Page 69 of A Curse So Cruel

“Recover?” I turn to Thane, because he seems to be the most sensible one. “But I have classes. I’m already behind the others.”

“We’re not lettin’ you out of our sight, mate,” Raith replies. “Not after someone tried to kill you.”

“And speaking of, would you care to tell us what happened?” Galen asks.

Raith stiffens, his hands stilling on my thigh as he stares at me. “Who did this to you, sunshine?”

All three men peer at me seriously, and I hesitate before admitting, “Satine and her minions. There’s not much to tell. I think Satine is worried I’m taking the attention away from her.”

Raith snorts, but none of the men look surprised.

“And she would be right,” Galen says with a sensual smile.

“Don’t worry, sunshine,” Raith adds. “She won’t bother you anymore.”

I don’t miss the way he says it like Satine has already been taken care of.

I shift uncomfortably. “What does that mean?”

Thane simply studies me. The man looks like he wants to yank Raith from the couch and take his place, but he doesn’t. “It means you should take it easy for the next few days. We’ll let the other professors know why you’re away for a little while.”

“And Kenzie?” I ask.

“She has already been informed,” Thane answers. “Rest assured she is doing fine.”

I sag a little. I hadn’t realized how worried I’d been about her until just then.

Galen plays with my hair, and my muscles relax at his touch.

“So, this memory loss,” he prompts, drawing the conversation back to what I’d said earlier. “How far back can you remember?”

I squirm on his lap. “I’m not sure exactly. Around three years?”

The three men share a tense look as the room goes silent.

Raith is the first one to speak. “Hold on, you don’t think…?” he trails off.

“Well, haveyouever heard of a man having more than one fated mate?” Galen drawls.

I look between them. “Why do I feel like I’m missing something?”

In response, Raith lifts his hand, gently gripping my jaw and turning me to face him. There’s a depth of emotion as he stares into my eyes, like he’s searching for something, and I feel guilty though I’m not sure why.

“Can you sense anything?” Galen asks.

“No, but I only ever saw her in dreams,” Raith replies.

“Wait, saw who?” It takes me a moment before it clicks. “Are you talking about your mate? I thought you said you’d severed the connection with her? That it was impossible? Hold on…do you think I’m her?”

Raith stares at me for a moment longer before shaking his head. “No. But Knox is the one we should be askin’.”

My chest deflates, even though I know it’s silly. Of course, I’m not their long-lost mate. They would have recognized me by now if I was her. At most, I’m Lady Fate’s little replacement.

At the mention of Knox, I remember what Thane told me earlier. That Knox has been busy around the academy. I wonder if it’s an excuse, and he’s been keeping his distance to avoid me.

“I should go,” I mutter. “It’s not fair of me to be here if Knox feels uncomfortable.”

“Nonsense,” Galen tells me. “Knox is a big boy, and if he really wanted you out of here, he wouldn’t have allowed you to stay.”