Page 18

CHAPTER 18

ZAIDE

“ H ow are you, Little Cat?” I asked softly, running my hands over her silken hair.

We’d woken up from a slumber only moments ago but had yet to move. Her hand remained over my heart and her head tucked under my neck, our legs entangled and both of us enjoying the peace of the moment.

The sun was setting outside. The last of the light peered through the gap in the curtains, and from beyond Charlie’s bedroom, the murmur of voices informed me that Savida and Daithi had finally left their room.

Clawdia sighed deeply. “There’s a lot on my mind.”

“Your visions?” I asked.

“Should be my first concern, but our soul mate and his distaste for all this, for me and our future, has made me scared.” Her hand turned to a fist, and she swallowed audibly. “Even though I thought I was getting stronger, that I was learning more about myself, becoming more resilient and facing my fears instead of running … I feel like I’m reverting into that scared girl … especially when I see him .”

Her fear resonated with me. “I, too, have days when I feel the darkness closing in, that my old scared self is closer to the surface, but it’s just a moment. It passes. I give myself the freedom to be that slave, to feel the fear and worry, and then I thank that old version for visiting and remember I am different.”

“You are incredible, Zaide.” She cuddled closer, and I pressed kisses to her forehead.

I smiled, tipping her chin up so she could see my face. “And you are half my soul. If I’m incredible, so are you.” A blush colored her cheeks, and I stroked my fingers over it to cup her jaw. “The female that demanded to come with us to face her vision, who ran first out of the room unknowing if she would charge into Fafnir … that is not a female reverting to fearfulness. You are just as fierce as you’ve always been. I’m proud of you. You were strong.”

Her eyes glistened with tears. “I love you so much, Zaide.”

I lowered my face to hers and brushed a kiss to her soft lips before whispering, “I love you too, Little Cat. Always.”

“I didn’t get to tell you this morning… Congratulations on your bond with Baelen.” Her blush deepened, and I smiled. “How do you feel?”

I sighed happily, feeling the warmth of the bond. There was only one word to describe it. “Complete. I look forward to the days we can be without all the running and hiding and learn to live together as mates.”

“Me too,” she whispered.

“He will get past this,” I assured her. “He’s simply feeling … lost and powerless. It’s not his usual state of being.”

“No. It’s not.”

“I will talk to him.”

“No, Zaide. This is between Baelen and me. Don’t mediate us, because it will only strain his relationship with you.”

I frowned. “I don’t like you in pain. Either of you. If I can help ease that…”

“We will resolve our own issues. I promise.” She patted my chest, her eyes bright with love.

But my stomach growled, ruining the moment. The noise was so loud that Clawdia startled, and before either of us could speak, her stomach made a similar growl.

Her mouth dropped open in horror, and she pressed her hands against it as though to smother the noise. Laughter bubbled out of me until I was holding my own stomach in pain, howling, with tears in my eyes. Clawdia’s giggles turned to snorts, which only set me off laughing again, and it was … perfect.

A moment in time which had no real meaning, no impact on the realms or our future, but brought me immense happiness and peace.

I look forward to many more of those moments.

Rolling out of bed, I pulled Clawdia with me, kissing her forehead. “I think we should eat. Our stomachs shouldn’t complain to each other.”

Savida and Daithi were cuddled on the sofa in the living area when we came down the stairs. They’d turned on the television, and Savida listened intently to the small woman on the screen as she spoke seriously about the rising number of disappearances.

“The number of disappearances reported has increased again today, and like before, it seems to affect people across the globe. After weeks when disappearances had dropped to zero, governments are looking into the causes, speculating about spontaneous deaths or the coordinated efforts of criminal groups. Regardless of what is causing these disappearances, governments are working together to ensure this number doesn’t continue to rise to the number it did previously. Valerie Allsopp reported her husband missing yesterday and had this to say.”

“You are taking advantage of your free day, I see,” I called in greeting to my friends, interrupting the continuing news story.

Clawdia smiled at them as they turned to greet us, but from the corner of my eye, I saw the tightness in her smile as her gaze flicked to the screen. With humans going missing again now that the protector had died, Clawdia felt responsible since her vision didn’t save Sigurd.

I rubbed her back as we approached them, and Daithi returned to hiding his face in Savida’s neck. Savida curled his wing more tightly around his mate.

“Are we needed?” Savida asked, smiling brightly.

“You are not,” I replied as I sat on the sofa. Clawdia kissed my cheek, leaving me to speak with my friends while she headed to the kitchen to prepare something for us to eat.

It had been a long time since we’d spent time together, just the three of us, and it was hard to remember a time before my soul and power had been returned with Clawdia’s bond. But now I had the additional family of a soul mate and, as Charlie put it, a boyfriend-in law, and I no longer clung to my saviors.

Savida smiled cheerfully. “If we aren’t needed, then we will lounge for as long as possible.”

“Wise of you.” I eyed the green-haired faei who had his legs sprawled over his lover and his hand clutched in Savida’s T-shirt while covered in the black leathery wing and hiding his face away from me. It was a manner quite unlike him, but since Savida didn’t seem concerned, I raised a brow and teased, “Daithi seems to think he can attach himself to you, should he press close enough.”

Savida chuckled and stroked Daithi’s arm. “He’s very amorous today. Perhaps he is in heat.”

Daithi didn’t bother to look at me as I chuckled. “Ah, the famous faei heat. It’s quite plausible.”

“You are here bothering us because you miss us so terribly?” Daithi muttered, opening one green eye and glaring in my direction.

I didn’t miss the longing stares I cast at my friends as they were affectionate in our home or as we traveled. I didn’t miss the feeling that I owed them something to save me from slavery. I was a different male now.

A male who didn’t cower from his own shadow, and I was glad for it. I did, however, miss the camaraderie we had, our jokes and discussions. We would plan our next trip and get excited about the beings we would meet, the places we would explore, the possibility of finding my family or freeing more titans.

I shrugged. “We are in Charlie’s home, sharing the space. Sometimes I will bother you.”

“If you are just going to use your eyes so uselessly and stare at us, leave.” He closed his eyes again and snuggled deeper into Savida’s nook.

Savida didn’t share his mate’s opinion, because he smiled brightly at me and said, “We heard you laughing. I don’t think I’ve ever heard you laugh so … boisterously. It brings me joy to hear it. What tickled you?”

My lips curved at the memory.

“Clawdia’s stomach sounded like a creature hiding in the depths of the Silverveil Mountains.” Savida chuckled with me, his movement shaking Daithi’s head, but still, the faei didn’t move from his mate’s side.

He is only this touchy when he’s had a vision … but if Savida is not speaking on it, it must not apply to us.

I tilted my head as I considered my friends. “You aren’t making plans to go home? The portals are open.”

“You want us to go?” Savida asked, surprised.

“I don’t want you to leave, but you are in danger here. Won’t you feel better away from this, where you can be safe?”

I watched Daithi for signs he was listening. He should have been elated to hear that I was giving him permission to leave, but he didn’t move.

“You don’t need us?” Savida frowned, and a flash of hurt crossed my friend’s face.

“We started this journey to find my soul pair. I have you both to thank for that, regardless of your intentions behind it. We’ve succeeded, and you’ve been stuck here throughout all the chaos, but you can leave now. I won’t hold that against you. You’ve both been through enough because of me, and I want you safe. I look forward to the day we can join you for a meal back in álfheimr.”

Savida blinked, his face scrunched as he looked at the green hair wrapped in his arms and wing. “Are you certain?”

“I would not say otherwise.”

“You don’t hold our actions against us,” he repeated.

I shook my head. “I understand your desire to protect each other. If I could remove Clawdia and the others from this danger, then I would, but they are tied to the success or failure of this realm’s mission.”

“We aren’t leaving,” Daithi stated firmly, meeting my eyes and then Savida’s with the same intense fury.

Both Savida and I frowned at his tone and decision. “Why not?” Savida asked.

He hesitated, his fingers twitched when finally he began, “Because?—”

“Dinner’s ready,” Clawdia called from the kitchen. “Can someone get Charlie?”

I opened my mouth to ask why she couldn’t just contact him through their bond, but as she said it, Charlie opened the front door. “No need. I’m here. I must have sensed there was food.” He walked straight past us and headed into the kitchen. I heard the smack of his lips on hers. “What did you make?”

“Beans on toast.”

“Did you add cheese?”

She shook her head as she picked up plates of toast and lay them out on the table. “You don’t have any.”

“Weird. Who’s eaten all the cheese? It won’t be as good without cheese, but I’m starving.”

Savida untangled himself from Daithi and headed to them, a chagrined expression on his face. “I’ll assist you, Clawdia. If cheese is the delicious yellow block, then I’m afraid I ate it, Charlie.”

I followed him in, and Clawdia handed me cutlery, and I began laying those out on the table, too.

“On its own?” Charlie asked, horrified.

“I should have eaten it with something else?” Savida asked innocently.

“You could have at least added a cracker or some bread and pretended not to be a savage,” Charlie scoffed and pointed at the bowl of steaming beans in the middle of the table. “Now my beans are going to be shit.”

“I apologize. I was not aware I should have it with additional food. It was so delicious on its own that I just assumed all humans ate it all at once.”

Clawdia patted his arm. “It’s fine, Savida. You know Charlie is more dramatic when he’s hungry. If you like cheese, you’re in good company in this country.”

Charlie pointed as he pulled out his chair. “Don’t tell him about the cheese festivals. Or the cheese rolling in Gloucestershire.”

Of course, that only made Savida ask about them, so Clawdia did her best to explain as Daithi joined us at the table and we all began assembling our meal.

Charlie paused. “Should I get Baelen?”

“He’s returned?” I asked, surprised Baelen didn’t tell me or check in once he arrived.

“He’s working with Arabella and Lydia on the artifact portal detector thing.”

I contacted him through our bond.

“Baelen, we are sitting down for dinner together, if you want to join us. I’m interested to hear about your day.”

“I’ll be there when I can, Sunset. We are just finishing.”

“He’ll be by soon enough,” I said, and everyone returned to eating. “How did your conversation with our captive go?”

“Captive?” Savida asked, and Clawdia explained to him and Daithi about her vision, the rescue, and Elizabeth’s cousin, who was now our captive.

Then Charlie added, “We learned a lot. Baelen bought me an axe, which I used to break her vow with Fafnir, and she really got talking. She’s going to help with the dark magic counter. Also—” He grimaced as he looked at Clawdia. “—we forgot to mention to Elizabeth that Mary died.”

Clawdia gasped. “Oh no. Is she upset?”

“She’s definitely going to bring it up with us.”

“Great.” She swallowed thickly, and I patted her leg in comfort.

Beans on toast were not very tasty, but Clawdia had made enough for me to have enough helpings that it was filling.

“I’m so tired and full I could fall asleep right here.” She yawned and stretched before leaning her head on my arm.

Charlie laughed. “You are such a granny.”

She glared. “I am not, and I don’t appreciate your cheek.”

“You love my cheeks. You squeeze them when you scream.”

Her mouth dropped open, and her face turned red. “Charlie!”

I couldn’t help but laugh as she buried her face in my arm. I stroked her hair and said, “Go to bed, Little Cat, before you burst into flames.”

“I should wash up,” she mumbled.

“I’ll do it,” I told her and kissed her head. “Rest.”

She looked up at me, love shining in her violet eyes and humming through our bond. “You’re perfect.”

She stood and then lowered her face to kiss me sweetly before going around the table to stand by Charlie.

“Oh, and what do you want with me when you have Mr. Perfect over there?” he asked playfully, pouting and crossing his arms while turning away.

Clawdia smiled and turned his head with a hand through his hair and a touch to his jaw. His hand came up to palm her backside as he pulled her closer. “You’re perfect too, Charlie,” she whispered. She kissed him just as sweetly. “I love you very much.”

“You can’t bullshit a bullshiter, Clawdicat. I’m not perfect. But I love you, too.”

“Perfect for me.” She kissed him again. “Goodnight.”

“I’m glad to see you both sharing so well.” Savida chuckled. “Sharing is an important life skill.”

“Thanks for the words of wisdom, Dad,” Charlie remarked with an exasperated look at me as he began stacking plates.

“I’m also tired. Are you coming to bed, beloved?” Savida asked Daithi as he rubbed his shoulders.

“You’ve had such a hard day…” Charlie muttered, and I smothered a laugh.

“I will assist Charlie and Zaide before I join you.”

That made me freeze, and I looked wide-eyed at my faei friend. Never in my years with them had he offered to help with domestic duties. Charlie seemed to grasp the significance and gave me a subtle pat on the back, which brought me back to life.

Savida’s eyes widened, but he nodded, said goodnight, and headed to the stairs.

“You’ve consummated your bond with Baelen.” Daithi began, and my stomach sank. Did he have a vision about Baelen? “Congratulations.”

“Thank you.” I nodded but continued to watch the usually emotionless faei fidget.

Charlie raised his brow at the faei and prompted, “You look like you want to say something.”

“You both seem content with your situation, but Zaide, you share Baelen with Clawdia, and you share Clawdia with Charlie. I…”

“You’re trying to wrap your head around our dynamic?” I asked, confused about why this would interest him but relieved the conversation wasn’t about a vision.

“You haven’t been jealous that you have to share Clawdia with two other males? You are happy with your arrangement?” Daithi asked Charlie.

Charlie shrugged. “Takes a bit of getting used to because she can’t be everywhere all at once and sometimes I see her with the others and want her in my arms, but that’s more of an envious way, not angry jealousy. It works for us.”

“You do not feel lesser because you are not her mate or soul pair?”

“Jesus, you aren’t pulling any punches.” He ran a hand through his hair and admitted, “I used to be more uneasy. We couldn’t ever lose our bond without our death, but I suppose I felt like I was accidental rather than intended to be with her. But she never made me feel that way. It was only the voices in my head being dicks.” He waved a hand and shook his head. “That’s all in the past now. I am her mate. Dralie recognizes her as such, and we are all equals in the bond.”

Daithi considered that and then asked, “Being equals doesn’t make you upset?”

“Why would it?”

“I couldn’t share Savida.”

A strangled chuckle escaped me as Charlie grinned and replied, “Doesn’t surprise me. Although, you’re mates, so I don’t think you have to worry about that.”

I interrupted, “You covet him. That’s been clear from the beginning in your relationship. You love him, but you also possess him.”

Charlie shrugged. “I’m not going to lie and say that if there was an option to have Clawdia for myself, then I would. But it’s not an option. Even if we couldn’t die, even if it would never hurt the other two, we are family, and we make it work because we love each other.” He side-eyed me. “Although I love the guys in a different way.”

Daithi’s eyes burned brighter for a moment as he nodded. “So, what you’re saying is that if you and Clawdia had never met Zaide and Baelen, you wouldn’t feel guilty for having her to yourself because no one would be hurt.”

Charlie frowned. “That’s not what I said. Clawdia wouldn’t have even turned human for me to be with her unless you guys hadn’t shown up.” He crossed his arms and asked, “Why are you asking about this? It’s not like you to be so interested in other people’s relationships.”

“No particular reason,” Daithi returned easily, then faked a yawn and stood. “I won’t bother you with any more questions. I wish to rejoin my mate in bed. Goodnight.”

Charlie’s eyes widened, and he nodded to the back door. I wiped the suds from my hands before I followed him outside. He sat on a brick wall that separated the concrete paving from the grass of the garden and I joined him.

“Why are we out here?” I asked.

“Because it’s hard to breathe in there with so many people.” He sighed and leaned back to look at the stars, the cool wind blowing his hair around his forehead. “What the hell was that?”

“I’m not certain, but it was strange,” I replied, staring into the darkness and thinking about my friend. “He said he will not leave even though the portals are open.”

“Do you think he’s seen something?”

“He’s never had a problem telling us his visions before.”

The door opened, washing the stone with light, and Baelen stepped out into the garden. “I thought I heard something. What are you both doing out here?”

“Just getting some air. You all done?” Charlie asked.

Baelen nodded as he joined us on the wall. “They’ve worked something out and have enough feathers and stones to start once the app developer finishes.”

“Fast work.”

“They are paying a lot of money, apparently.” Baelen shrugged and then asked, “Where’s Clawdia?”

“In bed. This vision thing is kicking her arse.” We briefly explained what she saw of Fafnir and the witch Sarah, and then Charlie told him that his axe was helpful. Baelen smiled. It meant a lot to him to be of use.

“Have you calmed down now?” I asked.

His face fell, and I regretted it immediately. “Don’t, Zaide.”

I sighed. “I trust you will sort through your emotions, but in the meantime, she suffers not just the weight of this enormous responsibility, but the weight of your anger and disappointment. If I can aid you?—”

“I understand. Please.” He put a hand up to stop me. “I spoke to my mother, fathers, and uncle and have resolved some of the anger I have. I will speak with her, so please, don’t get between us. That is not your role.” He hesitated and then smiled so wide his fangs glinted in the moonlight. “Unless we are in the bedroom.”

“Wow, okay,” Charlie interrupted. “Completely forget I’m here.”

“You make it hard to forget you are here when you breathe like an engine,” Baelen returned.

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Charlie asked, outraged, and I turned my head to hide my smile.

“I will apologize to her in the morning,” Baelen said softly, “I can’t pretend this has not been difficult for me to come to terms with, considering my past, but I’m going to try and trust that this is a good thing.”

“Our girl is a higher power now, Baelen.” Charlie slapped him on the back. “I get the feeling she’s looking out for us. Everything’s going to work out fine.”