Page 13

Myles

I ’m restless, Ever’s feelings giving me whiplash as they clash and compound upon my own, not knowing where hers end and mine begin.

I wouldn’t trade this insight into my mate for anything, but I’d appreciate a cheat sheet to reference.

I’m learning real quick that women's faces don’t match what they’re actually feeling.

Or their words. And they have a lot of feelings on simple statements from strangers that I normally wouldn’t even register.

But I’m determined to figure out what makes Ever tick, not feeling guilty in the slightest about having a leg up over the others.

I know I don’t fit the mold of typical mate material, but…

she cemented the bond anyway. She claimed me.

First . And I’m not about to spit in the face of that gift by doing anything other than put her first too; my insecurities are just going to have to shut the fuck up and get with the program.

“It sucks you already bonded the mage,” her new friend says, correcting Ever’s stance and encouraging her to relax. “I’d give anything to play with those abilities even once.”

I frown alongside my mate, her beating me to the punch to ask, “Wait, what do you mean?”

Kiara joins us in our confusion. “What the hell has Bellamy been teaching you?”

Ever mumbles her answer, and her friend shakes her head with an exasperated sigh. I push off from the wall to shamelessly eavesdrop.

“Once you complete your bonds, no other mimic can borrow their powers anymore, just you. They're your mates once you claim them. That's one of the reasons it's such a big deal; whoever bonds us gets a power boost and none of us can step in to easily stop them,” she explains.

I breathe a huge sigh of relief. I’d guessed as much when nobody stole my abilities when we stormed the compound, but it was just as likely there were only two mimics mixed in with the soldiers defending the place.

With me and Ledger immune to our powers being hijacked now, there’s really no concern about getting out of here if they try to prevent us from leaving.

Arson gives me a small heart attack by appearing out of thin air beside me, watching Ever close her eyes and refocus as I murmur, “Did she notice?”

Arson’s lip twitches. “Of course she did, our girl always knows when I’m watching her. But I’m creative.”

“Why don’t you just ask her what size she wears? I’m sure she’d tell you.” I pause, realizing the flaw in that plan. “Okay, yeah, nevermind, that was stupid. Girls are weird about that stuff, not to mention she’s not used to anyone spoiling her.”

“Not sure why she’d be self-conscious about her ring size, but noted. Doesn’t matter anyway, because the game is half the fun.”

Ring? I thought he was stealing her some more clothes. Where the hell is he going to find a ring around here?

Fuck that, why the hell does he get to give her one and make the rest of us look like assholes is the better question.

Tabling that argument for when Ever’s out of earshot, I discreetly bring my abilities to the surface, checking in frequently to see if she’s managed to borrow them again.

That move Arson pulled earlier playing chicken with a bomb has my nerves fried, but at least now there’s someone helping her that isn’t certifiably insane and would step in to help again if necessary.

Still has me on edge. Though to be fair, I don’t think I’ve fully relaxed since Ever was taken. Even after rebuilding the compound’s barrier, I’m too keyed up to let my guard down again.

“We need a plan before we go home.”

Arson cocks his head, confusion written all over his scarred face. “We already have one. While Ever goes through mimic boot camp, we interrogate everyone for information on her parents, then we leave. It takes as long as it takes, don’t rush her.”

Weirdly endearing for a man that was content on blowing up everyone within a one mile radius an hour ago, I think cynically. But then again, it makes a twisted sort of sense.

Ever is the sun he revolves around, and everyone else only matters if they’re in her orbit. Outside of them being in his way, he really couldn’t give a shit.

“Think about it. Here, she and Bellamy can use their powers freely. They can exist without worrying if someone will try to hurt them. Once we’re back home?

They’ll spend every waking moment hiding who they are.

Hoping nobody figures out what they are.

We’ll never be able to let them out of our sight again.

Mercy Ridge is a safe haven for us, but that doesn’t mean it’s one for them. ”

Jaw clenched, he silently glares at the ground.

Blowing out a heavy breath, I continue, “As far as I can see, our choices are either stay here permanently, or Ever and Bell can borrow one of our abilities if they need to pass for mysts, and that stays the one ability that they use publicly from then on so nobody gets suspicious. And obviously, at least one of us sticks with them whenever they leave the house.” As he remains quiet, I squeeze his shoulder in commiseration.

“We can do this. I refuse to let them hide away in fear and make themselves smaller just because it’d be easier. ”

Arson pulls a knife and rolls it between his fingers restlessly, face twisted in agitation.

“Can’t you just upgrade her necklace to make sure bonding potions don’t work on her or something?

Then the force bonding thing is a non-issue.

As for someone trying to kill her…” He catches his knife mid-roll and finally meets my gaze, eyes hard.

“They’ll have to go through me. I won’t make the mistake of leaving her alone again. ”

Slowly, I dip my head in agreement. “You’re right.” Watching Ever huff in frustration, I work out my thoughts aloud. “If every mimic could carry a conduit similar to Ever’s necklace, none of them would have to live in fear.”

If I can work out a way to prevent people from being affected by bonding potions, there’d be no reason for anyone to hide.