Page 87 of Shattered Veil
He stops, meeting my gaze. There’s something different about his eyes. I realize he’s not glaring at me like he usually does.“I’m fine,” he mutters, but his clenched jaw says otherwise.
I frown.
“So what do we do?” I ask, turning back to Callen.“How do we stop them?”
Callen sighs.“That’s the tricky part. We need more information, more allies. The Council is strong. No one goes against them and lives to talk about it.” He makes a face.“Ask a shadow rebel. Oh wait—you can’t because the Council hunted most of them.”
As they discuss strategy, my attention keeps going to Lochan. I can’t help it. He’s fidgeting, his eyes darting between me and the others. When our gazes meet again, he doesn’t look away. Instead, he steps closer.
“We won’t let them use you,” he says quietly. His voice is gruff, but there’s an undercurrent of... something. Protectiveness?
Huh. Interesting.
I blink, surprised.“Okay. Thanks.” I’m unsure how to respond to this new side of him.
We talk a while longer, not really figuring anything out, more just processing it all. Or at least I am trying to process it. It’s a lot.
My mind wanders as the guys continue strategizing. I realize that this is one of the first times all five of us have been in the same place together, not fighting. I can’t help but mull on the bonds tying us together.
It’s wild, really. The best I could do back home was frigging Donal, a guy who treated me like I was nothing. Being with him made me feel more lonely than being alone. Then fate decided to saddle me up with not one, but four mates. And each of them... dang.
Callen, with his charm and wit. The way his eyes glint when he’s plotting something wicked. Those damn lips of his.
Lochan, all broody intensity and brawny strength. Even when he’s being an ass, there’s something about him that I can’t stop wanting.
Tiernan’s calm logic grounds me, his quiet strength soothes my chaotic mind and his desire for complete control allows me to let go of everything.
And Rory? That goofball with his infectious laugh and protective instincts. He makes me feel safe, even when the world’s going to shit. He is the sun on my darkest days.
These bonds, they’re not just magical woo-woo. They’re real, tugging at something deep inside me. But as I look at them, guilt gnaws at my gut. There’s something I need to tell them. Something big.
“Guys,” I start, my voice catching. They all turn to me, expressions ranging from curious to concerned.“There’s... there’s something you should know.”
I take a deep breath but I can’t get the words out. But I can’t keep this a secret. I squeeze my eyes shut and just spit it out.“I have another mate bond.”
The room goes dead silent. I can practically hear their heartbeats. I open one eye, still wincing.
“What?” Callen’s voice is barely above a whisper.
I take a deep breath before continuing.“It’s Marius. I’m bonded to Marius, too.”
The shock on their faces is enough to make me want to close my eyes again. Callen’s mouth hangs open, Tiernan’s eyes are wide, and Lochan... he looks like he’s been slapped.
But Rory? He just nods, a small smile playing at his lips.“Figured as much,” he says with a shrug.
I blink at him.“You did?”
He grins.“C’mon, love. That fucker wouldn’t lift a finger to help anyone if it didn’t help him. But he helped you get me out of the void. Because you asked.” Rory shrugs.“And it was written all over your faces every time you looked at each other. Still don’t trust him as far as I can throw him.
“Fuck,” Lochan growls. He turns away, his shoulders tense.
Callen runs a hand through his hair, his usual confidence cracking.“Marius? Are you sure?”
I nod, my stomach twisting.“Yeah. I’m sure.”
Tiernan steps forward, his brow furrowed.“This complicates things.”
No shit. I want to laugh, but the sound catches and won’t come out. There’s really nothing funny about any of this.
