Page 134 of Spark of Sorcery

The doctor blinks as if just realizing who she’s talking to.

“It’s just one theory,” she mumbles.

“And how is that different from bond brothers?”

“Gosh, I don’t know. A romantic would say because there’s love involved. A cynic because there’s a sexual attraction. Either way, I believe the connection between fated mates is even stronger than it is between bonded brothers – or sisters.”

“But I don’t have magic,” I say, “so how could this apply to me?”

“To you?” She shakes her head. “I don’t believe it’s possible for a commoner – someone without magic – to have a fated mate.”

I fall silent, considering the implication of her words.

“Was there anything else?”

“No, no, that was all. Thank you.”

“Good, then try and rest. I’m hoping we’ll have you out of here tomorrow.”

She leaves and a few minutes later, there’s a knock on the door.

“Come in,” I murmur still lost in my thoughts.

The professor enters followed by Beaufort.

“Is Thorne back yet?” I ask.

“No,” Beaufort says, “not yet.” I nod my head. “The doctor says you’re making good progress towards healing.”

“Yeah,” I say, wringing the blanket between my hands.

“What’s wrong?” Fox asks. “If you’re worried about things between all of us, we’ve talked it out.”

I swing my gaze from Fox to Beaufort. “Talked what out exactly?” And is it my imagination or do both these hulking great men with boundless powers look down right sheepish?

“We are going to work together to protect you,” Fox says.

“If you think I’m going to beyourthrall–”

“You’re my mate,” he says.

“We won’t stand in your way of that,” Beaufort mumbles, not looking particularly happy. Is he suggesting … I swallow.

“Do you ever feel like things are spiraling out of your control?” I whisper. “That nothing makes sense around you and you’re struggling to hold all the pieces together at once – to understand what it can mean?”

Fox meets my gaze. “All the time.”

“Yeah,” I say. “But I feel like the answer is right there staring me in the face … it’s just out of my reach. Only, I can’t quite grasp it, can’t quite bring it into focus.”

Chapter Fifty-One

Dray

I let myself into the Hardies’ tower. No one is home and so I stroll through the first floor. Their tower isn’t as luxurious as ours but the layout is similar. On this floor there is a kitchen and a lounge. I wander into the lounge, laugh at the fucking awful decor, then stride into the kitchen, pull out a chair and take a seat, swinging my booted feet up onto the tabletop. I take my gum from my pocket, unwrap the silver foil and pop it into my mouth.

You see, if Beaufort was serious about me leaving Kratos and the others alone, he wouldn’t have sent me off without a babysitter. He knows exactly where I’d go and exactly what I’d do. Heck, I bet he’s counting on it.

I tap my fingers on the table, chewing on my gum, my toes tapping out a rhythm.