Page 127 of Wicked Magik

Benedict shook his head. "You won't come across this in his library. This is the kind of talk exchanged among the lower classes. I was born into the lower classes and worked my way up to become the management of this home. I am what they call, a big deal.”

I tried to hide my smile, but failed miserably.

"From a young age, the lower class is educated about their destined, fated mates, the other halves of their souls they are meant to discover. As individuals, we are incomplete until we find this other part. There's an undeniable connection, an irresistible pull. Regardless of who they are, once you make contact, your body will always recognize them, and your heart will be forever imprinted with their essence. The lower class is instilled with this knowledge, so the adults recognize the signs and pass them on to their children. However, the higher classes—"

“They don’t teach it,” I interrupted. “Because of social status, power.”

Benedict nodded. “You are bright, my lady.”

“Aren’t Oryx and Veylor mates then?” My heart was sinking into my stomach. Was I just their plaything then? If they were mates, where did I fit all into this?

Benedict rubbed his chin.

“I believe they are mates, however.” He raised his finger in the air. “Their connection was never truly strong. It was like part of it was missing. I saw the way they looked at each other. They cared for each other deeply, it just took Veylor time to accept the pairing. But now…” Benedict wiggled his eyebrows. “It's like a spark has ignited. He wants you both, he is breaking down emotional walls. Can’t you see?”

I backed away. “To be honest, no.”

Benedict tapped his chin. “Of course not, you weren’t there. Being human, all of you not knowing about the fated mates, you wouldn’t. You have to trust me, my lady. The three of you, I can see it. I’ve seen Veylor happy with Oryx but the light in his eyes when he looks at the both of you is brighter.”

I rubbed my forehead and leaned up against the shelving. “How does it work when Veylor’s soul has been destroyed to make himself a lich? How can he have a connection with Oryx or me? According to fated mates, it has to do with souls, according to,…” I cringed, “fiction literature I’ve read. You need a soul for this to work?”

Benedict rubbed his chin. “This has troubled me. My hypothesis is that a portion of his soul is still in his heart. Which means even just a tiny part of his soul is powerful enough to hold on to that bond. I am no magik welder or even an expert, but soul bonding, fated mates is powerful. The nameless gods would want to make those who deserve their souls to be completed…be in fact completed.”

I tilted my head. “His heart?”

Benedict hummed. “The question is, where is his heart? It must be close for him to feel both Oryx and you.”

My back straightened. The nights where I have laid on Oryx’s chest and heard the strange beating of his heart…

Just as I was about to reveal my theory to Benedict, a high-pitched yowl cut through the air. Something orange and furry plummeted from above, crashing onto my shoulders. The impact knocked me flat on my back, and George let out a pained mewl against my collarbone.

“George?” I pick him up to check for injuries but he just continues to meow incessantly like he’s sick. It's a terrible whine that makes chills run up my skin in disgust.

Benedict stared down at the cat. “How did that feline get in here? I hope I didn’t lock him in here last night by accident.”

The cat hissed then whines again and curls up under my neck. I stand and the door to the pantry bursts open, Veylor is panting and Oryx’s menacing body is towering over him. The shadow makes the pantry even darker and for some reason it has me smiling, not Benedict however.

He might have peed his pants again.

“What is going on here?” Veylor shouts, and George yowls again.

I stepped forward and petted George. “George fell on me when Benedict was showing me where he kept some snacks for the kitty.” I looked back at Benedict who was nodding excessively.

Veylor stared at Benedict and reached his hand out to pet George. George allowed it and a purr escaped him. “Let’s check out this animal then. I heard he followed you from the other realm. He must have an emotional attachment to you to follow you all the way here.”

Oryx growled, and George’s hair stiffened. “Don’t like it. Vesper is my pet.”

I snorted and shook my head. “That’s right. I’m your pet. George is just a friend.”

Oryx huffed in annoyance and Veylor led us out of the pantry with another leery look at Benedict.

“This creature is strange.” Oryx poked at George as Veylor took his time to examine him.

George didn’t mind Oryx anymore. I’m not sure if it is because over the past day he has watched Oryx and he didn’t seem to care about his appearance or it was because I showed no signs of being afraid.

Oryx wasn’t bloodthirsty anymore, he was sex thirsty.

“Its body moves strangely. He is like a liquid, and yet he is solid.”