Page 66 of Dark Bonds

“You don’t have to bond.” Bishop leans in. “A pack isn’t about conforming to some predetermined structure. It’s about surrounding yourself with people you trust, people who complement your strengths and shore up your weaknesses. From an anthropological perspective, it’s fascinating to see how these structures might have evolved over time.”

“And people who challenge you,” Dorian adds, his intense gaze never leaving mine. “Who push you to be better and discover the full extent of your abilities. There’s a certain poetry in reclaiming our history and using it to shape our future.”

I take a deep breath, feeling the weight of this moment. “So what you’re saying is…”

“We’re saying,” Bishop continues, his tone measured yet encouraging, “that forming a pack doesn’t mean leaving anyone behind. It means bringing the people who matter most, people you want by your side as we face whatever’s coming, together. It’s about creating a support system that allows each member to reach their full potential.”

The shadows around us seem to pulse with anticipation, as if they, too, are eager for my decision. I think about Tori, Leo, and Matteo and the bonds we’ve all formed over these tumultuous months.

“Okay,” I say, my voice filled with a newfound determination, “but I need to talk to Tori first.”

Dorian’s smile is rare and brilliant, lighting up his usually brooding features. “I think that sounds perfect, Francesca.”

Bishop nods, his calm demeanor infused with warmth. “Agreed.”

As we sit here, surrounded by ancient tomes and new understanding, I feel a sense of rightness settle over me. We may not have all the answers yet, but we’re on the path to discovering them.

The shadows around us seem to dance with approval, as if Nyx herself is watching, pleased to see her children finally remembering the truth of their heritage.

Maybe that is why I’ve always felt a connection to the dark and the mysterious.

Chapter 21

Matteo

The early morninglight filters through the curtains, casting a soft, golden glow over Leo’s sleeping form. I can’t help but stare at him. The way the sunlight catches his face makes him look so peaceful. It’s a nice change from the chaos of the past few days.

We share a dorm room one level up from Frankie’s. Leo likes to imagine that she is directly below us, but she isn’t. I’ve traced the shadows and checked. She’s a few rooms to the left—a fact I keep to myself, not wanting to burst his bubble.

I’ve always been up with the sun, thanks to my parents’ strict rules growing up. Being an only child, I didn’t have much choice but to fall in line. Leo, on the other hand, could sleep through an earthquake. It’s just one of the many differences between us that somehow make us fit together perfectly, like two complementary pieces in a complex puzzle.

As if sensing my thoughts, Leo stirs, his eyelids fluttering open. A slow, lazy smile spreads across his face as he focuses on me. “Morning, handsome,” he mumbles, his voice rough with sleep.

I can’t help but smile back, my expression softening. “Morning, sleepyhead. I was beginning to think you’d hibernate all day.”

Leo stretches, his lean muscles rippling under his skin in a way that makes my breath catch. The sheet covering him slips low, revealing a tantalizing glimpse of his happy trail and the morning erection straining beneath.

“Some of us need our beauty sleep, you know,” he quips, his eyes sparkling with mirth. “We can’t all wake up looking like Greek gods who’ve been strategizing all night.”

I roll my eyes, but I feel warmth spreading through my chest. I never thought I’d have this—the jokes and comfort of just being together. I can’t help but try to remember every little detail, like I’m saving them up for later.

“Your sisters would agree,” I tease, knowing how much his family means to him. “They’d say you need all the help you can get.”

Leo laughs, the sound full and rich. “Yeah, well, growing up with five sisters teaches you to have thick skin, and to always lock the bathroom door.” He wiggles his eyebrows suggestively, making me chuckle despite myself.

As we lie here, basking in the quiet morning, I can’t help but reflect on how different our childhoods were. As the only child of strict, traditional parents, I always strove for perfection. Leo was surrounded by a boisterous family, never lacking for love or laughter. It’s weird to think about how different we are, but somehow it works. Maybe that’s why we click so well.

They accepted me easily, something I’m thankful for every day.

“What’s going on in that big brain of yours?” Leo asks, propping himself up on an elbow to look at me, his expression curious and open. “I can practically hear the gears turning.”

I hesitate for a moment, then I decide to voice my thoughts. “Just thinking about us and how we ended up here together. The improbability of it all.”

Leo’s smile fades a bit, and for a second, I can see past his usual happy-go-lucky act. “Having second thoughts?”

“Never,” I assure him, reaching out to cup his cheek. “Just… marveling at how different we are, and yet how well we fit. It’s like a perfectly balanced equation.”

He leans into my touch, his eyes never leaving mine. “Maybe that’s why we click. You’re the brain, and I’m… well, let’s just say I bring the charm,” he adds with his trademark grin that never fails to light up the room.

---