Lunaria Awakened

THE KINGDOM OF LUNARIA

BOOK ONE

MIRABELLA MOONCREST

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Shout-Out to My Team!

Also By Mirabella Mooncrest

About the Author

Copyright notice

Copyright © 2022 by Mirabella Mooncrest 

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced or used in any manner without the prior written permission of the copyright owner, except for the use of brief quotations in a review. 

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Paperback ISBN 9798839667006

Second Edition E-book and Paperback © January 2023

Editing: Belle Ames Designs

Cover Design/Interior Formatting: CPR Editing and Designs

Publisher: Moonblessed Publishing

Contact at:

mirabella.mooncrest@gmail.com

I would like to dedicate this book to my own sexy man. You put up with so many sleepless nights and allowed me to use you as my sounding board when I got stuck or just needed an opinion that I trust. Thank you for being supportive and pushing me to do my very best, even when I just didn’t want to. You are my best friend, teammate, love, and other half.

You’re my favorite.

Forever and ever, my love.

Character Reference

AMARIS (‘RIS) - MAIN FEMALE CHARACTER

Moon witch

From the Southern Faery Kingdom (The part of our realm that overlaps Arkansas)

ATTICUS (ATTI) - MAIN MALE CHARACTER - AMARIS’ SOULBOND

Dragon shifter

Prince of the Flyburg dragons (The part of our realm that overlaps Texas)

LYKOS (KOS) - MAIN MALE CHARACTER - AMARIS’ SOULBOND

Wolf shifter

Son of the Alpha of the Philos pack (The part of our realm that overlaps Athens, Greece)

ANDRI - MAIN MALE CHARACTER - AMARIS’ SOULBOND

Kitsune Shifter

Son of the leader of The Compound (Kitsune compound in the part of our realm that overlaps Takayama, Japan)

STELLA (STELS)- AMARIS’ BESTIE

Faery Princess

From the Southern Faery Kingdom (The part of our realm that overlaps Arkansas)

Selene - Amaris’ teacher and friend 

Demi-Goddess of the moon 

From the God realm

Note From the Author

This book takes place in a dimension for the supernatural races. It is named Myrtonia. This realm overlays the Earth realm, and the cultures are similar. Some important information about the characters:

Amaris was raised in the part of the realm overlaying Arkansas, and the college is also located here.

Atticus is from the part that overlays Texas.

Lykos is from the packlands that overlay Greece.

Andri is from the compound located over Japan.

The kingdom of Lunaria is deep in the Peruvian Rainforest in a pocket dimension.

I hope this helps all of you!

Words to Know

Feggari Mou: My Moon (Origin: Greek)

Echos: Son (Origin: Greek)

Baka: Idiot (Origin: Japanese)

Utsukushii: Beautiful (Origin: Japanese)

Aishiteru: I love you (Origin: Japanese)

Chapter 1

AMARIS

“Ouch!!”

What the heckballs? I fall backward, frustrated my ass hits the ground. I swear this college gets more crowded every year! I find myself on the ground after bumping into the hardest, and hottest, chest I’ve ever seen. Does this man not know what a shirt is? The sight of his chest is definitely a small consolation to the fact that he just ran into me. His chest is a deep tan, making it look like he just got done lying on the beach.

I slowly look up, dragging my gaze from his chest and find myself studying his chiseled face. This guy is staring at me like the lunatic I know I look like. His dark brown hair and eyes resemble chocolate pools that I’d love to melt into. The smirk that crosses his face before it turns to a full smile is so perfect, I know I have to have gone temporarily blind. Don’t drool, I tell myself as he reaches out his hand to help me up. 

“I’m so sorry Lil’bit, I didn’t see you there!” He shocks me yet again when he speaks, his country accent one of the thickest I’ve heard, and that’s saying a lot since I was raised in a country village.

This moment would’ve been much more charming if he hadn’t just called me “Lil’bit.” I might have to stick my size eight shit-kicker boots up his sexy butt. I begrudgingly take his hand, and the size of it envelopes mine like a rough glove meant to protect me. As soon as our hands connect, I’m overcome by what I can only describe as sticking my hand in a hot oven. Heat flashes through me, tingling along my skin and shooting straight to my stomach. I jump back and snatch my hand away so quickly that I almost fall flat on my butt again. He catches me around the waist and pulls me flush against his chest, only replacing one form of embarrassment with another.

Seriously, what in the realm does this man eat? There’s not an ounce of fat on him. Stepping out of the comfort of his hold, I immediately feel the loss of his warmth in the early autumn evening. Strangers aren’t supposed to make you feel like this. I have got to get away from this tower of muscles before I lose all common sense. 

“Sorry for runnin’ into you, ma’am.” His chocolate gaze locks on mine and I swear I hear a bit of breathlessness behind his words. There is no way he’s not affected by this weirdness, too.  

“No worries, hun, I gotta go.” I bolt away before I would have to evaluate the pull I felt towards this stranger. If I think too much on this...thing, I could end up doing something stupid.

I reach my dorm and launch myself into the bed to get rid of the chill that has unexplainably accompanied me the entire walk across campus. My mind races as I attempt to warm up. What was it about that guy? No one has ever affected me like that before and it unsettles me. I can’t help but think about the way his dark eyes made sparks of lightning bounce around my stomach. Pain and pleasure both warring with my emotions.

My roommate comes in a few minutes later, and her gaze roams over me, taking in my disheveled appearance. She cocks a brow at me and the look on her face clearly says she intends to talk about it later before she rushes out for her date, further damning me to silence and my own thoughts.

She’s been seeing her boyfriend, Dominik Wethersyn, for about two years. I’ve met him a few times, but I’m not one to spend much time with royalty, except for Stella. The only thing I know about him is that he’s the prince of the Atlantean fae witches. He’s a private man and doesn’t talk a bunch. That’s okay with me though, since I don’t really feel the need to be involved with the royals. The only downside is now that they are dating, I’m alone more often than I’m used to. Stella and I share a dorm room that’s pretty spacious now that we are seniors. It has two single beds, two walk-in closets, two desks, a microwave, a mini-fridge, and an oversized bathroom that we share. Usually, I would be frustrated at having to share a room, but I’m lucky in the roomie department. We’ve been friends since we were in diapers, which makes sense since we were raised right next door to each other.

My adoptive family isn’t royal, but our home in the village was close to the castle, so Stella and I spent a lot of time together. They moved to an even smaller country town after I started college. My parents are the kindest people I’ve ever met. They gave me the best childhood they could when they adopted me as an eleven-year-old. It was filled with playing tag, hide and seek, and sleepovers with Stella. She’s always been like the sister I didn’t have.

Stella is the light to my darkness. I love all things black, dark blue, and purple. I joke that my soul must be black, like the combat boots I constantly wear. Stella loves anything pink and glittery. She also loves a good dress. We are pretty much Yin and Yang. She’s even taking more night classes than me now, due to her schedule of princess duties, which makes me see her even that much less.

I’m the one studying to be an astronomer, so you’d think that would give me more night classes, but nope. I’ve always felt inexplicably drawn to the moon and the millions of stars in the sky. They always make my powers stronger and give me a sense of calm that rivals any other type of comfort.  

I settle down on my deep purple galaxy and star-dusted comforter. I know Stella won’t be back for another two to three hours, so I can use this time to decompress from my body’s reaction to that guy earlier. It has my magic ready to explode, and that is the last thing we need, since the last time that happened when I was six. I accidentally blew up the barn where our horses live. The horses were fine, but I’d rather never do that again.

After laying in my bed for what seems like an hour, I grab my bag of toiletries and my black silk pajamas and head to the bathroom. Tonight’s mood calls for a hot bubble bath with eucalyptus oil and some smell-good candles. Once the deep claw-foot tub is filled to the brim, I undress and slide my tense body down into the steaming hot water. Letting out an audible sigh, I close my eyes and allow myself to relax. The warmth of the water eases my stiff muscles and my breathing drifts off as I let myself fall to sleep. The sound of the door slamming shut jolts me awake, to hear Stella rambling on about some guy that was asking about me. She barges into the bathroom without knocking and crosses her arms as she leans against the now open door that’s letting the cold air ruin my relaxing vibes. Instantly irritated that my relative peace is being interrupted, I sigh, “Stels, can this wait until I’m not buck-naked and neck-deep in a nice bath?” 

“Ris, get outta that tub so we can talk about this Atticus fella!” she demands as she shakes her head with a look of dismay on her face.  

Her blonde curls and blue eyes make her look like a short model with her slightly plump figure. I am totally jealous of her ability to always look runway ready. I sigh and start to get out of the tub, knowing she won’t go away until I get out of the tub and tell her every detail. 

I dry off and put on my pajamas. Crossing to my bed, I sit down with a bag of popcorn to start the undoubtedly long conversation I knew was waiting for me. My adorably sweet bestie looks so calm as she waits for me to tell her the story of what happened earlier. 

“Soooooo, what happened with the hot guy asking about you around campus this evening?” Stella questions as she pops a grape into her mouth.  

“I don’t know. Some rando I bumped into in the student union earlier this evening.” I’m not telling her about the weird hot feeling or the way I want to know who he is, too. There is no way I’m opening that can of worms with her. I’ll never hear the end of it. Now, if she wants to tell me more about him, then I will gladly accept those details. I tend to be awkward and don’t handle being anxious very well.  

“His name is Atticus, He's apparently the prince of the Flyburg dragon clan,” Stella answers my unasked question like she always does. 

“I don’t get why some prince is asking around about me, unless I scuffed his expensive boots when I bumped into him.” I swear if I could roll my eyes any further, they’d get stuck.  

“Did something happen between y’all when you bumped into him?” Stella questions, raising her brows expectantly at me as she watches me closely for a reaction. 

“No. Well, maybe…” How on Myrtonia am I going to tell her about my reaction to him? This is absolutely crazy. There’s no way my moment of insanity actually meant anything.

“Spill, ‘Ris. What in the realm happened between y’all?”

Man, I’m going to have to tell her. She’s never gonna let me sleep if I don’t. 

Sighing, I cave, “Well, it was weird. When we touched, it felt like I stuck my hand in an oven. When I pulled back, I almost fell on my butt, so he pulled me super close. He felt so warm and safe. It took me a minute to pull away from him, and then I got out of there as quickly as possible, even though I looked like a complete psycho.” I just won’t tell her about the part where I wanted to immediately turn around and cocoon myself in his warm, strong arms. 

“You do know what this means, right?!” Stella bounces excitedly in her seat, her eyes bright with whatever she’s thinking. The very sight makes me nervous. I’m concerned I already know where this is heading. Everyone knows what it could mean to have such a visceral reaction the first time you touch someone. In our world, they are called Soulmates if you have only one and Soulbonds, if you have more than one, though, that’s super uncommon. Hell, it’s not even common to find your Soulmate because there are very few communities where multiple supernatural species live since we all prefer solitude. This college is one of the few places where all the races come together. Most dignitaries and royals don’t know each other because our society is set up where each species rules its own kind, and they don’t mix unless there is a war. It’s said that your Soulmate is rarely the same Supe, the term we use for supernaturals, as you. They are your other half, in essence, created to be the things you could not.

“He’s probably your Soulmate ‘Ris! You have to go find him!” Stella is practically yelling at me at this point, which says a lot since she’s prone to being soft-spoken. She’s always loved the idea of Soulmates. Again, we are opposites there, I’ve never been a fan of the idea of a soulmate, of constantly having to be near someone.  

“You have officially gone off the deep end, Stels. I know almost nothing about this guy. What if he’s a murderer or a stalker? No thanks, fate can keep him.”  

I know Stella isn’t going to drop the topic because she feels strongly about it, but I don’t want to talk about it anymore. Stella starts to speak again, but I hold my hand up and stop her. “Stels, I love you but, no. I just need some time to think about it.” I don’t want to be a bitch to her, I just don’t want to talk about it either. She looks at me knowingly, but gives me a small smile. “You can’t avoid it forever, ‘Ris.”

I ignore her comment, put on my headphones, and push play. Avoidance might not be a permanent solution, but it’s all I have for now.

Chapter 2

ATTICUS

I’ve been sitting in my worn leather chair attempting to read Lord Byron’s Hours of Idleness for most of the evening, but I just can’t seem to focus no matter what I do. The woman I bumped into earlier is occupying my mind to no end. The way her black hair shone in the autumn light, silver strands making it look like moonlight was woven throughout her hair. Her light violet eyes made me question not only if it was my new favorite color, but my own sanity. It didn’t end there, either. From her black torn jeans that hugged her ass, all the way to the black combat boots she wore, she looked brutal but sensual. A dark blue tank top highlighted her slightly large chest, and when she smiled at me, that curve of her lips made me want to ravish her on the spot. When our hands touched, it was like her magic encompassed me, making it hard to breathe or focus. A moonlit breeze that reflected the strands in her hair caressed me and all I wanted in that moment was her. She jerked back quickly though, as if my very touch burned her and it sent a stab of panic through me at the thought that she might not want to touch me. 

That’s what happens when you touch your soulmate for the first time; you feel the supernatural essence of their ability. Fate makes it that way so that it is unmistakable. When I pulled her to my chest after she almost fell, it felt like coming home after a long trip. Finding my soulmate is something I always hoped for, but never dreamed I would be honored with. I didn’t want to let go of her slender body. Knowing that this immensely beautiful woman is mine has got to be the best thing that’s ever happened to me. When she made a contented sigh, I almost stole her away to my hoard. That feeling was odd in itself considering that a dragon guarded their hoard above all else. But it was there where I wanted to take her, to keep her among my most prized possessions. Instinctively, I knew that she wasn’t ready for that yet and when she pulled away, it confirmed my thoughts, so I reluctantly let her go. She took off much faster than I thought possible, and I will forever have the image of my soulmate running away from me burned into my brain.

My dragon roars at the thought of her being away from us, and he wants nothing more than to follow her and make sure she was safe. I trailed behind her all the way to her dorm, but that wasn’t good enough for him, even though we watched her make it safely inside. I spent the rest of the early evening asking around, attempting to find out as much about her as I can.

I find out that her name is Amaris, and she is a moon witch, though I’m not sure she realizes just how powerful her magical signature reads. I hope settling in for the night with my favorite poetry will help to calm my dragon and give me a few hours of reprieve, but I’ve had no such luck. Luckily, I live alone on the outskirts of campus in a decent sized house that came with plenty of land. It allows me to let my dragon fly for a few hours to calm him enough so I can get some rest and be able to sit through our first day of classes tomorrow. I attend the College of Supernatural Studies, where any supernatural can attend and study any degree. It was created in 1596 by Articule Bosemani to allow supernatural youth the college experience without putting them in danger with other species. Both the grounds and the facility are highly warded so that no supernatural can enter without an explicit invitation from the dean. However, there are those that can occasionally find a way in if they are powerful enough. We don’t have to worry about humans since it’s rare they can cross through to our realm, and most don’t even know ours exists.

We can cross into their realm, but it’s costly, and it’s usually not worth it since we have to hide our true nature there.

I’m a senior studying Emergency Medicine at the campus' medical school. It's a bit different than the human doctorate since we are taught to not only treat humans but every type of supernatural. I have only four classes left in the accelerated course, and then I will be a doctor. My clan back in Flyburg is counting on me to lead with as much experience as possible in a year, so I wanted to study for a degree that could help us not rely on other species.

I decide that reading isn’t helping, and my attempt to rest is no use, so I give up. Quickly, I set an alarm and ensure the chest I keep on the edge of the woods is stocked with fresh clothes before I give in and let the shift overtake me. It’s never been a painful sensation, but the stress of the change can sometimes feel slightly irritating if I’ve waited too long to shift. A slight twinge of pain sweeps over me as I land on all fours and I realized my dragon is much more agitated at the loss of contact with our soulmate than I thought. The cool air tonight helps soothe some of the pressure as I let out a deep breath, willing myself to relax, so it will pass.

As the transition finishes, the pain recedes and I feel the freedom I long for daily. Without hesitation, I shoot into the night sky like a missile, waiting until the last moment before gravity begins to pull my weight back to the earth, to spread my wings. The wind beneath my wings drags me upward and feels like the softest stream of silk, the stars above me calling to me like a long-lost friend. I spot Lake Eira below me, the reflection of my onyx scales on the surface shining back at me, my dragon beaming with pride. Even at night, I can’t help but revel in the beauty of it all. The still water and calm skies do more to soothe me than the poetry even came close to doing.

Everything has so much more color and detail in my dragon form. I see shades of emerald, amber, and crimson among the foliage below that I’m never able to witness in my human form. I glide around for hours, and when I finally feel the pull of tiredness, I know my dragon is satiated. At last calm enough so I’ll be able to have a good night’s sleep. Well practiced, I land at the edge of the clearing and allow the shift to overtake me again. I’m nude, standing on two feet. Realizing I am much more tired than I had been mere moments ago, I open the chest that’s filled with my clothes and slip into sweatpants. Already headed back to the house, I pull the tight t-shirt over my head, flicking off the lights as I head back to my room. This time, I fall asleep not long after my head hits the pillow.

Chapter 3

AMARIS

Today will be an amazing day. At least, that’s what I’ve been telling myself while hiding behind random bookshelves for the last hour. Stella and I come to the library on campus to get our books for this semester, and of course, that hot dragon shifter from yesterday is here.

Isn’t it bad enough that he invaded my dreams last night? Did he really have to show up here too? Thoughts of the delicious things I’d like him to do to me keep popping into my brain as if I’m a horny teenager all over again. Sheesh, it’s like my body is in overdrive. 

“Can we please just get our books? We look like stalkers hiding back here!” Stella sighs.  

She’s looking around like someone is going to pop out at us when, in fact, we were the ones who scared some poor freshmen not even twenty minutes ago when they stumbled upon our hiding spot.

“I’d really rather wait until he leaves so he doesn’t see me,” I beg Stella to understand.

I can feel him nearby, and it is driving me insane. I’m guessing that being able to sense him is part of the stupid Soulmate bond. I bet he can feel me, which is why he hasn’t left yet. And why I remain hidden.

“‘Ris, Atticus is not that bad, from what I hear. People are saying he is super nice. You really should just give him a chance,” Stella said. She’s adamant that I not give up on my soulmate and it might not be as bad as I’m building it up to be. Still, the idea of being all but chained to someone for the rest of my life doesn’t sound all that appealing to me. No matter what I feel when I’m around him. Hell, when I just think about him, for that matter.

“I agree with her; you should give me a chance.”

I squeal and spin at the sudden voice behind us, knowing who I am going to find, even before he appears around the bookshelf. “AHH! Son of a flying monkey! You scared the crap outta me!” I swear my heart is going to implode, the pounding intensifying as his eyes lock on mine. Where the heck did he come from? I could have sworn he was on the other end of the library. Sneaking up on people is barbaric!

“Look, I don’t know who you think I am, but you, sir, are a stranger. Didn’t your parents ever teach you about ‘stranger danger?” I deflect back on him, knowing I have got to get out of here before his charm sucks me in and I do something stupid, like agree to see him more.

“Yes, they did, but you, Lil’bit, are no stranger. You’re my soulmate. Just come to lunch with me, and you’ll see that I’m not a bad guy,” he promises, his chocolate eyes begging me to give him a chance.

I feel myself drowning in his puppy dog pout, or is it a dragon baby pout? What do you even call a dragon baby pout? Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to give him a chance? My mind races, thinking a thousand things at once as I internally try to distract myself from facing him head on. Or worse, answering him. My adoptive parents aren’t soulmates, but they love each other and always told me that if I found my soulmate, I should be grateful that Fate found me worthy of such a bond. Remembering their words, I find myself give a little.

Man, I’m gonna regret this. The second I mentally give in to being near him, I feel the pressure in my chest that has been begging me to follow him, release just a bit. “Okay, but we have lunch in the commons where it’s public, in case you get any ideas.” The look of heat and excitement on his face is enough to make me blush. Could this man really be my soulmate? I mean, do I even want him to be?

The commons are almost like a cafeteria, but way more prominent and crowded. There are nearly a hundred round tables with six chairs on one end of the room and several long buffet-style tables on the other. The first table is an assortment of drinks, ranging from three types of milk to several different types of coffee. The following two long tables have everything from cereal to eggs to French toast. A girl could get used to meals like this, though I may need a new wardrobe by the end of this semester.

I obviously ate decent at home. If I even dared to skip a meal, my mom would have considered me near starvation. Even she would say this was an overabundance of food. Stella immediately took off for the French toast and leaves me feeling super awkward with Atticus. Despite my internal debate, even I can’t deny that being near him calms the butterflies in my stomach, trying to burst free.

“What do you want to eat, Lil’bit?” Atticus leans down and speaks in a whispered tone.

Shivers rack my body when he stands this close to me, even worse as I feel his heated breath brush against my ear. And what is with the nickname? I’m five foot four, but it’s not that short. Although, at six foot five, I probably look like an ant to him.

“Would you stop calling me ‘Lil’bit’? I’m not little! You have to start with the chocolate milk and then move on to the food.” I would probably combust if I ever stopped eating those first because they are clearly the foods of the gods.

“I call you ‘Lil’bit’ because you’re little enough to fit perfectly in my arms, and I can comfortably rest my chin on the top of your head. I think milk is a good place to start. Let’s go before they run out.” I swear there is a twinkle in his eyes when he says that. Oh, sweet Selene. This man is going to be the death of me. 

I wait for him to grab his items, and when he finishes loading his tray, he stops to wait for me. Nuh-uh, I curse myself internally when his sweet gesture sends those butterflies soaring again in my stomach. I am not giving in to his charming smile as he waits for me. Unable to help myself, I shoot him an F-you glare, the disappointment in his eyes immediately making me feel guilty. It was better than the alternative, being trapped before I even knew what happened. “Why don’t you go wait for me with Stella?” I try to soften my voice a bit, guilt still wracking me. He stares at me heatedly for a moment, and I swear he is going to drag me off. Instead, he nods and grins at me, doing as I asked. Either way, I don’t have much choice now since he is already with my best friend, waiting for me. I collect the biggest container of chocolate milk I can find and proceed to load my plate, knowing I am only adding more food to procrastinate the inevitable.

Walking to our table, I catch sight of what I think is a fox out of the window, but before I can get a better look, I’m falling, and my tray is flying out of my hands. I brace to hit the hard floor, but my food and I don’t reach the ground like I think we will. Instead, I find myself wrapped in arms of steel, my tray balancing perfectly on a stranger’s hand. I look up to see who stopped yet another one of my awkward moments, and, to my surprise, I am staring into the lightest green eyes I have ever seen. Captivated by his aura, I almost don’t hear him speak.

“Are you okay, Feggari Mou?” he asks in a beautiful Grecian accent.

I think I’m stunned. I can’t seem to find the words to respond. His arm around me feels like I’m snuggled into the softest fur blanket I think I’ve ever felt. A growl shatters the calm, comfortable moment, and I am pulled from the stranger's arms against a hard chest. Seriously, what is in the water this year? There were not this many hot guys the last three years, and now I have stumbled into two of them in just days. If this keeps happening, my hormones are going to make me combust.

“Get your hands off my soulmate before I remove them from your body!” Suddenly, I am being pulled out of the stranger’s arms and the bossy dragon is crushing me against his chest

Who does he think he is? No one owns me.

“Excuse you, Mr. Rude Dragon Pants. You don’t get to manhandle me and tell people not to touch me. That’s just plain primitive.”

He stops growling for two seconds and then grumbles while glancing at me sideways like I am the one behaving oddly, even though he has yet to let me out of his arms.

“What do you mean, your soulmate?! That’s my soulmate! She felt like the coolest moonlight breeze! That means I can feel her magic, so she must be meant for me.”

At the Greek dude’s revelation, I notice the entire common area freeze as they glue their eyes to us.

In that instant, my silver magic chooses to act out and throws both men backward. Great, because I really needed a reason for the school to think I am a freak. Both men slowly pick themselves up to look at me, their eyes wide. As if this isn’t such a cluster-crap situation, I’d probably laugh at the shock on their faces as they stare at me. There’s no way I’m such a freak that I’d have not one, but two soulmates. That’s just ridiculous.

“Let’s move this conversation into the hallway where there won’t be as much attention on us, okay?” Stella waits for the two guys to get up before she herds us all into the small hallway and shuts the door behind us, giving us some semblance of privacy.

“‘Ris, you okay? You look like you’re ready to bolt.” My bestie knows me too well. I’m terrified that if I stick around much longer, my magic might lash out again in an unpredictable way and hurt one of them.

I can feel my magic waiting to lash out again. I am considering running back to my dorm and hiding in a lavender bubble bath until this all disappears.

“Don’t leave, Lil’bit. We gotta figure this out.” Atticus looks at me like I had just kicked his puppy.

“Yeah, Feggari Mou, please don’t go.” The Greek stranger looks so sullen at the thought of me leaving that I actually feel a moment of sympathy.

“Don’t you ‘Feggari Mou’ her. She doesn’t—” Atticus starts, but a sharp look from me silences him. There is enough of a problem without the two of them fighting on top of it.

“I don’t know what there is to figure out. This can’t be happening. There hasn’t been a case of multiple soulmates in centuries. There has to be another explanation.”

My heart is beating way too fast, and my chest feels like it might explode. My magic begins to zip around my fingers again, and I look at my bestie to see if she will help me escape. Thankfully, it looks like she recognizes that I’m about to have a full-blown panic attack in the middle of a hallway with two complete strangers and knows what that could mean. What I could do.

“‘Ris needs a little time to process this on her own. Give me your numbers, and I will put them in her phone, but right now, I need to get my best friend back to our dorm. If either of you follows us, or argues with me, I will plant my size five heels neatly in your backside.” Her voice is firm and gives no room for argument. I can see her magic, pink in color, seems to be ramping up with the stress of the situation also.

Damn, my bestie is a force to be reckoned with when she gets protective. I honestly couldn’t be more thankful because I am seconds away from hyperventilating. My body is trembling as I struggle to keep my magic from attacking them in self-defense. Throwing them across the room on accident is nothing compared to what could have happened. My magic seems to enjoy blowing things up. Just as I have this thought, a lightbulb above their heads explodes into glass shards that rain down upon them. Thankfully, they finally seem to realize for themselves that I’m not doing so hot, and as they each take turns putting their numbers in my phone, I continue struggling to remain in control. They hand my phone back to Stella, and she gives a satisfied humph. Without giving them another glance, she wraps her arm around my shoulder, and we rush back toward our dorm on the other end of campus.

Chapter 4

LYKOS

Well, this is one way to start my college life in America. How many people can say they met their soulmate on the first day of college, let alone in a new country? The problem lies with the dragon claiming she’s his soulmate, too. It’s scarce to have more than one Soulmate, and I’m not certain I believe his claim. Only the most powerful supernaturals have Soulbonds. If this surly dragon keeps growling at me, I may just have to hurt him. Then I won’t have to worry about his claim on my Soulmate.

“Can you stop growling like a wounded animal? That doesn’t help either of us, and I’d really like to figure out why you seem to think my soulmate is also yours.” The dragon shifter’s eyes snap to mine, and I swear they flash gold for a second.

“She is my soulmate. When she bumped into me yesterday, it felt like the moon had wrapped itself around me, and I felt the urge to hoard her away where no one could touch her or look at her. Her being my soulmate is the only explanation for such a strong reaction to who was essentially a stranger,” he reasons.

His explanation makes sense as to why he would think she’s his Soulmate, but there is no way, as I know she is mine. To have not just a Soulmate, but a Soulbond is improbable. There’s not much we can do about it at this point, so I point out the obvious conclusion.

“Atticus, was it? It looks like we have some things to figure out. If we are both certain she is our Soulbond, we will have to convince her to date both of us. If this is a Soulbond, it won’t be long before it starts pulling her to us, and vice versa. The bonds are meant to be irresistible. Even so, I won’t force her to be with us, and we both will have to learn to be okay with sharing our Soulmate. Forcing her to choose would shatter her soul and I’m certain neither of us wants that. Am I correct?”

I wait patiently for his response, but I’m still crestfallen by the situation. I was thrilled at the concept of spending my life with my Soulmate by my side. I had not considered the possibility of having to share her with another. I know that it happens, but it’s so rare that I never would have thought this my fate.

“Okay, I think you’re right, but it will take some time for my dragon not to want to kill you for even looking at her. You’re lucky he didn’t make me shift right in the commons the second you touched her,” he speaks with a grated tone, though the growling is at least missing this time.

This will be one of the hardest things I’ll ever have to do. I hand Atticus my phone.

“Here, put your number in my phone, so we can try to sort this out. If we are right and she does, in fact, have a Soulbond, getting along will be the least of our worries. She must be incredibly powerful to have multiple bonds. She didn’t strike me as knowing she was that strong, so she may not be aware yet. Her powers kicked our asses, and she seemed just as shocked as us. Amaris will have to come to terms with this on her own,” Atticus explains.

At least I finally know her name. From what I’ve already seen of her, she is feisty, and I love it.

“Well, if earlier was any indication, she is a spitfire. She yelled at you like you were a pup that pissed on her floor.” I can’t help but laugh at the memory of her reprimanding the dragon after he pulled her from my arms. 

Atticus and I set a plan to meet for breakfast tomorrow in the commons since it’s only Tuesday and my classes don’t start until Monday. I take the long way back to my cabin on the outskirts of campus. All the shifters that need to be able to run are placed in cabins instead of dorms because we have to be naked when we shift, or we’ll destroy our clothes. Most shifters aren’t exactly thrilled to be surrounded by people and can get aggressive if we don’t have enough space for ourselves. 

My cabin is slightly bigger than the others on campus because my father is the Alpha of the Grecian clan. That means he is the head of all twenty-seven packs in Greece. Each pack has its own Alpha, but my father is the Grand-Alpha. You can’t get much higher than him, and because of that, it took a lot of convincing to get him to allow me to finish my agriculture degree in America. I only have a few more classes until I graduate, but I wanted to get some experience outside of pack life before I take over as Grand-Alpha next year. Typically, the oldest-born male would lead next, but my brother decided to neglect his duties and become a teacher, not that teaching is wrong. 

He realized he wasn’t cut out to be a leader and thought I would be better suited for the role. I never planned on taking over, but I didn’t have another option once Nicholas stepped down. I don’t have any other siblings that my father can pass the reins to. It’s not the future I would choose for myself, and I know my father would never force me, but I couldn’t bear to disappoint him. Not to mention, if I don’t take over, cousin Alamada takes over, and he is a selfish, greedy, perverse man who only cares about what women and money can do for him. Such a ruler would destroy the balance we have created within our society.

I finally round the last tree grouping that blocks the path to my cabin door. When I arrived, I opted to eat before unpacking, and as such, I haven’t had a chance to unpack yet. If I want to go for a run, though, I need to grab a spare change of clothes. I grab an outfit from my blue suitcase and place it on the doorstep within reach for after my run. Eager to run, I undress and let the crisp autumn air wash over me before I lock the door behind me. My body relaxes and I close my eyes, letting the shift take me. 

I feel my wolf surge to the front of my mind, taking control so I can slip into the background. Slowly, I feel my muscles elongate and shift. My wolf stands just above four feet tall on all four legs. I’m one of the most enormous wolves in all the packs in Greece. It’s a gene that helps identify the Grand-Alpha and his family. I allow my wolf to remain in control as we run for miles, getting a much-needed release after today’s events. My wolf has been so riled up after meeting Amaris and is fighting me to chase after her. Wolves have a much more difficult time understanding that sometimes our Soulmates need space. Luckily, after our run, he’s exhausted and content.

Once we return to the cabin, I push myself to the front of our consciousness, and he releases his hold over me. I allow the shift to come over me, and once more, I’m standing on my stoop, completely nude. I quickly pull on the thin basketball shorts and a t-shirt with a picture of a cat wearing an elephant nose. What can I say? I really like weird things. I unlock my door and find my phone to call for some takeout since I didn’t end up eating at the commons as I had planned. Chinese sounds good, so I place an order with the local restaurant. Once I’ve eaten and have a full stomach, I try to reach my momma and papa. After two rings, my momma answers.

“Are you okay, echos?” she inquires.

“Momma, is Papa there with you? Can you put it on speaker?” I request.

“Sure. You’re on speaker with papa and I. What’s going on?” she frantically asks.

“I’m safe, Momma. I met my Soulmate today.” I hear a sharp intake of breath on the other end of the line, but I continue before she can bombard me with questions. “She has a Soulbond with another as well, and I don’t know what to do,” I divulge.

“Oh, sweet boy, you love her and her bond. That’s all you can do. Are you all safe? What magic is she?” my momma questions. 

“She’s a moon witch, though she seems more powerful than she realizes. She blasted me and her other bond across the commons when she got upset and seemed just as surprised as we did,” I confess.

My momma chokes on a laugh, and my papa outright laughs a deep, hearty laugh. “Good! The fates have blessed us with a powerful new daughter, and she will help keep you in line!”

Of course, they would think this is funny. My momma isn’t known to be a weak mate, and she has single-handedly stopped multiple attacks on our pack by challenging them to a fight and winning. Amaris is strong, obviously, but is she strong enough to help lead all the Grecian packs, plus according to the gossip about Atticus around campus, be the queen of the dragons?

“Momma, Papa, you guys don’t understand. Her other bonded is the prince of the Flyburg dragons. How could she be a queen at my side, and help me rule the packs there, if she is also fated to be the Soulbond of a royal dragon? It just doesn’t seem possible,” I challenge.

My papa takes on a more serious tone. “Son, if what you say is true, fate gave her to you both because she is powerful and has a challenging road ahead. Those with powers strong enough for multiple Soulbonds are often hunted and need great protection. We’ve known you were special since you developed the ability to read the intention of souls, and no other wolf has ever had that ability. Use it. I know you’re afraid, but you must not let her down. If you do, you will be letting down Fate, and us by extension,” my papa gently scolds me.

“I will do my best to honor her and protect her, and to not disgrace my family,” I affirm.

“Good, as you should. Son, this will not be an easy road, but Fate tends to reward those who persevere. We love you. Get some sleep,” my momma encourages me.

The line clicks, and I am alone with my thoughts again. I feel quite a bit more at ease with the situation after talking to my parents. I am certain that if this is what Fate chose for me, I will accept Amaris and her other Soulbond. We will need to ask Amaris what she wants tomorrow, and if she’s willing to give us both a chance. We will spend the rest of our lives loving and protecting her. No matter what, I will be there for her and I’m positive the dragon will be as well.

Chapter 5

AMARIS

“Well, that went swimmingly!” I know I’m yelling, but my mind is overloaded as I slam the door to our dorm and begin pacing the floor with my magic swirling around my body like a snake.

My magic is buzzing over my skin, ready to escape as it sparks across my flesh, creating a delicate flush from my attempts to keep it under control. I blink hard against the force of my frustration and sit on the edge of my bed, letting everything run through my mind as I attempt to get a grip. Stella crosses to her bed and sits, watching me knowingly.

“‘Ris, I know it’s a lot to handle, but you must calm down before you throw yourself into a panic attack, or worse, blow up our dorm.”

I know she’s right, but I don’t want to calm down. I want to scream and punch something, anything to get my frustration out. I can feel it welling beneath my skin like a spring that needs to be sprung. It feels as though there is a viper swirling around my chest, ready to strike me. I know it seems a bit overdramatic, but I don’t handle change very well, and this is a lot all at once. My parents said that after they adopted me, they learned fast that consistency was vital. Even as an infant, if things changed too quickly, I’d have a massive meltdown. Given the situation, I think I’m handling it pretty well. I might want to throw a tantrum, but I haven’t. Hell, I haven’t even thrown anything or injured anyone. I’m doing great compared to normal.

Last year, my magic lashed out and threw my uncle through a wall when he showed up unannounced after being gone for an entire year. It wasn’t the best response, but my body tends to react when I’m freaked out or upset, and it doesn’t usually consult me first. It terrifies me when my magic behaves like this because I am always concerned that someone could get hurt. Struggling with this makes me feel like I’m not good enough to be considered a witch if I can’t even control my own powers.

“I know you aren’t a fan of the whole Soulbond thing, but on the plus side, you now have two incredibly hot guys attached to you for life. Not all of us would see that as a cosmic punishment. ‘Ris, I know you struggle and feel like being tied to people that you perceive as not wanting you is scary because your birth parents gave you up, but you don’t know why they did it and you can’t hold on to that forever. I really think you need to give them a chance. You don’t know how they feel about this. I don’t think they’d be so kind if they had an issue with it. Maybe you should call your parents to see if they can give you some advice?” Stella is right, once again.

Most women would love to have a ton of man-candy hanging around, but I’m not most women. I like being independent and rely on having a ton of time alone for my magic to feel recharged and calm… Plus, there are things a woman needs to do by herself, if ya know what I mean. Soulbonds are like an invisible string that ties you to another person. You can’t ignore it because it allows you to feel what your bond feels and enables you to sense if they are near you. It is said that the urge one feels with a Soulmate is only that much stronger when you have Soulbonds. The closer they are to you, the more desperate the urge to be near them becomes, making it all but impossible to resist. I’ve also never been good with overconfident people, so Atticus and I will probably have some serious issues. Once a Soulbond is fully formed, you can communicate with those in it telepathically. I’ll admit, that could possibly come in handy sometimes, but it doesn’t mean I want someone dropping in and hearing my embarrassing thoughts whenever they want.

I should also call my parents at some point and tell them what’s going on, but I know they’ll encourage me to accept both bonds, and honestly, I just want to fight a bit longer before I potentially cave. I want the two men to show me why I should give in to the Soulbond. I know that’s childish, but that’s what I want. I don’t want to just fold into this because Fate told me to do so. I want to be able to control my own destiny and decide for myself who I want to be with. I will call them when I’m ready.

“I didn’t ask for these guys. Fate just randomly decided I needed a bunch of sexy, over-protective men. Stels, you know that’s not who I am. I like being independent. I don’t want to need them, and I don’t want this to change who I am. Plus, I’m still not certain they’re not psychopaths.” As soon as the words leave my mouth, I can feel my cheeks heat again. “If they are psychopaths, I am too, because I felt the connection, even if I don’t want to admit it yet. We both know what my parents will say, so I’m not going to call them yet. I want this decision to be one I make on my own. Seriously, I just met Atticus yesterday, if it could be called that, and the new guy today, what would it say about me if I just jumped in their arms and yelled, ‘Let’s consummate this Soulbonding, guys’?’”

Who’s to say they won’t burn down the school with their testosterone or sniff my feet to satisfy a weird fetish? I’m probably just being dramatic, but I don’t know anything about these guys, and the odds aren’t usually in my favor.

I was left at an adoption agency when I was only a month old, and then, when I was thirteen, I was diagnosed with some rare blood cancer called Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. It’s typically found in men and the elderly. Lucky me, right? It took a year of chemotherapy, and a ton of different doctors, to not only get me into remission, but to help me manage all of the side effects from my treatment. Even after all of that, I still deal with the longer lasting effects from both the cancer and my treatment. Everything from shaky hands and severe fatigue, all the way to bone pain and a weakened immune system. You name it, I probably have it, or am dealing with it. And that’s not even getting started on the anxiety I have developed. It was rough growing up not being able to go to all of the normal places kids go, to do normal things kids do. It taught me to rely on my independence, and now, ten years in remission, it’s a very hard thing to give up.

“‘Ris, just sit down and take a deep breath. This isn’t the end of the world, and if they turn out to be crazy, I’ll kick their asses, and you won’t have to worry about it.” She sounds playful when she says that, but I’ve seen Stella kick some serious ass over the years, and knowing how protective she is of me, I don’t doubt she would do exactly that.

As a princess of the Fae witches, she was forced to take many self-defense classes because we are a smaller kingdom, so she interacts more with our people than a normal princess would. This led her to do boxing as a hobby. She’s also an insanely powerful fae witch and is not someone you want to mess with. I do as she says, and after a few deep breaths, I feel the pressure of anxiety lift off my chest like an eighty-pound weight being removed.

With my head clearer, and the anxiety not so overwhelming, I am able to start to think about the possibilities. “You really think this could be a good thing? Do you really think I should give them each a chance? I mean, how would that even work? What, I’d date two separate men? People will think I’m a skank.” I don’t typically care what people think, but this is my senior year, and I’d really like to enjoy it without snide comments and harsh whispers.

“Since when do you care what people think? Plus, Soulbonds aren’t like regular dating, you know that. If anything, you should be more concerned with making enemies. Everyone knows to have multiple Soulbonds, you have to be mega-powerful.” Stella is making some excellent points, even though I doubt the mega-powerful bit. Hell, I can’t even control my magic sometimes, that doesn’t scream mega-powerful to me.

Maybe it won’t hurt to give them a chance. I mean, that’s if they still even want one. I looked like I belonged in the looney bin with how I took off so fast I didn’t even get the name of the new guy and I realize I actually wish I had. His accent is so beautiful, I wonder if his name matched it, or would give away anything about where he is from.

“Ok, what is the next step, Stels? I didn’t even get the new guy’s name, and I have no idea where either of them lives.”

My bestie’s eyes light up with excitement, and she looks at me like I had just given her the most glitter-covered shoes she’s ever seen.“It’s a good thing you changed your mind because I had them put their contact info in your phone before we left earlier.”

I frown at her words, realizing I must have been closer to losing it than I thought. If I couldn’t remember something as simple as her getting their phone numbers, I knew it had to have been bad. Lucky for everyone involved, it didn’t get worse.

“I also may have already texted them both from your phone. Remember that you love me and that I’m the greatest best friend in the entire world!”

I frown as I stifle a laugh. There is no way I can be mad at her. I know it’s just who she is. Still, I’m curious about what she sent them, so I grab my phone. A quick swipe and I see there are three messages.

The first is from my momma.

Momma

Hey, hun. Daddy, and I hope you’re settling in well. Are you excited about classes next week? Give us a call tomorrow, so we know you’re doing alright. We love you.

The message from Momma riles my nerves and I feel a sense of guilt at keeping something this important from her and daddy. Scrolling to look at the remaining two messages on my screen, I see they are from numbers saved as Lykos and Atticus. My finger pauses over the screen, not sure if I even want to know what they say. Part of me hopes they tell me to fuck off for how I acted. It would be easier. But there is this deeper part of me that can’t ignore the dread I feel if that were the case. Reluctantly, open the first message.

It is from Lykos. I guess that’s the new guy’s name. I scroll up to see what Stella sent and my stomach nearly falls out of my ass.

Me

Hey cutie, sorry I didn’t stay to chat earlier, things were a bit too much. I’d love to get to know you though. ;-)

Lykos

Hey, Feggari Mou. I’m so glad to get your message. I was worried about you. Atticus and I are meeting for breakfast in the commons tomorrow morning, and I would love for you to join us. For now, though, I’d like to see you tonight. If the answer is yes, just say okay, and I’ll be there.

Holy hell! Tonight?! My heart races as my anxiety threatens to take hold again. Am I ready for that? I mean, the guy is eighty shades of hot, but I am not sure I trust myself to be with him again so soon. Not after the way I had already acted.

“Stels, Lykos wants to meet tonight. Am I ready for that? What do I do?” My voice is panicked, but I can’t help it.

Stels asks if she can see, and I realize my mistake a little too late. I try to grab it from her hands, but she skirts across the room. I chase her and corner her by the end of her bed. “Give it back and I won’t tickle you, Stels,” I bargain. With an almost mischievous grin, she hands me my phone. “There’s no need to be so feisty. I’m done with it, anyway.” I quickly glance at my screen and notice that she texted him back.

Me

Okay. I live in the girls’ dorms in room 213.

“Stels, what did you do? You know how freaked I’ve been over this!” I scold. Oh God, I don’t even know how far away he lives. He could be here any second. I toss my phone on my bed and rush into my closet. Wanting to freshen up, I throw on black yoga pants and a sweatshirt with a cake logo. What? I love food. I style my hair in a messy high bun and am ready to go. My phone dings with a message reminder, and glancing at the screen, I notice it’s from Atticus.

Atticus

Hey, Lil’bit, I’m so glad you messaged me. I’m sorry for acting like such a dipshit dragon. Please let me make it up to you. Come to breakfast in the morning with Lykos and me in the commons. We’re meeting at nine a.m. I hope you come.

Okay, so that message isn’t too bad.

Atticus seems a bit apprehensive with the short message. Maybe I’ll go to breakfast in the morning. What’s the worst that could happen? It’s not like I don’t have to eat anyway, so I’ll already be in the same place as them. If the library earlier had been any indication, I won’t be able to just ignore them being near, no matter how hard I try. So, I might as well make the best of it.

Just then, a knock sounds at the door, interrupting my thoughts. I open it to find a sexy grin plastered on Lykos’ face. He’s wearing loose blue jeans and a t-shirt with a cat wearing an elephant nose. Now, that has me laughing because I love weird things. 

His curly, blonde faux-hawk is slicked back, and his caramel skin highlights his lime-green eyes. The combination makes him breathtakingly stunning, and I swallow hard as I squeak out a hello. He leans in, agonizingly slowly, and places a light kiss on my cheek, making me blush instantly form the sensuality of it. When he reaches for my hand, I hesitate, but he just waits, letting me make up my mind. Stella clears her throat behind me, and I remind myself that I said I would give them a chance, so I let him take my hand. Gently, he guides me through the door, shutting it behind us, but not before I can hear the soft squeal of delight from Stella. Lykos leads me away from my dorm and through the double doors in the lobby. I can’t help but notice the mixed stares of admiration, jealousy, and even anger from a redhead I don’t know. As we pass by them, I fight the urge to fidget, but take a deep breath and recenter myself.

Lykos holds my hand as we pad through campus in the light of a beautiful full moon. I’ve always felt more potent and refreshed in the moonlight, and tonight I feel invigorated with the wind stroking my hair. Lykos pulls me in and holds me as if I am his most prized possession and I feel entranced by the moonlight dancing in his emerald green eyes. A whirlwind of emotion races through me and I can’t help the butterflies bustling in my stomach as he pulls me to a stop inside the lush garden filled with hydrangeas. They seem to be dancing in the moonlight, and I can’t help but stare at them in awe. I know that I don’t know him very well, but there is an air of safety and lightheartedness about him.

Lykos slowly steps back from me and pulls out a blanket I hadn’t noticed from behind the bench and spreads it out in a small grass clearing beside the enchanting flowers. As he sits on the cool blanket, I sink down beside him, careful to give him and I some space between us.

I don’t know if it’s the moonlight or the Soulbond giving me courage, but I decide to satisfy my own curiosity. I feel the butterflies kick into a decimating gear and my anxiety wells at the thought of having a simple conversation with him, but if it’s true that this man is my Soulbond, I need to at least try.

“Lykos, can I ask you a question?” I wait for his answer with my legs bouncing in front of me and my heart beating a mile a minute.

“You may ask me anything you wish, Feggari Mou.”

My anxiety and heart calm slightly at his answer. Maybe this will be okay. He doesn’t seem to hold any contempt or dislike to me asking any questions.

“Why are you okay with being my Soulbond? Doesn’t it bother you that I have another one?” I hold my breath as I wait for his response. The butterflies in my stomach continue to raze my insides as I glance down at my hands and fiddle with my nails to avoid looking at him. I don’t know what I expect his answer to be, but it isn’t the one I get.

“Feggari Mou, I am more than okay with being your Soulbond. I spent my entire life thinking Fate would never bless me with a bond, as they are rare. When you bumped into me in the commons and I felt your magic, it was the most joyous occasion of my life. Yes, this is going to be difficult, and I must adjust to sharing you, but for me, having someone that the Fates chose specifically for me far outweighs the difficulties of having to share you. Plus, more Soulbonds equals more pleasure…for both of us.”

My cheeks heat at his explanation and I’m not quite sure how to respond. I look up into his eyes and am once again enamored by the moonlight shining through the green, showing me flecks of gold I hadn’t noticed before, and making it appear as though it’s a stained-glass window directly to his soul. It’s in that moment I decide that I am going to commit to giving him a chance. To giving them both a chance. I decide to do the boldest thing I can think of; I place myself on his lap on the blanket. I love the sound of surprise that comes from his lips with a slight gasp before he envelops me in his firm, secure arms. I melt back into his lean chest and soak in the comfort.

After about an hour of talking about his home in Greece, my home here, and just enjoying each other’s company, I notice that the butterflies in my stomach have calmed to a dull brushing sensation and realize a comfortable atmosphere has settled around us. His laugh is infectious as I tell him about my favorite treehouse that had a secret entrance behind a bush and that I used to enjoy pretending Stella and I were spies as we snuck through it. He brushes a billowing strand behind my ear and time seems to stand still. Am I hoping he might kiss me? The pad of his thumb lightly brushes my cheekbone, and a sensual shiver runs down my body. I am pulled from the moment as a group of students pass a few yards in front of us, cackling at something.

Lykos stands and pulls me up to him. He speaks, his voice just above a whisper, causing more sensual shivers to rack my body. “Feggari Mou, this has been one of the best nights of my life. Thank you for coming out with me.”

I am not ready for this night to end, but I know we both must get up early for breakfast with Atticus in the morning.

“I’m thankful you invited me. This is the most relaxed I’ve felt all day,” I sigh as I speak into his chest.

He grabs my chin and lifts my face to his, our gazes locking on one another. His eyes shine beautifully in the moonlight, and my breath catches. My heart starts beating rapidly as he leans in and presses his soft, ample lips to mine. Heat shoots through me as he pauses, giving me a moment to push him away or not. The sensation of his lips on mine drives me forward and I find myself eagerly giving back. Heated lips press into mine, all but devouring me as my body screams for more. My skin tingles, like a jolt of electricity right before our magic explodes around us like fireworks, only made brighter by our passion.

A searing pain erupts from my ribcage, and by the look of surprise on Lykos’ face, he feels it too. I’m not sure if it’s the whole Soulbond thing, but whatever it is, there is no doubt he is feeling something. It is only our magic I sense around us; the knowledge erasing any fear I might have had, especially since my magic can be wonky at best sometimes.

As our magic starts to subside, we lift our shirts in synchronized motion, his action confirming he felt it too, to study a place the pain had centered from. The pain is dull, almost completely gone by the time I get my shirt up and I stare in shock at the new mark on my skin. It would seem Fate left her mark on not only me, but on Lykos as well. Our skin is each marked with what I believe is a Soulmark. They are said to have been given to bonded pairs as they reach a level of vulnerability with each other or have a significant event in the relationship to signify their bond sealing them to each other for eternity.

Mine is a black full moon, one-third of it filled in, and his is a half-moon. Shock is radiating from both of us as we stare down in surprise. I wasn’t expecting ours to appear so soon. I mean, all we did was talk and kiss. This will take some time to get used to, and though it is gorgeous, I’m not really sure how I’m going to hide it from Stella or my mom when I visit.

I glance up at Lykos and search his face to see how he feels about this new development and am met with heat and desire in his gaze. I feel my own desire respond to his and step closer to him. Lykos places his warm, soft hand on the side of my neck and kisses me deeply, the passion making my brain lose all rational thought. His other hand moves to grip my hip, pulling me flush against his toned physique. When his tongue tangles with mine, I feel liquid pool between my legs for him. This moment feels safer and more intimate than I ever could have imagined.

My body sinks further into his entrancing kiss, and I start to pull off my shirt, but he stops me and pulls away. Our moment shatters and the fog in my brain clears, allowing disappointment, confusion, and insecurity to bombard me at the thought of what I was about to do and at the possibility that he might not want me in that way yet. Of course, I shouldn’t have wanted that so soon either, since I just decided to give him a chance, and I am still a virgin. I’m surprised at how secure I felt in my temptation to do that, especially in a public garden.

I must’ve made a face because he quickly wraps his arms around me and kisses me on the forehead. “Feggari Mou, please don’t think I’m rejecting you. I just want to give you the best first time together that I can, and you deserve far more than a quick fuck in the garden with the quad less than twenty feet away. Trust me, when the time comes, I will give you every bit of the pleasure you ache for.” Oh, hot damn. Now I’m even wetter at the prospect of him entering my sweetest spot. He pulls slightly away but continues keeping me pressed to his side.

“Let’s get you back to your dorm so you can rest. It’s been a long day.” Though I’m disappointed about our night ending, I let him lead me back to my dorm. He presses a quick, delicate kiss to my lips and leaves me standing outside my door.

I stand there for a moment, encapsulated by my thoughts. While this was an amazing evening, I’m glad Lykos stopped me tonight. The heat of the moment drove me to want him, but I know I would’ve regretted my first time being in a garden and I don’t want it to be something I just jump in to. I want to enjoy my first time, all things considered.

* * *

You know how when your favorite song plays, it instantly makes you happy? Yeah, not the case right now. I forgot I set “Pocketful of Sunshine” as my stupid alarm so I wouldn’t miss breakfast with the guys. I’m regretting that decision more by the minute. I throw the covers off and leave the warmth of my bed so I can brush my teeth and pick a kick-butt outfit. If I can’t feel confident, I might as well look like it. I leave the bathroom feeling slightly more awake and notice a note on my desk written in Stella’s handwriting.

Hey, bestie, I know you’re probably gonna kill me for this, but you need some time with the guys to get to know them. I know you’ll be fine, especially after your night with Lykos, and I fully expect to hear all the details! Find me after so we can catch up. Maybe you’ll finally lose that pesky V-card. Love ya, later!

That traitor! How dare she leave me alone with them? I’m gonna get her back for that later! I check the clock, notice that it’s quarter to nine, and realize I don’t have time for the kick-butt outfit I was going for. Oh, well. My go-to torn black jeans, blue top with a cupcake on it, and black butt-kicking boots have never failed me before. I pull my long black hair into a ponytail and I’m as ready as I’ll ever be. After a quick glance in the mirror, I grab my wallet and keys to head to the commons. My stomach churns with nerves, not sure what to expect. Sure, last night with Lykos had been great. More than great, in fact. Still, that doesn’t mean things will be as smooth, if it could be called that, as they were last night. At the last minute, I detour, deciding to take the long way, giving me time to give my parents a quick call.

The line rings twice, and my momma’s sweet, melodic voice fills my ear. “Good mornin’, love! I wasn’t expecting your call until later.”

I take a deep breath before I respond. “I know, Momma. I just miss you and could use your advice. Daddy can’t hear me, can he?”

“No, he’s in his office getting started on the work for the king. What’s got you so twisted up that you don’t want daddy to hear ya’?” she questions, sounding suspicious.

“Momma, what we are about to talk about, you can’t tell daddy yet. I know he’s okay with Soulmates, we have discussed that. But this, this is bigger than that, I think,” I plead with her, hoping she will understand. That she will agree, because the moment I heard her voice, I knew I needed to know her opinion.

She gasps and starts to get audibly excited, “Are you telling me you found your Soulmate?! Ever since you started college, we’ve been hoping you’d find the one fate destined for you! Tell me about him. What’s he like? Where’s he from?”

“Momma, please calm down. This isn’t as simple as you think. I did find my Soulmate, but I also have a second one…” I pause, waiting for her reaction, but her end of the line is silent. After a moment, I clear my throat. “Are you still there?”

I hear her take a deep breath and the clink of ceramic, probably as she lifts her cup, sipping the lavender tea she enjoys. “Yes, I’m still here. I’m just processing this. You say you have not one, but two Soulmates. A Soulbond. Is that right?” she questions.

“Yes, Momma. I met Atticus on my first day back, and Lykos just yesterday. After Lykos and I spent time together last night, we got our Bondmark. And no, Momma, before you ask, we didn’t do the dirty. Your girl is still as clean as freshly bleached sheets. But, Momma, I’m so confused. Why would Fate give me two Soulbonds? What makes me so special? This feels like too much too quickly, and I don’t know what to do. What if I give in to it and they turn out to be bad guys, or what if I’m not what they expect and they decide they don’t want me?” I gasp as all my worries come out of me in a rush.

I hear a soft chuckle on the other end. She knows me too well. “Darlin’, fate gave you both of those men because you all need each other, and you all fit together perfectly. It will be quite an adjustment, and I know you don’t handle that well, but you must trust them and yourself. We raised you to be strong and resilient and you are an amazin’ young woman. At the moment, your magic is probably bubbled up super high right now, with the whole thing last night, and how I just know you to be, but you got this. We have known from the moment we adopted you that you’re one special girl, one that is meant to do amazin’ things. This just confirms it. Now, I won’t tell your daddy, but you are supposed to come home for Christmas, and I imagine those men of yours will be with ya, so you need to tell him before then. Get yourself some breakfast and remember, you could have ten Soulbonds, and we would still believe you to be the most incredible young woman. Take a breath and center yourself, then put on your big girl panties and grab this development by the man pearls. You got this, baby girl. We love you so much.”

My momma always knows just what to say, and her soothing words reassure me. I know she’s right about daddy, but I’m just not ready to tell him yet. I tell my momma I love her and take a moment to just sit in the garden after she hangs up to gather my thoughts and do just as she suggested. Get ready to face this head on.

The alluring garden from last night is along the path, and I stop to savor the smell of the hydrangeas, as it pulls me back to last night when Lykos kissed me. Now they’re my favorite flower for two reasons. This is one of the only times I get to see them. If I could, I’d have my own garden filled with them. Reluctantly, I start back up in a slightly brisk walk to make it there on time, though that’s probably a lost cause. I wonder what they will think of the way my hair is today. Wait, no, I don’t. Their opinion doesn’t matter… Does it?

As I enter the commons, I notice the guys waiting for me by the buffet. I’m not sure which sight makes me hornier, the men or the buffet. Today the buffet has chicken sandwiches, a ton of fruit, and of course, you can’t forget the delicious chocolate milk. The men look amazing, like they were going to a runway show after breakfast. I mean, they totally could be. I don’t really know anything about them. Atticus seems a little less growly than yesterday. I assume they have worked out some of their differences. At least there is that. I take a moment to study him from his tight blue t-shirt that clings to his pecks and let my gaze wander to his crap-kicker boots and back up. I notice his jeans match mine in color, but they hug his package in a way that leaves very little to the imagination. For some reason, the thought provokes steamy images in my mind that both frighten and excite me at the same time. The man looks downright delectable.

Lykos, on the other hand, looks like the light to Atticus’ dark. He’s wearing loosely fitted, light tan khaki pants with a violet shirt that looks suspiciously close to the color of my eyes. He seems relaxed and just as impressive as Atticus. These men are making me dissolve in ways I didn’t anticipate. My stomach flips at the idea, and I know if I stick around them too long, I’m gonna be in trouble. Heck, I might already be. My heart pounds in my chest, a hard thud, almost as if it is attempting to escape and jump right into the hands of these men. I can’t have that happening. I might have agreed to do this, but it is going to be on my terms. They simultaneously flash me grins and my thighs clench in response so fast that I barely manage to hold back the groan. Whether it is from pleasure or frustration, I don’t know. What I do know, is that I’m in for a very long breakfast.

Chapter 6

ATTICUS

The door to the commons bangs open, pulling me from my conversation with the wolf shifter as we wait for Amaris, hoping she will actually show. I glance at the sound, my excitement running through me when I see her walk through. From what Lykos says, he and Amaris had a late-night date last night, and I am full of mixed emotions over it. I’m not saying I’m jealous of the Soulmarks they share, but damn, I wish I had her mark on my body. My dragon all but demands it now that another wears her mark, too.

Amaris came in looking like a goddess. She is wearing jeans that practically look painted on by the way they hug her ass. The very sight makes me wish I could push her up against the wall and mark her in front of everyone. I know I need to give her time to come to me, though. Lykos is right about that.

I stride up to her, hoping to get to her before she changes her mind. She seems tense, and I hate that she feels that way, no matter the reason. I’ll do anything to see her radiant smile light up her face. 

“Hey, Lil’bit. I’m happy you decided to come. Are you hungry?” She looks almost offended at my question, and I let out a small chuckle at that thought. Of course, I’d get a Soulmate that loves food as much as I do. 

“Of course I’m hungry. What kind of idiot comes to a breakfast date if they don’t plan on eating?”

My eyes shoot up at her admission that this is a date. “So, this is a date, after all?” I ask, hoping to lighten the mood and erase that scowl from her face. She blushes fervently, realizing what she had said.  

“No, this is just breakfast. No dates to be had. Won’t be doing anything date related here.” A light pink blush creeps up her caramel skin, making her look sexier. She’s casting heated glances at Lykos and I feel my dick harden at the thought that one day, she may cast those glances in my direction. She catches me watching her and her cheeks flush a deep burgundy. She’s damn near irresistible when she’s flustered.   

“Alright, Lil’bit, why don’t you let me grab you some food, and you can join Lykos and me?” I suggest.  

“Don’t you already have your food? I’m a big girl and can get my own. I’ll just join you after I grab my breakfast.”

When she notices I’m still standing next to her, she shoos me with her hands. “Go on. Shoo. Git. I got it.”

Alright, I can take a hint. I turn back to the table where Lykos is waiting with an amused look.

“Man, she doesn’t like to be coddled, huh?” Lykos laughs.  

“I have a feeling we will have our hands full,” I reply. Amaris sets her tray down on the table, and I note that she likes fruit and chocolate milk. That’s a fascinating combination. We finish our breakfasts while taking turns asking questions about each other, and before I know it, it’s almost noon, and I remember I have an important meeting soon.  

“I’m sorry to say this, Lil’bit, but I gotta run. I have a meeting in a bit, and I can’t be late. Can I take you out to dinner tonight?”

She bites her lower lip in thought, and I can tell she’s considering my question. The thought that she very well may say no is tantalizing to me. My dragon loves a good challenge and trying to pursue the unobtainable. Finally, she steels her shoulders and lifts her gaze to meet mine. I wait with bated breath to see what way this will go.

“Yes. You can take me to dinner tonight, but you have to promise not to be bossy.”

I can’t believe she said yes! But, wait, bossy? “I’m not bossy! I’m protective,” I protest.  

“You are bossy. So, agree not to be bossy, or I change my mind,” she bargains. 

“Fine, I promise not to be bossy. I’ll pick you up at seven o'clock.” I quickly kiss her cheek before she can protest and waltz away, feeling happier than I remember feeling in a long time.  

I return to my house with only a few moments to spare, so I head to my office and set up my laptop. Unknown to everyone, this will not be a regular meeting. In this meeting, I will announce to my family that I have found my Soulmate. Not only that, but she has a Soulbond.

I had always thought I would wait to announce my Soulmate to my family until we were closer, more so, until she was okay with me sharing the information, but given the timing of things, that’s not an option. I’m the crowned prince so I need to let my father know of anything that could affect my ruling, and while a Soulmate wouldn’t usually affect it significantly, her having Soulbonds, certainly could. It’s also a security measure for Amaris. She is already powerful, but if she has Soulbonds it will increase her already abundance of powers, bringing enemies and dangers that we haven’t considered yet. Telling my father about her will give us the support of the entire dragon kingdom, should we need protection. There are powerful mages, dragons, and other shifters that are always on the prowl looking for a Soulmate that they can steal power from. If they get wind that there is a Soulbond comprised of myself, the prince of dragons, and the future leader of the packs in Greece, they will come for her and they won’t stop until they drain every ounce of power from the three of us. I’m pulled from my thoughts as the screen lights up and my father’s weathered face appears. He looks as though he could be my older brother since dragons tend to maintain a youthful appearance until around their three-hundredth birthday, and even then, we age slowly.

“Hey, son! How are things in Arkansas?”

“They’re going pretty good. How are things going for you? Miss me yet?” I grin, already knowing because I check in on things at home, but it warms my heart when he smiles at my joke.

“The usual things. The royal court is in an upheaval yet again over some bone-headed stunt your cousin pulled during the last meeting of the council. Why do I sense that this small talk is a delay tactic?”

He’s always been able to see right through me.

“I know we have other things to discuss, but I have a serious update first.” My father looks at me expectantly, waiting in that quiet, patient way of his, and I wipe my hands on my jeans nervously. “I found my Soulmate.” My father stares at me in shock, his cheeks flushing the only sign that he is flustered.  

“Dad, did you hear me?” I question, watching him closely. If that revelation knocked him off his feet, then the rest of my news is sure to floor him.

My father shakes his head as if he is coming out of a daze. “Yes, what do you mean you found your Soulmate?” He seems more surprised than I would have predicted. Soulmates aren’t unheard of, even though they are uncommon. More so among the dragons, as a Soulmate needs to match our power, and it is rare that one outside of our kind is capable of such. 

“She’s here at the college. I ran into her the other day. The moment we touched, I knew. That’s not everything though,” I hesitate, giving him a moment to prepare himself. “She has more than one Soulbond.”

My father lets out an audible gasp as his eyes balloon. “Of course she does!” My father beams with pride. “To match you, she has to be a creature of immense power. This is quite the update, son.” That twinkle in his eyes fades, and he grows serious, “Son, if this is true, she is in grave danger from a darkness that you have yet to learn about. You and her other bonds must do all that you can to protect her. Fate must have big plans for her, and you need to bring her here so we can protect the future queen. Her other bond will just have to come along.”

I don’t know how that will work since Lykos is going to be the Grand Alpha, but Amaris has to come first, so we will have to figure that out later. I give him a few moments to compose himself. It isn’t like my father to be so animated. He’s usually very gruff and shows very little emotion except for anger.  

I then ask the question that has been bothering me since I found out, “Can we protect her here at the college? I don’t want to uproot her entire life.”

My father sits back and ponders this for a few moments. When he looks at the screen again, I notice a determined glint in his eyes. I ready myself to reason with him, as I am confident he is going to insist on her being brought to Flyburg, where the capital of our kingdom is located. Instead, he surprises me, “We will do all that we possibly can to ensure her safety, but I agree with you, uprooting her when you are all on the brink of change might not be the best option. She’s the next queen of the dragons and, as such, will be protected by ours. I will send a small team to guard her around the clock. They will arrive within the week. She must ensure she does not go anywhere without their protection.”

Relief washes over me in waves, because I have learned firsthand how independent my Soulmate is. She would not have liked being forced to leave her life here, however, he is my king, and if he insisted on it, I would be left with a very tough decision. At the moment, I could say it would be difficult, but once bonded with her, something tells me there would only be one choice. I will protect Amaris no matter what, but having a team nearby to help makes things more manageable. Although, I highly doubt she will feel the same way.  

“Thank you, Dad. I’m not sure Amaris will like the idea of strangers hovering around. She is fiercely independent, but she’s just going to have to get over it.”

My dad lets out a chuckle, “Well, I’ll make sure they know not to bother her and to stay in the background. It seems you have yourself a spitfire. Good, you need one. Please keep me updated and try to plan a visit. Your mother and I would love to meet her and her other bond. I’m running late to another meeting, so we will have to discuss the merchant trades another time. I love you, son. Be safe.”  

The video feed ends, and I sag in my chair, grateful for the help in protecting her. I know she won’t be happy about it, but in this instance, I know I’m right. I can feel my dragon getting worked up at the thought of her safety being threatened, and I know I need to let out some tension before he lets it come out on our date tonight. The extra time to clear my head will be good for me anyway, so I head for the clearing to do exactly that.

I get a text from my father about an hour before my date, letting me know that the protection team has been hand-picked by him and they should arrive tomorrow. With the knowledge that Amaris will be safer after tomorrow, I decide to start getting ready for our date. My dragon is anxious to see her and make sure she is taken care of.

What does someone wear to a first date with their Soulmate? I recall her mentioning her favorite color is blue. How fitting that a deep blue happens to be the color of dragon royalty. Fate handpicked this woman right down to the simplest details. I choose my black jeans and a royal blue button-up that I usually reserve for when I have a video meeting with the royal court. I comb out the bouncy curls that stop just shy of my ears and ask myself for the hundredth time if Amaris will like my appearance. My nerves are frazzled as I take a final look in the mirror. I want to do everything I can to make this a night to remember for her, and start our relationship out right. Once I decide it’s as good as it’s going to get, I lock my house and drive to campus to pick up my Soulmate.

Chapter 7

AMARIS

“If you don’t come out of that bathroom in the next two minutes, I’m kicking the damn door down!” Stella laughs, but I can hear her frustration in her voice. She has been trying to coax me out of the bathroom for the last fifteen minutes, and I’m not budging.

She might have convinced me to try on the dress, but she should’ve known the moment I saw it, or lack of it, for that matter, that there was no way I was coming out willingly. It's not that I mind dresses, I have even been known to pick one out a time or two myself. I’m just nervous about my date with Atticus, and I don’t need to worry about having to sit like a lady the entire time. I look at myself in the mirror once more and take a deep breath. The clothes might be different, but it’s still me. Despite being in a minidress, it looks almost elegant. It comes to mid-thigh and has sleeves covering most of my arms. At the very least, I would look good tonight. At last I decide I have stalled long enough and I open the bathroom door, shooting Stella a dark look before she can comment. She grins, but wisely stays quiet, fidgeting from excitement.

I sigh and decide to cave. “Alright, you can do my makeup.”

“Eek!” she squeals, clapping her hands together and ushering me into a chair.

In no time, she has my hair piled on the top of my head in a classy bun with a few loose curls, light pink lips, and a smokey eye look that fades from black to light purple. To Stella’s dismay, she couldn’t persuade me to ditch my black combat boots. If I am going to wear a dress, I am also going to be able to kick some butt should the need arise.

“‘Ris, you look stunning! I wish you wouldn’t wear the boots, but you’ve somehow managed to make even those look sexy. Atticus is going to lose his mind when he sees you!” She rushes over and fusses with one of my loose curls, gives me a tight hug, and whispers, “If things move too far or you’re uncomfortable, call me, and I’ll drive there and kick his ass, okay?” She quips. “But if you decide to go all the way, you better give me every juicy detail.”

After a moment more, I release her and step back. “I promise that if anything wayward happens, I’ll call you, but don’t get your hopes up about any juicy stories. I’m not ready for anything too intimate yet.”

Or am I?

The thought of his fingers running through my delicate folds makes me quiver. There is a knock on our door, signaling Atticus’ arrival and interrupting my inappropriate thoughts. Butterflies swarm my stomach, and I feel as though I might faint. Stella grins at me right before she opens the door and my stomach flips again, my breath catching as I look at him. He looks striking in his jeans and a blue button-down shirt. My gaze wanders back to his and his brown eyes lock on mine, making me want to melt. Atticus is clean shaven and looks as though he just showered, the thought causing my brain to go haywire. Images of water dripping down his lean body have me heating up, and I can feel the wetness pooling between my legs. This damn man is going to be the death of me.

Not that it would be a bad way to go, I think to myself.

“Lil’bit, you look absolutely delectable.” The way he looks at me makes me feel like he sees my body like it was the last supper, and he is starving. I struggle not to squirm under his gaze as he speaks again. "I got us reservations at my favorite restaurant in town. Is Italian okay?” He looks almost sheepish while waiting for my answer, and it is sort of adorable. Lucky for him, my favorite food is spaghetti and meatballs.

“It’s perfect. Let’s go before Stella decides she needs a picture of this moment.” Stella is always taking candid photos of those around her, and I know she has to be dying to pull it out now. I’ve been careful round her since she caught me on camera pretending to be a walrus.

“You don’t have to ask me twice,” he grins and reaches for my hand, the warmth that streaks up my arm absolutely delicious.

When the door closes behind us, I find myself having to take a deep breath, even more nervous about the night now that it was actually happening. Before I know it, he is helping me into his car and we are on our way.

The drive to the restaurant is tense as I try to ignore the heat I feel radiating from his body sitting so close. I nearly jump out of my skin as I feel his rough, warm hand come to rest on my thigh, causing my brain to overload and butterflies to ricochet through my stomach. Though I feel his every move, we ride in silence, watching the passing scenery with far more intent than interest. As we pull up, I notice the building is an old Victorian house that has been renovated to be a romantic Italian restaurant named Amore Nascosto. There are beautiful rose bushes around the building, with rose-covered vines climbing a few of the walls. It makes for quite a stunning setting. Atticus opens my door and holds out his hand to help me stand. Usually, I would find myself hesitating at the gesture, but considering the state of my skirt, I decide to save everyone from a flash of my lady bits and accept. Atticus hands the keys to the valet and instead of letting go of my hand as I thought he would, he keeps it in his and leads me into the foyer. It is clean and spacious, with small rose plants scattered throughout.

Once we get to the hostess, Atticus tells her his name, and she looks starstruck. Her face flushes crimson as she stutters, “Your table is right this way, sir.” She immediately leads us to a small table in the back that is secluded. The table is adorned with a silk tablecloth, two long white candles, and blue and purple hydrangeas in the center.

My shock must be evident because Atticus clears his throat and speaks softly, his voice barely a whisper against my ear. “I noticed you stopped at the hydrangea garden on campus the other day and assumed you liked them, so I called ahead and made preparations for them to be our centerpiece.”

I can’t believe he noticed that, and I was sure he hadn’t looked at them for more than a minute or two. A warmth starts in my center at the idea that he did all this just for me. Both of my men may turn out to be romantic and charming, each with their own way of making me feel like the most important person to them. Wait, my men? Since when did I start referring to them as mine?

Atticus interrupts my inner rambling when he lays his hand on my waist and guides me to a chair that he pulls out for me. As I take my seat, I struggle not to be disappointed at the lack of contact, but it’s probably for the best. Especially considering where my thoughts just wandered.

Once he is satisfied I am settled, he surprises me again by sitting next to me rather than across from me. He shoots me a knowing look as we give the waitress our orders. We take a moment to enjoy the romantic ambiance of lit candles that cast a calm glow and music playing lightly over the speakers. His tan skin is almost glowing in the candlelight, and his enchantingly good looks are making my body heat up and my head swim. “Lil ‘Bit, you look amazing. It’s going to be hard controlling myself tonight,” he says as he lightly brushes his fingers over my knee, and all thoughts of the restaurant flee my now heat addled brain.

Bit by bit he works his way toward the hem of my dress, his rough hand trailing up the inner side of my thigh. Pausing, he raises a questioning brow at me, seeking permission to explore. I don’t know if it’s the Soulbond or the way the feel of his skin on mine lights me on fire, but I nod, giving him the permission he seeks. I feel him trail his rough hand up the inner side of my thigh. Again, I curse Stella for her choice in attire, but at the same time, I can’t help but curse myself for wishing he wouldn’t stop. A slight buzz fills my head and all I can do is focus on the intoxicating way his touch is making me feel. The small brush of his thumb against my thigh makes me tremble, his fingers teasing the hem of my skirt until I can all but feel him touching my hot center. I lick my lips and look at him in shock as he daringly moves higher. His deep brown eyes are bright, his muscles rippling as he teases me beneath the table, the tension in them showing me he is struggling to hold back. Someone drops something on the other side of the room and shatters the moment. I remember with startling clarity that we’re in a restaurant. Not only that, but this is our first date.

I jump up, the silverware rattling on the table as I bump against it, looking like a crazy person yet again. I mumble an excuse about having to use the restroom and hurry across the room before he has a chance to stop me. The stall door all but slams behind me in my rush to close myself off and I slide the lock into place. I take a moment to gather myself, letting out the breath I was sure he had stolen.

How could I want someone in such an intimate way that I’ve only known for a few days? His touch has me aching for more, and I can’t help but wonder what sex with him would be like. The effect he has on me scares me because, save for a guy in high school named Jackson, I have never been interested in anyone that way. My lack of interest is why I am still a virgin at almost twenty-four. I didn’t see the need to give someone my body when they couldn’t even capture my attention. I hear the bathroom door open, but pay little attention since it’s the women’s restroom, and it seems busy here tonight. I know I can’t stay and stall forever, so I compose myself and open the door. I stop in my tracks as I find myself staring face to face with a grungy-looking man, baring his teeth at me as if I had attacked him or done him some personal wrong.

He stalks closer and mumbles, “It’s time to kill the missing Silver Moon, finally.”

I feel as though ice has been dumped into my very soul at his words. All I can feel is terror as his menacing gaze fixes on mine. My heartbeat picks up and I force myself to calm down. I know what can happen when I let myself get upset. Instead, I try to step around him, but he grabs me by the hair, pain radiating across my scalp as he throws me to the ground. The air whooshes from my lungs with the impact and I fight to get up.

How does he know the note my mom left for the adoption agency called me “Silver Moon”?

Realization washes over me that this man knows something and is really after me. It’s not some cosmic mistake. I need to get out of here. Adrenaline rushes into my system as I feel my magic rush to the surface in a pissed-off wave of silver fire that shines like moonlight.

Acting on instinct, I release the magic building in me, and it slams into the man. He flies across the room and lands on his butt. He lets out a low growl and shifts into the biggest, ugliest coyote I’ve ever seen. The moment he spins toward me, drool falling from his pulled back lip, I know he’s going to kill me if I don’t knock him out.

Coyotes are the number one paid assassins for supernaturals for a reason. They are ruthless and have no morals. He seems to size me up, his teeth bared moments before his nails scrape against the tiled floor, and he races towards me. I force myself to wait until the right moment to drop low and sweep my leg out, knocking him off his feet and making him fall hard on his side. He obviously underestimated me as the fall stuns him for a moment. Slowly, he drags himself from the floor and releases a low, deadly growl at me. His teeth clash together, his jaw snapping as he attempts to get his large claws into my legs. I smash my boot clad foot into the top of his head, glad I hadn’t caved and worn the heels Stella has insisted on, as he winces back. It doesn’t hold him back long as he scrambles to his feet again and lunges for me again.

My magic lashes out in an uncontrolled flame of sliver and singes his fur, forcing his shift. Stunned again, he falls to his knees, his balance off from being forced from four feet to two.

“Little bitch!” he bellows.

Not hesitating, I kick him in his much weaker human skull and out go his lights. I have no clue how long he will be out, so I flip him over, pinning him against the floor before I slip my phone out of my pocket and call the only person I can think of able to help in time. Atticus.

“Lil’bit, what’s wrong? I thought you were in the bathroom?” His voice is thick with concern.

“I am in the bathroom, but we have a problem. Come to the ladies’ bathroom and see our uninvited guest.” I hang up the phone, and before I can even fully put it away, Atticus comes barreling through the door damn near knocking me off the guy who is already starting to wake up.

He pauses in the doorway with warring expressions of admiration, confusion, and red-hot anger on his handsome face.

“What the hell happened in here?” His voice still holds a tinge of concern, but it is laced with fury.

“This guy decided to attack me when I came out of the stall, and I don’t know why. He knew about my old nickname Silver Moon from my birth mother, but I don’t know how, and I don’t want to bring it up until I know for sure that’s what he was referring to. And yet Stella didn’t want me to wear my boots. Good thing I did, or this would’ve ended badly for me.”

“I got him, Lil’bit. Call Lykos and have him pick you up to take you home. Also, call Stella and tell her to get to the dorm. You lock yourselves in there with Lykos until I can dispose of this piece of shit and get back to you. Promise me you’ll do what I say.” His gaze is locked on mine, a momentary battle of wills as he waits for me to agree to do as he orders.

For whatever reason, I can tell he is not only pissed, but scared, and while I want to argue and tell him I can handle myself, I find myself agreeing. “Okay, but this is the only time you get to be bossy,” I relent.

He crosses to where I still have my attacker pinned to the ground and sears a bruising kiss to my lips without warning. My hormones go haywire again and I press into him. 

My brain fogs up, and it seems like the entire world is standing still for this moment for us. When he finally pulls away, I feel like a vacuum has taken all of my warmth away. I long to curl up in his arms and let him hold me. He clears his throat, and I snap out of my lust-induced haze. I have things to do and people to see. Stella is at the dorm by herself tonight and if this guy knew where to find me, it wouldn’t be too out of this world that he may have already gotten to her. We need to get back quickly and make sure she is okay.

I watch as Atticus efficiently secures my attacker and I slide my finger across the screen, clicking on Lykos. “Wait outside, Amaris.”

Again, I find myself doing as he asks, not sure I want to see what he has in mind for taking care of the guy, anyway. Lykos answers on the second ring, and before I can even fully explain what happened, he interrupts me, ordering me to not move and wait where I am until he arrives. While I wait, I dial Stella and she picks up quickly, likely thinking I need her to come to my rescue and ready to kick butt. “Stels, where are you?”

“In our room. Did he fuck with you? Tell me where and I’ll be there,” she blurts out, likely already slipping her shoes on.

“Nothing like that. Look, I can’t answer many questions right now, just promise me you will lock the door and stay there until I get back? I don’t know what is going on, but I was attacked and⁠—”

I’m cut off as she gasps. "Attacked! By who?”

“I promise, I’ll tell you more when I get back, just, please,” I plead that she will agree. I don’t even know what happened, let alone have the ability to explain it to her.

“Are you safe?”

“Lykos is on his way. Atticus is, well, I don’t really know. I’ll be there soon.” I click the phone off, knowing she will do as I ask. I lean my head against the wall, my mind racing with what this could mean and why the man might have come for me. In less than twenty minutes, I am pulled from my thoughts as tires squeal and he flies into the parking lot in his black Mustang convertible.

“You didn’t have to speed here. I’m okay,” I try to reassure him.

“You are not okay. Someone attacked you!” He is yelling, and his eyes are yellow, signaling he is close to shifting.

People around us stare and I know I have to do something to get the attention off of us.

I do the only thing I can think of to calm him down. I kiss him. I’m not sure why I do it, but we stand there wrapped in each other’s embrace for a short time. When he is calm, I reluctantly step out of his embrace.

“Where is Atticus?” Lykos asks.

“Last I saw, he was taking care of the attacker. I don’t know what he’s doing to him, and I don’t want to.”

“Let’s get you back to your dorm before I make him suffer at my hand too for attacking you.” With a low rumble in his chest, Lykos wraps his hand around my waist and helps me into his car.

We drive back to my dorm in silence, giving me time to calm the flutters in my stomach. I unlock my door and quickly find myself engulfed in Stella’s arms. I have to brace myself so as not to topple over from the sheer force of her momentum.

“You can’t call me and tell me you were attacked and to lock myself in our dorm until you get here and then not call or text again for over forty-five minutes! What if you got attacked again?! How would I know?!” She is breathing heavily and on the verge of tears. I feel like such a shit friend for not communicating with her.

“I’m so sorry, Stels! I swear I didn’t mean to scare you. I’m here, and I’m fine.” I rub small circles on her back as Lykos gently moves us out of the way to secure the door.

“What happened, ‘Ris?” Stella demands with her hands on her hips and a scowl on her pouty lips.

“I honestly don’t know. He cornered me in the women’s bathroom as I was coming out of a stall and tried to kill me.” I feel ashamed to keep the detail about him calling me Silver Moon like my birth mom used to, but I never told Stella about it growing up because I felt like it was a private thing between my birth mom and I. Stella starts to bounce on the balls of her feet and I know she is struggling with not knowing all of the details, but that’s all I want to share for now. I just want to relax and put it out of my mind for now.

“What do you mean? He didn’t tell you why he was after you or who sent him? ‘Ris, we have to figure it out before his slum brother coyotes come for you too!” Stella raises her voice.

“Stels, I really don’t want to talk about this anymore right now. It was a long night and I just want to relax. Can we please just watch a movie and chill out?”

Stella calms enough to settle onto her bed as I pop in the first DVD I grab, The Notebook, and then settle on her bed next to her.

* * *

I guess we dozed off because I wake up to hushed voices talking from the other side of the room. I slowly sit up, and immediately Atticus is at my side, pulling me into a crushing hug.

I snuggle into the safety of his embrace and allow myself a few moments to enjoy this before reality comes crashing in.

Chapter 8

LYKOS

As I watch Atticus hold our beautiful soulmate in his arms, I realize with startling lucidity that we could have lost her last night had things been different. I’m amazed at the strength she showed and her ability to protect herself when she needed to. Just this morning, Atticus and I agreed to give Amaris some time to adjust to the reality that she is in danger and we will do anything to protect her. Even if she doesn’t realize it, I have noticed her reaching for us more and more. Our bonds are developing far faster than any of us thought they would. Tonight, when I got her call, I thought my heart was going to explode from the sheer panic in her voice after being attacked and knowing I couldn’t get to her soon enough and that I wasn’t there to protect her to begin with. 

Before her call, I was in a meeting with the local Alpha to discuss a pack of coyotes in the area that were seen lurking around campus. Now that I know Amaris was targeted by one, I’m starting to think she might be the reason for their sudden presence. It makes me wonder if it is simply because of her being strong enough to have a Soulbond, or if it could be something more. We definitely need to know more about her backstory, though, especially if we are going to head this off. For a brief moment I find myself wondering if there is something more she isn’t telling us, but she seems just as surprised as the rest of us about the attack.

“We should discuss what happened and what we are going to do moving forward,” Atticus announces, drawing me from my inner monologue.  

Amaris sits the rest of the way up next to Atticus while her roommate continues to snore softly. I’d suggest we step outside to talk, but I don’t want to be exposed during this conversation, and it’s clear that Amaris trusts her completely.  

“Feggari Mou, what happened tonight? Do you know why he would attack you?” I ask as I sit gently on her other side. I can tell by the way she is chewing her bottom lip that, though she is shaken up, she is analyzing something in her beautiful brain. Possibly holding something back. Not that I can blame her. We are as new to her as she is to us, and trust is a hard thing to give freely.

“I don’t know why he attacked me, but he did say something that freaked me out right before he flipped out and shifted. The terror on her face is almost enough to make me want to change the subject to anything else, but I know it is essential to get every single detail we can to solve this and ensure her safety. We both remain quiet, watching her closely and giving her time to gather her thoughts.

“When he was about to shift, he said, ‘It’s time to finally kill the missing silver moon.’ I know that may not seem significant to anyone, but I’ve only ever been called that once, and only by one person. When my birth parents left me at an adoption agency, they left a note with me. In the note, my mother called me her ‘little silver moon.’ It’s something I have wondered about my whole life, but never understood the meaning of. Eventually, I ended up thinking it was just a nickname.”

I sit there completely stunned at her revelation. She was adopted? How would someone know what her mom used to call her, and why bring it up now? There are just too many coincidences and not enough answers. 

“Do you know anything about your birth parents?” I question.

She thinks for a moment. “No, all they left with me was a note. I think I still have it here somewhere, but I don’t recall any personal information on there that could identify them.” Her face looks crestfallen, and I swear I can feel her disappointment that she can’t give us more or be more help in figuring this out. She’s doing great, though.

This isn’t the first time I wish I could just steal her away and do everything in my power to put a smile on her face. Feeling her pain makes it that much worse, but her safety is my top priority, so I must continue asking painful questions. “Could you find the letter? Would it be okay if we took a look at it?” I can see her pondering my question, and I don’t want to push her, so I continue to sit patiently while she thinks it over. 

Wordlessly, she rises from her bed and walks into one of the two walk-in closets in the dorm. I don’t hear anything for a moment, and then she emerges, holding an old, worn envelope in her hands. It is tinged with a slight yellow tone that shows its age. Whatever it is, it has to be important for her to have held onto it all this time. She gingerly sits between Atticus and me on the bed, studying the envelope before she looks up again, emotion brimming in her eyes.

“You can look at it, just please be careful. It’s all I have left of her,” her voice is quiet as she passes the note to me, and Atticus reads it over her shoulder with me. She sits patiently as we read the note. 

My sweet little silver moon, 

I’m so sorry that I have to do this.  

I wish nothing more than to watch you grow up to be the amazing woman that I know you one day will be, but I have to protect you. Please know that your dad and I will always love you, and one day we hope to see you again if fate allows.

The poisonous stars are the key to life. 

Love always,

Your mother

Atticus and I sit quietly, soaking in the tenderness in this note. This decision must have been tough for her birth parents to make, and I can’t even begin to understand what must have happened for this to be their only option. Once I am sure Atticus is finished reading it, I place it back into the delicate envelope and place it safely in Amaris’ hands.  

She clutches the envelope to her chest as tears fall from her eyes. I watch as the walls she’s built around her heart go back up, and she composes herself. I never would’ve believed it had happened had I not been here to see the hurt and the tears in her eyes.  

“Feggari Mou, I can’t even begin to understand how confusing and difficult this is for you. I promise we will do everything we can to protect you and help you find answers.” Hope lights up her entire face at my proclamation, making her look angelic. 

In this moment, I know without a doubt that I would do anything to ensure that she gets every answer her heart desires.  

“My father is sending a team of men today to ensure your safety. I know you like to be independent, but I am doing everything I can to keep my dragon from stealing you away so that no one will ever attempt to hurt you again,” Atticus declares.

I thought he was going to say more, but instead, he stares at Amaris, waiting to see what she says. Knowing the spitfire she is, I’m expecting her to of off on him for being bossy. Color me shocked when she simply nods her head in agreement. She must be more scared than she’s letting on since she’s consenting to this. On the other hand, I am thrilled to have the extra eyes on her as long as it’s only the guard’s eyes on her. At this point, I am not sure what I would do if I caught someone actually attempting to touch her.

We decide to have breakfast delivered this morning, not wanting to risk having Amaris out in the open until we know more about what we are up against. Not that we tell her that, because she would buck against it, refusing to cower. Yet another reason I am proud to have her as my Soulmate.

I’m pleasantly surprised to find that I’m comfortable enough around these people that we spend the day watching movies on the TV. Stella hangs out with us for the day, not wanting to leave her side either. They seem close, and I can tell the genuine affection they have for one another. It’s fun to watch our Soulmate relax and let loose a little with her friend.

Amaris even allowed herself to be sandwiched between Atticus and I during one of the movies, and the way her thigh brushes along mine heats me to the very core, making it nearly impossible to resist. I struggle to remain as still as possible, not wanting to frighten her as my dick grows hard in anticipation of being inside of her.

A quick glance at Atticus shows me that he’s not exactly unaffected either. Instead, he looks just as tense as I feel, our bond already forming and making Amaris subconsciously reach out for us.

I clear my throat as she moves her hand a bit higher, deciding it would be better to just link my fingers with her. If she goes any higher, she is going to find out exactly what she does to me. Stella lets out a knowing chuckle and Amaris looks at me curiously.

“Is everything okay?”

“Absolutely,” my voice is huskier than usual, but she doesn’t seem to notice and returns her attention to the movie.

All too soon, it’s time for us to split again. It’s already dark, and we have pushed dorm rules as it is. Amaris promises to let the dragon guards stand outside her door and follow her at a distance around campus, which puts Atticus and me at ease enough to leave her and her roommate alone in their dorm. I would rather be the one with her, but knowing she had someone to defend her did a bit to calm my agitation.

Atticus and I each split toward our own places, my wolf anxious from the events of the last twenty-four hours and needing to let loose. I head to my cabin and get ready for a shift, stripping quickly, more than ready to let my wolf have the lead.

This won’t be an easy endeavor ahead of us, but I’m glad Amaris is letting us help her discover the truth about her birth parents. Whatever is hidden there, my gut tells me it has something to do with her biological parents, and that nickname. For now, though, I allow my wolf to come forward in my consciousness, taking over as I land softly on all fours. For a few hours, I let him have control, using the time to clear my own mind and get ready for whatever information we learn, and wherever it will take us.

Chapter 9

AMARIS

It’s not been that long since I met the guys, and already I feel myself even more drawn to them. I’m not sure if it’s because they came to my defense when I was attacked by the stranger, but now, only two days later, I am actually hoping they can help. Before, I would push people out, and I am finding that I want them involved and near me. We aren’t any closer to learning anything about my birth parents, and disappointment spears me at the thought. Logically, I know it’s not been that long, but I hoped with others working on it with me, we would at least know their names by now, but nope, nada, nothing.

Today is the first day of classes, and I’m a wreck. I keep jumping at the littlest sounds. I don’t have any courses with Stella, much to our disappointment, but I think I have Business Management with the guys. I’m not sure why it’s a required class for an astronomy degree, but it doesn’t matter.

On Mondays and Wednesdays, I have Undergrad Astronomy Seminar and Advanced Astrophysics, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays, I have Stellar Astronomy Lab and Business Management. Even though we have no classes together, we still agree we want to start our day together so I agree to meet the guys in the commons for breakfast before classes. I hurry to get ready so I’m not late, there is no way I’m missing out on food.

I’m not looking to impress anyone, and I want to be comfortable during class, so I throw on a pair of blue skinny jeans, an oversized sweatshirt that says, “Food is My Bestie,” and my crap-kicker boots. Stella says she will meet me there because she’s picking up Dominik first, so I grab my backpack and keys and head out.

I arrive at the commons before my guys and Stella, so I get a plate and load it up. I find a table near the back that overlooks a small garden and sit down right as Lykos enters. Immediately, his eyes scan the room and I notice the relief that floods his body when he finds me, his body sagging in relief. He glances to the guards standing discreetly behind me and nods before filling his tray and joining me. When he sits, he remains silent and glances at me nervously, almost as if he’s making sure I’m okay. I’m sure he has seen me being jumpy, but the attack was only a few days ago. It’s normal to still be a bit freaked out.

Atticus walks in, followed by Stella and Dominik. All of them have worried expressions on their faces, but there doesn’t seem to be a reason, so I assume it’s just first-day-of-class nerves. They skip the buffet and come directly to our table. Atticus and Lykos sit on either side of me while Stella and Dominik settle across from us. I wait for a beat to see if they are going to stop acting so weird, but I give up.

I drop my fork and look at Stella. “What is the deal? You’re all acting bizarre.”

I wait for an answer and they all glance nervously at one another. Okay, so definitely not first-day-of-class nerves.

Stella looks a little flighty, like she would rather be anywhere but here, having this conversation. So unlike my bestie.

“You didn’t notice anything odd today when you walked through campus? Or maybe how people keep whispering and looking at our table?” Her voice is low as she glances around us. “Um, we have a bunch of hot guys sitting at our table, so I’m assuming that’s what they are staring at.”

I look around us, thinking it over. Now that I think about it, it is unusually morose in here this morning, again, something I chalked up to the first day of classes. I did notice a few people staring at me by the garden on my way here, but thought that was only because of the guards that trailed me.

Stella looks at me and sighs heavily, “‘Ris, somehow people found out about the attack, and it’s all over school that he tried to kill you.” My heart drops into my butt at her admission. How do people know? I didn’t make a big scene out of it, and I’m certain Atticus didn’t either. We had even been off campus when it happened. This is just great. Not. So much for my easy and relaxing senior year.

“Lil’bit, it’s gonna be okay. We are gonna find out who sent him and why,” Atticus tries to assure me.

“Feggarri Mou, we will be with you every step of the way,” Lykos declares.

My pancakes sit heavily in my stomach, and I know I can’t eat another bite. Not with the news that literally everyone will be staring at me for the remainder of the day.

“I’m going to go ahead and get to class a little early.” I stand up and grab my bag, shooting looks of apology to the others as I grab my tray and make my escape. I dump it in the trash and place my tray, hoping I can get out of here before too many more arrive in the commons. I might just get lucky enough to make it to class without everyone staring at me.

Up first is Undergraduate Astronomy. It only takes me two minutes to get to class, so I get to pick my desk while the others are still empty. Leaving the guards to stand outside the classroom door, I choose one nestled in the back corner to not draw any more attention to myself, not that it seems to be working. As more people enter the room, their eyes find me like heat-seeking missiles, and I wish I could disappear. It is no surprise that no one chooses the seat directly in front or beside me.

My cheeks heat upon hearing the whispers from my classmates. I hear someone call me a freak and declare that maybe the coyote was just trying to do everyone a favor. None of these people have ever met me, so I don’t know why they are being such twatwaffles about this. Move on, people. The professor comes in, and everything settles down. The rest of the class passes uneventfully, with us discussing the syllabus and class requirements. I get a one-hour lunch, and then I’ll head to Advanced Astrophysics. I hear the professor is pretty eccentric, so it should be interesting, at the very least.

I arrive at the commons a little before noon, so the lunch bunch is thankfully absent. Not sure how long I can deal with the whispers and stares before I scream like a banshee at someone. I rush to grab my lunch so I can get to the table. My anxious stomach can’t handle much, so I grab a simple lunch. Call me a chocoholic if you must, but today calls for double chocolate milk. The delicious beverage is the closest thing I have to an addiction, and I will never give it up. I’m about halfway through my meal when the guys arrive, along with the rest of the lunch crowd. Immediately, I get anxious and have the urge to melt out of existence.

The whispers and stares start up, and I notice the glances my way. Some people look terrified and others just smirk at me. Slowly, I feel myself losing control and I know if I don’t do something, it will be more than my temper that I let loose.

“If you wanna know what happened, just freaking ask me or move the heck on, people!” I bellow.

Instantly, the room goes silent and my soulmates, Stella, and Dominik, all stare at me with slack jaws and wide eyes.

“What? If they want to talk shit, I’m gonna start calling them out,” I say to Atticus, who moves a little closer to me.

“Lil’bit, handle this however you need to. Maybe they’ll think twice before stirring the rumor pot, or at least do it when you’re not around. Either way, we will handle it as it comes,” Atticus reassures me, putting his arm around me.

Lykos stands to get to his next class, and when he leans down to kiss my cheek, he whispers, “I’m sorry I have to run so soon, but can I take you on a date tonight?”

I don’t even need a moment to think about it. “Absolutely.”

A grin lights his face before he moves closer and gives me a quick but searing kiss. For a moment, I feel myself sink into his supple lips, letting myself get lost in the feel of him. It’s over too soon, and instantly feel the loss of contact.

Lykos pulls back and his heated gaze meets mine. “I’ll pick you up at six-thirty.”

I glance nervously at Atticus, concerned my agreement might upset up, but he winks at me instead and returns to the debate the others are having on ice cream flavor abominations.

Thankfully, the rest of lunch is uneventful, despite the occasional glance our way. By the time I leave for my next class, my soul feels a little lighter, the banter from my friends doing a lot to relieve the tension I felt.

Advanced Astrophysics is already filling up when I arrive, but two seats are left towards the back. Unfortunately, that means I have to walk up the auditorium-style seats filled with people staring at me. I’m not a shy person, but this many eyes on me makes my skin crawl. About a quarter of the way up the steps, I do what any overly clumsy person would do; I catch my foot on the next step, despite staring right at them, and face-plant right into a rock-solid chest. His hands roughly grab my arms and, instantly, I am overcome with the scent of oak. I feel as though I am standing in a rainforest surrounded by lush vegetation. I glance up and am met with a deep, aggravated scowl. This man is imposing in the best way. His straight black hair looks as though it shimmers, and his dark eyes suggest that he can see into my soul. I am so distracted by admiration that I don’t realize I am staring.

He snatches his hand away and mumbles what sounds like, “Baka,” whatever that means, before bulldozing past me and down the stairs as if I have ruined his day.

What a prick.

I gather my belongings from the floor and notice the classmates closest to me staring. Great, now I look pathetic as well as clumsy. I storm to my seat and refuse to make eye contact with anyone, despite knowing they are all staring. For the rest of the class, I do my best to pretend the syllabus is the most exciting thing I have ever read. Which isn’t entirely wrong. I’ve always loved anything to do with the stars and moon and the different universes, so I’m sure this will be my favorite class.

There are mentions of labs and a field trip or two that do a bit to boost my mood. When Professor Adams dismisses the class, I practically sprint to the door, needing to get away from it all.

I decide to leave my negative attitude in class and return to the dorm to get ready for my date with Lykos. Whoever that dude was, he is not going to ruin my evening, and neither are the rest of the student population and their rumors.

I can’t help but think of the guy I ran into in class, and how I felt when he grabbed my arms. I know my visceral reaction to him had to be misinterpreted; it was just the heat of the moment, and my immense embarrassment. He seemed to be able to ignore it, so can I.

Chapter 10

ANDRI

“Andri!”

I hear my name being called, but I can’t stop right now. I need to get back to my apartment to speak to my father. Why is she here? I felt the witch’s pull the second our skin touched. It had felt as if a moonlight breeze swirled around me and made me feel like gravity had no meaning. That was until my common sense kicked in, and I started thinking with the correct head. She is breathtakingly beautiful, but the last thing I need right now is a distraction.

I enter my small apartment on the outskirts of campus to prepare for the conversation ahead. I need to alert my father to the complication that is my Soulmate. I sit at my minimalist white desk and open my laptop’s video conference application and press the number that correlates to my father’s office in Japan. It is time to face my father.

“Father,” I greet as his face appears on the screen.

My father pauses briefly and greets me. “Son.”

I gather my strength and continue. “I must speak with you about something.”

I steel myself for what I need to say, and in the brief moments of silence, he waits patiently.

“Somehow my Soulmate is here.” I see his eyes widen in shock, but I continue on before he can interrupt me. “I know I am the next ruler to our land, and I cannot afford a distraction. I also can’t deny that the pull to her is stronger than anything I have ever felt before. And I’ve only met her once.” I grow quiet, already knowing he is going to disapprove, but my words are true. Even now, I can still feel her magic brushing against my skin.

In the compound, soulmates are not viewed as a blessing. They are said to create a bond that makes you rely on each other and makes distance nearly impossible. We travel quite a bit to the other territories, so having a bond that relies on closeness is a burden rather than a blessing. Something to make you weak since your powers wind up bonded as well. I wait for him to lose his temper, and he doesn’t disappoint. 

“What do you mean she’s there?! That was not what we agreed on! You are my only son, and I will not let you ruin your future with a weak soulmate. It’s already arranged that you’ll marry Tika from the Jamaican territory,” my father rants. 

“I know, Father, I’m not going to pursue some woman just because fate says I should. I won’t let you down. I just felt that you should know,” I inform him. 

“You will stay away from that girl or come home. That’s it. What is your choice?” Father asks.

I sigh. “Father, I’ve already told you I will not pursue her. I will go to the dean at once and request that I be transferred into a different class. Surely, there are multiple classes at different times, and I will change to one of those,” I insist.  

“Fine. Do it quickly,” Father hangs up. He’s never been one for good communication. I have so much at stake in regard to when I rule. My village needs me to marry Tika, and I can’t have a soulmate. Fate was wrong.  

I decide it would be a good idea to shift into my Kitsune form and go for a long run. Outside, in the woods behind my apartment, I strip and prepare for the shift to overtake me. I feel my muscles and bones change to form my four legs and four tails. Once I know the shift is complete, I take off at a sprint. The calm autumn wind feels like a friend I haven’t seen in far too long. It caresses my fur and keeps me company while I run.

I’m about two hundred feet away from a relaxing clearing in the garden on campus when I hear voices coming from inside. That’s odd. It’s usually empty at this time of night. I slow down and trot to the edge of the clearing behind some bushes. I peek around the bush and suddenly feel like my head might explode. The clumsy girl from class today sits in the middle of the clearing with a man I can only describe as striking. What is my soulmate doing with him? I should charge out there and make her leave. No, Father made it clear I have to stay away from her. Going into the clearing was not a good idea.

They look so happy and in love. The moonlight glinting off her hair makes her look angelic in a way I have never seen before. Maybe I was mistaken in thinking she’s my soulmate. I’m looking at her with another man right now, something that should be impossible once you meet your other half.

Of course, there is the exception of a Soulbond, but that is so rare, it hasn't been seen in centuries. Not to mention, she would have to be extremely powerful. There’s no way someone like her, who can’t even walk upstairs without tripping, is powerful enough to be my soulmate, let alone have a Soulbond. Relieved that what I felt must have been wrong, I feel better about pushing her out of my mind and returning to my life as it should be.

I turn to leave before either one can sense me watching them, but my large paws crunch on a thick, moss covered stick, the crack resounding through the air like a deafening roar. The man swings his gaze toward me, and I freeze. I call upon my green, shimmering magic that mimics the woodlands to hide me, instantly feeling myself disappear. I’m sure he will kick my ass if he sees me, after all, I intruded on what seems to be a private moment between the two as they appear to be having a late evening picnic. Once my magic covers me like a layer of freshly fallen snow, I dart through the woods back to my apartment, careful to watch what I’m doing so that I retreat without another sound. I shift as I approach my apartment and rush to unlock my door with the key I keep under a potted plant for use after a shift. I finally make it inside, slamming and locking the door behind me. I slide down the door and release a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding.  

I don’t know why it hurts so much to see her with another man. This shouldn’t bother me at all. I check the time and realize it’s almost nine. The dean’s office is closed until tomorrow. I will have to sleep and hope the dean is willing to change my schedule first thing in the morning. I want to graduate this year. I just don’t know if I can do that with her around. 

* * *

I get up early knowing I’ll be waiting for over an hour to meet with the dean, thanks to his assistant giving me a heads-up yesterday that he tends to make you wait while he makes phone calls. Who would’ve guessed he’d be such a busy guy? After an eternity, the door opens, and a scraggly looking older man steps out and calls my name.

He looks like an evil fae with wiry grey hair and teeth so white they hurt my eyes. His smile sends shivers down my spine, and for the first time, I wonder if this is a bad idea. He escorts me into his office, and I glance around. It doesn’t look like an evil lair, so that’s a good sign. The only odd thing is a large bookshelf with books that appear to be older than me, but I guess that isn’t too strange considering he has got to be over two hundred years old. He is a male faery, and the more powerful they are, the longer they live. I sit in one of the worn leather chairs and wait for him to take a seat and gesture for me to start. 

“What is it that you need, son? It must be urgent since we weren’t supposed to meet for another three weeks to review your first term grades,” he observes. 

“Sir, I need my Advanced Astrophysics class moved to a new period. I’m finding it difficult due to some…distractions. It would provide me a better opportunity for success if it were in a different period,” I explain hopefully, purposely leaving out the reason. I feel my hope deflate as his face morphs into a deep frown.

“I wish I could, but that is the only period that class is offered this semester due to the professor’s limited availability. The next available time would be next semester, and if you choose that, you won’t be able to graduate on time,” he explains.

I sit back and think on this for a brief moment, not sure what other choice I have. At last I cave, knowing I will have to figure out how to simply deal with it. “Alright, sir, never mind. Thank you for your time, and I’ll let you get back to the tasks you have at hand,” I rise to leave.

As I exit Dean Orsen’s office, I open the door and freeze at the sight of the woman from yesterday outside, waiting.

The dean calls her name. “Amaris, you may come in now.”

Time seems to stand still as I stare at her, my breath catching and my heart hammering so fast that I’m surprised she can’t hear it. Her name is just as beautiful as she is, and I can’t help but admire her.

She has on black jeans that are so tight, they appear to be painted on her bodacious ass in a way that makes me want to rip her clothes off, and her tight blue tank top hugs her voluptuous chest. Her black hair is in a high ponytail that highlights subtle silver streaks in it that complement her light violet eyes. Everything about this woman oozes sex appeal and drives me insane. I want to plunge my aching member so deep inside her that she screams my name, while simultaneously wanting to run as far away from her as I can. She begins to walk into his office, and I snap out of my dazed state. I don’t understand it, but the thought of her going in there alone with him drives me to my breaking point. Before I realize what I’m doing, I enter the office with her and shut the door. She looks both frustrated and amused.

“Andri, can we help you? Did you need something else?” the dean asks, suddenly appearing irritated.

“Yes, sir. Just here to support Amaris, as she is my Soulmate.”

The look of shock on both of their faces mirrors my own. Why did I just say that? What the hell is happening?

“Amaris, do you mind if I stay?” I ask hopefully.

She seems to ponder this for a moment before responding, “I would greatly appreciate it.”

Relief floods my entire body as I sag into the chair next to her. It might be inexplainable, but even knowing I was treading in dangerous water, I couldn’t leave her alone with him.

“Let’s get started now that everything is sorted. Amaris, I was notified of the attack on you off campus, and I want you to know that I am personally looking into it and will be keeping a close eye on you. We don’t tolerate attacks on our students,” he explains.

Shock lances through me at the mention of her being attacked. Who would want to hurt her? That doesn’t make any sense. The dean would surely kick me out if I question her about it now. After all, her Soulmate should be aware of something like that.

“Thank you, Dean Orsen, but my other Soulbond has it covered. He’s the prince of the Flyburg dragons, and the kingdom has ensured there is always a personal detail with me. They are standing outside right now.”

I feel immense confusion at her words. Two Soulbonds?! The prince of the Flyburg dragons? What is happening right now?

“Amaris, they cannot stay on campus since they aren’t staff or students. I am not sure how they got approval to be on campus without going through me, but I can assure you, you are perfectly safe here, and they cannot stay.” He says it as if he is agitated at the thought of them protecting her.

She speaks up before I can. “Sir, with all due respect, you’ll need to take that up with the king. He made the decision, not me. As you failed to protect your students, I don’t see the harm in keeping them around. If that’s all you need, I must get to class, as I don’t want to miss my first day of Stellar Astronomy Lab,” she replies matter-of-factly.

What is she getting a degree in to have such an odd class? Either way, her words seem to frustrate the dean, and he looks as if he is about to protest.

Not giving him the opportunity, I stand and walk behind Amaris’ chair, pulling it out to help her stand. “Yeah, let’s get you to class, so you don’t start off behind. Dean Orsen, please let us know what you find out.”

Thankfully, she doesn’t protest, but the moment we both exit the small office, she whirls on me. “How dare you tell him you are my Soulmate without even talking to me! That was not your right to do! The last time I saw you, you were so rude to me! I don’t even know who you are!” she shouts.

“My name is Andri. I only did that so he wouldn’t protest about me being in there. You don’t need to be alone with him. Ever,” I growl.

I can’t stand here with her and get in even deeper shit.

“I shouldn’t even be here,” I state, barely loud enough for her to hear. My father would kill me if he finds out about this. I spin and walk away, leaving her in the hallway by herself. The hurt I see registering on her face kills me, but the alternative would be much worse.

Chapter 11

AMARIS

How dare he? He doesn’t even know me! I don’t need some stuck-up shifter pretending to be a prince charming when he’s just an ass with an over-inflated ego! I’m still shaking from his proximity back in the dean’s office. Being so close to him made it nearly impossible to ignore the Soulbond between us. I’m thankful he went in with me, but I still don’t like how he acts towards me. And what was with the dean trying to get rid of my protective detail? Wouldn’t he want them around to protect a student? So much in my life doesn’t add up right now. My anxiety over all of the unknown starts to build and my magic swells around my hands, ready to lash out at the first sign of trouble. I take a few calming breaths to gain my composure; I didn’t need any more attention on me than there already was. 

I am slowly making my way to my first class of the day, the guards that trail behind me are much more welcome than they had been when they first arrived. Atticus had ensured they were not intrusive, but now, after everything, there’s a part of me that is glad they are here. This morning I have Stellar Astronomy Lab, and I’m not going to let anything ruin this class for me. This class is supposed to have the option to night watch, which is a form of star gazing, just in party form with the entire class. Basically, a college version of a class party every Saturday. As I enter the room, everything suddenly becomes quiet. Excellent, another course filled with nosey people. This is going to put me on edge rather quickly, and I force myself to take another calming breath before I move through the people.

I find a seat at the back of the room and start taking out my notebook and pencil when someone clears their throat. I look up to see the beautiful redhead from the dorm staring at me with a look of disgust, her arms folded across her chest. Well, this doesn’t look like it’s going to be good. 

“You’re in my seat, slut,” she sneers, the look of smug satisfaction on her face making me want to deck her.

I am not letting her bully me into giving her my seat. We don’t have assigned seats on the first day of classes. 

“Where exactly is your name? Is it written somewhere, or is it invisible ink?” I snark back at her. 

“Move, bitch, before I make you,” she growls.

Oh, heck no. My skin tingles and I can feel my magic sparking across my flesh, ready to lash out at her for her insult. I clench my hands at my side and carefully consider my response. The last thing I need is to make a scene or worse, end up back in the creepy dean's office, and this time, I would be alone.

“Go ahead, you flaming ball of entitlement,” I retort, forcing myself to remain seated. I know I should just move and leave well enough alone, but I’ve had it today with people being douches just because they can.  

She makes a move to strike me, but a large hand catches her by the wrist before it can reach me. It’s Axel, one of my dragon guards. Well, I guess they do come in handy. I had completely forgotten about them since I entered the classroom, my mind more preoccupied with not creating a scene and making things worse. He holds her wrist and leans close to whisper something in her ear. It’s so low, I can’t hear it, but whatever he said had the intended effect as I watch her eyes widen and the color drain from her face. She slowly backs away, never taking her eyes from him, and finds a seat closer to the front of the room.

“Axel, what did you say to her?” I whisper, curious what could have made her change her mind so fast.  

“I told her that she was threatening the princess of the Flyburg dragons, and that if she wished for her head to remain with her body, she’d rethink her decision and walk away,” he smirks.

Damn, he’s one scary fella. I’ll have to remember to stay on his good side.

“Thanks, Axel, I appreciate it.” I actually mean that. He handled it far better than I would have if she had actually stricken me.  

“No problem, princess, let me know if she bothers you again,” he says with a bow.

“Oh goodness, please don’t call me ‘princess.’ Please, just call me ‘Ris,” I flush at his words.

He bows his head and walks away without agreeing. Eventually, I’ll get him to come around. Being a princess is so not for me.

I think about what that means, my Soulbond is actual royalty. Until I heard it said out loud, I hadn’t even given thought to what it could mean for me. My heart races and my anxiety begins to build again as the reality of it all comes crashing down. From the corner of my eye, I catch Axel watching me closely, likely thinking the redhead is still upsetting me. I need to calm down before I lash out. Again, I take a deep breath and will my heart rate to slow, calming my magic so I can get ready for class. An ethereal-looking woman with deep, midnight blue hair and violet eyes that remind me of my own walks into the room. She has to be a demigod of some type. They're known to have rare colored eyes. Without addressing us, she goes to the board at the front of the class and writes her name: Selene. I choke on my own breath in shock that it’s really her. Of all the Roman demigods, she is the most revered, her power coming from the moon. She only passes some of her energy on every thirty centuries because of that connection, while the rest pass theirs after ten. I was excited about coming into this class before, but now I am even more so. I can’t believe she’s going to be my teacher. I can’t believe she’s going to be my teacher! This is going to be such a fantastic semester!

An hour later, I realize some of my excitement dissipates as I realize this class is going to be much tougher than I anticipated. Selene is already handing out quiz prep and almost three hours of homework.  

When she dismisses us, I’m completely exhausted and ready for a nap. Too bad I have Business Management after lunch and the nap is going to have to wait. Though this will be a long day, my heart rate speeds up at the idea of having a class with my men. As I enter the commons for lunch, I notice Stella and her man sitting at the table with both of my guys.  

Every time I see them, my heart beats faster, my magic goes a little wild, and I am filled with overwhelming relief. They are the pieces of my heart that I never realized were missing. Lykos waves me over as Atticus points to an already filled tray between them. It has gooey-looking grilled cheese, some fresh watermelon, and two containers of chocolate milk. These men learn quickly because that is a tray I would’ve filled myself. I sit down, not even upset they got it for me without asking. I’m tired and hungry and beyond ready to dig in. As I reach for my food, both men slide the tray away and stare at me expectantly.  

“What?” I’m getting hangrier by the minute, and if they don’t give me that food back, I might zap them on purpose this time. You don’t mess with a woman’s food. 

“Lil’bit, do you have something you want to tell us?” Atticus suggests expectantly.  

“No. Now gimme my food.” I’m not in the mood for this right now, and I don’t know what they expect me to tell them. The thing with the redhead was handled, and I’m sure she got the point. And as far as the guy outside the dean's office went, there wasn’t really anything to tell. I don’t even know his name, and he made it clear he wants nothing to do with me. So that was that.

“Feggari Mou, what happened with Giselle in your Stellar Astronomy Lab?” Lykos questions.

Dang, word travels fast. I should have known Axel would have told Atticus, who would have told Lykos. After all, he does work for the king, and Atticus is the prince. How could I forget that? Man, I must be really off my game.

“I completely forgot about that. Axel handled it, and if he didn’t, I would have. No biggie. Can I eat now?” I reach for the tray, but Lykos pulls it away again. 

“Love, you have to promise to tell us if someone starts messing with you. It’s our job to protect you as your Soulbonds.” He’s so sincere that I feel bad for a second.

“Not to mention, someone attacked you the other day. You might think it’s nothing, but we can’t be too careful. Now when it comes to you,” Atticus adds.

Too bad I’m gonna have to burst that bubble. “Listen, y’all. I’m grateful you want to try to protect me, but I’m perfectly capable of handling myself. I don’t need you to do it too. I barely agreed to the dragon guards, and only then because the idea of some random assassin attacking me again freaks me out. Please let me have my food. Chocolate milk should never be used as a bargaining tool. It’s blasphemous.” I raise a manicured eyebrow at them and wait for them to give me my goodies, fully prepared to get my own if they don’t.  

They hesitate for a moment, but I guess they realize how serious I am because they slide the tray back in front of me.  

“Lil’bit, we will always protect you, even if you don’t want us to. We know you can handle yourself. Hell, you threw us across the room simply because we freaked you out, and that’s not the point. We will do it because we want you to be safe, and our souls call for us to ensure you are safe and content in every way possible.” Atticus’ voice dips low and suggestive at the last part of his statement, and I’m sure my cheeks heat to bright pink with the thoughts that come along with his words.

Now I’m flustered, heat flooding my thighs at the thought of how my Soulbonds could do exactly that. Satisfy me. I’ve never been with anyone intimately before, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t know what it entailed. The idea of it makes me want to fidget, picturing what they would do to my delicate, naked skin. Oh man, I’ve got to stop. My desire for them has to be some Soulbond shit or something. I have never been like this before. I can’t go to class all hot and bothered. Plus, it would be wrong to have both of them at once. What would that make me? I’m still a virgin, for crying out loud. Stella might be proud that I’m finally considering being with someone, but even she would be surprised at some of the images going through my mind. The sooner I can get out of here, the less likely they are to notice how they affect me. These two really are too observant sometimes. We all finished within a few minutes and start cleaning up our area. 

“Let me get that for you, Feggari Mou,” Lykos offers, grabbing my tray before I can object. 

He can be the sweetest man sometimes, even if I don’t like being catered to all the time. As I watch him dump my tray and walk back towards me with a calm smile on his face, I realize with startling clarity that I’m starting to fall in love with this man. I’ve felt so much closer to him since our night in the garden. It was the perfect night. It has happened so fast, but even I can’t deny that it feels right when he links his hand in mine and walks with me to class. Atticus just hangs at my side, not taking my hand, but staying close. He seems to sense that I’m not quite ready to display my being with them both at once, which I’m grateful for because I already had enough drama as it was.

We arrive at class and find three seats next to each other. Lykos sits on my left, and Atticus on my right. Having them both sit so close to me makes me sweat as thoughts of their hands running over my breasts and the sweetest spot at my center make me quake with desire. My nipples pebble at the idea, and both Atticus and Lykos start to grin as if they’d just won the best prize. I remember that shifters have a fantastic sense of smell, and they can likely smell my arousal. The realization stills my thoughts, like a bucket of ice water dumped on my head. Nothing turns a girl off faster than realizing that every single shifter in the class can smell you getting aroused.  

We are twenty minutes into the class when I feel Lykos’ hand slide up the middle of my leg and rest right next to my delicate folds. Not touching me, but not moving away, either. I feel myself get wet instantly at the feel of him being so close to my sensitive clit. These jeans are starting to feel more like a burden by the second. I’ve never wanted someone so much in my life. I try and fail to focus on the board where the teacher is writing the syllabus. Forcing myself to drag my thoughts in another direction. My attempt is futile, though, as Atticus’ hand slides inside my other leg, and I get dizzy. My nipples are so hard they hurt, and my center aches like never before. At this point, I’m sure the entire school can smell my arousal, but I can’t seem to make myself care.

I bite on my lower lip, willing myself to regain control. What the hell was it about them that made me so wanton? Suddenly, I am shocked out of my lust induced stupor when Andri walks into the class, whispering a quiet apology for being late. Seriously? Does he have to be in this class too? This is ridiculous. I feel my magic start to flare at having all three of my Soulbonds in the same space, and any hope I had of being able to ignore him and our bond goes right out the window. There is no denying this time what I feel.

My soul calls out for him even though he’s a serious twatwaffle and there is nothing I can do about it. The fates have chosen. The guys at my sides notice how tense I have become, and I remember they don’t know about my interactions with Andri, or what he might be to me.

Their hands tighten painfully on my thighs, and I’m sure it’s gonna leave a bruise. I reach down and lay my hands over theirs, for a moment considering doing what I really want, and moving them closer to my hot center. Instead, I gently pull their hands away and give them a small smile. They grin at me, the look somehow apologetic and smug at the same time.

The rest of class is tense, and I hear both of my men growl several times, but they remain seated, their attention focused more on me than on what the professor is saying. I can tell their animals sense something is wrong with me, even if they can’t tell what, and I know I’m going to have to explain to them why I’m so flustered. Class finally ends with the teacher promising a pop quiz next week and instructing us to grab a study guide on the way out of class.

I wait in line with the others, and Andri bumps into my shoulder on the way out. Two nearly identical growls Come from Atticus and Lykos. Gently, I rub my hands on their backs and tell them to let it go. To my surprise, they actually listen and let Andri pass as Atticus grabs study guides for all of us and we leave.

After a few minutes of walking together in silence, I realize we aren’t heading back to my dorm.

“Where are we going” I ask as they lead me to a parking lot.

Atticus just grunts in response, and Lykos remains silent as one of the guards opens the door to a large SUV.

I look at them in question, but even with everything going on, I know I can trust them, so I get in. “Atticus, where are we going? Is this your car?”

The air is tense as the guard shuts us in and gets in the driver's seat.

“It’s not my usual car, just one I bought so we could all fit together once I realized you had more than one Soulmate. I didn’t want you to choose between riding on my motorcycle or riding with Lykos.” He waits to finish until he ensures I have my seatbelt on, and continues. “We are going back to my house so we can talk freely about whatever the hell happened back in class with that massive dick with ears. I won’t be able to calm down until I know if we have another threat on our hands.”

His analogy of Andri has me giggling a little inside, lightening the mood, even if it’s only temporary.

“He’s not a threat. At least, I don’t think he is,” I trail off as they look at me curiously. I know they don’t want to risk talking at the moment, even in the car we could be overheard. Shifters are notorious for being able to overhear things and vehicles are far from soundproof.

Thirty minutes later, we pull into a circular driveway of a monstrous house that looks like it belongs in a movie. Large windows cover every side of the house, with a freshly planted hydrangea grove surrounding the walkway to the door. I feel tears well in my eyes, knowing Atticus planted them because they are my favorite. I’m not typically this emotional, but the Soulbonds are messing with my emotions more than I’d like to admit, even to myself.

Lykos notices I’m upset and pulls me into his arms, murmuring reassuring words against my hair. I allow myself a moment of being in his arms, telling myself I need to pull it together. It’s so unlike me. After a minute, I calm down, and he kisses my head and lets me go.

We walk up to the oversized wooden door with a little window. Atticus lets us in and ushers us into what I can only describe as a living room made for a hundred people. There are four brown leather sectionals and two matching leather recliners, one clearly more used than the others. 

Two brown, wooden coffee tables are in the middle with a seventy-two-inch flat screen T.V. mounted on the wall. Lykos makes himself at home rather quickly as I follow Atticus to one of the sectionals. Two pairs of curious and worried eyes study me as soon as I’m seated. I let out a sigh, knowing that they won’t stop until I tell them what happened. Honestly, I know I should have told them sooner, there was just not really a good time to do so. Okay, maybe that’s just an excuse. I wasn’t ready to tell them what I wasn’t exactly sure of myself.

“Alright, you can stop staring at me anytime now. I’ll tell you what happened. Just get your panties out of a bunch. You’re making me anxious.” I sit quietly and prepare myself for the news I’m about to deliver, afraid of how they might react. They’re already overprotective with just the two of them. What are they going to think of me when I tell them that I not only have the two of them, but I think maybe one more Soulbond? 

“Monday, during my second class, something happened.” I wait for a beat and then continue. “I tripped on a step when walking to a seat in the back of the auditorium and face planted into someone’s chest. It was Andri, the man that walked into class late. He called me a ‘Baka,’ or something like that and just pushed me off. There was something there though, I felt it. Like the most relaxing magic was surrounding me. Similar to you two, but different at the same time. After staring at him like an idiot, he brutally pushed me off and rushed past as he was leaving class. So I thought I was just imagining it, considering everything that has happened since the start of term.”

Atticus starts to talk, but I shake my head at him, signaling that I’m not finished. I need to get it all out at once.

“This morning, I was called in for that meeting with the dean, and he was there as well. When I was called in to speak to the dean, Andri was just leaving. Instead of going out, he followed us back in and dropped the realm-shattering bomb that he was my soulmate and was uncomfortable with me speaking with the dean alone. The dean actually allowed it, to my surprise, and I didn’t argue, because I got the creeps from the dean, anyway. The dean insisted we remove the dragon guard from campus. I refused and told him to take that up with the king.”

“After the meeting with the dean, he said he shouldn’t even be there, and took off again. I tried to convince myself it wasn’t real and that I had imagined it since it was obvious he was going to fight the bond. I didn’t think I should tell you guys and give you a reason to worry, or worse, not to want me. I figured, since he and I both have no intentions of pursuing the bond, it doesn’t matter. When he walked into class today, my magic recognized him, and I realized I couldn’t just ignore him. By then, it was too late to tell you and you already sensed something was off. As we can tell by how he reacted when we were leaving class, he is set on ignoring the bond.” I let out a long breath, relieved it was finally out in the open. Even if I am terrified of how they are going to react.

After a long pause, Lykos finally speaks. “How could you ever think we wouldn’t want you?” He abruptly stands up and crosses to me, taking my chin and tilting my face to meet his. “Feggari Mou, nothing in this world is more important than you, and I know Atticus feels the same. Please, don’t ever doubt us, or our love for you. Ever.” He gently kisses my lips, so lightly that it sends a shiver down my spine.  

He pulls away and starts pacing. I can feel his wolf getting worked up, and his eyes turn a golden yellow, on the brink of a forced shift.

“That inconsiderate asshole!” Lykos fumes as he continues his agitated pacing. “Everyone knows what happens if you ignore a Soulbond. I don’t give a fuck about him, but this could destroy you, too! I refuse to let that happen. I’ll talk to that asshole before he puts all of us in an early grave!” His chest heaves, his words all but echoing from the force of them before he turns to take off. I try to stop him, but he’s gone before I could even ask him to stay. 

Atticus pulls me into his arms, sensing my upset at Lykos’ sudden departure. I really fucked up.

“Don’t worry, Lil’bit. Let him go, he just needs some space.”

I nod, knowing he’s right, but still not liking it. My magic starts to build, the pulse of it under my skin increasing with every passing thought. At the idea he might get into a fight over this, silver swirls shoot from my hand and shatter the window behind Atticus’ head.

I wince and look at Atticus sheepishly. “I guess I got a bit too worked up.”

Atticus doesn’t even seem bothered by the fact that I just shattered his window. He pulls me tight against him again and speaks in hushed tones. “Lil’bit, calm down and try to relax. He will be back before you know it. I know you’re tired after class, so try to lay down and get some rest while you can.”

I want to protest, but he’s right. 

Fighting the bond with Andri wiped every ounce of energy I had, and now I’m exhausted. Atticus covers me with a soft couch blanket and snuggles me against his chest. The rise and fall of his chest quickly starts soothing me and I feel my breath evening out as sleep begins to overtake me.

Just before I give in to the growing darkness, he presses a gentle kiss to the top of my head and whispers what sounds suspiciously like, “I love you, Lil’bit.” 

I can’t be sure, though, as I let sleep finally take me.

Chapter 12

LYKOS

“I’m going to find that asshole, even if it takes me all night!” I roar to myself as I run through campus, feeling more like a beast than when I’m shifted. 

Watching Amaris get drained so quickly today scared the shit out of me, and it’s all because that prick is dead set on ignoring their Soulbond. When you ignore a soulmate bond, it breaks down your soul as well as the souls of the rest of the bonded group. The moment it started draining Amaris, I knew. I could feel it almost as clear as if it were happening to me. Atticus seemed fine, I’m assuming because he does not yet share the Bondmark with Amaris as I do. I refuse to stand by and allow this piece of shit to hurt her by rejecting her. There is no way he isn’t aware of the effect it would have on her. Hell, on him too, for that matter. When I left, she looked absolutely exhausted, the feeling I got through our bond had been bad enough. I wish it was easier to find this guy because I have been looking for over two hours and I fear it’s only going to get worse. It doesn’t matter how long it takes, though, I will protect her. Just as I have the thought, I finally spot him in the quad, and renewed rage rolls through me.

“Andri!” I bellow. He quickly turns, and I notice an amused smirk on his face.  

“Ah, you must be one of her other bonded. I should have known you’d come looking for me after I hurt her feelings in class. Newsflash, buddy, I don’t have to talk to her, and I don’t have to accept this brainless Soulbond,” he scoffs, his tone almost harsh as he starts to turn away.

Is this guy an idiot, or does he really believe the bullshit he is spouting off?  

“Dude, you sound like a full-on idiot right now! What do you actually know about Soulbonds?”

I am genuinely curious, there is no way he could just dismiss a mate like this, if he truly understood what a rare and precious gift they were. Not only that, but what it could do to him if he rejects her. I’d heard about certain shifter tribes, but I always assumed it was just a rumor.

He looks taken aback, but gives an irritated huff. “If I humor you, will you go away?”

Normally I’d be pissed at such an inordinate amount of disrespect, but decide it’s better to hear what this dipshit actually thinks. “Yes, if you tell me, I will leave you alone.”

Seeming satisfied with my agreement, he starts to speak. 

“They are Fate’s suggested pairs for us, and we have the choice to either accept them or ignore them. As long as she doesn’t try to push the bond while I’m fighting it, she should be fine,” he says, shrugging as if it is no big deal. I wait a moment to see what else he will say, but he says nothing.  

This guy is serious! What a numbskull! I attempt to control my temper as my wolf tries to push his way to the surface, not liking the way this idiot is talking about our Soulmate. The way he simply dismisses her.

“I don’t know who fed you that line of bullshit, but you know absolutely nothing about Soulmates or Soulbonds if that’s genuinely how you think they work.” I stare at him, waiting for some sort of reaction. Anything.

He doesn’t immediately respond, but when he does, I want to beat the living shit out of him right here in the quad. 

“Look, even if I wanted to go along with this bond, which I have no desire to do, I am promised to another back in Japan. I cannot sacrifice all my people for a woman I just met. Fate does not make decisions for me. Have a good night.” He stands and starts to walk away, clearly dismissing me.

I yell after him, “If something happens to her because you refuse to accept your destiny, I will hunt you down and kill you myself.” I am done talking to this moronic prick.  

I decide to shift and run the long distance back to Atticus’ since it usually helps me feel less frustrated to blow off some steam with the added bonus of getting me back to Amaris faster.  

I arrive back at Atticus’ house, and when I walk in, Amaris is asleep peacefully on the couch next to Atticus, who is reading what looks like a poetry book. He looks up with a questioning glance and I motion my head for him to follow me into the other room. We need to talk, but I don’t want to wake Amaris, or risk her overhearing what I have to say and getting more upset. That jackass’s stunt completely drained her.

Atticus follows me into the next room and looks at me expectantly. “What happened? You didn’t kill the bastard, did you?”

I chuckle despite myself. “Nah, I didn’t kill him, though I reserve the right to in the future. He said he has no intention to follow through with the Soulbond because he is promised to someone else back in Japan. I think he truly believes Amaris will be fine if she stops trying to push the bond. The problem is, I don’t think she is actually trying to force it, I think the bond is pushing her. If we don’t find a way to get that asshole on board, she will continue to suffer, and us by extension.”

Atticus thinks on this for a moment, and when he speaks, it’s quiet so as not to wake Amaris. “We will get him on board even if we have to drag him. He will not hurt our Soulmate, no matter how he feels. If tonight is any proof of what rejecting a Soulmate bond can do, I don’t want to see what happens when the bond pulls them further together, as they typically do, and he continues to resist. It could kill all four of us, and he’s just too stupid to see it.” It looks like we are on the same page, and I’m so thankful for it.  

She will need to stay in close, possibly within physical contact with one of us at all times to keep the effects of the rejected bond at a minimum. There’s no guarantee it will work. I know both Atticus and I will do whatever it takes to keep her safe. For now, all we can do is snuggle up with her on the ginormous couch and hope the dumbass comes to his senses sooner rather than later. We don’t move her to the room for fear of waking her, so instead, we settle in on either side of her and try to get some rest. 

When I wake up in the morning, it’s clear that we are late for class. A quick look around tells me Amaris is still sleeping, but Atticus is already up. I rise as gently as possible so I don’t wake the sleeping angel next to me, relieved when she takes another deep breath, remaining sound asleep. Quietly, I leave the room and head in the search of Atticus to see what we are going to do. A quick check of the kitchen and foyer leads me to what appears to be an office, where I finally find Atticus.

“What are you up to? Are we not going to classes today?”

He startles when I speak, which is a sure sign that he is deep into something.  

Finally, he answers me. “No classes today. She didn’t wake up once all night and has been still as stone. I think this is affecting her way worse than it should be, so I came here to do some research. According to what I’ve found so far, the stronger the main Soulbound person is – in our case, that’s her – the harsher a rejected Soulbond, and its effects, will be for her. It could take days before she is back to full strength, but even that will only be temporary. If the Soulbond isn’t complete within thirty days from the first contact, it will shatter her soul. There’s no way to break the bond either. At least not that I have found so far.” He looks at me, the concern on his face I’m sure a mirror of my own.

Damn, this is a lot to take in.

I can’t stand the thought of losing her. I’ve already fallen in love with her kind but sassy soul, and I could never live my life without her. There has to be a solution.

Then I recall the other danger to her. We might have to figure out the Soulbond thing, but none of that will be any good if someone is still trying to kill her, anyway.

“Atticus, have you been able to find anything about her birth parents? They could have some information that would tell us more about the assassin who attacked her. At the very least, if they don’t know who, they might know why.”

By the look on his face, this is something he has thought of also. He pauses for a moment to gather his thoughts before speaking, “I’m not sure, but from all of the research I’ve done on the phrase the coyote used when he tried to kill her, I’ve only found one search result. It’s such a ludicrous explanation that it simply can’t be her.” I eye him cautiously as though he might decide not to tell me what it is, but then he continues, “The only reference I found is of ‘the lost silver moon’, stating she is the long-lost princess of the moon kingdom, Lunaria. It says she disappeared almost twenty-four years ago when the dark king invaded their land and took everyone prisoner. The king and the heavily pregnant queen couldn’t stop the attack, so it was said that they hid their daughter as soon as she was born for safe keeping because it was prophesied that she held the moon’s power.”

He pauses again, thinking it over and allowing me time to process everything so far. “I don’t know if there is any truth to all of this, but she would be about Amaris’ age right now. The princess was described as having violet eyes with black hair that shone slightly silver in the moonlight. She is also supposed to have a crescent moon birthmark on her left shoulder blade. I haven’t noticed one, what about you?”

I think about it, trying to remember if I had seen anything. I shake my head. “I don’t recall seeing one.”

He nods as if he were already expecting my answer.

“What do we do next? She will kill us if she finds out we knew it was possible and didn’t say anything.” It could all be a huge coincidence, but did we risk telling her if it wasn’t true? Worse, did we risk not telling her, if it is.

He looks guilty about whatever he is about to say, but he presses on, “First thing’s first. We have to get control of Andri. He is her other Soulbond, whether he likes it or not, and she is going to need all three of us if she is, in fact, the long-lost princess. It might be nothing, but if it isn’t, we need to help her be as prepared as possible. There’s a reason there isn’t much information out there about this, and I fear it isn’t a good one.”

We both sit quietly at all of these revelations being made. This is a lot to take in. A lost princess? What are the odds? I knew she was special as soon as I saw her across the commons. It was just fate that I happened to be there to catch her when she tripped and that we have a Soulbond. I would have pursued her either way. After a few more minutes, we return to the room and make Amaris breakfast.

Now comes the even more challenging part: convincing her to miss classes and let us take care of her for a few days while she recovers. She’s not one to take it easy, let alone let people take care of her. Maybe we will enlist Stella’s help to get her through this. I shoot Atticus a text to snag Amaris’ phone so we can get Stella’s number. We call Stella and tell her what is going on.

To our surprise, she shows up minutes after we text her Atticus’ address, and storms into the house without even knocking. She’s holding some sweats, a cat shirt, and some fuzzy slippers in her hands. I don’t know what this woman is up to, but it doesn’t appear I want to be in the way when Amaris wakes up. Atticus and I busy ourselves making breakfast in the kitchen while we wait for Amaris to wake up and kick our asses for not waking her for class.  

We don’t have to wait very long. She comes crashing into the kitchen about five minutes later with her hair frizzy and untamed, her clothes rumpled, and her cheeks red with fury, and starts ranting at us. 

“How dare you not wake me for classes and then call Stella! She brought fuzzy socks and sweats! Do you know what you have done?! She is the princess of the faery of my witch community! If she brings you sweats and fuzzy socks and demands bedrest for a few days, I am not allowed to refuse her! You got us all on lockdown for at least the rest of the school week! What am I going to do about schoolwork, huh?! I can’t afford to flunk my classes! I’m supposed to graduate this year, you big lug-heads! You better find a way to fix this, or so help me; I will zap you both into next week!”

As she threatens us, her magic has a mind of its own and lashes out at the pitcher of orange juice on the counter, shattering it. She stops, temporarily stunned. If I hadn’t been watching her, I would have missed the fleeting apologetic look on her face. It quickly passes though, and she storms from the room, looking rather pleased with herself.

We are in deep shit. Just wait until we leave her with Stella later so we can hunt down Andri. That’s going to go over really well. Despite everything, I chuckle. It looks like my wolf is going to get his way after all. She will be locked in with us, nice and safe for at least a few days. Amaris might not like it, but this will allow us the added benefit of handling one problem at a time.

I decide to enjoy it while we can. Atticus’ dragon must feel the same way because the surly man is humming while making chocolate pancakes. We make an odd bunch, but hey, you can’t really fight your destiny. Not that I’d want to, anyway.

Chapter 13

AMARIS

“What the flubberbucket, Stels! You can’t be serious! I can’t miss class to stay here and do nothing!” I rant at my best friend. 

“Flubberbucket? Really? Why do you even come up with these things?” She sighs exasperatedly. “‘Ris, you slept for sixteen hours. When in your life has that ever happened? The guys told me what is going on, and it seems Andri fighting the bond is draining you. If you’re not careful, it could kill you. I know you don’t want to miss class, so I spoke with all your teachers. They’ve agreed to allow you to do your assignments online for one week.”

I start to protest, but Stella covers my mouth with her hand.

“No! You don’t get to fight on this. It’s one week, and you will be perfectly fine. Don’t make me call your parents, ‘Ris,” she threatens.

My shoulders sag as the fight leaves me. If my parents find out how serious this is, they will insist on me coming home, and I don’t want to do that.

I sigh. “Fine, Stels. One week only, and you better spend most of it with me.”

She lets out a lighthearted giggle. “No can do, my love. I have a date with a prince to meet some stuffy dignitary. You’ll just have to find a way to manage with all of these yummy men.” She winks. “I gotta go, but you know my number if you need a break from the sexual tension.” Stella winks again and bounds out of the room.

Right then, Atticus and Lykos come in, bearing a tray laden with breakfast. Food plus men that are sweltering hot? Maybe spending a week here won’t be so bad after all. Atticus sits on my left and places the tray on the table.

“Are you ready to be nice to me? I brought you some chocolate milk and fresh strawberries.” He offers me a ripe strawberry.

Mmm, the ruby red fruit has the most intoxicating taste. Both men pause as I lick the juice dripping from my bottom lip, and I discern looks of matching hunger in their eyes.

“I think I can manage that as long as you keep bringing me amazing food,” I compliment, winking at their hungry gazes.

Lykos settles down on my other side and pushes a plate of chocolate pancakes toward me. “If all it takes for you to enjoy us is some good food, allow that to be my favorite hobby,” he says suggestively.

I take a bite of the savory stack of goodness and moan in pure delight.

“Lil’bit, if you keep making noises like that, I won’t be able to stop myself from being the reason you make them,” Atticus groans.

I feel my cheeks flame as I vividly imagine all the ways he could make that happen, which earns me identical growls from both men as wetness permeates my center.

“Feggari Mou, your teachers said they will send all your assignments to you tomorrow morning, so you are free today. Would you like to watch movies on the big TV?” Lykos asks, quickly changing the topic, his voice strained as he holds himself back from whatever thoughts our conversation has driven into that sexy mind of his.

I don’t like missing an entire day of classes, but at least I’ll have the weekend to make up for it. As much as I hate to admit it, they are right. Whatever was happening, or not, for that matter, between Andri and I is wearing me out a lot more than I would like to admit. The day off and some solitude might actually get me feeling like I didn’t want the couch to swallow me whole.

“Sure. But I’m curious, why aren’t you both in classes? My teachers agreed to my absence, but you haven’t mentioned how this will affect you both,” I remark, guilt already eating at me for being the cause of them missing class.

I’m met with twin looks of amusement as they look at each other, presumably to decide who will tell me whatever it is that has them both grinning like Cheshire Cats.

Atticus scoots closer to me and lowers his voice to a mere whisper. “We spoke with our professors and told them our Soulmate wasn’t feeling well and that we needed to be there for her. They adamantly agreed and told us not to worry and that they would send all of our work through our emails on Friday.

“You, my seductive soulmate, are ours for the next week,” Lykos interjects, his grin every bit as wicked as Atticus’. “And we are looking forward to every single moment alone with you.”

A shiver tingles down my spine as I consider our situation’s implications. Can I handle a week alone with these men, when just minutes with them is enough to make me crave their bodies in a way I have never desired? Is it even okay for me to crave them at the same time? Surely, there has got to be something wrong with me. Would they even be okay with sharing me?

My thoughts are interrupted by a knock on the front door. Atticus and Lykos both seem surprised and dismayed that someone’s here.

“Are you expecting anyone?” Lykos questions us both.

“How could I expect someone when I didn’t even know we would be here?” I respond a little too quickly. I guess I’m still jumpy after being attacked on Friday.

“I’m not expecting anyone either,” Atticus shakes his head.

Atticus goes to check the door as Lykos and I stay nestled on the oversized sectional. He comes back a few minutes later with a box between his large hands.

“What’s that? Did you order something?” I ask Atticus as he returns.

“No, but it appears my father sent something for you,” Atticus explains, examining the box as if something might pop out of it any second.

“Well, I’m not one to turn down gifts.” I grin as he approaches.

The idea of opening something gives me a momentary rush of energy and I fling back the covers and bounce to my feet, laughing as I scoop it from his hands and dash away before either of them can process what I am up to.

I race up the stairs and spot an open door at the end of the long hallway. Halfway down the hall, I hear the other two chasing after me; their shock at my sudden energy boost must have finally worn off. I shut the door with a laugh, knowing they won’t like me racing off, but it’s fun to keep them on their toes even if it’s only for a minute.

My gaze widens as it lands on the massive bed on the other side of the room. From the size of it, it looks like it was made for at least ten people. Covered with a blue comforter and dark brown stained furniture, I’m pretty sure I’ve stumbled into the main bedroom. I cross the room and plop down onto the bed, eager to see what someone like Atticus’ father might have sent me. Excitedly, I tear the tape off the box and open the flaps to find whatever it is has been packed well among balled up paper. I remove it and put it to the side, seeing a tiny box, no larger than a Post-it Note nestled inside. Gently, I take it out of the larger box, wondering why someone would put a box inside a box. Again, I open this box very carefully and peer inside, immediately confused. What the heck kind of…whatever this is…is it? It looks like a weird version of a locket necklace, but with a blue dragon holding a small mirror. It’s beautiful, but I’m not sure what the point of it is. Why would the king send me something like this? Is it some sort of heirloom?

Just then, Atticus joins me in the master bedroom, startling me. I must’ve forgotten to lock the door in my haste to open this. I look up at him, the surprise at such a gift still on my face. I’m in awe as he drops onto the bed next to me and places his rough hands on my crossed legs.

“What did my dad send you?” he asks while tilting his head in the most adorable way, causing a few of his loose curls to fall into his eyes.

I brush them away and hold out the locket for him to grasp. 

“This is one of the jewelry pieces that belonged to the late queen. Sadly, she passed before my time, and he met my mother a few years after she died,” he speaks solemnly, but the tone in his voice is a fond one. The late queen must have been well loved.

“Why would he give it to me if it’s so special? You just met me,” I wonder aloud, not sure if the question is more for him or myself.

“Because you are my soulmate and the future queen. You are special, and he sees that.”

Atticus takes the necklace in both hands and looks at me expectantly. “May I put it on you?”

I hesitate for a moment, not sure I should accept such a gift. Clearly the king had his reasons for sending it to me, and with Atticus as my mate, I would be honored to wear such a piece of his people's history. I nod and pull my silky hair to the side. As the delicate gold chain slides around my neck, I feel a brief pinch underneath the dragon, and I adjust it but don’t feel anything else. It probably happened because I just don’t usually wear jewelry.

Atticus comes to the front of the bed and pulls me into his arms, securing his hands around my petite waist. “It looks like it was made for you, Lil’bit,” he whispers as his lips brush my hair. 

This moment is so unique that I know I will remember it forever.

After a moment longer, he pulls away gently. “You ready to go watch a movie? Lykos made some snacks and chose some action movies.” He knows the way to a girl’s heart.

“Is it the one where that buff douchewaffle steals the woman from the hospital after she loses her memory, and when she remembers who he is, she kicks his ass and blows up his house?”

I know it sounds crazy, but you can’t blame the woman. The dude kidnapped her and tricked her. I’d burn his house down too.

Atticus looks at me with a tender smile. “Yes, Lil’bit, it sure is.”

“Why are we still in here? Let’s go!”

Atticus helps me to my feet as I giggle. These men really know me.

Atticus leads me down the staircase and Lykos is waiting by the sofa with an entire table filled with skittles, Hershey's bars, and three bowls of popcorn. “Do you think you made enough?” I laugh at his sexy smirk as he takes my hand, pulling me onto the sofa with him as he sits with Atticus sitting on my other side.

“Feggari Mou, I don’t share popcorn,” he says with a splitting grin. “By the way, that necklace looks stunning on you,” he says, placing a gentle kiss on my forehead, sending butterflies skittering in my stomach.

After watching a few action movies and snuggling on the couch with my men, which I love, by the way, I decide to go back to my dorm to get some fresh clothes and toiletries. Lykos pauses the game he has begun playing and begins to stand.

I put a hand on his shoulder to stop him. “Lykos, stay here. You’re having fun and I want you to keep having fun.”

He starts to argue, “Amaris, there is someone after you, I’m not letting you go anywhere.”

His protectiveness makes heat race through my body.

“I know you’re worried, but Atticus will be with me and the guards will be trailing closely behind. I will be okay. Please stay here and have fun.” I kiss his cheek and grab my jacket.

Atticus insists on driving me and since I don’t mind being a passenger princess, I let him. We arrive at my dorm quickly, and I insist that it’s okay for Atticus and the guards to wait in their cars. What does he think I’m going to do, make a run for it? Our room looks like Stella hasn’t been back since I left, which isn’t too odd considering she’s meeting some fancy schmancy people with Dominik. I know it probably wasn’t smart of me to have them wait in the car, but it’s nice to be by myself for a bit. I haven’t really been alone since the attack, and I need some time to just… breathe.

I pack my favorite silk pajama shorts that show just a bit too much, gotta torture the men somehow, and then I pack some sweats, my laptop, and my toiletries. In under ten minutes, I’m ready to go and pick up my bag. I notice something white fall and drift in the shadows beneath my bed. With a frown I bend over to see what it is. I don’t think I missed anything. My frown only deepens as I spot a note on the floor, a note that has small dark clouds literally floating above the paper. I blink hard, I must be more tired than I realize if I’m imagining dark mysterious clouds lurking under my bed. The moment I pick it up, it dissipates, and I’m sure I had to have imagined it.

Sheesh, get ahold of yourself ‘Ris. It’s just a piece of paper. I sit back against the bed and unfold the piece of thin, crisp paper. Sweat begins to bead on my forehead and my body begins to tremble. Suddenly the lights are too bright and my chest is tight, my breath stunned into nonexistence as I stare at the note in my hand.

Dear precious Silver Moon,

Now that we have found you, we will never let you go. 

We are coming for you.

No one can escape destiny, not even those whose power

comes from the moon.

Nowhere is safe for you now.

We will be seeing you soon.

~The Dark King

All I can muster up the strength to do is push the speed dial for Atticus and wait. When he picks up, I can’t bring myself to say anything, and after a brief pause, he’s darting through the door.

He looks at me and drops to his hands and knees. “What happened, baby? Are you okay? What’s wrong?”

I try to answer, but I begin to hyperventilate. I’ve always had nasty anxiety attacks, but this feels worse than anything I’ve ever experienced. The room starts to go dark around the edges of my vision, and I begin to fear that I’ll never recover from this. Why did they call me Silver Moon? Were they related to the assassin? How did they find me? Why were they even looking for me?

My inner thoughts become a blundered mess of paralyzing fear and despair. I know I need to get control before I do something I will regret, or rather, my magic does. Nowhere is safe for you now. The words flash in my mind as I struggle for control as Atticus murmurs calming words next to me. What could it mean they will be seeing me soon? How would they even know where I am? None of this makes any sense.

I feel Atticus’ hands on me as he gently coaxes me on to his lap, and some of my frantic thoughts start to fade. Through the thick fog of confusion and anxiety I hear him call Lykos, demanding that he get the master bedroom ready for me. As Atticus hangs up, he presses his lips against my hair and murmurs sweet words of encouragement, right before the darkness consumes me once more.

Chapter 14

ATTICUS

My dragon is going ballistic at the sight of Amaris still sleeping in our bed. It’s been almost twenty-four hours since I found her in her dorm crumpled on the floor, barely conscious right before she went completely catatonic, clutching a threatening note from the Dark King. I had a doctor visit her this morning, and she assured me that Amaris will wake up when her body is ready. The doctor said her body can’t handle having two incomplete Soulbonds, so it shut down in self-preservation.

It’s been a few hours since the doctor left, so we decide to call Stella and let her know what is happening. If Amaris trusts her, we do, too.

She answers on the first ring.

“Hey, my beauty of a bestie, did you finally get some action now that you have those two delicious morsels of men all to yourself?”

Lykos and I stare at each other in bewildered amusement. There is so much to unpack here, but it has to wait.

I clear my throat. “Umm, this is Atticus, one of those ‘delicious morsels of men’ as you called us.”

I chuckle at the strangled sound that comes from her end of the phone.

“Oh my God! I’m so sorry! I thought you were ‘Ris! Where is she? Why are you calling from her phone? Is she okay?” She takes a breath from her rambling questions, and I can finally answer some of them.

“I’m calling from her phone because I don’t have your number. I have you on speaker with Lykos. Amaris is unconscious, but the doctor says she should be okay. Have you been back to your shared dorm since you left my house yesterday?”

“What do you mean she’s unconscious?! What do you mean the doctor said she should be okay? What the hell happened?! I left town for the delegate meeting straight from your house, so no. Is there something wrong with our dorm? Should I call my parents?” she asks frantically.

I explain everything that happened and about the note. She insists that we call Amaris’ mother immediately when we hang up. So, we do. Amaris will blow us up when she finds out, but this is serious. Someone is after our girl, and we will do whatever is necessary to protect her.

Like Stella, her mother answers on the first ring, only calmer.

“Hey, honey bunches, miss your momma already?” she sings in a melodic, southern tone.

“I’m so sorry, Mrs. Maguire, it is actually not Amaris. This is Atticus and Lykos, two of Amaris’ Soulbonds. We need to catch you up on a few things, and they aren’t easy to say.”

We take turns repeating the conversations we had with the doctor and Stella, along with everything about Andri and their bond. Once we finish, we can hear some slight sniffling in the background.

“Amaris is okay, we will make sure of that at all costs,” I reassure her. The line is silent for a little while before I ask, “Are you okay, Mrs. Maguire?”

We wait patiently for her to answer.

“I’m okay, dear, this is just a lot to take in. I guess it’s time for us to meet the young men our daughter will be spending her life with. Our baby girl needs us. Obviously, there is more going on here than we know.”

I know she isn’t speaking about what happened, but the events behind what happened. It’s a feeling I haven’t been able to shake since the first attack.

“I know the year just started, but if she isn’t home for a visit with all three of you in tow, I will come there and drag every single one of you back here by your ear, and you will regret it. Is that absolutely clear?”

Lykos and I smile despite everything because she sounds just like Amaris when she’s upset. We know there is no use arguing, and quite frankly, we need all the help we can get.

“Yes, ma’am, we understand. As soon as she’s awake, one of us will message you. We will also make sure Amaris calls you with plans for a visit,” I assure her.

“Good. You do that. I’ve got to run, but please watch out for my baby. She’s the brightest thing in my world, and I can’t live without her,” she pleads.

The call ends, and Lykos and I sit in silence for a moment, attempting to process what we just agreed to. We knew we would have to meet her parents at some point, but Mrs. Maguire requested that all three of Amaris’ Soulbond be there, and the last time I checked, Andri wanted no part of this. His selfish and stubborn action of denying their Soulbond is partly why she’s lying there unconscious. With his rejection weakening her, she isn’t strong enough to deal with the kind of magic the Dark King can throw at her. Even those at their greatest strength still are not capable of going against him. I can’t sit here and wait for her to wake up. My dragon is going berserk and I need to get some of the rage out so I can think with a clear head.

“I’ve got to go shift for a bit, and then I’m gonna try to find this Andri jerk to see what I can do. Watch her closely, and don’t leave the house until I get back, please,” I growl out.

I know being a “bossy jerk,” as Amaris would say, isn’t helping, but my dragon is close enough to taking over that I can’t stop it even if I wanted to.

I don’t wait for Lykos to answer, knowing our Soulbond is safe with him. I step out into the late afternoon autumn air and shift, not caring if my clothes get destroyed. I have more that I always keep outside in a trunk ready and the outfit is the least of my concerns at the moment. My thoughts drift to my sleeping Soulmate in my bed as I let my dragon take over while I process everything. The wind burrowing under my wings is a welcome feeling as my dragon launches into the sky. The sensation of the air petting me while I fly helps calm me as I contemplate all of the things that have happened since meeting my beautiful soulmate and what all of it could mean.

I get back from my shift shortly after darkness descends on the house. I pull on a set of spare clothes that I keep in a trunk outside for these occasions. I stop to check on Amaris as soon as I’m back, needing to see she is still okay for myself. Lykos gives me a knowing look as I enter the room and find her still asleep, the world around her going unnoticed. My footsteps are silent as I stop next to her bed.

I gently move a stray hair from her forehead and place a tender kiss in its spot. “We are going to figure this out, Lil’bit.”

Fury at Andri for tossing our Soulbond away ignites inside me again and I hastily leave the room, finding Lykos sitting just within earshot of the door.

“I’m going to find him,” I growl, heading for the front door.

“You might want to put on more clothes first, or at the very least, a pair of shoes,” he grins.

“Right.” I hastily grab a white t-shirt and some sneakers and dash from the house, not wanting to miss the opportunity to hunt the douche bag down for a little chat. 

Being a prince is handy when you need to track down future sleazeball leaders. All I have to do is tell a few students that I am the prince of the Flyburg dragons, and I am looking for the future leader of a kitsune compound from Japan. He is the only one that fits the bill. I never would’ve known he’s a kitsune if it hadn’t been for the first person I described him to telling me that’s what he is.  

I find him in his second-floor penthouse apartment on the edge of the woods on campus. His shock is evident when he opens the door and sees me standing there with what I presume looks like pure hatred on my face. This guy looks like some hoity-toity businessman in black pressed slacks and a tucked-in crisp, white shirt. He’s wearing dress shoes at home, for crying out loud.

I don’t think. I just act.

I punch the pretty boy in the face, satisfaction pulsing through me as blood oozes from his nose.

“What the fuck, man?” he garbles out, clutching at his nose.

I glare at him, briefly stunned at my own actions. I’m from Texas, and we don’t allow people to disrespect our Soulmate, even other Soulbonds, but to attack him unprovoked?

Well… shit, I guess my dragon was closer to the surface than I realized.

Better, my dragon growls in my head.

He seldomly speaks to me since he doesn't need to as long as he gets plenty of shift time, but since he did, he must be pretty pissed. Not much I can do about it now.

I'm not complaining. My dragon only did what I’ve been dying to do since the first time I watched him disrespect Amaris. Seeing her in the condition she’s currently in has had me on edge more than I’ve ever been before. My chest heaves as I struggle not to pummel him and regain control. Before I at last step forward.

“We need to talk,” I growl and push my way past the still bleeding Andri, not giving two fucks if he wants to or not.

I promptly make myself comfortable on his white, cotton sofa and wait for him. He surprises me when he sits across from me, not taking time to get something to staunch the red that glistens down his chin. I can’t help but chuckle to myself about the mess he is making all over his white furniture. He acts like no one’s ever punched him in the face. I mean, maybe no one had, considering what I have heard of his position, but they sure should’ve.

“I’m guessing you’re here because of Amaris?” he questions begrudgingly.

“Yes, I am, and we have some shit to work out. I know you think you can break this Soulbond, but there’s a phenomenal woman unconscious in my bed that proves otherwise,” I growl.

“Hey, man, what you do in your bed is your business, but this seems like a rather odd time to brag about your conquest and her inability to recover from you.”

At his blunt snub, I lunge. This time it’s me who punches him in the face, not my dragon. Blood splatters across the white fabric and onto the floor as he gasps in horror, clinging to his face, the blood flowing freely once more.

“What the fuck, man?! Can you stop fucking doing that?!” he rages as he jumps up from his seat on the couch.

“Depends. Are you going to stop insulting and being a dick to our Soulmate?” I counter.

“She might be your Soulmate and the wolf’s, but not mine,” he argues, his heated gaze telling me he truly believes it, or at the very least, he’s trying to convince himself to believe it.

“Cut the shit! You and I both know you feel the bond. For whatever reason, you are fighting it, but I know you feel it, and you feel the effects of your rejection too. The longer you have your head up your ass, the worse she is going to get! If she doesn’t wake up soon or continues getting hurt because you rejecting her is weakening her body, I will personally see to it that you meet an early grave. You can either come with me willingly, so we can all be close to her, and hopefully she’ll wake up, or you can still come with me, just unconscious yourself!” I roar, the power of my dragon coming through in my voice, stunning him into silence.

I know I can be intimidating, especially when I roar, but this time, I know it had to have been because Andri surprises me when he simply stands and walks to the door, waiting for me to follow.

“Fine, I’ll go, but just this once. Don’t bother asking a second time,” he declares, walking outside.

I move past him so he can lock the door and then head towards the first-floor parking lot, only checking briefly to ensure he is following. I’m seething inside that he thinks he can just toss Amaris aside like she is nothing. Come hell or high water, he will continue to be there for her even if I have to force his hand.

We ride in my SUV in silence, the ride going quickly in my haste to get back to Amaris.

As I put it in park in front of my house, I snarl at Andri. “Don’t you even think about doing something to hurt her or a bloody nose will be the least of your concerns.”

He thins his lips and gets out of the vehicle without another word. I open the front door and Lykos freezes, a spoon of ice cream halfway to his mouth as he looks at us in surprise. I realize he probably thinks the worst, seeing as the dickish kitsune shifter still has blood pooling from his nose, and his white dress shirt is drenched in it as well. He looks like someone tried to murder him. I forgot about his injuries in a hurry to get back to Amaris. I escort Andri to the guest bedroom on the other end of the house, away from Amaris, and leave him to get cleaned up in the en-suite bathroom. As I reach the kitchen, where Lykos is still wolfing down ice cream, pun fully intended, he zeroes in on me, and I can already hear the question before it leaves his mouth.

“Why didn’t you wait for me? I want to beat him up too!” he whines, sounding like a teenager whose video games were stolen.

“It wasn’t like I planned it. His face triggered my dragon the first time and the second time…well, his mouth triggered me,” I shrug.

I’m not proud of hitting him, but at least he’s closer to Amaris and I’m hoping, at the very least, the proximity will help her.

“I need to call my dad and let him know about the recent developments. Can you let me know if she wakes up?” I ask Lykos.

“Yeah, man, I can do that,” he responds.

I decide it’s best to take this call in my office so that if Amaris wakes up, I’m not hard to find. There’s no telling how she and her magic will react to seeing Andri and as much as I hate the bastard right now, she is his Soulbond, and she will never forgive herself if she does actually hurt him.

Chapter 15

ANDRI

“I can’t believe that fucking asshole punched me,” I mumble to myself as I try, unsuccessfully, to get the remaining blood off my shirt. This shit is never going to come out now.

Who does he think he is? Doesn’t he know who I am? I know supe leaders don’t typically talk to each other, but he knows I’m next to lead my territory. How dare he disrespect me like this? If he weren’t such an enormous man, I’d kick his ass myself.

I finish washing up and decide to figure out more about where he has brought me. The guest room is on the second floor, and I recall passing two other rooms up here. I take my time peeking into each room, and they are admirably uniform. Each contains a queen-sized bed, a dresser, and a desk, eloquently decorated, to my surprise

There is another room I hadn’t noticed when I was being led to the guest room, located at the end of the hall. The door is slightly cracked and has piqued my curiosity. When I investigate the third room, I’m startled by a small, still frame of a woman in the bed. Of course, she might just appear small because of the size of the bed, but I would know that hair anywhere. It has haunted me from the moment I saw her.

I start to retreat from the room when she speaks. “Mine.”

A single word that has me freezing in place, stuck staring at her. I know it isn’t meant for me, but I feel mesmerized by the possibility that she was referring to our bond. I have been fighting this bond since we touched each other for the first time a few days ago. I act like it isn’t a big deal, but the constant pull toward her has been slowly draining me.

Growing up in our kitsune compound in Japan, we were always taught that Soulmates made you weak. That if you chose to break them, you would be rewarded with a better life. My parents aren’t Soulmates, and I don’t think I’ve ever actually met someone with a Soulmate, let alone a Soulbond. I always believed my parents when they conveyed how easy it was to break a Soulbond. That is, until now.

Having to fight the bond with Amaris has me feeling constantly drained and weak, not strong and blessed as my parents led me to believe. When I am near her, I feel my strength return and even grow. I find myself sitting in the chair at her bedside as I question the warring emotions inside me. She has an ethereal look as she lays still under the covers. Her skin has a pale glow, with the apples of her cheeks blushing pink. My father told me to stay away from her and focus on my duty to my territory, but I don’t want to fight the bond anymore. I rise from the chair to leave the room but pause, laying a hand on the side of the bed for a moment, still not able to convince myself to touch her. She moves, her delicate hand shifting just shy of touching mine and I suck in a breath, her beautiful face scrunched up as she seems to be fighting something in her dreams. Unable to help myself, I lean over and gently press my lips to her forehead, forcing myself away as she sighs. One day, she will see that breaking this bond is for the best. I just hope both of us can survive until then. 

As I descend the stairs that lead to the kitchen, I hear murmured voices from behind one of the closed doors. I use my magic to become invisible and quickly press myself against the wall when I hear the telltale click of a door opening. Atticus emerges, looking both angry and confused. He passes, and I wait a moment before easing from my hiding spot and walking into the kitchen, where I am met with surprised expressions from Lykos and a tall, beautiful woman with deep blue hair and violet eyes. She looks strikingly like Amaris, which catches me by surprise.

She seems to shake herself from her shock and offers me her hand. “Hi, I’m Selene. I teach Amaris’ Stellar Astronomy Class.”

I take her outstretched hand and ponder why a teacher would be here. She seems to understand the question in my gaze and answers, “I’m here to take a look at Amaris. I am the demigoddess of the moon, and since she is a moon witch, I may be able to help her regain enough strength to wake up.”

I gasp at the realization that it must be pretty serious if she is here.

I find myself asking questions before I can stop myself. “Do you think she will wake up? That this will work?”

I abhor how concerned I sound. This woman isn’t my intended, so I shouldn’t care. I hate that I can’t help that I do.

Selene sends me a reassuring look and a soft smile. “I can’t guarantee that this will work, but I can promise you that I will do everything in my power to ensure she wakes up.” With that, she turns and follows Lykos from the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts.  

After what seems like an eternity, Lykos’ arrival jolts me from my thoughts as he leaps onto the barstool next to me, reaching for the chocolate chips on the kitchen counter.

“Whatcha doin?” he asks, sounding like a bored child. 

“Same as you, sitting here waiting to see if Amaris wakes up so I can leave,” I grumble. 

“I don’t know why you’re so against this bond with her. She is incredible, and Fate knows what we need much better than we do,” he tells me, his conviction almost annoying.

“Fate does not make decisions for me. I am in control of my destiny, and I am promised to someone back in Japan. That doesn’t simply go away because Fate is trying to play matchmaker,” I comment as I feel my irritation rising at his complete surrender to the entire situation. “You may be fine being led around on some invisible string that ties you to her, but I am not.”  

Lykos seems to shake with frustration as he mutters, “You’re a freaking idiot. You’re going to get us all killed.”

He glares at me before he gets up and leaves, the glass door rattles the frame as he slams it behind him. I watch him as he disappears into the woods behind the house.

I sit in stunned silence as I contemplate the words he said. I have noticed myself feeling weak, but death? Is it that dramatic? Growing up, we didn’t learn much about Soulmates, let alone Soulbonds. Not beyond the fact that you could break them and shouldn’t let Fate decide your destiny. I pull out my smartphone and type into the search bar “soulmate bonds broken cause death,” and start my research. I don’t know all the details about what is happening, but I at least like to make sure it won’t kill me. I may not want a Soulbond, but that doesn’t mean I want anything to happen to Amaris or her bonds, either. There has to be a way to prove that this is some made-up anecdote to get people to accept their Soulbonds and make them weaker. I will get through to them, I just don’t know how.

Chapter 16

AMARIS

My entire body burns like fire. Why is it so hot in here? There is a quiet chanting in the room, making the hair on my arms stand up. What is that noise? I open my eyes and struggle to focus to figure out what the continued noise is. My body feels like it has just had the most rejuvenating nap ever.

Suddenly, I realize I’m not alone, and I’m overcome with fear. The shadow of someone over me, their almost featherlight touch against my skin, snaps me back into focus, the sound coming from them as they chant.

“Ahh! What the heckballs?!”

“Shhh, it’s okay, child. It’s just me.”

The voice is reassuring and I inexplicably find comfort in it, even as I struggle to focus. After a moment, my blurry, sleep ridden eyes clear and I see Selene smiling at me.

“No offense, but what the heck are you doing here?”

“You were unconscious, and your men and I were hoping that since I’m the deity that has the closest resemblance to your power, my doing a ritual for you may wake you up. It appears as though we were right. Welcome back to the land of the wake,” she calmly explains.

“What happened? How long was I out?” I question.

“You were out for a little over twenty-four hours, from what I understand. Why don’t you tell me what happened? I’m sure you can shed light on the situation far better than I can,” she rationalizes. “Or perhaps we can work together to figure out what has happened.”

The last thing I remember is being in my dorm and reading this note I found under my bed. My chest starts to buzz with the impending panic attack, and my vision starts to go black around the edges when I feel a sharp zap on my arm, instantly grounding me again.

“Ow! What the heck was that for?!”

“You were overwhelming yourself again, and your body can’t handle that, so I zapped you to get you out of your own head. It wasn’t nice, but it was necessary.”

When I give her a dirty look, she shrugs.

“Well, it worked, didn’t it?” She raises a perfectly manicured eyebrow at me in question.

I contemplate her admission and realize she’s right. The acute anxiety and darkness I felt only moments ago are gone entirely. “You’re right. I thought I was going to faint, but I feel fine now. Thank you. Can you please tell me where I am and where my guys are?”

“You are at your bonded, Atticus’ house. Your men are getting a few things done while I attempt to wake you. They’ll be waiting to ambush you when I tell them you’re awake and safe. Even that broodish kitsune is here.” The look she gives me is telling.

I feel shock rush through me, the sensation leaving me nearly lightheaded at her mention of Andri being here. What in all the realms could he be doing here? He made it clear that he doesn’t want anything to do with me.

“Amaris, I need to give you something.” She pulls out a small velvet box and offers it to me. “I think this will help give your body a fighting chance until all of your Soulbonds are complete. My mother made it for me when I was about your age because my powers were too strong to control on my own. I understand that you don’t know your birth parents and that your adoptive parents are faery?” she asks, but something tells me she already knows the answer to her own question.

“Yes, they adopted me from a witch adoption agency when I was a month old. All I have from my birth mother is my first name and a letter she left with me.” As I explain this, her eyes soften, and it looks like she might cry.

“Amaris, I’m positive that if your birth mother would’ve known you’d be this powerful, she would have left you one of these herself. Faery don’t typically need them, and your adoptive parents probably don’t even know of them. Try it on.” She nudges the box in my hand and I hesitate to accept a second gift in as many days.

She nods her encouragement and I open it to reveal a silver band detailed with a prevalent design of metal vines and flowers and a large, purple moonstone. It looks like it was created for royalty. My eyes well up at such a beautiful gift. I slide the ring onto my right ring finger and admire the perfect fit.

“Are you sure this is for me? It’s stunning! Surely you want to save this for your own daughter one day.” I look from the ring to her and see her eyes are filled with unshed tears.

“No one deserves this ring more than you, Amaris.” Her voice is hoarse with emotion.

My teacher, and now friend, encapsulates me in a crushing hug that makes me feel as though there is something she isn’t telling me. Before I can question it, she abruptly pulls back.

“I better let your Soulbonds know you’re awake, they're probably wearing a hole in the floor.” She leaves me in silence before I can ask any more questions and closes the door behind her.

After what feels like an eternity, the door bursts open, and my men charge in like they are going into battle. Atticus and Lykos scan the room as if something is going to jump out and attack us. Relief flooding their faces as their eyes land on me and see that I am finally awake before resuming their scrutiny of the room.

“Guys, I’m okay, and there’s no danger here. Calm down,” I giggle.

Simultaneously, the two men’s eyes snap back to me, and my cheeks flush under their gaze.

“Lil’bit, you had me so worried!” Atticus confesses as he rushes to me, pulling me into his powerful embrace and burying his head in my bosom.

We only have a moment to revel in each other’s company before Lykos leaps onto the bed, pulling me from Atticus and into himself.

“Feggari Mou, I was so worried about you!” Lykos peppers my face with kisses as he cradles me in his lap.

I snuggle into the warmth of his body and just breathe. My men always make me feel contentment so deep that it feels as though my soul is sighing with relief. It’s then I notice for the first time since my bonds began to form, I feel like all of the pieces of my soul are together.

The thought has me remembering what Selene had said about the broody kitsune being here. As if being summoned by the very thought, I go rigid as I notice Andri standing in the doorway watching my men and me.

“What are you doing here?” I ask, confused that he’s here.

“Ask the dragon asshole that punched me,” he shrugs, shifting from foot to foot.

I turn to Atticus, who has the good sense to look bashful and proud simultaneously.

“He was hurting you by ignoring you, so I handled it,” he motions to Andri.

I laugh despite the situation. I would’ve loved to see that. Andri narrows his eyes at me as I continue to shake with laughter.

“I’m going for a walk.” His voice is irritated, but before he has time to fully turn around, Atticus is off the bed and in the Kitsune’s face.

“You better come right fucking back. Don’t make me hunt you down again. She’s still weak and needs all of us near.” My heart melts at his need to protect me.

“Whatever, dragon,” Andri grumbles before he turns and leaves.

Lykos notices I’m fiddling with the moonstone ring and squeezes my hand. “What’s this, love?”

Atticus turns back around at Lykos’ question to see what he is talking about, his eyebrows shooting up as if emphasizing the question.

“Selene gave it to me to help with my moon powers until all of my Soulbonds are completed. She said it should help me stop fainting.”

They both visibly sag with relief at this information. The room becomes crowded with an anxious energy that makes both men look suspiciously nervous.

“What’s going on? Why do you both look like you’re about to hide under the bed?” 

Neither of them seem like they wanted to acknowledge me. What on Earth could make these two giants so nervous? I’m awake, and Selene gave me something that helps. Shouldn’t they be happy? Did I do something before I passed out?

“Guys, please tell me what’s going on.” I am getting more anxious with every passing moment.

Just then, my phone rings, saving them momentarily from answering. I look at the caller ID, and it’s my mom. Why would she be calling me right now? It’s like nine at night. She and daddy are usually in bed by now. I narrow my eyes at the guys as the thought occurs to me and it makes me want to climb under the bed and hide.

“Please tell me y’all didn’t call my momma during all this.”

Both guys look so uncomfortable and I know I hit the nail on the head. Oh gosh. My momma is gonna lose her shit and insist that I come home. I sigh, knowing I can’t avoid this. I pick up my phone and press the accept key.

“Hey, Momma… How are you?” I ask tentatively, knowing my cheerful greeting isn’t going to be enough to smooth things over with her.

“How am I?! Amaris May Maguire, why didn’t you tell me you have three bonds and that one has been ignoring it?! Why didn’t you tell me about the restaurant or that someone threatened you?! I ought to kick your skinny butt! You need to come home and bring all three of your men so we can meet them and make a plan. You’re lucky daddy and I haven’t driven over there ourselves!” my momma rants, but I know she’s worried about me. That’s how she is.

“Momma, calm down. I’m okay. I wasn’t sure how I felt about everything, so I didn’t tell you. I should’ve said something, but I just wasn’t ready. I’m really sorry I scared you. I can’t come home yet. Classes just started, and I don’t want to miss them.” I wait for her to respond, hoping she will agree with me. I don’t want to toss away my last year.

After a minute, she sighs into the phone. “Baby girl, you need to bring them home this week. You can always retake those classes next semester. I know you don’t want to mess up your plans, but this needs to take priority. If we don’t take care of this, you might not have to worry about finishing your classes, anyway.” She pauses, letting her words sink in before she continues. “According to one of your bonds, Atticus, I believe, you received a threatening note yesterday. This cannot wait. Please say you’ll come home this week. You don’t have to stay long, but you need to come so we can figure out what’s going on,” she begs.

I sigh, knowing she is right. This got serious so quickly. “I can’t promise the guys will come with me, especially Andri.”

My mind wanders off for a second, wondering where he went, but I force myself to refocus. He’s a big boy and can take care of himself. I damn well won’t force him.

“They have their own plans and futures to prepare for, and I won’t make them change it for me, but I will be there. I will text you the plans as soon as they are made. I’ve got a bit of a headache, so I need to eat and get some rest, but I promise I’ll text you in the morning when I wake up.” I let out a deep breath, the exhaustion in my voice clearly evident, as she doesn’t argue.

“Okay. I love you. I know you are stubbornly independent, but let them take care of you, baby girl. They need it just as much as you do.”

“Yes. Momma,” I agree softly, looking at the guys at her words. It’s strange how natural them being here is. How I actually don’t mind them helping so much anymore. “I love you.”

I hang up the phone and despite being pretty sure both of them heard every word, they politely wait for me to fill them in.

“We must wait for Andri to get back and then discuss what needs to happen next,” Lykos comments, leaning casually against the doorframe.

They both look like they are about to argue when Selene pops her head into the open door. “I made some dinner if y’all are hungry. Amaris should eat something.”

I give her a look of thanks, and she smiles with a knowing grin. The guys help me from bed and I find that my legs are shaky, either from hunger or being in bed so long. After relieving myself and washing my face and hands, they follow me to the kitchen.

Selene had made a meal of spaghetti and meatballs with garlic bread, and my mouth waters at the smell of my favorite meal. I don’t know how she knew, but I am so thankful.

As we settle in to eat, I work to mentally prepare myself for the possibility of not seeing my men for at least a week. I meant it when I told my mom I wouldn’t force them to join my trip home. We all settle into silence, content to eat our meal, my mind racing with what the next week will bring and wondering when Andri will return. If he will at all.

Chapter 17

LYKOS

Gods, she feels fantastic wrapped up in my arms. She smells like jasmine and apple blossoms, a scent I will never forget. Amaris starts to shift in her sleep, and I wonder when Andri will finally return. We tried to watch a movie with her while we waited, but after only thirty minutes or so, her soft snores filled the room, and we just didn’t want to wake her, so we settled in on the couch with her. She’s been through far too much lately.

Atticus comes into the room looking like he wants to rip someone in half, and I’m guessing it’s because whoever is in the kitchen will wake Amaris up with the amount of shit they are slamming around. If they wake her up, I will kill them myself.

The smashing and slamming from the kitchen gets louder, but my beautiful Soulmate keeps snoring, and I wonder if even a train could wake her. She looks absolutely angelic with the moonlight streaming through the window and lighting up her hair like a silver river.

“Can we get this fucking conversation started so I can go home?” Andri tears into the room.

At the sudden absence of the banging noise, I realize it was Andri, and I’m frustrated that he could be so careless while she is sleeping.

“If you want to be the one to wake her, go ahead. Stella told us to watch out because she hates getting woken up,” I grumble.

“If you wake her up and piss her off, you won’t have to worry about her being pissed. I will punch you again myself. We have plenty of guest rooms, and it won’t kill you to stay near her for one night,” Atticus growls.

Andri’s face goes pale at the mention of Atticus punching him again, and he huffs down the hall. I’m guessing he went back to the guest room Atticus showed him earlier.

Atticus joins me on the sectional on the other side of our mate and sighs so deeply that I feel his body quiver.

“You okay, man?”

“I don’t know. Everything is changing so quickly. Taking this trip home with her is going to derail a lot of plans. I know she told her mom she’d never make us go, but how could we not? She’s our Soulbond, and this affects all of us. To not go would just be plain ole stupid.”

“I know what you mean. I wanted to graduate this year, but she is more important than anything else. In Greece, Soulmates are the ultimate purpose of our lives, and once we find them, we spend our entire lives protecting and loving them. My parents wish they were Soulmates, because no matter how much they love one another, with a Soulmate, there is just a deeper understanding, a stronger bond, if you will.” Sighing, I readjust to get a bit more comfortable.

“I’m concerned about Andri not coming on this trip with us and something happening to her because of it,” Atticus confesses.

“I know how you feel, and I want to kill him for stressing her out so bad. Even if we tie him to the car’s roof, he must come with us,” I suggest.

“No one will be forced to come on this trip with me. If Andri doesn’t want to come, neither of you will make him,” Amaris admonished us as she sits up from my lap. I let out a small yelp of surprise as I realize she’s awake.

Atticus doesn’t even look surprised, though he does look frustrated. “Lil’bit, our job is to protect you. Without him there, you are at risk. I don’t care how mad he gets, he needs to come with us,” Atticus counters.

“No. I don’t want anyone around that doesn’t want to be around,” she argues.

“I’ll come. Only because I don’t want to deal with the growly dragon if I don’t,” Andri astounds us all with his sudden appearance and agreement to come.

I watch as Amaris’ eyes light up with hope and excitement.

I fight the urge to beat the shit out of the kitsune for getting her hopes up, especially since he has made it clear he has no intentions to stick around. I do not doubt his reasons for agreeing are one hundred percent selfish, and I refuse to let him hurt her. Amaris sets the date to leave for tomorrow afternoon, and we all call it a night. Andri goes back to his apartment with the agreement he’ll be back an hour before we are supposed to leave, and Atticus leads both Amaris and I to his bedroom.

As I settle into the plush bed on one side of my Soulmate and Atticus on the other, I realize Amaris didn’t fight us on all of us sleeping in the same bed and I let myself hope that she’s okay with both of us being by her side from now on. I fall asleep with a sense of peace, warming me with the knowledge that she is safe next to me where she belongs.

The brilliant morning sun has me opening my eyes to check the time: seven a.m. You’ve got to be shitting me. Has he never heard of blackout curtains? I lay there watching my beautiful Soulmate sleep peacefully between Atticus and I. Wrestling with the idea of going back to sleep, the bright ass sun decides for me and I decided to get up to make breakfast. With Amaris appetite, I know she will likely be hungry the moment she wakes.

It’s about forty-five minutes after I start cooking when I hear the front door open, and Andri rounds the corner into the kitchen. 

“What are you doing here so early?”

“I like to be early,” he responds as he makes himself at home on the barstool next to the sizzling bacon.

“You sure you weren’t ready to see Amaris? Don’t be ashamed. I love seeing her stunning face every chance I get.”

“Not me. Just like being early,” he states plainly.

“Okay, breakfast will be done soon if you’re hungry.” Maybe one day, he will start to feel the pull of the bond just as much as the rest of us, though I doubt he doesn’t feel it at all. The bond with Amaris is powerful and feels almost more substantial than my need to eat or sleep.

The chocolate pancakes are about ready to flip, and the bacon is nearly done when Amaris joins us in the kitchen. She has a radiant smile plastered on her face and looks adorable with her hair sticking up on one side and bed impressions on her slightly flushed face.

“Mmm, what smells so good?” she asks, but then notices whatever dumb look Andri has on his face, and she gasps, “Oh! I must look like crap!” and darts from the room.

“What the fuck, Andri! You couldn’t control your face for ten fucking minutes! She looks beautiful, and now you’ve upset her! Be useful and ensure the remainder of the food doesn’t burn!” Rushing to catch her, I see her door shut just ahead as Atticus emerges from his.

“What happened? Why did she look upset?” he grunts.

“Andri made some sort of face at her appearance, and she raced out of the kitchen. I’m going to talk to her now.”

“I’ll go talk to the asshole in question. Please tell her that she looks amazing,” he growls.

As I near her door, I hear Andri shout from the kitchen, followed by a smashing noise, and I smirk at the thought of Atticus hitting him again.

I lightly knock on her door, and it takes a moment before she opens it with a cute blush creeping along her cheeks and making her look even more stunning than she did before.

“Feggari Mou, why did you run away from us? You look radiant.”

She lets out a small huff at my words, “Yeah, right! I look like I stuck my finger in an outlet!”

I grasp her chin between my fingers and press an intense kiss to her luscious lips, stopping her small rant. “My love, you look amazing no matter your hair’s state. Please don’t ever doubt that.”

She sighs, “I disagree, but let me get ready for the day, and I’ll be back downstairs to eat.”

I give her a soft smile, knowing she doesn’t believe my words, and silently walk back to the kitchen to wait for her. I’m greeted by the beautiful sight of Andri cowering behind one of the chairs as Atticus advances on him. I know if Amaris sees this, she will be upset, despite its hilarity.

“You guys need to stop. Amaris will be back here soon enough, and I want her to enjoy breakfast with little to no stress.”

They both immediately halt at my words, and after shooting one more loathing look at each other, they both take a seat at the kitchen table on opposite ends.

Relief floods me as Amaris enters the room, and she visibly relaxes at the calm in the room. We have a quiet breakfast and then go our separate ways to pack for the trip. Atticus takes Amaris back to her dorm to get more of her things, though he swears he isn’t letting her go in by herself this time. I imagine we will all be on edge for a while after she was found nearly unconscious the last time. I know Selene gave her the moon ring to help, but I will never forget the sight of her lying there motionless for so long.

* * *

Six hours, and a lot of bickering later, we are all piled into Atticus’ Ford Explorer, Andri and me in the backseat with Amaris riding shotgun.

The Maguires live about an hour from campus, so we don’t have far to travel. Andri is reading a book titled “Guide to Business Management.” Huh, is he taking that class too? I guess it doesn’t matter now since we are all missing it. I can’t help but wonder what exactly her parents want to discuss. Do they know more about what’s going on than we do? I guess it’s possible. They did adopt her and had to complete a lot of paperwork. I get lost in thought and am lulled to sleep by the constant movement of the car.

When I wake up, it looks like we have finally arrived at Amaris’ home, and my nerves start to make me nauseous. Not only are we meeting her parents for the first time, but we are meeting them as her Soulbonded. My stomach churns at the thought, not only that, but how am I going to explain that I’m already marked?

I help unload the car and take a deep breath. It’s time to meet my bond’s parents.

Chapter 18

AMARIS

We pull into the small dirt driveway to my parents’ farmhouse, and my breath catches at the sight of them already waiting outside for us. The second the car stops, I throw open the door and race for my parents. Tears well in my eyes as I throw myself into their waiting arms, instantly feeling at home. I hadn’t realized how much I missed them the last few weeks and it feels good to be in their familiar safety.

Daddy kisses the crown of my head. “I missed you, baby girl. Your momma and I have been so worried about you since Atticus and Lykos called. You got yourself a couple of good ones there, though the last one still needs to prove it to us. He looks a little fancy for you,” my daddy says as he eyes the three men.

Atticus and Lykos unload the vehicle, and Andri is propped against the backdoor of the SUV, looking disgusted at the dirt on his shoes. My goodness, Daddy’s gonna eat him alive.

“He’s not that bad, Daddy.”

Momma giggles like I told a joke and looks up at him. “She has her hands full, that’s for sure.”

Atticus and Lykos walk through the gate and up the driveway with the luggage, Andri trailing behind them empty-handed. Once they get to us, they both put it down, and one at a time, they offer their hands to my parents and introduce themselves. Everything goes smoothly until they get to Andri. My daddy clasps his hand and pulls him, whispering something in his ear I can’t hear. If I have to guess, it’s a threat of some kind based on the growing grins on the other guys’ faces. Man, I’d kill to have their hearing right now. I make a mental note to ask Daddy what he said later. He finally takes a step back from Andri and starts leading everyone inside. This time, even Andri picks up luggage as daddy shows the guys where to put our things. Momma and I go to the kitchen to catch up.

Like we have done a hundred times before, I get the coffee cups as momma starts to make her favorite lavender tea. I missed this much more than I realize. After I put the cups on the counter, I wrap my arms around Momma, finding comfort in her love and familiarity.

She turns and squeezes me. “Honey, what’s wrong? Are you okay?”

“No, Momma, I’m freaked out about everything. The threats, the Dark King’s interest in me for whatever reason. Not knowing why, suddenly, everyone is calling me by the name my biological mother used in the only letter I have from her. Top all that with the fact that I have three Soulbonds and only two of them want me, so I’m at great risk because I can’t stay awake half the time, and now I’m missing classes. Classes I worked my butt off to get into. I just don’t like this.” My magic lashes out so fast I’m unable to stop it as it breaks one of the empty mugs.

Momma hugs me, running calming circles on my back. “Baby girl, it’s going to be okay. I know things are scary and tough right now, but I promise you that daddy and I are going to help you figure this out. I don’t know what’s holding back your third bond, but Atticus told me he is from the compound near Japan. If that’s true, him not wanting the bond has nothin’ to do with you, and everything to do with how Japan views Soulmates. It’s going to be okay, my love.”

She continues to rub circles on my back while I sob, letting go of all the tension and frustration that’s been building since the first attack. After a few more minutes, I give my momma a final squeeze and step back.

“Thank you, Momma. I didn’t realize how much I needed that.”

“Of course, baby! Momma’s hugs are always the best. We will have some girl time later, okay?”

“Okay, Momma. Sorry about your mug,” I say sheepishly. I’ve broken way too many mugs over the years.

“Oh, pish posh! You know it’s fine. We can’t always help it when our emotions get away from us.” She always makes me feel better with the things she says. I grab the broom and dustpan from the storage closet, and I’m working on cleaning up the mess when I hear the men enter the kitchen.

Atticus crosses to me and takes them from my hands, “I got this, Lil’bit.” Without waiting for an answer, he turns and starts cleaning it up for me.

“Hey! I am perfectly capable of cleaning up my mess!” I chastise him. He doesn’t seem the least bit affected, though, and simply grins as he continues collecting the bits of glass.

Momma grabs me by the shoulders and leads me to the sitting room where she has tea set up. “Let that man take care of it and sit your toosh down,” my momma reprimands me.

“Yes, momma.” I comply and do as I’m told.

The men follow into the room shortly after, and she serves everyone tea.

We sit in comfortable silence until my daddy clears his throat, “Alright, everyone, I think it’s time we get down to business. Baby girl, why don’t you run us through everything that’s happened up until y’all got here today?” 

I know he likely is already aware of most, if not all of it, but going over it all at once would help them understand. It might help us with something we could have missed, too.

It takes the better part of an hour for us to explain to my parents everything that’s happened since I got to school two weeks ago. They listen quietly, with only small requests for more details here and there. When we finish, they sit quietly for a few minutes, casting small glances at each other.

“Momma, Daddy, what’s going on?” I’m getting worried about the looks they are exchanging, and it’s not like them to be so quiet. There is something more I’m missing, and I don’t exactly think I’m going to like where this is heading.

My daddy sits up straight and clears his throat. “Honey, we weren’t going to say anything, but considering everything that has happened, you need to know. We received a threatening letter about a week ago. It was left on the couch in the den.”

The blood drains from my face, and I can feel myself starting to shake. Did I somehow put them in danger too? Whoever was after me has to know about them. Is it possible they would use them, or worse, hurt them to get to me?

“Daddy, what did it say?”

He hesitates and then pulls a folded-up sheet of paper from his pocket. It reads:

Maguire Family,

I’m sure you are just an unsuspecting witch family that wanted a baby, but you’ve bitten off far more than you can chew.

Now you’re going to choke.

I will burn the world to the ground before she reigns over the Kingdom of Lunaria.

If she continues to fulfill the prophesy, you will all be sorry.

The only way she will rule is at my side.

It would be in your best interest to convince her to

stop bonding with anyone but me.

If not, you will all pay a far steeper price.

You’ve been warned.

-The Dark King

I finish reading the note and hand it over to the guys so they can see it too. I don’t know what this guy is talking about. I don’t even know what Lunaria is, let alone have any claim to rule it. This has to be a mistake. My chest feels like a thousand pounds are pressing against my lungs and I struggle to take a breath.

The tears spill over as I am unable to hold them back anymore, the overwhelming sensation taking control. Someone comes next to me and wraps their arms around me, but I can’t focus on figuring out who it might be. I’m too busy with trying not to lose control as I snuggle into their chest and close my eyes, wishing, not for the first time, that I could just go back to before all of this. This is too much. I can’t do this. I continue to sob as the person gently lifts me into their arms. My eyes squeezed shut, I don’t bother to question who it is, or where they are taking me as I cling to their chest. They stop moving and I swallow hard as they slowly lay me down on a soft bed. I need to pull myself together. As I attempt to do so, and see who it is that carried me, I open my eyes, stunned to see that it’s Andri.

“Why did you carry me up here? I thought you hated me.” I resent the sound of insecurity in my voice, but I have no energy to hide it right now.

“Utsukushii, I don’t hate you. Not even close. Get some sleep. I will watch over you.”

I don’t know what his word means, but I’m too tired to care. For all I know, coming from him, it could mean something like ‘go fuck yourself.’ Still, I let him hold me close, needing contact, and despite not knowing him, I know I can trust him. Soothing comfort washes over me, and before I can think on it any more, I gently drift off to sleep in a practical stranger's arms.

* * *

All too soon, a loud bang jolts me awake, my heart hammering in my chest as I look around. I have no clue how long I was asleep, but I quickly wipe the fog from my eyes, panic filling me as I notice Andri is already up and heading for the door.

“Stay here, Amaris. Please. I need you safe.”

“I can’t. My parents and the other guys are out there.” I hastily get up from the bed and make a move for the door, but Andri blocks my path.

“Please, Utsukushii. I can’t help anyone out there if I’m worried about you.” His eyes silently plead with me to do what he asks of me.

Worried about me? Why is concerned about me? He never cared before. He thinks he’s a good guy, doing what is right. I get it, but my family is out there. I step so close my chest is pressed against his, and I look into his eyes, the fear in them nearly makes me reconsider. I don’t know what is happening between him and me, but I need to get out there and worry about whatever this is between us later.

“I’m going out there. I can promise to stay by you, but that’s all I can do for you. Now get out of the way so we can find out what’s going on.”

He looks like he wants to argue, but another loud bang rocks the house, and we nearly fall to our knees. Andri opens the door, giving me a worried look. Everything is sheer chaos when we step into the hall overlooking the downstairs foyer.

My other two bonds are back-to-back, fighting off over a dozen of what look like a disgusting cross between a toad and a bowl of melted ice cream that has refrozen. I look around for my parents and see them also back-to-back fighting off at least another two dozen of the vile creatures. There is no way they can take on all of them. I don’t think. I react.

I use my silver magic to start zapping the monsters closest to us, and I don’t stop to look where Andri is going because I instinctively know that if we don’t get rid of the snot frogs, they will overtake us. I get to my parents, who are also using their magic to fight them off.

My parents are faery who hold mostly earth magic, so they are struggling to take down these snot frogs. They are not only a peaceful people, but there is not much of their element to work with inside the house. I stand between my parents and continue zapping the creatures, effectively taking them out one by one. I start to question if we are making any dent in them, but there seems to be less and less, so at least there’s that.

Eventually, we have taken out so many, I can count those that still remain. Six.

I can’t tell how the guys are doing, but the bonds all still feel strong, so I have to assume they are okay. It doesn’t matter that two of them are not fully formed; I cling to the hope that they are okay. My parents and I get down to three monsters, and by the sound of the fighting from the guys, there are a few more I didn’t see.

“Jackson! No, Jackson, you do not get to leave me like this!”

My heart shatters as I hear Momma yell Daddy’s name, the panic and fear in her voice clear above all else.

I spin around to see what has her so panicked, dread and disbelief filling me at the sight in front of me. One final creature is sneaking up behind momma, but I can’t do anything other than stand there, frozen in shock. Daddy is laying in momma’s lap with a hole the size of a fist through his chest, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth. Grief and rage course through me like a hurricane as I drop to my knees. The devastating emotions void my ring's ability to keep my powers under control and my magic breaks free, tearing through anything that gets in its way.

When it dies down, my chest is heaving and I look around to see every last monster is destroyed. My Soulbonds approach me, all unharmed, though a bit bloody. Knowing they are okay, I redirect my attention and crawl on all fours to my parents. Utter devastation explodes through my chest at the sight of his eyes open, staring into nothing. Momma is draped over his chest, sobbing, her grief inconsolable. I hold my momma, clinging to daddy, letting my grief come, my wails filling the air. There is a hole where my heart belongs, and I have no clue how I will ever be able to fix this.

Time is meaningless as we cling to each other and our grief. I have no clue how long we stay like that before someone gently pulls me back and carries me from the room. Instinctively I know they are taking me to the bathroom. My mates will not want to leave me covered in blood and guts from whatever those things were.

When he sets me down and my feet touch the cold tile floor, I at long last drag my eyes open to see who has brought me here. Andri looks at me but remains silent as he starts helping me out of my ruined clothes. I want to tell him I can do it myself, but I can’t bring myself to tell him I can do it alone because I don’t think I can. The crushing weight of desperation and grief settle deep into my chest. My daddy is gone. My backbone, my role model, my guiding tower. He’s gone, and I don’t know what to do. My legs feel like jello, and my skin feels like ice. Andri runs water and steam fills the room as I fight for any coherent thought.

Gently, he leads me to the tub and helps lower me into the hot water before stripping to his boxers. I look up to see Andri’s sullen face watching me, asking silent permission to take care of me. I nod, and he surprises me by climbing in behind me. I can’t bring myself to care that I’m nude in a bath with someone who doesn’t want me. I need any kind of contact I can get at the moment.

He takes his time washing every inch of my body and gently massaging my hair before helping me out and drying me off. By the time he’s done, I’m wearing panties from my bag but a t-shirt that is far too big to be mine and he is in dry boxers and a t-shirt. Exhaustion threatens to overtake me, my body feeling it deep in my bones. I let him carry me to bed and tuck me in.

He starts to walk away and a moment of panic sets in.

“Will you stay? I don’t want to be alone.” My question is out before I can stop it.

He doesn’t say a word and simply climbs into my bed and holds me to his chest.

I look up into his beautiful brown eyes and am startled to find him staring back. I know it isn’t a good idea, but I can’t stop myself from leaning up and trying to press my lips to him, but he stops me before I can.

“Utsukushii, now is not the time for first kisses. When I decide to kiss you, I want it to be in a happy moment, not one born of grief and pain.”

Disappointment and self-loathing bubble within me, but before I can sink too deep, Andri kisses my forehead and speaks in a hushed tone. “I know I’m supposed to fight this bond, but, Amaris, I could have lost you tonight. I’ve never been so scared in my life. I don’t know how all of this works, but I do know that I want to accept the bond I have with you, and I don’t want to be away from you again. Will you still have me?”

His confession stupefies me. Suddenly our magic bursts out of us, and I feel a sharp pain in my ribcage, much like I did with Lykos. I don’t have to look to know what I will find, but I do anyway.

Andri and I lift our shirts and on our ribcages, just like I expected, are our Bondmarks.

My full moon was now two-thirds of the way filled in, and he has a new moon.

He shudders in surprise and stutters, “Why? How? I thought we had to solidify our bond before this would happen.”

I am just as surprised. First Lykos and now Andri. What about Atticus? I don’t know why it’s happening like this, and I know Andri the least. It doesn’t make any sense that I would hold his Bondmark before Atticus.

“Let’s not focus on this tonight. Let’s get some sleep and deal with this in the morning,” he suggests.

I rest my head on his chest and fall asleep with warring emotions rising in me. I’m happy because he wants the bond, confused because our marks appeared, and sad because of my dad. I don’t know what will happen tomorrow, but for now, I allow myself this brief reprieve before everything changes.

Chapter 19

ANDRI

The magnificent woman sleeping on my chest is the cause of both my most significant pain and my most incomparable pleasure. I told myself that I would heed my father’s warnings and not accept the Soulbond with her. To remain strong and unbreakable. But in the end, the bond is what saved me. When Amaris’ family home was attacked tonight, we were overrun by vile snotfrogs, a magical version of goo monsters, and I wasn’t sure we would make it. But she was incredible. When I saw her charge in and start attacking them, she gave me the courage and strength to do the same. I stood back-to-back with her two other bonds while she was helping her parents. We fought our way through over three dozen monsters to get to her and keep her safe. When I felt like I couldn’t fight anymore, an astronomical wave of her silver magic rushed through the room, vaporizing every single snotfrog and saving our lives. She showed far more strength than I would’ve predicted, given her smaller stature.

When we rushed to her side, she and her mother were draped over her father as he lay on the floor, dead. The men and I called back up from both of their families, and I offered to take care of Amaris while they took care of her mom. This night, while I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it by any means, should not have turned out like this. We all felt her pure devastation through the Soulmate bond, despite it not being fully formed. We didn’t know how to help her. They worked with the backup to clean up the house, take care of her father’s body, and take care of her mom while I bathed Amaris, dressed her, and brought her to bed. I never expected to receive my Bondmark with her when I told her I wanted our bond. I lay with her long after she fell asleep, contemplating the ramifications of accepting this Soulbond with her.

The other two came to check on her hours ago, and I assured them I would not leave her side. I know they question me wanting to be here, but I don’t blame them. In the past, I had made my feelings toward the whole Soulmate thing very clear. But things change. The haze of exhaustion finally overtakes me, and I sleep with her in my arms, knowing she’s safe, at least for now.

Before I know it, we are being woken by Mrs. Maguire, asking us to join her in the den for breakfast and a conversation. It’s good to see her not so distraught, but I know the loss of her husband has to be incredibly hard to bear. We tell her we will be down in a few minutes and get ready for what I know is going to be a long day ahead of us. Amaris is reticent this morning, and I can’t help but worry about her, even though I know she’s strong. When we make our way downstairs, her other bonds are already there with her mom, and the house looks clean, though the two front windows are boarded up. I don’t know where they put her dad’s body, but I’m glad they moved it until funeral arrangements can be made. We sit next to each other on the sofa with Lykos on her other side, Atticus sitting on the arm of the chair next to us, and her mom sitting directly across from us in an old wooden rocking chair. The coffee table has a light breakfast of croissants and fruit, but no one seems hungry.

“I’m going to start because I found this on my bedside table when I woke up early this morning.” Mrs. Maguire pulls out a folded note, and my stomach drops to my ass.

You were warned. Now, you will all deal with the consequences.

-The Dark King

“I know a lot has happened, but I think the next logical step is to take a trip to Lunaria and find out why this is happening. I scoured the internet before the attack, but all I could find is it’s located somewhere in the Peruvian Rainforest,” Mrs. Maguire explains. 

I have to commend her bravery, considering how bad the attack was last night.

“Lykos and I might be able to fill in some of the blanks, but it’s a pretty far-fetched answer,” Atticus suggests.

“We’ve had our suspicions since the attack at the restaurant, but we didn’t want to say anything until we were sure,” Lykos continues, and I don’t miss their nervous glances in Amaris’ direction.

They explain the story of the missing queen and lost princess nicknamed “Silver Moon.” Once they finish, we sit in stunned silence, trying to process it all. It was difficult to deny the connection, but I understand them wanting to be sure before they brought it up. In their shoes, I would have done the same thing. Amaris sits terrifyingly mute through the entire discussion, not so much as nodding or blinking, and I worry what might possibly be going through her mind.

“Honey, What’s wrong? Are you okay?” her mom asks as she gets up and kneels in front of Amaris.

In a heartbreakingly meek voice, her response causes grief to shoot through me for her.  

“This is my fault. Daddy is dead because of me.”

Her mom stills. “Amaris May, you look at me right now,” her mom demands.

When Amaris doesn’t move, her mother tilts her chin up. 

“This is not your fault in any way, and your daddy would have your hide for talking like that. This is the fault of the Dark King and the Dark King alone. You have no control over destiny and how it presents itself. Now, pick yourself up and be the brave girl we taught you to be. Your daddy would want you to figure this out and face it. Do you understand me? Your daddy and I have loved you from the very moment we knew you’d be ours. We have never regretted it, and I know if your daddy were here right now, he’d tell you the same,” she gently chides, and Amaris seems to perk up a bit.

“You’re right, Momma. I’m sorry.” She takes a deep breath and lets it out with a shudder. “Let’s find what we can. When do we leave?”

We make plans to head to the rainforest in Peru tomorrow morning, and Amaris and her mom set to making plenty of food to take with us. The rainforest there is vast and formidable, and there’s no telling what we will face or what will happen.

After spending the day gathering everything for the trip, Mrs. Maguire suggests we enjoy a movie or two with dinner and then spend the night all camped out in the living room to make sure we are all nearby, just in case. She retires to her bedroom around eight, leaving the four of us on a blanket pallet in the middle of the den with some random action movie. When Amaris yawns and stretches, her shirt rides up her stomach, and Lykos notices her Bondmark is now two-thirds complete, his eyes going wide.

“Hey, why didn’t you tell me you got your bond mark? We could’ve compared.” His question isn’t aimed at me, but at Atticus. Shit is about to hit the fan. I can’t blame him for his assumption since Amaris and I weren’t expecting this, either.

Atticus looks absolutely mortified as he stares at us. “I didn’t tell you because I haven’t gotten mine. Amaris, why didn’t you say anything? Why did that bastard get his first?”

I can see the anger rising in the dragon and try my best to de-escalate the situation. I don’t like seeing him directing his anger at her.

“It happened late last night after the battle, and we weren’t expecting it,” I calmly explain, very aware that I might get punched again.

“No one asked you, asshole,” Atticus growls back.

“Atticus, calm down. You know they can’t control when their Bondmark appears. It’s just like I couldn’t control mine,” Lykos validates my earlier statement.

Atticus gives me a heated glare, that whole, if looks could kill thing, before he bolts from the room and out of the front door.

“I’m going after him,” Amaris sighs, her cheeks flushing as she stands and races through the door behind him.

Well, this night just got far more complex than I would have liked.

Chapter 20

ATTICUS

I can’t fucking believe this! That dick got his Bondmark with Amaris before me?! I’ve known her the longest! Hell, that douchebag didn’t even want to be her Soulmate!

My dragon is roaring in protest at the thought of being last. At the thought that we are not even bonded to her while the others are. If I don’t go flying soon, he’s going to take over and who knows what he will do in the state he’s in. I hear the door open behind me, and I spin, ready to attack whoever it is, but stop short when I see Amaris’ short frame step outside. I huff and turn away from her.

“Atticus, are you okay?” her voice is soft, almost a little scared and I hate that, but I don’t want to face the humiliation at the moment. “I swear I didn’t know it would happen, and I don’t know why it did.”

Her voice is hoarse, as if she is fighting back the tears, and my dragon growls at the thought of us hurting her, even by accident.

“I don’t know why you weren’t first,” she admits softly.

“I know you can’t control it, but it still hurts. I wanted to be the first to get a Bondmark with you, and now I’m going to be the last.” I know I sound like a petulant child, but I feel like it at the moment. Like the prince who was promised everything, and suddenly finds out that he wasn’t even chosen for dodgeball. It’s not a good feeling.

“Atticus, look at me.” She comes up behind me and waits a moment, but I still can’t face her, not with tears stinging the corners of my eyes. Amaris steps around me and turns my head to face her. “You were the first man I’d ever met that I felt an instant attraction to. I know you aren’t first getting our marks, but being last doesn’t make you any less valuable to me. I love you because of who you are. We will share a Bondmark, it just has to happen when Fate decides it’s time,” she reasons.

Standing so close to her intoxicating scent makes me want to mark her in an entirely different way.

“Share a bed with me tonight. We don’t have to do anything, but I’d like to sleep next to you.” I plead with her.

She lets out a surprised gasp, and now she’s flying at me. I catch her with both arms and press her to my chest.

“Ok, I’ll sleep in your bed tonight.” Her agreement has relief flooding my system as she pulls back and looks at me, concerned again. “You feel boiling to the touch. Do you need to shift and fly for a while? It may be the last time you can for a bit.”

She is so alluring when she tries to make sure I’m taken care of.

I place a gentle kiss on the crown of her head and step back. “Yes, Lil’bit. I need to fly off some of this tension before I sleep in the same bed as you. Otherwise, there won’t be any sleeping going on.”

I love saying things like that to her and watching a blush creep up her delicate cheeks. She ducks her head as if trying to hide her embarrassment and I watch as she turns and walks back inside. Once I know she is safely inside, I travel to the enormous field in the backyard and let my dragon take over, knowing I will be much better able to handle a night so close to her once my dragon is calmer.

By the time I get back, Amaris is already in bed waiting for me. I feel my cock start to swell at the sight of her in tiny silk pajama shorts that her round ass falls slightly out of. I let out a small growl as I stalk toward her on the bed.

“Are you trying to start something?”

She has the gall to look proud of herself, “Maybe. I may be a virgin, but I have needs too.”

A strangled gasp comes from my mouth at the heat in her eyes and the need I smell permeating the air. “Lil’bit, I will meet every need and then some.”

My dick twitches in anticipation, but tonight is for her, not me.

“Lie on your stomach and spread your legs slightly for me,” I tell her gently, swallowing hard as she readily obeys.

Delight courses through me as I slide her pajama bottoms over her hips and find that she isn’t wearing any panties. Tonight, I am going to worship her like she has never known.

Tenderly I run my palm over her bare ass, the goosebumps that I see race across her flesh excite me more than I would have thought possible. The scent of her arousal reaches me and it’s everything can do to hold myself back, my cock stiff in my boxers. I work my way closer to her hot center, finding her already wet and excited. Agonizingly slowly, I slide my fingers into her wet, silky folds and purr in ecstasy when she gasps out my name. Gently, I pull my finger back and thrust again, a little harder to create friction, her moans of pleasure filling the air. She begins to roll over, but I lightly nip her ass, stopping her before she does.

“If you roll over, I stop.” My voice is thick with need, but she stills at my words and I slowly slip my finger from her.

“Please don’t stop, Atticus. Touch me.”

My already-hard dick begins to throb at her words.

I remove all of my clothing except my cotton boxer briefs, I need to leave some sort of barrier to remind myself she is still innocent, and climb onto the foot of the bed. Running my hands over her delicate ass, I start to massage her. I gradually work my way from the top of her ass to the top of her thighs, rubbing her as I go. She starts to pant when my hands reach the crease of her thigh right under her ass and next to her now dripping center.

“Do you want me to make you feel good, Lil’bit?” I whisper as my lips brush the lobe of her ear.

“Yes, Atticus. Make me feel good. Touch me, please.” She begs, and my restraint starts to crumble.

I force myself to go slow, despite the way she bucks against my hand as I slide my finger into her again. A low, guttural moan escapes me at how soft she feels, imagining what it would be like to have my dick inside her instead.

“More,” she gasps, arching her back to bare her pussy to me further.

I add a second finger, slowly stretching her and she lets out another moan that ends in my name. Again and again, I pump my fingers faster, driving her closer to her climax. As she begins to quake around my hand, I move lower, removing my hand and replacing it with my tongue just as I start to feel her release. She comes undone the moment my tongue slides across her folds and I cling to her hips, lapping up every delicious ounce of her orgasm.

She moans in pleasure, coming down from her high, at last being allowed to turn over. Her heated gaze fixes on mine, and she bites her bottom lip. “Can you come here so I can make you feel as good as you did me?”

I freeze and stare at her in shock. I had no intention of reaching my climax tonight and am hesitant to go there with her.

She senses my hesitation and utters a single word. “Please.”

My will to keep this all about her snaps.

“If you want to stop, all you have to do is say so,” I reassure her as I maneuver my way to the head of the bed and lay on my back.

She kisses me deeply and passionately and then catches my bottom lip between her teeth. My cock twitches in excitement and I’m worried I’m going to come before she has even started.

She slowly kisses her way down my body, licking and then sucking on my nipple, stomach, and thighs until she works her way to my throbbing cock. Confidently, she lowers her head and wraps her pretty little mouth around my stiff member, the motion causing a squawk to leave me. Her tongue dances around the thick, leaking head of my cock, and then she shocks me as she takes me in all at once, my dick sliding over her tongue to hit the back of her throat. I shout as my release happens long before I’m used to. I shudder uncontrollably into her mouth as I empty myself, and she drinks it like a bottle of cold water, her tongue stroking my dick as if she wants every last drop. After what seems like forever, and yet, not long enough, she removes her mouth from me and smiles at me with a satisfied grin.

“That was a sexy sound, Atticus,” she taunts me. This woman is going to be the death of me. She crawls up the bed, and when she reaches my side, she curls into me and kisses my bare chest. I pull the thick comforter over both of us and kiss my Soulmate on the mouth, hard enough that I’m sure I may leave a bruise.

“I love you, ‘Ris. I don’t know when it happened, but I do. I plan on making you this happy for the rest of my life,” I confess to her.

“I love you too, Atticus,” she sleepily tells me.

The sound of the words coming from her does more than I ever would have thought possible to soothe not only me, but my dragon.

At our confessions of love, we both fall into a deep sleep, curled up in a tangle of limbs.

* * *

Before we know it, we are waking up early the following day to prepare for our trek through the Peruvian Rainforest in an effort to find Lunaria. We’ve spent hours researching and narrowing down the location of the hidden kingdom. The stories all say that after the princess and queen went missing, the kingdom sorceress placed a powerful cloaking spell on it that only the lost princess could unlock during a full moon. The next full moon is two nights from now, so we need to find the Kingdom of Lunaria before then, if we have a chance of ending this anytime soon. If we don’t, it will be at least until the next full moon that we have a chance.

After loading up the car, Mrs. Maguire comes to say goodbye to us. She’s staying behind to prepare for her husband’s funeral. Amaris certainly gets her strength from her mom. Both women have handled this far better than I think I ever could myself. I know they are both hurting, but only because they let a tear or two fall when they think no one is watching. I commend their ability to push through and get things done, no matter how hard everything is. Last night I asked Mrs. Maguire how they do it, and her response spoke more about her character than I ever could.

“We do what needs to be done and cry about it later once the work is finished.” Her words were simple, and I could tell they were ones she lived by. I wish I could say I’m that strong, but I know I’m not. The guys and I all load up and give Amaris time with her mom before we leave. We don’t know when we will be back or what will happen on this trip, and I worry that not all of us will return.

Chapter 21

AMARIS

As I stand hugging my momma, I try to calm my anxiety and remind myself that it will not be forever. In just a few short weeks, I’ve gained three Soulbonds, learned that I might be the lost princess of the Kingdom of Lunaria, and lost my daddy in an attack by snotfrogs. To say I’m overwhelmed would be a massive understatement.

“Be safe and remember that daddy and I raised you to be strong, confident, brave, kind, empathetic, and vulnerable when the situation calls for it. I know we can’t keep in touch while you’re gone, but I know the area y’all will be traveling. I will update the king and queen as well as Stella. I have things handled here, go and do what needs to be done. I love you.” She presses a gentle kiss to my forehead, and I head for the car.

Our flight to Peru is in two hours, and the airport isn’t far, so I am ready to get going.

* * *

Holy gooselicker! As we pull into the small town’s private airstrip, I see a behemoth of a jet on the runway. It’s black with a silver and royal blue dragon on the side. Atticus wasn’t playin’ when he said we were flying in style. This is the longest flight I’ve ever taken and the first time I’ve ever left the country. And it looks like it is going to be an experience I won’t ever forget.

We make quick work of boarding the plane while the attendant loads our luggage. Atticus shows us around the large jet. There are six reclining chairs, a bedroom with a king-sized bed, a large bathtub with whirlpool jets, and a small step-in shower. It’s roughly four times the size of my dorm back at school, and I’m in awe at all of the luxury that surrounds us. I settle into one of the plush chairs towards the middle of the jet and feel my body relax into the material.

Before I know it, I am being woken by Andri gently shaking my shoulder. “Would you like to take a hot bath and lie in the bed? We all need to sleep during the flight since we don’t know what we are walking into.”

His logic makes sense. It is smarter to be as prepared as possible. The Dark King seems to be one step ahead of us, and we need to be ready for anything. Sleep will go a long way toward keeping us sharp.

I attempt to stand, but turbulence rocks the jet, and I again faceplant into Andri’s muscular chest with an oomph. 

“Utsukushii, we got to stop meeting like this.” He smirks at me with his killer dimples that pull up the corners of his eyes.

He pulls me close and walks with me to the bedroom. When he opens the door, I am stunned to see Lykos filling up the oversized bathtub with what smells like lavender bubble bath.

“What’s going on?”

“We thought you could use some time to relax a bit before all hell breaks loose tomorrow,” Lykos explains.

“You guys, you don’t have to do that for me.” Tears well in my eyes at the unexpected gesture.

“What’s wrong, Feggari Mou?” Lykos asks, stepping closer to me and pulling me to his chest.

“This is just so sweet. I can’t believe you guys did this for me,” I choke out a small sob.

“Love, we would do that, and so much more. Atticus is in the cockpit with the pilot catching up, so it’s just the three of us. Why don’t you let us take care of you for a little while?” Andri asks.

I think about it for a moment before the bone-deep tiredness I’ve been feeling comes to the forefront and makes me slightly nauseous.

“Okay, I’d like that.”

They take turns helping me undress and holding my hands as I settle into the bubble-filled tub and I find it’s not so bad letting someone else help me sometimes. Heck, it might even be a little nice. My body relaxes into the steaming hot water, and I allow myself a moment to close my eyes.

Silently, the guys start running their hands over my body, washing my hair and skin, making sure to get everything. I glance at them to see pure contentment on their faces, and I realize I have never felt more loved than I do at this very moment.

A contented warmth starts in my stomach and spreads throughout my body. They meticulously clean every inch of my body, which was sweet, spicy torture. By the time they are finished, and we are snuggling in the large bed, I am ready to combust from all of the sexual tension. I can tell they smell my arousal because they both keep sniffing and staring at me. I rub my ass against Lykos, which makes my breasts rub against Andri. They growl in unison, and I let out a soft, husky laugh.

Andri meets my gaze and I see the heat there as he speaks. “Amaris, you have to stop and get to sleep. You haven’t rested enough lately, and we don’t know how long it will be until we get to rest again.”

I let out a sigh. “You guys should’ve thought of that before you provoked me by rubbing my entire body down in the bath. It was torture, and now I’m super worked up,” I complain.

I sound like a petulant child, but I’m thoroughly soaked between my legs, and it’s getting worse the longer I lay with them. I contemplate their words and decide I need to try at least to get some rest. Lykos runs his fingers through my hair, and slowly, the world fades to black.

* * *

I’m woken up again as Atticus shakes me slightly and lets me know we will be landing soon, so I should get up and get ready. He kisses my forehead gently and disappears back through the bedroom door. It’s then that I notice I’m in bed alone. Dragging myself from the spacious bed, I pull on a pair of black torn jeans, my black combat boots, and a royal blue tank top, then put my hair into a side braid. Satisfied that I’m as ready as I’m going to be, I emerge from the room to see the guys gathered around a small meal table with a map and a few dishes of fresh, steaming eggs and bacon. I approach the table and am thrilled to see cartons of chocolate milk. I snatch up two cartons and down them like a starving dwarf. The men all watch me with curiosity and amusement on their faces. Oh well, let them watch.

“Whatcha guys doin?”

“Mapping out the routes we’d like to stick to based on the stories we researched. It looks like the most commonly reported sightings are of stone arches, and we have mapped out what trails they are along. It looks like the arches are about a three-day hike from the start of the trails,” Atticus explains while I continue to stuff my face.

Soon the captain announces we are landing, and my anxiety rears its ugly head. Thankfully, the moonstone ring from Selene has been helping to keep it and my powers in check, and it doesn’t fail me this time. When we got attacked at my parents' house, my emotions were so strong that it overwhelmed the ring and my powers were able to go rogue. It saved our lives, but still, I’d like to know I’m the one that controls the magic and that it doesn’t control me.

* * *

We arrive at the first set of trails around noon and prepare to make our way into the heart of the jungle, everyone eager to find this Lunaria place before the full moon. Before we head into the lush green canopy, we douse ourselves in bug spray and sunscreen. There is no need to make things any more uncomfortable than they need to be.

The day flies by and before we know it, more than six hours pass and we’ve made it quite a distance, only taking five-minute breaks as we need. I take in the jungle around me, reveling in the calls of the wildlife, and the deep greens accented with splashes of bright-colored flowers. If it weren’t for the humidity, I might actually enjoy myself.

Suddenly, a shrill scream pierces the air and I spin to see Lykos on his knees, pale and covered in sweat.

I rush to his side, dropping to my knees next to him, “Lykos, what’s wrong?”

Frantically, I try to get him to look me in the face, but it’s useless. His eyes start to close, and he falls backward. Luckily, Atticus is behind him, catching him before he can hit his head and cursing under his breath, Atticus takes off his shirt and balls it under Lykos’ head. Hot mama hog, this man has muscles on top of muscles.

This is so not the time to ogle Atticus, I scold myself. 

“What’s wrong with him?”

Hearing the panic in my voice, Atticus looks back up at me. 

“He must have gotten bitten by the snake that tripped him earlier. It was a poisonous black diamond. I asked if it bit him, but he insisted he was fine. Stubborn wolf.”

Atticus pulls supplies from his bag and cuts off the leg of Lykos’ thin gray sweats. “We have to get the poison out, and once we do that, his natural healing abilities should kick in.”

Atticus shoves his bag at Andri. “Hold this and keep her calm.”

He promptly returns to setting up supplies. I’m surprised at how efficient he is, but don’t question it as he gets ready to do whatever it is he is planning on.

“Calm? Why do I need to be kept calm?!”

It always freaks me out more when people say that, and I don’t understand why in all the realms, anyone would think that is a good thing to say.

Andri pulls me into his rock-like chest and whispers as if he’s cuddling a baby. “I know you probably don’t realize it, but removing venom is extremely painful, and Lykos is bound to scream. He may even vomit. Do you want to go for a walk while Atticus handles this?”

Go for a walk?! Is this man out of his mind?! I am not leaving one of my men when they’re hurt!

Wait, when did I start referring to them as mine? I guess that’s not important right now.

My anxiety and magic are getting more restless by the second, and I know that if I don’t calm down, it will shoot out like a volcano and do who knows what. We need to be more focused on helping Lykos right now than my out of control magic. I’m more grateful now than ever for the ring that helps to center my magic more than usual. Andri pulls me back into his arms, making me realize I backed away from him in my determination to stay with Lykos.

“I want to stay, and I’m not leaving while he is hurt.”

Andri grunts at my protest but doesn’t fight with me. See? Progress.

A painful scream rips through the forest, and my magic lashes out at Atticus, ignoring the tingling reminder from the ring. I glance up and have to contain my amusement. My magic has wrapped itself around Lykos in the form of a giant purple bubble, and I’m shocked to realize I can do that.

“Love, you have to release the bubble so I can get him all better,” Atticus coaches, his voice gentle but firm.

Even so, my magic doesn’t waiver an inch. Panic starts to flair as I notice a glow forming around Lykos.

“I don’t know how. I never even knew I could do this.”

My mind races. What do I do? How do I stop it?

“Shhh, it’s okay. Take a deep breath and tell your magic that he is safe. Coax it back into your core. Back to your well of magic. You can do this.”

Atticus’ calming voice and presence convinces me to close my eyes and take a soothing breath. I feel my magic slowly start to rescind, and after another few seconds, the bubble disperses, leaving me sagging in exhaustion. Andri catches me and lowers me to the ground between his legs. The world fades to black around me, leaving me in a dark, warm comfort.

Chapter 22

LYKOS

As I sit up in the dark, flashlight-lit tent, I realize I must’ve passed out hours ago. I don’t remember much, just that I was bitten by a snake and tried to keep it from the others, not wanting to hold us back. When Amaris asked me if I was okay, I had just started feeling weird, the worst part, though, was seeing how scared she looked. I should have told them when it happened.

I stand up from the sleeping pad I’m on to see Andri sleeping a few feet away, but Atticus and Amaris are missing. Where are they? Are they okay? I get up to find them, but dizziness sweeps through me, and I have to close my eyes to keep myself upright. Finally, the dizziness abates, and I can walk without busting my ass, though I have to be careful as I still feel a little off.

When I open the tent flap, I freeze. Amaris is standing a few feet away, bathed in moonlight. Her skin is glowing a breathtaking gingerbread brown and her hair looks as though it has been dipped in a brilliant silver dye. I have never seen a more stunning sight than I do right now. I always joke about our bond, my family, and almost every aspect of my life. Still, at this moment, I realize that I would do anything to spend the rest of my life with this beautiful creature, even if it means spending it side by side with the grumpy dragon and prissy kitsune. I don’t know when it happened, but this woman has become my entire life in such a short time. Almost as if she can hear my thoughts, she turned and unleashed a smile so beautiful, it physically hurt to look at her. I’d never look away, though, not even if it burns my retinas.

“You’re okay!” she squeals and tackles me to the ground.

I let out an audible “Oomph” when my back hits the ground.

The angel on top of me is my sole focus, and gods, she looks glorious.

“Of course I’m okay, Feggari Mou.”

I lift her off me and sit up, nestling her between my legs. When she looks up at me, I almost let out a growl at the sight of her eyes. They usually are a deep violet, but they look like they are glowing right now. Come to think of it, her entire figure seems to be glowing. I’ve known plenty of moon witches in my twenty-two years, but I’ve never seen one do this. It has to be because she’s the lost princess. They said she had the power of the moon, which is much stronger than any moon witch could even hope to be. I gaze into her eyes and brace myself. I don’t know how she will take this conversation.

“Feggari Mou, can we talk about everything for a moment?”

As soon as the words leave my mouth, I know I should’ve phrased them more carefully. Sheer panic crosses her face before she shutters her emotions, and her face goes blank again. She sits quietly for a moment, almost as if she’s afraid to say anything.

I open my mouth to encourage her, but she speaks first, almost so softly that I can’t hear her.

“What do you want to talk about? If you regret giving in to our bond, I understand. This has all been crazier than a turtle riding an alligator.”

I almost laugh at her analogy but worry she might think I’m laughing at her question or being callous. How could this beautiful woman not know that I’m not going anywhere?

“Amaris, look at me when I say this. Please. I need to know you are paying very close attention.”

She looks up at me, and the hope in her eyes makes my heart beat so fast that I’m pretty sure I’m going to combust.

“I love you, Feggari Mou. I don’t care how difficult things get or what craziness we must go through. You are the other piece of my soul, and I don’t want to live this life without you.” At that, I smash a kiss on her pouty lips. It’s almost as if a flame has lit itself inside my soul, and she is the gasoline that keeps it burning.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt y’all. I’ll just head inside.”

I was so wrapped up in Amaris that I didn’t even notice Atticus arrive.

“We should get back inside, Feggari Mou. It’s late, and we have a long day tomorrow.”

“Fine. After you tell me what that means.”

“What are you referring to?” I know what she was referring to, but watching her get frustrated is fun.

“Figroy meow or whatever you keep saying.”

I nearly choke on my laughter as she says it that way, but she looks so severe.

“Feggari Mou. It means ‘my moon’ in Greek. You are a moon witch, and your hair glows a silver shade in the moonlight. I think it is very fitting.”

She launches herself at me again, only this time I’m able to remain sitting up. “I love you, Lykos! It’s beautiful!”

She blushes and hurries inside, shutting the tent flap behind her, leaving me stunned.

She loves me? I knew she cared about me, but I was prepared to wait far longer for her to fall in love with me. Excited at the revelation, I realize I forgot to talk to her about the possibility of being a princess. I’ll have to find the time tomorrow. I know we talked briefly about it at her parents’ house but I feel there’s more she is keeping to herself. I want to help her as best I can, but in order to do that, I need her to talk to me.

* * *

Tomorrow comes much too soon. By the time the sun breaks the horizon, we’ve been hiking for several hours. I take a seat on the hard, damp ground for a break when Atticus approaches me. 

“Hey, man, how are you feelin’?”

“Not too bad, though I am getting tired fairly easy. I wish shifter healing took away the remnants faster.”

“I know. Remember that this will all be worth it once we find Lunaria and Amaris unlocks it. Maybe we will get lucky, and they’ll have decent beds and hot water.” He nudges my arm at the hot water part.

“How are you holding up? You were pretty upset back at the house,” I cautiously ask.

“I’m okay. I’m hurt that I haven’t completed my bond with Amaris yet, but I’m trying to be patient. I know what I feel, even what Amaris feels. The rest will be up to Fate.”

I understand his frustration, but Fate has a plan all her own, and she won’t be rushed either way.

“Maybe Andri and I can have some time to ourselves in the tent tonight, and you can sneak her away to the lake we will be resting by.”

I refer to the lake we found on the map most of the way to our goal, so we mapped our route to stop there for the night. It would be a great way to re-energize right before our destination.

“Thanks, man. That would be amazing. This woman has taken over my heart since the moment I met her. Fate needs to hurry up and seal our bond.”

“Speaking of bonds, do you think once our bonds with her are sealed, ours will all connect as well?” I’ve been wondering about this for a while, but I couldn’t find any research on it since multiple bonds are so rare,

“I saw something about it when I was doing some research. Every bond group is different, and some of them have men that are bonded as well, and some are all separate bonds with the woman. I think we will just have to wait and see, unfortunately.”

Sighing, I rest my head on my knees. “I figured that might be the case.”

Before I can give it much more thought, our beautiful Soulmate bounces up to us, a grin on her face.

“Whatcha doin’?” She giggles as she stands bouncing on the balls of her feet.

“Talkin’ about you, beautiful,” Atticus says, winking at her, making her blush.

“We need to move if we are going to make it to the lake in time for the night,” Andri interrupts.

Amaris looks as though she’s going to argue, so I stand, gently grab her by the chin, and lift her face to me.

“He may not have said that very nicely, but he does have a point.” I kiss her on the forehead and pull myself away to start gathering our things.

We are back to hiking in the mucky forest within a few minutes. Slap. I swear we need better bug spray. If it weren’t for my enhanced healing abilities, I’d be covered in red welts. I don’t know why the bugs aren’t biting Amaris. At least, I don’t think they are. She hasn’t seemed the least bit bothered as we’ve hiked, aside from the occasional grumbling about how hot and humid it is. I agree with her. My clothes are thoroughly soaked and sticking to me like I’ve pasted them with glue.

“Here we are!” Atticus announces.

He pulls aside a large bush to reveal a deep sapphire lake surrounded by vibrant colored plants and flowers. They range in hues from deep, blood red to light periwinkle blue. We chose this location because the arch that signifies the gate of the kingdom of Lunaria should be in this area.

“It’s so beautiful!” Amaris lets out a squeal of delight and rushes into the clearing.

I can faintly hear the waterfall the map indicated on the other end, even if we can’t see it.

Atticus follows her, and Andri and I start setting up camp. I had promised Atticus he will have time with her, and I intend to make that happen, starting now.

Chapter 23

ATTICUS

Trailing behind Amaris as she explores the multitude of flowers and plants along the river, I enjoy watching the pure bliss that ebbs from her. It isn’t often I see her with her guard down, but right now, she’s firmly rooted in the moment and enjoying herself. She seems to enjoy pointing out the various shades of flowers to me, and occasionally, she grabs me by the hand and pulls me down to get a closer look. For the most part though, she’s content with me following along.

“Atticus, look! This one is royal blue! Oooh, and that one is the color of my eyes! Can we pick some to keep?” She looks radiant in the setting sun as she flows from flower to flower, plant to plant.

“Nah, Lil’bit, we need to leave this place just as we find it. This forest is notorious for beautiful plants that are poisonous or dangerous.”

I watch as the excitement leeches from her eyes and caution took its place. I curse myself for making her worry and pulling her from her excitement, even if it was to keep her safe.

I wrap my arms around her and speak softly. “Beautiful, I didn’t mean to ruin the mood. I just wanted to keep you safe.”

She shifts in my arms so that she’s looking up at me. “It’s okay, Atticus. I know you’re protecting me. Can we plant more flowers in the front garden when we get home?”

My heart soars at her calling my house home. I hadn’t told her yet, but I was having the caretaker change the bedding in the master bedroom into galaxy and deep purple and blue themes. I want her to feel at home when she chooses to stay there, which I hope will be permanent.

“Lil’bit, can we talk about something a bit more serious for a bit? We don’t have to be back anytime soon since we have a couple of hours ‘til we need to start searching for the arch.”

From what we learned, it’s easier to find in the dark, as it’s said it has a slight glow surrounding it.

She chews her lip nervously and nods, so I start.

“We haven’t had a chance to talk about this whole ‘lost princess’ bit, and I want to know what you think about it.”

There. I started the conversation. I am hoping she opens up to me. This is a challenging situation for anyone, let alone someone who just lost their father. She’s handling everything a little too well, and it worries me that she might be suppressing her emotions. Given how her magic lashes out, no good will ever come from doing that. What gets bottled up will eventually explode.

“I mean, I don’t know. Atticus, are you sure it’s me? It’s pretty unbelievable that I, of all people, would be a lost princess.”

At her words, I recall the mention of the crescent birthmark.

“Lil’bit, would you happen to have any birthmarks?”

She doesn’t immediately respond, but the shocked expression on her face tells me my theory is correct.

“Can you show me, beautiful?” I encourage, knowing this should confirm it one way or another.

She stares at me for a few seconds longer before her shoulders drop. She lifts her t-shirt over her head, and I shiver at the sight of her caramel-colored navel. Desire grows rapidly, and I have to fight with my dragon and remind him that this is important. When she turns around to show me her shoulder, I let out an audible gasp that makes her jump.

“Have you had this birthmark your whole life?” I whisper.

“Well, duh. It’s literally in the name. Birth. Mark.”

A smile overtakes my face, knowing that even when she’s anxious, she’s still a smartass.

“You are definitely the lost princess, love.”

I trace my fingers over the deep, dime-sized, chocolate-colored crescent mark that rests on her right shoulderblade. She shivers as I run my fingers across the mark.

“Are you sure?” she responds meekly, as though she is terrified of the answer.

“My love, you have the crescent birthmark in the same place as the princess, and you have powers far beyond any moon witch I’ve ever met. Hell, I’ve met a lot of witches in my twenty-six years, and none of their powers have even come close to yours. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were a demigod’s child.”

She looks mortified for a brief moment before shuttering her emotions, and her face is blank once again. “I guess we will find out for sure when we start looking for the kingdom.”

She tries to shut back down, but I pull her back into my arms.

“What do you think about all of this?” I think she’s trying not to feel, and I don’t want that life for her.

My dad taught me how to do that at a young age, and that’s how I know that she will eventually explode. Her dad just died a few days ago, and every now and then, when she thinks no one is looking, she will let a tear fall. As soon as someone approaches her, she locks everything back up tight like it never happened.

“Atticus, this is more than I ever thought my life would be. I planned on going to college and then working as an astronomer. I never dreamed of being a princess like most girls. In fact, I can’t remember a time when I thought it would be cool. What happens if they expect me to lead? To be an actual princess. This wasn’t the plan, and I don’t even know if my birth parents are alive or if they had died. What if the Dark King has taken over?”

All of it comes out of her in a rush of tears, and I can feel that she’s distressed through the bond, though I can’t pinpoint the exact emotions she feels as that would happen after we solidified our bond. I pull her tighter against me and start rocking slowly from side to side. After a while, her sobs calm, and she begins to relax into me. Slowly, I pull us to the floor of this paradise next to the lake and watch as the sky gradually darkens and the stars create a breathtaking view.

“Thanks, Atticus. Ya know, for letting me get all of that out. Normally, I’d wait until I’m alone, but something has happened with us. I feel like I don’t have to hide anything when I’m with you, and I don’t feel like I want to anymore either. Though it’s still going to take a while for old habits to die.”

Her melodic laugh fills the air, and it’s the perfect moment. Suddenly, I feel like someone is sticking a hot poker in my ribs, and Amaris shouts out in pain. She never put her shirt back on, so I can see the mark just below her sports bra. A full moon completely shaded in silver. I lift my shirt and on the upper part of my left ribcage is a black first-quarter crescent moon.

Shock and pure, unadulterated love pour through me. I have a Bondmark! Our bond is complete! I pick her up and spin her around. I have waited for this since the moment I met her. As soon as her feet touch the ground, she smashes her lips into mine. I kiss her back as if my life depends on it. I’m pretty sure it does. Before things can get too heated, I pull away. I refuse to let her first time be in the middle of a forest that’s fraught with danger.

At the moan of protest that falls from her lips, my dick stands to salute.

I adjust myself and try to remind myself what we are here to do. “Lil’bit, as much as I would love to sink myself into your tight little pussy, this is not the place or time. Would you like to explore the waterfall with me before it’s time to get back?” 

She grunts but relents, “Okay, but I want to revisit this when we get home.”

Now that is something I can promise her will be happening.

* * *

After walking a short distance, the glistening waterfall comes into view. I read that it was beautiful, but nothing could have prepared me for the sight in front of me. It has vines crawling up the rocky ledge, covered in flowers that look as if the stars themselves are dusted on them. They emit a glow that makes me want to reach out and run my fingers along their silky petals. I begin to reach out but snatch my hand back when I remember what else the articles online said. These flowers are poisonous, and one-touch can kill a full-grown dragon in seconds. I see Amaris reaching for them and gently pull her away.

“My love, those are poisonous and can kill you with just one touch.”

“But how can something so stunning be dangerous?” she questions.

“Lil’bit, I have to ask myself that question every time I look at you. I don’t know if there will be a better time to tell you this. I love you, Amaris. I think I have since you slammed into me in the union. I know this is fast, but I want you. All of you, forever and ever.”

After a minute, I feel disappointment seep in. I should’ve waited. I should’ve done this on a proper date. I should’ve done this better. I’m such an idiot.

“I love you too, Atticus. I have for a while, even when I didn’t want to. In the beginning, you were so gruff and grumpy, but as I’ve gotten to know you, you’ve turned into the biggest teddy bear for me. You make me feel safe and cared for in ways I didn’t realize I needed.”

My heart vaults at her words, and I kiss her. Not just an ordinary kiss. No, this kiss is full of love, passion, and hope. I kiss her like it will keep us locked in this moment forever. She pulls back with an odd look on her face.

“Are you okay, Lil’bit?”

“We need to get back to camp right now.”

I look at my beautiful Soulmate knowing whatever it is, it’s serious. She looks frantic as she pulls her shirt back on and begins walking back to camp, pulling me along by our interlaced hands. Whatever is bothering her can’t be good.

Chapter 24

AMARIS

Since Atticus and I’s bond were completed a few minutes ago, I’ve been able to feel all of my guys’ emotions. That doesn’t bother me; it helps me know they are safe. What bothers me is the feeling of unfiltered fear and rage from both Lykos and Andri. Adrenaline and fear race through me, and Atticus and I run back to camp. As we approach the cropping of trees surrounding our camp, I hear what sounds like shouting. I push myself faster, knowing Atticus is right next to me. We break through the bushes separating us from camp, and I falter. This is hell. Pure, unadulterated hell. Lykos and Andri are fighting off a couple of guys that look like they belong in some deranged sci-fi movie about aliens.

They’re all wearing black clothing, and have long black hair, and pointed ears. Then it clicks. These are dark elves. Son of a willywacker! Dark elves are one of the most dangerous species to encounter because they take pleasure in using their magic to harm. My men start to shift, and I can’t blame them. I don’t know how we will make it out of this.

The first one of my amazing men to finish shifting is Lykos. And Holy Geezballs! I’d be afraid if he wasn’t on our side. He stands over four feet tall and is almost as white as snow. His gorgeous lime green eyes that I love are still the same. He stands beside me and rubs his head against my hand in reassurance. I run my fingers through his luxuriously soft fur.

Andri finishes shifting second, and the sight of his four tails has me staring in bewilderment. You have to be incredibly powerful to have more than one tail, let alone four! His fur is a gorgeous coal black with white paws and ears that are starkly contrasted. He isn’t quite as tall as Lykos, but he’s still impressive as he stands around three and a half feet tall.

A booming roar shakes the ground, signifying that Atticus has shifted as well. I turned to find him, and the sight of his dragon leaves me stunned. He looks over seven feet tall with midnight black scales that shine iridescent in the moonlight, with eyes the color of topaz. He is genuinely stunning. I am dying to run my hand over all of my men, pun intended, but now is not the time.

My men take up form around me as we prepare to defend ourselves. The tallest elf stands at about six and a half feet, while the smallest is still a whopping six feet. They are as thin as a rail and their eye colors range from black to deep scarlet, watching me shrewdly as their maniacal cackles fill the air. The one with the ruby eyes steps toward me, and my magic begins to swirl around me.

He speaks in a sinister voice that creates a pit of swirling nausea in my stomach. “The Dark King wants the Silver moon, and he will have her.”

I shiver at the thought that this evil douchewaffle thinks he has any right to me.

“I’d rather die before I go to him,” I spit at the dark elf.

His eyes light up at the challenge.

“That can be arranged, princess. Get her!” he instructs his evil creeps.

All hell breaks loose. Andri and Lykos lunge for the three closest to them while Atticus flies at the two closest to him, leaving me with Mr. That-Can-Be-Arranged. I mean, who yells, “get her” anymore? That’s such a cliche.

My magic swells in my core, and I ready myself for his attack. He begins throwing an onslaught of dark magic at me, but before it can reach me, my magic explodes out of me in a move I can only describe as, “Slap a Hoe.” He sends another blast at me, and my magic doesn’t react fast enough. It hits me, causing pain to erupt in my right side. I scream out as I land roughly on my knees. Quickly, I recover and bounce up before he can attack me while I’m down. I’m not giving up that easily.

“How did you know where to find me, you sick son of a dickwad?” I demand.

He eyes my necklace and begins to cackle. “We’ve been following you for quite some time. Where’d you get the necklace?” he taunts.

I hear Atticus yell, and I feel a gripping pain begin to invade my chest. He’s hurt. I need to end this and get to my Soulbonds. I scream in a fit of rage at Atticus being hurt, and a wave of magic rushes out of me like a tsunami, searching for anything it doesn’t like. A moment later, all is silent. Too silent. The dark elves are gone. Lykos and Andri are ten feet away, covered in burns and cuts, but fine. Where’s Atticus? I feel cold dread grip me as I frantically start searching for him.

“Atticus! Where are you?!” I scream until my voice is hoarse.

“I found him!” Relief washes through me at Andri’s proclamation.

I race ten feet in the other direction and halt. Atticus is lying unmoving on a pile of broken tree limbs, back in his human form. Naked. He has angry red gashes on his abdomen, and one of his eyes is swollen shut and colored purple.

A choked scream rips from my throat as I rocket to his side and drop to my knees.

“Atticus! Atti, baby, wake up!” I scream. “I can’t lose you, Atticus! I’ve already lost too much. I love you! Please don’t leave me!” My head falls onto his still chest, and I let out an anguished wail.

Lykos and Andri are rubbing my back and making calming noises when the ground begins shaking as all of my bonds’ magic and mine begins racing around us. We are in a tornado created by magic, and it’s both terrifying and beautiful. Atticus’ body grows unbearably warm beneath me, and both of my bonds grunt behind me. Atticus’ Soulmark begins to glow with a silver light, causing me to gasp. What in the ever-loving cupcake crack is happening?!

Our magic surrounds Atticus, lifting him a foot above the ground. I feel as though my magic is trying to hug him. As I wait with bated breath, Atticus’ body drifts back to the ground.

At first, nothing happens, but slowly, our magic calms, and Atticus groans, “Lil’bit?”

I sob and tackle him. I’ve never been happier to hear that stupid nickname.

Lykos and Andri stand behind me, giving us our space. When I stop for a moment, I realize that the love I’m feeling isn’t just mine, but all three of my men’s as well. That’s a new development.

“I’m glad you’re okay. We need you too,” is all Lykos says, his cheeks slightly flushing.

“I don’t mean to be cruel, but it’s two-thirty in the morning, and it’s a full moon.”

We all gasp at his words. How could we not check the time?! We have fifteen minutes to find the gateway to the Kingdom of Lunaria. The prophecy says the lost princess must open the gate at precisely two-forty-five a.m. during a full moon with her hand touching the kingdom’s crest on the arch.

“How are we going to find it this soon? What the hell am I supposed to do when we find it? I didn’t even know I might be the lost princess until a few days ago!” Freaking out, I start to pace, gripping my hair with both fists.

Andri is the one to break me out of my meltdown. Putting his arm around my shoulders, he says the words I never thought I’d hear from him. “Utsukushii, breathe. I have faith that you can do this. I may have fought Fate at first, but she brought me you, and I will forever trust her judgment because of it. Now, think. When you and Atticus went exploring earlier, did you find anything that points to where the arch could be?”

I think for a moment before I recall the flowers at the waterfall, and they are only on one-half of the rocks near it. Following my gut, I lead the men to the flowers.

“Lil’bit, we just talked about this. Those flowers are poisonous,” Atticus says, exasperated, while running his hand down his face.

“Guys, do you remember the note my birthmother left me?” I wait to see if they will catch on. After a minute, I see the lights go on behind Atticus’ eyes.

“Amaris, that does not mean you can safely touch them. What if their poison hurts you?”

I can tell his dragon is close to the surface with his eyes slightly glowing, but I can feel it in my soul that this is what she meant when she wrote:

The poisonous stars are the key to life.

I know it seems vague, and I could never have figured it out without coming here and seeing these flowers. Before my men can react, I brush a column of flowers aside, revealing an infinity symbol with the four main phases of the moon surrounding it. So far, they haven't hurt me. This has to be it.

I place my hand on it. My men are shouting behind me, but I can’t tell you what they are saying because as the clock strikes two-forty five, the world shakes, and what looks like an oversized violet blanket falls from the sky. Suddenly, a white castle stands just eight hundred feet in front of us. My jaw drops as I gape at the huge structure right in front of us.

It has four large towers, each with a phase of the moon carved into it and billowing violet and silver flags. There are grey stone walls surrounding it, and the wall of flowers we’re just inches from is lit with silver magic that looks identical to mine. We stand together, each of them maintaining physical contact with me in some aspect. The wall starts to shine brighter, and once it reaches a crescendo, it disappears entirely, leaving a path to the castle. A familiar woman with long midnight blue hair and violet eyes matching my own steps out.

What the actual fuckerdoodle?!

“Welcome home, Princess Amaris,” Selene calls to me.

The Kingdom of Lunaria has finally awakened, and I couldn’t be more confused.

Shout-Out to My Team!

Chelsi, 

This would not have been possible without your networking, friendship, and unconditional support.

Carmen,

You stayed up with me more nights than I can count to be my friend, confidant, and encourager when I had some very dark times. You lifted me up when I just didn’t think I could go on and I will forever love you for it. Not to mention the amazing book covers you have created. 

Micca,

You have truly become “Momma Micca”. You are there no matter what and have not stopped when it comes to helping me be a better author, momma, and all around person. 

Ashley,

You took this book and made it into something I never dared dream of, a true work of art. I appreciate you being willing to developmentally edit it and help me make it better than it was before. Thank you for being you.

My Alpha, ARC, Street, and Editing teams,

Thank you all for putting up with my craziness and helping this book become a reality.

Message for My Readers

Thank you so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed meeting Amaris and her sexy men! Don’t worry, there’s plenty more to come with these four!

If you would like to stay up to date on upcoming releases and other fantastic news, follow me on one of my platforms! I’d love to hear from you!

Love,

Mirabella

https://beacons.ai/mooncrest

Also By Mirabella Mooncrest

THE KINGDOM OF LUNARIA SERIES

Lunaria Awakened

A Descent Into Darkness

An Everlasting Reign

Faery Chosen: Stella’s Story Part 1

About the Author

Mirabella Mooncrest is an artist with words you’d never expect. You never know what she’ll dream up next. She loves anything involving chocolate milk and watermelon and is a human McNugget at 5’2”. She loves fiercely and lives freely. She will never miss a karaoke night, even when her voice is raw and she sounds like a raccoon. She loves snuggling with a good book on a cool, rainy day with candles lit and her windows open. She lives in Florida with her longtime boyfriend and two preteen children.

You can find Mirabella online here:

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