Page 69 of Bind Me

Sasha, holding Lucian, reaches over one hand to stroke Dante’s cheek, and both now have their arms full of babies. It’s a beautiful sight, and all I can think about is my little mermaid pregnant, her belly round with our child, how beautiful she’ll be, how demanding she’ll be when she’s lusting after me. The thought sends a jolt of excitement through me.

“I can’t believe you have two babies. It feels like just yesterday we were back in South Africa, living together,” Sasha murmurs.

I glance over at Chowder, who’s watching them intently.

Sensing movement from the doorway, I twist in that direction, where a man stands tall and proud, grinning. His long, flowing black hair reaches past his shoulders, and his eyes are as dark as hell itself. A faint smell of burning wood floats around him. He stands like someone in command, someone unafraid, and I instantly know he’s the father to the fiery child—a demon.

“Tallis,” he says in a strong voice, glancing my way and extending his hand to me. His handshake is firm and powerful. He wears a leather band around his wrist embedded with a golden tree symbol, which I’m guessing is a family emblem. I’ve seen similar ones in Norway but with different designs. His assertiveness demands attention, and I can respect a man like him.

“Kaden,” I answer, shaking his hand just as hard.

“I hear you’re a kraken.” Tallis takes a step into the room, watching our two women and the babies, then swings his attention to Chowder on my shoulder. “They are rare as fuck… you must feel special.”

I chuckle. “Yeah, something like that.”

Tallis laughs heartily. “Well, we have a huge lake behind the woods at the rear of our property. You’re welcome to use it, and we have heated pools indoors, too.”

“Appreciate it. Might take you up on those.”

His gaze lifts. “Who’s the critter on your shoulder?”

“I am Chowder. And why black eyes?”

I chuckle. “He says what he’s thinking and has no filter.”

Tallis grins. “I like it. It’s refreshing. He and my brother Eryx will get along wonderfully. Anyway, welcome to our home, Kaden and Chowder. Make yourselves comfortable. Later, you can meet my brothers. Eryx is up in the mountains, and Khaos is out with King Kaspian.”

My interest is beyond piqued. “Speaking of King Kaspian,” I bring up.

He raises an eyebrow. “I heard you want an audience with King Kaspian?”

I nod. “That’s my reason for visiting, and Sasha’s been eager to catch up with her friend, so two birds, one stone.” I raise an eyebrow at Tallis, who chuckles, his dark eyes constantly moving between me and Billie. He’s absolutely smitten with her, and seeing a man show that kind of obsession and commitment resonates well with me.

“Since arriving in Norway, I’ve had a few mercenary issues, and rather than leave a trail of bodies, which I guess the king wouldn’t appreciate, I’d rather work things out amicably.”

“Well, as long as you respect those who intend you no harm, as my brothers and I are mercenaries, then we’ll have no problems. We run a very successful business connecting those around the world to some of the best mercenaries living here in Finland.”

“You have my word,” I state honestly, head high. “I want them off my back now that I’m a citizen of the House of Gold and Garnet, which doesn’t seem to have been communicated.”

“Well, my friend.” Tallis grins and slaps a hand on my shoulder. “The king isn’t easy to get hold of, but I respect your willingness to resolve things peacefully. It shows a lot of restraint.”

I chuckle. “Something I often don’t have control over. But I appreciate help from you and your brothers. I won’t waste the opportunity to set things straight.”

We both turn to our fated mates. Billie collects Lucian from Sasha’s arms, then hands both babies over to Tallis. Sasha told me that he’s a succubus demon, so to see him in daddy mode gives me hope that I’ll make a first-rate father myself.

“Come, let me show you both to your room,” she offers.

She and Sasha head out of the room, laughing, leaning into one another. Tallis is juggling the babies, one batting his wings, the other coughing flames, which catch on his shirt. They’re small burns that go out instantly, and he doesn’t seem to feel it.

“Need a hand?” I ask him.

“Or a paw?” Chowder pipes in.

He laughs. “Nothing I haven’t done before. Usually easier when one of my brothers is here, but I’m getting used to it when Billie needs a break. It’ll be interesting when the next baby or babies come along. My plan is to hire an army of nannies because these two are already a handful.” He grins at me while placing both babies into one crib and turning on the wolf mobile overhead, which starts spinning and singing.

“Billie’s pregnant?” I ask, raising an eyebrow, not remembering Sasha telling me this.

“Not yet, but my oldest brother, Khaos, is determined to ensure our next baby is his. And he’s taking every opportunity.” He’s grinning suddenly. “Except Eryx and I have a bet on which one of us will get her pregnant first instead.”

---