Page 50 of Knot My Wonderland: Part Two
"The others feel it too," Chi continued, his fingers threading through my hair. "Heart's been fighting his protective instincts for weeks, trying not to overwhelm you. The Tweedles... well, they've known since before you did, I suspect. Time magic gives them certain advantages in recognizing destiny.”
I tilted my head to look at him. "And Seth?"
Chi's expression grew thoughtful. "Seth has been circling like a predator, but not the dangerous kind. More like... a guardian waiting for the right moment to claim what's his." His tail flicked with what might have been amusement. "The Void Court is patient…and being the King…lets say they don't give up what they consider theirs."
"So I'm 'his' now?" I asked, though there was no real irritation in my voice—just curiosity about the dynamics I was still learning to navigate.
"We're all 'yours' as much as you're 'ours,'" Chi corrected gently, his tail tightening protectively around my waist. "That's what the mate bonds truly mean—mutual belonging, not possession."
I considered his words, feeling the silver bond between us pulse with reassurance. The concept of belonging to someone had always made me uncomfortable, but this felt different—like finding home rather than being owned.
"I need to talk to Seth when we return," I said, my voice steadier than I expected. "The Void bond... it needs to be completed if we're going to face the Queen."
Chi nodded, his teal eyes warming with approval. "He'll be waiting. Though I suspect he already knows your decision."
"Does that bother you?" I asked, studying his face for any sign of jealousy or resentment. "Sharing me with four others. I know packs are something that happens, but the packs I know, there’s still jealousy or it’s a mating out of necessity with no feelings behind it.”
Chi's tail twitched thoughtfully as he considered my question. "Wonderland doesn't work like your world, Alice. The courts have always understood that balance requires multiple connections." His hand moved to cup my cheek, his expression softening. "Besides, each bond is unique. What I share with you isn't diminished by what you share with Heart or the others."
Through our silver bond, I felt the truth of his words—not just acceptance but genuine contentment with the arrangement. There was no jealousy, only a quiet certainty that his place in my life was secure regardless of my other connections.
"It's different for you," I murmured. "You've had centuries to understand these kinds of relationships. I'm still trying to wrap my head around having one mate, let alone five."
Chi's laugh was soft, his tail curling more snugly around me. "And yet you're adapting remarkably well.” We sat in silence for a heartbeat. "We have time," Chi said, his voice a gentle rumble against my ear. "The pocket gives us that luxury, at least. You don't need to understand everything at once."
I nodded, grateful for his patience. The silver bond between us pulsed with quiet affection, carrying reassurance without pressure. Unlike the overwhelming intensity of my communion with the pattern, Chi's presence felt like a cool oasis—steady and refreshing.
"We should return to the others," I said reluctantly, not wanting to leave this peaceful moment but knowing that training needed to continue. "The Queen isn't waiting while I sort through my feelings."
Chi's tail unwound from my waist, though he kept one arm around my waist as we stood. "We have been here nine days in all….so we have twelve more days in the pocket," he reminded me. "Time enough for both training and...personal discoveries."
The subtle emphasis he placed on those last words sent a pleasant shiver through me. Through our bond, I felt his quiet amusement at my reaction, mixed with deeper currents of affection and desire that made my cheeks warm.
"Personal discoveries," I repeated, glancing up at him with a raised eyebrow. "Is that what we're calling it?"
Chi's ears twitched with barely contained laughter. "Among other things." His tail brushed against my wrist as we began walking back toward the meadow. "The mate bonds aren't just about magic and destiny, Alice. There's... physical compatibility to consider as well."
My face burned hotter, but the pattern beneath my skin pulsed with curious interest rather than embarrassment. The ancient consciousness seemed remarkably pragmatic about such matters, showing me brief flashes of the First Queen's relationships—not explicit, but warm and intimate in ways that suggested deep physical connection alongside the magical bonds.
"One thing at a time," I said firmly, though my voice wavered slightly as Chi's tail traced lazy patterns against my wrist. "First I need to master the creation techniques from the temporal mirror, then complete the Void bond, then worry about... other aspects."
Chi's teal eyes gleamed with mischief. "The pattern might have different priorities than you do," he observed, his voicecarrying undertones that made the silver bond between us thrum with anticipation. "Ancient magic tends to be rather direct about ensuring its vessels are... thoroughly bonded."
I stumbled slightly at his implication, the pattern beneath my skin flaring with what felt suspiciously like agreement. Through our connection, I caught glimpses of the First Queen again—not just working magic with her five mates, but moments of intimacy that bound them together in ways beyond the purely mystical.
"The pattern is showing you things again," Chi noted with satisfaction, as I felt his hand on my waist tighten.
"Yes," I admitted, clearing my throat. "Apparently it has opinions about... everything."
Chi's laugh was low and warm. "The pattern is older than Wonderland itself. It understands that magical bonds are strengthened through physical connection."
We reached the edge of the crystal forest, the silver meadow visible through the trees ahead. I could see Heart pacing near the temporal archway while the Tweedles adjusted something on their devices. They hadn't noticed our return yet, giving me a moment to gather my thoughts.
"Chi," I said, stopping just before we emerged from the trees. "Thank you for coming to find me."
His teal eyes softened as he turned to face me fully. "I felt your uncertainty through our bond. Some burdens shouldn't be carried alone."
I reached up impulsively, pulling him down to press my lips to his. The kiss was soft at first, hesitant, but Chi responded immediately, his tail wrapping around my waist as he deepened the connection. The silver bond between us flared brilliantly, sending waves of warmth through my entire body as our magic synchronized in perfect harmony.
