyes staying fixed on me, even though he responds to Galen. “Because the queen is here.”
“What the fuck?” Raith takes a step forward. “What do you mean she’s fuckin’ here?”
“She’s sitting in the smaller dining hall,” Thane growls. “As are the other originals.”
Surprise fills Galen’s features. “They’re all here?”
Thane nods. “And they’re waiting for us. The queen has called an emergency meeting.”
“Why here?” Galen asks.
“It doesn’t matter,” Knox answers. “We’re to attend, and I suggest you don’t mention that you believe you’ve found your…mate.” When he says the word ‘mate’ there’s a strange flicker of emotion in his eyes. “Or you know what will happen.”
Raith cracks his neck and shakes his limbs. “We’re not fuckin’ stupid.”
A cruel smile touches Knox’s lips. “Could have fooled me.”
“Enough,” Thane says, giving Knox a look. “That isn’t helping.” His eyes soften when he turns his gaze to me. “We have to go.” He indicates to the stack of books on the coffee table. “Busy yourself while we’re gone, and we’ll be back soon.”
“But,” I splutter, “what do you mean there’s an emergency meeting?” I’m desperate for answers, but one look at Thane’s face, and I know I’m not going to get any.
Galen squeezes my hip. “Do as he says. We’ll discuss everything when we return.”
I want to keep protesting, but going by their expressions, I’m guessing this is serious. “Okay, but you’d better be back soon.”
“Good girl,” Thane rumbles. “We’ll lock the door.”