Page 48 of Reclaiming Quinn

Chapter Thirteen

“I HEARDhim!” Quinn rushed from the bedroom, crying out to everyone. “I know I did.”

The door to the other bedroom opened, and Gareth rushed out, Sean hot on his heels.

“What’s going on?”

“I heard Deke, I know I did. I was thinking of him, wishing he could come home, and he said my name.” He let his gaze drift around the room as Lyram appeared, frowning. “I know you don’t believe me, but—”

Lyram put his hands on Quinn’s shoulders. “Hold on. Who said we don’t believe you? If you tell us you heard Deke’s voice, then we know you did.”

Another door opened, and Rupert stepped out of it. His eyes were bloodshot and his skin pale. Quinn wanted to comfort him, but right now he needed to talk.

“Everyone take a seat,” Gareth ordered. “Rupert, can you make some more coffee?”

“Right away, Alpha.”

Everyone sat, and Quinn pinned Sean with a stare. “You have to tell me how this works. I need to reach him again.”

“It’s not like that, Quinn. It’s not something that you can work at. As far as I know, it’s a part of our mate bond.”

“But Deke and I never….” His cheeks heated. “I mean, we….”

“Never made love,” Gareth supplied.

“Yeah.”

Sean cocked his head and gave Quinn an understanding look. “This tells me the two of you have the makings for an incredible connection. From what I’ve gleaned, the ability to talk to each other psychically comes from our closeness. I wasn’t able to hear Gareth’s thoughts until after our first time.”

Ugh! Not understanding was so frustrating. “So you’re saying I can’t contact Deke?”

“No, that’s not what I meant at all. You and Deke have something special, and since you’re hearing him, you need to explore that connection. What were you doing when you heard him?”

“Thinking about him.”

“That’s all?”

Quinn’s cheeks warmed. “Yeah, why?”

Sean scratched his chin. “I’m just… wow. I mean, it’s natural and everything, but with all the stuff Mother showed me from a time long ago, I never saw unmated couples talk to one another. Are yousureyou never…?”

Quinn couldn’t believe Sean was being so open in front of everyone. “Isn’t this something we should talk about in private?”

“Oh.” Sean’s eyes widened. “I forgot how repressed we were. Sexuality isn’t something that wolves are ashamed of. We’re always very affectionate with each other, and touch is important to us.” He winked. “Well, except Gareth, but he’s kind of weird that way.”

“Hey! Standing right here.”

“Yes, dear. I know.” Sean turned his attention back to Quinn. “Sex is natural and shouldn’t ever be something to be ashamed of.”

To Quinn, sex was something to never be talked about, because what happened to him wasn’t sex. It was rape, and he knew the difference. He remembered the kiss he shared with Deke, the one that had started this whole mess.

“We kissed. It was… intense.”

“May I say something?” Rupert asked, bringing coffee to the table.

“Of course. Speak your mind.”

“Hearing all of you talk about what happened with Quinn, I have to wonder if maybe that spark was ignited because, for the first time in his life, someone cared for him beyond brotherly love. Deke gave Quinn his first taste of the love of a mate.”