Page 82 of Surviving in Everton

“That’s a very good sign. The magics clashing together would be exhausting for your body. With you sleeping, the spells were able to do their job. How are you feeling today? Still tired?”

“No, I actually feel really well rested. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so refreshed.”

“Well, you look a lot better. You look brighter, your skin and hair. You also look more relaxed today. There’s a lot more energy coming off of you too. I could tell you right now, the potion worked. But let’s have you lay down and I’ll do a scan to make sure it got it all.”

My breathing becomes quick and my heart starts to race. I wipe my sweaty palms on my thighs, taking a deep, calming breath before laying down on the table. It’s fine, I’ve had this scan done twice, I know what to expect. I turn my head when someone grabs my hand.

“You’ll be fine,A Stor. We’re all here for you.”

I nod slowly. He’s right. It’ll be fine, and they are all here. Thinking about how all of my guys put their lives on hold to be here with me goes a long way to calming me down. My breathing evens out and my heart rate slows. Declan lets go of my hand when I close my eyes and he feels that I’m okay… for the moment at least.

I’m jolted awake by the doc calling my name. Opening my eyes and rubbing a hand down my face, I blink as the room comes back into view.

“Wha-what happened?”

“You fell asleep, Doll,” Ayden helpfully answers.

“Thanks, Ayd, I would have never figured that out.” I roll my eyes. “What happenedwhileI was asleep?”

“You snored adorably,” he announces.

Glaring at him, I snap, “I do notsnore!”

The room fills with masculine chuckles and I silently start plotting all of their demise. Ignoring my soon to be dead boyfriends, I turn my attention to Dr. Johnston, who has a slight smile and a twinkle in his eye. I can’t bring myself to ask, so I just look at him with wide, hopeful eyes as I try to swallow the lump in my throat.

“It worked, Rowen. There’s no sign of any foreign magic in your body.” His smile blooms, growing to encompass his entire face.

My mouth falls open, going dry as I lay there blinking up at him. “It… it worked?” I bolt upright, shaking my head. That’s it? It’s over?

“Well, I wouldn’t say that’sit, but you’re healed,A Stor. The magic is gone. You should keep gettin’ better.”

I look around at my guys, blinking back tears as it starts to sink in that I’m going to be okay. And I have them to thank for it. I throw myself at the nearest guy, wrapping my arms around his neck, surprised when we don’t crash to the ground. Thankfully, Declan saw it coming and catches me. My arms go around his neck as I sob into his shoulder.

“I’ll… uh… give y’all a moment,” Dr. Johnston offers, quietly leaving the room, the door snicking shut behind him.

Hands stroke my back and arms, everyone finding some way to touch me. The deluge of emotions that hit me is so overwhelming, I don’t know what to do with it all. Six times the joy and relief flood my body. All I can do is weep as my men surround me, sharing at least a little in the overwhelming elation.

I’m finally free. I don’t have to worry about what Harris did to me any more. I can move on with my life and share it all with these amazing men. My tears finally start to slow as the overwhelming joy turns to a peace the likes of which I’ve never felt before. Well… except for one other time. The thought brings me back, whipping my head up, I hold my breath as I stare into Declan’s eyes. Too afraid to even hope that could be what’s happening. I mean, he said he’d look into it for me… but has he had time? Does he evenknow?

“I actually spent all night last night lookin’ into it. When I got home and found out you were asleep, I didn’t have anythin’ better to do.” He shrugs.

I bite my lip, impatient to know, but scared at the same time. Declan sits in the chair, getting comfortable before he gets too deep into his explanation.

“I found a story about a woman with four soulmates. The woman was a medium. That means she coul-”

“I know what that means Declan, I’m not stupid,” I cut him of with a scowl.

“Right, sorry. Well, one of her mates had the ability to tell when someone was lyin’. It didn’t go into detail on how, but that’s not important to this story. Anyway, the two of them shared the soulmate bond that you and I have, and they were happy together for years. But then another man showed up claimin’ to be her soulmate. This happened three times. Turned out theywereall her soulmates. It was difficult to come to terms with because it was unheard of at the time. But there was no mistakin’ it. As soon as she accepted the other three and admitted her love for them, a connection grew between the five of them. It seemed the connection she had with her first mate drew the others in. Eventually all five of them were connected and could feel each other’s emotions.”

“Wait, what?! Could feel each other’s emotions?! You meanus?Wecan feel each other’s emotions now?” Ayden screeches.

I turn towards him to punish him for screeching in my ear, but Nate beats me to it.

“Jesus Christ, Ayden! Do you have to scream like a little girl? This is a small room ya know, we can all hear you just fine.”

“I’msorry, but did you not hear what Declan just said? I don’t wanna feel your feelings!”

“Are you so sure you can?” Nate retorts.

---