Page 142 of Claim Me

“They’re all dead,” I hear Ayla say. It’s probably been several minutes since I started hugging my sister. But I haven’t been able to stop. “Including Daithi and a few others.”

“Because of her voice?” Kaspian asks softly, his words sending a chill down my spine.

“Yes,” Ayla confirms.

Oh, no… He knows.

Of course he knows,my sister replies.He should know. He’s yourmate, Fallon.

But he’s also the Gold and Garnet King. He… he…

He what?she counters.He’s going to lock me in a basement like our father did? Kill me? What do you think he’s going to do?

I pull back to see the irritation in her expression.Why are you being like this?

Because you’re doing that thing where you put me first instead of yourself.She arches a blonde brow.I can take care of myself, Fallon.

I almost point out that I found her in a freezer and had to free her from the death plane. But her expression changes in the next second.

Thank you for freeing my soul,she says, clearly having experienced the same train of thought.But you need to start putting yourself first. Fate just gave you four fine-ass mates to play with, and you’re doubting them because of your concern for me.

She looks pointedly over my shoulder at the men in question.

I know he’s a House King. But his mating you makes you the House Queen. And if there’s one important lesson to learn from all of today’s events, it’s to never underestimate the power of a female mate.

I turn to follow her gaze and note how all four of my mates are standing together, watching me and Issy with interest.

Not fear or disgust or even a hint of concern.

Just… interest.

Do you…?I swallow.Do you want to meet them?

Do I want to meet the sexy men fate has chosen for my twin?She snorts.Stars, yes, I do.

My lips curl a little.You were just on a ventilator in a freezer. And now you’re…

I’m…?she prompts.

You’re you, I answer simply.Optimistic. Happy.

Alive,she adds.No longer tied down or mated to patriarch assholes.

Assholes?I repeat, frowning at her.As in plural?

She hums, the sound one of confirmation.Four total. And Daithi.She shudders.They needed my cooperation, and I… well, it took a lot of them to make it happen.

I gape at her.They force-mated you tofivemen?

They did.She tilts her head a little.But now they’re all dead, and my soul is free once more.

How can you be so… blasé about this?

She shrugs.If I dwell on the past, I’ll never be free.She looks at me, her silver eyes glittering.We need to focus on the future, Fallon. Embrace the gifts fate has given us. And that includes you embracing your mates.

I have embraced them.

You’ve started to, but I know you, sis. You don’t trust easily. However…She refocuses on my mates.Those men have earned your trust. They’re here, aren’t they? Saving you?