Page 147 of Wicked Magik

I made a disgruntled face. I didn’t particularly like being put on show like that.

“This is to calm your nerves. It’s the same drink you and I have in the kitchen. Already chilled, so we don’t have to drench it in ice.”

I hummed thoughtfully and took a sip. “Don’t you want some?”

Benedict shook his head. “Not when my mate could be downstairs. I don’t want any inhibitions about it. Once she’s mine, I’ll claim her tonight. I’ve got my room prepared.”

I smiled and shook my head. Yeah, Benedict was ready.

“Stitches still good then, I guess?”

Benedict cupped himself. “All thanks to you,” he purred. “All the seams are sealed, I don’t even look like I was sewn from scratch, thanks to you.”

I hummed in acknowledgement as I stepped toward the window. Carriages filled the courtyard and overflowed past the gates. I guess that will happen when you have invited people from far beyond.

We might have to hold more of these balls.

“Is tonight the night then?” Benedict nudged me as we both watched the parade of finely decorated people crowd inside the house.

My fingers traced the soft nape of the red velvet dress Veylor had crafted for me, remembering how he'd presented it during our first real encounter. The fabric whispered beneath my touch as I smoothed it over my hips—a perfect circle from that initial gift to tonight's ceremony.

Benedict stood quietly while I gathered my thoughts.

We waited to do this bonding. Veylor had been strategically working on the complications of him being paired with Oryx and me. Oryx and I don’t even know what would happen tonight, Veylor had kept that part hidden in his mind and made sure that neither of us would go hunting in his mind to find out.

Which was rather rude.

I took in a large breath and let it out slowly. “Yes.” I swallowed. “Tonight is the night.” I placed my glass on the table.

And telling the truth to the people in the room of what we are.

Benedict smiled and nodded. “I am excited for the three of you. And how wonderful to be such a rare breed of fae. I never saw it coming, and it explained everything so perfectly.” Benedict tilted his head. “Do you believe your father is still alive then? After finding out this information?”

I frowned. “Mother said he was dead. She could have said that to protect me. What was I to believe? I never met him, never had a picture of him. And if it’s true that they are mated in triads, would it mean I would have another father, or I mean, my mother would have had another male?”

Benedict shrugged his shoulders. “You are as clueless as I. Sylvaine may have better answers.”

Just as I thought. But Sylvaine was always busy every time I tried to speak with him. Did I find that to be worrisome?

Yes.

But Veylor had his own issues he was worrying about, like researching about his soul for bonding. Oryx needed to be around me constantly and he didn’t like the idea of me being around Sylvaine or any male for that matter.

His jealousy was… outrageous right now.

Veylor attributed all of this to the bond.

Not to mention we were all up for hours into the night fucking each other. Another lengthy unbonded triad side effect.

It was only going to get worse as time went on.

Benedict patted my shoulder and picked up the tray. “I’m sure Sylvaine has his reasons. He’s preparing a document for those who don’t know about bonds, and he is preparing the room we have provided, just in case his mate is here as well. It’s a busy, wonderful time.”

“I hope people aren’t disappointed if their mates aren’t,” I muttered. I followed Benedict out of the bedroom door and into the hallway.

The music drifted up the hallway, strange stringed instruments mingling with familiar harps and flutes, creating a melody that veiled the murmur of the crowd below.

“They will be fine. They know the risks. All you have to do is have fun.”