Page 123 of The Omega's Bloodline: Part One

“Why can’t I have Seth and Caden?”

“The only way for you to claim them would be for me to relinquish my claim, and if I did that, Kendrick and Shakti could challenge you. I’m not really sure what way the vote would go since you’re only a temporary Protector and not even sworn in yet. Safer for everyone if I hang on to them.”

“So matehood doesn’t supersede a Protector’s claim?”

I sighed, running a hand over my forehead. “Technically it would, but this is a complicated situation since I also claimed you. Do you trust me?”

“I think so.” She paused, eyes searching my face. “Yes.”

It was a strange realization to know she did. Haru was the only one I trusted with my life, and I suspected it was the same for him. I hadn’t done enough to truly earn Logan’s trust, but I would try to be worthy of what trust she did place in me. “Hold on to that, then. In a more ideal situation, I would give both of them to you.”

“Do I need your permission to matebond Caden? Is that even something Icando? I don’t know how many matebonds a person can have.”

“I’m not going to interfere with your bonds. You can have as many as you like, though the more you have, the more complicated things get. Some packs will all bond, but many find it too overwhelming to have all of those additional emotions bouncing around.”

Logan walked by my side down one of the library aisles that held our actually useful metaphysical books: copies of grimoires,ancient texts, compiled manuscripts from various supernaturals around the world.

“Can I ask another question?”

“You’ve already asked several,” I pointed out. “You’re a Protector now, or at least you will be very soon. You can speak freely with me.”

“How come you and Haru aren’t bonded?”

I stopped short and spun to look at her, her gaze darting up to the ceiling to avoid mine. “I changed my mind. That’s plenty of questions already.”

“I’m sorry. I was just really curious. It seems like you love each other a lot.”

“I do love Haru, but bonding is a very permanent thing that opens you up to another being on a soul level. I’m brave about a lot of things, but I don’t want to trap him and bind him to me.”

Logan looked at me oddly. “You think being bonded would trap them?”

“To a life here, yes.”

“Not to be impertinent or anything, but I feel like if they really didn’t want to be here, they would leave.”

“This topic of conversation is done right now,” I declared. I wasn’t after pouring my heart out in the library. “If you have the energy, we should get you to give Velda the ability to see the monster.”

“What about Shakti and Calliope?”

“We’re working strategically. We don’t know how deep your well is so we’re going to work one by one. Eventually, it would be nice to get the entire nest able to see what the threat is, but I’m under no illusion that that won’t take some time.”

“I wish I knew more about my power. It’s frustrating having all of this untapped potential.”

“That’s what we’re working on.”

“Mistress.” We turned to see Margaret approaching. “I’ve sent out contact requests to all of the witches who have stayed here before. I’ll keep looking for Anya as well.”

“Thank you so much, Margaret. Please let me know the moment you hear from anyone.”

“Yes, mistress.”

Logan slipped her hand into mine and warmth blossomed through me. “Should we go see Velda?”

“In a minute.” I laid my hand over Logan’s arms, tracing my fingertips over her skin, more pleased than I should’ve been when goosebumps rose at my touch. “If you run out of magic, I’m happy to recharge you.”

Her cheeks flushed pink and a burst of arousal hit my nose a moment later.

“I’m notuninterested,” she said slowly. “ Our kiss was…”

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