Chapter 16 #2
My eyes drift to Titan, lingering on his long black hair that’s pulled half up into a bun on the top of his head while the rest spills over his shoulders.
His face is rounder than Steel’s, but no less attractive.
His skin is a beautiful tawny color. He’s sporting a full beard, and I wonder how I didn’t feel it when we kissed—even if I couldn’t see it.
His brown eyes are so dark they’re nearly black.
While Steel and Titan are dark, Blaze is all light. His hair is nearly platinum and perfectly styled—even after a battle. His eyes are a bright emerald green, and a smile lights up his face. He reminds me of the surfers who used to line the beaches in California.
Gorgeous, each and every one of them.
By the time I’ve taken my time looking over all three of them, they’ve pulled themselves from their stupors and meet me halfway.
“How?” Blaze asks, and I shake my head.
I don’t know why, but I’m so fucking happy.
“You’ve redeemed yourselves,” a voice rings out, and I jerk away from my mates to stare at the figure that appears out of nowhere.
“What. The. Fuck?” This time it’s not me speaking but Morrigan.
The woman is glowing, and even without the glow, I’d recognize the blonde beauty.
“Freya.”
She nods to me before glancing around the room. “I am sorry to disturb your meeting, but I didn’t want to wait any longer to reward my reiters.”
“It’s been a long time, Freya.” Steel goes to his knees, hanging his head as Blaze and Titan follow suit. “I was unsure I’d ever see you again.”
Freya sighs. “It’s not often I’m able to revisit those whom I’ve chosen to be my reiters. There are too many who have become revenants.”
“Why are you here, Freya?” I ask, impatient. “Are you why I can see their faces?”
She nods. “Yes. There is much I do not tell my reiters, one of which is that they can have fated mates—but only once they’re close to redemption.
The three of them finding you was my sign that their work was almost done.
Their willingness to protect you and the safe haven you and your sisters have built was what kept you from dying when all three of them touched you.
Helping you rid the world of that piece of shit shadow demon was the last step in their redemption. ”
Returning her attention to the three men on their knees, she lays her hand first on Steel’s head before doing the same to Titan and Blaze.
“Rise, my reiters. You have atoned for the sins of your first life. Upon redemption, you face a choice. I can put your souls to rest, and you can live out your afterlife knowing you became better men.”
“And what’s the other choice? Because leaving Dalia isn’t an option,” Titan growls.
“The second choice is I can tie your souls to Dalia’s. This would mean that when she dies, so will the three of you. She isn’t quite immortal, but she’s pretty damn close.”
“That. That’s my choice,” Blaze cuts her off.
Freya’s smile is soft as she turns to him. “And what if there’s more to it than that? What if your touch will kill her? Don’t you want to hear the rest of the conditions?”
“I don’t care what the other conditions are. Even if I can’t touch her again, I want to live by her side.” Tears fill my eyes at his words.
“And the two of you?”
“We belong at Dalia’s side—no matter what.” Steel glances from the goddess to me as Titan grunts his agreement.
Freya’s laughter sounds like the tinkling of bells. “It’s good that there are no such conditions, isn’t it? Your heads will become corporeal once again.”
“Will we have to leave the Headless Riders?” Titan asks, a frown marring his lips. “They’re our family.”
“No, Titan. It is your choice if you’d like to continue leading my reiters. Since you’ve founded your MC, fewer and fewer of my reiters have become revenants. What you’re doing is working, and I think riders will be redeemed under your leadership.”
Steel dips his head. “Thank you, Freya.”
“No. Thank you, Steel. Be happy, my reiters.” She reaches out, brushing her fingers against each of their foreheads before fading away.
“Well, damn, Dalia.” Phoebe whistles. “Your mates are hot.”
I roll my eyes, not bothering to respond to my sister as I throw myself into the arms of my mates.
“Now what?” I ask.
Morrigan laughs. “Now, the four of you get the hell out of here. I already know what you’ll say, and between Phoebe and me, we can get everyone settled for the night. Tomorrow, we’ll need you to work out permanent housing, but you deserve to celebrate this.”
“You don’t have to tell me twice,” Blaze says with a chuckle, scooping me into his arms and standing. “If you need us—no, you don’t.”
I throw my head back, laughing as he stalks toward the door with Titan and Steel at his heels. I hear congratulations called out behind us, but we don’t acknowledge them.
We only have one focus—getting somewhere private.
“Your place or ours?” Titan grumbles.
“Ours,” Morrigan calls after us. “Phoebe and I will be busy tonight, so you won’t be disturbed.”
“I love you,” I call over my shoulder before laying my head on Blaze’s chest. “I can’t believe that just happened.”
Blaze laughs again. “Well, believe it, gorgeous. Hopefully, you’re not too disappointed.”
“Disappointed? Stop fishing for compliments, Blaze.” Titan slaps the back of his head. “We’re all hot—just not as hot as our mate.”
I snort. “Yeah, I’m pretty sure you’re all hotter than me, but it’s not really something I want to fight about. Let’s just get to my house so we can get naked.”
“Sounds like a plan to me.” Blaze grins as he starts down the stairs, and I really hope they can get us there quickly.
I’m feeling far from patient.