Page 30 of The Missing Sentinel
“You have no idea what a relief it is to hear you say that. I feel the same way. Fate gave us this matebond. I believe it is our duty to protect it. Nurture it. And hopefully grow it into a relationship that will sustain us for eternity.”
“It is impossible to explain it to myself, never mind another person, but the lone thing about my future that does not terrify me or fill me with dread is my matebond. Yes, I fear making a mistake or discovering that this growing friendship is a mirage. But there is a greater feeling inside me. One I am onlybeginning to understand that hopes Fate has brought you into my life because you are meant to be at my side.”
“It is daunting to accept the challenge of building a matebond, but I want it,” Ducarius said. A lovely warmth filled Drexley, and he swore something in him bloomed with those words.
“Me too.”
“The best thing I have learned since my arrival is that we want the same thing from Fate.”
“Everything petrifies me but our friendship.”
“Trust in your own strength, Drexley. You can conquer anything, and you will. I am sorry for the pain you are enduring and what awaits you, but I promise you will survive. Adney will be proud of what you make of your future, and he will smile at your progress from the other side of the veil. If you doubt that, you can ask him yourself. Necromancers can shadow walk, and I promise you I know one who will walk to the other side with you to visit Adney whenever you want.”
“You are so kind to me. I was taught about shadow walking but did not consider it an option for me since I lack sorcery. While I do not know if I could impose upon a necromancer to allow me to drink their tea and take a visit to the realm of the dead, it is nice to know that there are some sorcerers out there who could be persuaded to aid me.”
“Trust me, this necromancer has an enormous heart that rivals his vast power. He will ask you without any persuasion or prompting to provide you with a chance to be with Adney again. I know you do not want to discuss the future, and I apologize that I cannot seem to help bringing it up relentlessly, but I hope this at least can bring you some comfort.”
Drexley reached out to take Ducarius’s hand or perhaps shake it, but the other sentinel stared at him with confusion onhis face. “My apologies, Adney often offers me a pat of comfort or shakes my hand.”
“Oh, no, you are free to touch me,” Ducarius said, thrusting his arm out.
With a chuckle, Drexley gave his hand a squeeze. A tingle of electricity raced up his limb, and he grinned. He had not expected such a visceral reaction to their skin touching, but it was wonderful, and Drexley wanted more.
“Thank you for your comfort.”
“My pleasure. I must add a word of caution. Sentinels do not touch anyone but their mates. Necromancers are freer with their affection. I just thought to warn you.”
“Why do sentinels not touch anyone but their mates? Handshakes, hugs, and pats are commonplace among people.”
“Something innate in our spell,” Ducarius replied. “Probably given to us by Le’Terrius because of Domitia’s warped ideas about our creation.”
“But I do not feel odd touching Adney. Nor you, now.”
“Perhaps because Adney is your family. My family has grown comfortable sharing affection, though we struggle to know how to initiate it. As for me, I hope you will never hesitate to touch me again, and I apologize for rejecting you for even a second. I am new to being a mate and did not realize you wanted to share affection.”
Drexley shook his head. “I did not feel rejected. Your expression was confused, not hostile.”
“I like that you are learning to interpret my reactions.”
“I find it fascinating to study you.”
Ducarius flashed his grin, and Drexley wondered if he was growing addicted to that expression on the other sentinel’s face. He hoped so.
“I understand, you are a welcome and increasingly captivating man to know.”
“Good, now give me back my hand so I can finish this romance you have foisted on me. The third one in a row, Drexley. I am almost wondering if you are trying to tell me something. Perhaps you are interested in far more than friendship with me.”
Reluctant as he was to give up the lovely feeling of his skin against Ducarius’s, even if it was merely their hands, Drexley released him and laughed. “I do not believe Fate brought us together solely so we could banter about books over cakes.”
“No, that will not be enough for me. Now, shut up, this book is wonderful.”
Setting aside his tome, Drexley stood. “I will find you another prize.”
As for Drexley, books remained a lovely escape. But they paled in comparison to spending time with Ducarius.
Chapter 15
Trepidation was nothing new to Ducarius. Years ago, he had left behind the only home he could recall, and although the compound had sucked, it was all he’d known. Ducarius had arrived at Council Headquarters at Alaric’s side with the rest of the Skeleton Seven, and he’d had little concept of the outside world. People had stared at him. Everyone feared sentinels then, and especially skeletal ones.
