Chapter 15Kane
Chapter 15
KANE
I can't believe it's been nearly three weeks since my chances with Harbor were eliminated. Nothing makes me happy anymore, and I can't find friends who aren't fake. It's why I'm miserable this morning, standing here on the plaza waiting to go to class. For some reason, my teammates seem to think that they are the best substitute for girl problems. What they don't realize is when an incubus is head over heels, nothing will help.
I spent the last week holed up in my dorm. I couldn't face anyone in a social situation, so if I wasn't in class, I was running for exercise, or visiting the weight room at odd hours. It hurt too much to be around others. After a week, Soren finally showed up, pounding on my door last night. He told me he'd be here with a bucket of cold water if I wasn't at the morning team workout today. He said that I've wallowed enough, and I can see that from his perspective, but heartbreak is different for my kind.
I thought Kaia–no, Harbor–was the one. I'm only just now admitting it to myself, because of how heartsick I've been. Incubi and Succubi fall hard when we mate. That's why when I found K–Harbor had found her mate, it felt like she'd reached into my chest and ripped out my heart. I mean, I didn't realize at the time what it meant. It's only after a week of depression and rage did I realize the symptoms were from my loss.
That's why I now find myself hanging out with Soren, Keller, and Thompson, a new guy on the team. They are all laughing about something that Thompson did last night, when a flash of color catches my eye. Off in the distance, away from any dorms, Harbor and Talon approach from the middle of nowhere. First thing I notice is the pit in my stomach, like one of my teammates knocked the wind out of me. Fuck this feeling of my heart being wrenched from my chest every time I see her. Them. Either of them.
Then it dawns on me–classes haven't started. Why are they walking down a path that only leads to a forest? What the fuck is going on? Did she spend the night with him? Why aren't they walking from the dorms? What the fuck is out there that has them up super early?
Fuck this. I'm not letting them ruin my morning.
“Guys, I'm out,” I say, turning back to my teammates. “I'm grabbing a quick breakfast before heading to class early.”
“Alright, man,” Soren says. “It's nice to see you again. We need you to practice more often with us, you're the best sparring partner.”
“Yeah,” Keller says. “You've got to show Thompson here your double leg takedown.”
“Alright,” I concede, “I'll show up this week. See ya later.”
As soon as I spin, the fake smile I've been wearing all morning falls away, and a scowl takes its place. It's so bad everyone I pass seems to move to the other side of the pathway, but fuck them all. I don't give a shit about anyone else's feelings right now. Entering the dining hall, I walk up and grab some fruit and a coffee before finding an empty table. There is no way I want to encourage random conversation with anyone else right now.
Just as I'm taking my first bite, the doors open, and in walks my tormentors. Fuck, I should've known they would be coming here. I lower my eyes, staring into my coffee cup to avoid them. Something pulls at me, though. Peering up, Harbor is looking at me as they walk by. Fuck, even her eyes demand action from me, drawing my attention in obedience. There is something else provoking me, though. Is that…lust? Is she staring at me with attraction in her eyes? No, no. It can't be. Gods, I'm so delusional that I'm convincing myself that she's lusting after me as she's walking with her mate.
I refocus on eating my breakfast. I have no time for daydreams. By the time I'm done, I've lost track of where they went. At least they aren't haunting me. I stand and gather my trash, disposing of it before I turn to walk to class. As I approach the doors of the dining hall, that familiar tug of want pulls at my inner demon. It doesn't have the same profile as Harbor, though. I scan the room, finally setting my gaze on a table about halfway back. There. They are both at that table, but it's not Harbor staring after me with want in her eyes. It's Talon, and fuck, his flavor of lust is potent. Before I can allow my dick to get hard at the waves of lust rolling through the room, I quickly head through the doors.
What the fuck is going on? Why are they both wanting my body? This isn't normal for mates, so I'm extremely confused. Is there trouble in paradise? Are they forgoing their bonds? Rejecting each other? I can't get my hopes up, so I deny the pull from my heart to run back in and wrap Harbor up in my arms. Until she fully rejects him, there will be no chance for me.
I make it to my class, but I honestly can't remember anything that happens by the time the professor dismisses us. My mind is still reeling over my morning, so I'm going to try to find someone to copy notes from. None of the students in my class are as smart and proficient as I am, but beggars can't be choosers. I'll be lucky with even a summary, so I can do my own research about whatever was covered.
As I walk out of the lecture hall, someone in a hooded jacket knocks into me, grabs a hold of my arm, and drags me around the corner of the building. As we turn the corner, the person spins and throws back his hood. Talon Blackwood stands in front of me, stoic and nonchalant, as if nothing is wrong. Throwing my hands up, I knock him away and push back from him.
“What the fuck is going on? What are you doing?”
“I had to talk to you, and I wasn't sure you'd agree. So I decided to make you,” he says, like he's being perfectly reasonable.
My head drops back in frustration. What the fuck is wrong with him?
“You can't just kidnap someone, Talon,” I say, attempting to control myself.
“Fine, but you didn't seem like you were fighting me much.” The blank stare in his eyes makes me truly believe he thought what he did was okay. I shake my head, knowing this man has his own way about things. He's attractive, with his tall, lean build and striking gray eyes. His longer, wavy platinum blond hair makes me want to rake my fingers through it, just to feel how soft it is. When I realize I'm daydreaming, though, I force myself to pay attention.
“… wanted to ask you to come have dinner with us.”
My eyes narrow with suspicion, especially after I hadn't heard anything from them since that weekend I left Harbor at the house.
“Why?”
“We want to talk to you,” he replies succinctly.
“Obviously. Why can't you say what you mean to say now?” I'm growing weary of the games, as I seem to be punishing myself over and over by allowing this to continue.
“Rogue seemed to think that privacy was important, and my cottage doesn't have people walking nearby to listen in.”
“Your…cottage? Why do you have a cottage while the rest of us have dorm apartments?” Envy courses through me, imagining him making Harbor scream in that bed, when no one else can hear her.
“My dark magic is a potential risk. The school thought it best that they isolate me as much as they can.” He has a point, except for one thing.
“And why should Harbor be allowed around you, if you are such a danger to others?” The snark in my voice leaks out, but Talon doesn't seem to pick up on it.
“Because she is my mate. My magic recognizes her as not a threat, so it would never threaten her.” Well. I guess he has a point.
“Fine. When should I arrive?” I'm beginning to lose my patience with this private chat. He doesn't seem the least bit bothered by my company, despite me knowingly wanting his girl.
“I'll have dinner brought in from a pub in town, so later this evening. Thirty minutes after sunset. We can discuss everything then.”
With a few notes on how to find this “cottage,” I quickly realize that's where he and Harbor were walking from this morning. I say a hasty farewell before making my way to the athletic center. After realizing she spent the night there last night, I need to hit something. And with my experience, only the heavy bag in the gym will suffice.
Walking through the forest tonight has me wrought with anxiety. I don’t know what to expect when I approach after sunset. Dusk has fallen, but it isn’t quite dark. I can see clearly enough to make it along the worn path. When I turn the corner, though, I don’t expect a homely building. The cabin is obviously small, but it is well maintained. I know Talon comes from a family of wealth, so imagining him living in a low-frills home surprises me.
As I walk up and stand on the step, I consider what is about to happen. Should I be wary of an attack? Is Harbor going to beg me to stay friends with her? That is what I think I'm afraid of the most. As I raise my hand to knock, my heart drops into my stomach.
Within a moment or two, the door opens.
“Good evening. Please come in and have a seat.” Talon immediately welcomes me inside, and while he doesn't give off the courteous host vibe, he's not rude or cold. He's utterly Talon, unashamed of what he has. I move past him, finding a quaint living space next to a small kitchen. Harbor stands in front of a small sofa, waiting nervously for me. Gods, I still want to think of her as my Kaia. I approach her, politely greeting her, but as I move into her space, her scent that is uniquely her wafts around me. Is that...jasmine? And something sweet and tropical. That scent turns me inside out every time I come in contact with it. I move quickly, placing a chaste kiss on her cheek before moving away, taking an armchair off to the side of the sofa.
“Thank you for joining us, Kane,” Talon says, closing the door and joining Harbor on the sofa. “Would you like something to drink?”
I raise my brows, as if to say, so that's what you want to chat about? “No, I'm fine, thank you.” I lean back, making myself as comfortable as I can. Another moment passes, and I recognize the awkwardness in the room. I consider the two sitting across from me. They both are putting off lust vibes toward me, though it seems to be dampened by their stress. Whatever it is, they are worried about my reaction. I can still see the obvious bond they share, leaning into one another and gripping the other's hand.
“Alright,” Talon says, glancing at his mate. “We have something we wish to get your opinion on, but we'd like to ask you a few questions first, if that's okay?”
I nod, ready to see what all of this is about.
“First, what are your thoughts about Silas Oramar?” My thoughts ricochet inside my head, and I try to decipher them to give Talon a clear and concise answer.
“Well,” I say slowly, “I've known him for several years. Mostly through the combat team. We've always had a rivalry, so we've never really been close. Cordial, at best. I think he's hot, but on the other hand, I'm attracted to a stick with legs. I'd bark up any tree.”
Harbor seems to find that amusing, because she ducks her head, trying to hide her smile behind her hand. I can't help but smirk at her reaction.
“And what do you think about him bullying Rogue?”
My eyes darken at the thought. “Fuck him for that. I don't condone it.”
“So, why haven't you done anything about it?” Harbor's voice is even, but the meaning behind the question isn't lost.
“I have,” I say, directing my answer to her. “In my way. I can't risk my position as second on the combat team, but I have been doing things behind the scenes.”
“Is that what you did in the gym two weekends ago?” Talon is more insightful than I give him credit for. I know he sees my attraction toward others; I don't hide it. But he understood the tactical advantage I had that day.
“Kind of,” I respond. “I've been pressing some of his buttons, putting him in his place. He doesn't realize that I've not been manipulating him outside the team when I've been pressuring for his spot. Since he's started attacking you,” I say to the goddess in front of me, “I've dropped all pretense, and I'm pushing him on all fronts. I have to protect myself, but I will do all I can to get him to stop.”
“And what if that's only making things worse? Making him more angry?” I feel for Harbor. She's not trying to cause conflict. She's only ever wanted to just exist.
“I honestly believe it's weakening him. He seems to have a soft spot for me, and now I'm taking a share of his ire and attention. He's not focusing solely on you.”
With a glance to Talon, Harbor nods, accepting my words. My curiosity spikes, wondering what he would need her approval to say.
“We have something to admit,” he begins. “Despite our obvious bond and attraction to one another, both Harbor and I have discussed our feelings together regarding you.” He pauses, visibly swallowing before proceeding. “We both feel like we share a mutual desire for you. We wanted to know how you felt about us.”
My brows drop, and instinctually my hand reaches up to rub my forehead.
“Are you saying you both still want me, regardless of your current bond?”
“Yes,” Harbor says quietly. “There is a piece missing in my heart. And every time I see you, I can't help but think about…” Oh yeah, the dressing room. Fuck, a wave of lust rolls off of her, dragging her scent toward me. I cough, trying to hide my arousal that she still wants me.
“And, uh, you?” I say, turning to face Talon.
“I have to admit you are very handsome, and I've had some feelings recently after our interactions that have me curious.” Ah, when I accidentally fell into him. Yeah, I felt that too.
“I see.”
“Before you say anything,” Talon says, “We aren't rejecting each other. We wanted to see if you'd be interested in...seeing where things go between us. All three of us.”
“Well,” I say, rubbing my sweaty hands on my rough pants, “I am definitely attracted to you both. As long as you two don't have an issue with it, I'm ok with potentially having some fun.” My heart pangs with the next thought, but I say it anyway. “As long as someone doesn't come along and interest me. I can't give up my opportunity at my own fated mate with the passing diversion.”
The light in Harbor's eyes dim with those words, but it remains true. If I have the chance at having what she has, then I have to take it.
“Alright. So,” she says, “you won't avoid me anymore?”
“No, Harbor, I won't avoid you. In fact, I'd say this would be a reason to spend more time together. We want to experiment with that desire we all have for each other, right?”
“Yeah,” she says, somewhat hesitantly.
“I believe, for now,” Talon says, “we should keep this private. We don't need to exacerbate any rumor mills and cause Harbor more harm.” My thoughts immediately turn to Silas. Yeah, he can be a bastard when he wants to be.
“Understood.” I stand, taking my cue to leave. Both Harbor and Talon rise, walking me out. I pause before I reach the door, turning to face them both. “Is this expressed consent for more?” I ask, looking at them both. “Because I've been waiting patiently. Now that this is on the table, I want to clarify before I make a fool of myself.”
“I-I guess,” Harbor says nervously. She glances at Talon, who nods.
“Yes,” he agrees.
“Great. I can do this, then,” I say, stepping close to them both. Reaching a hand up and cradling Harbor's cheek, I lean down, bringing my lips to hers. I don't linger when tasting her sweet lips. Instead, I swiftly move toward Talon, taking him by surprise. His sharp intake of breath quickens my pulse, but I keep it brief. I don't want to risk taking too many liberties with my new chance at being near her. Stepping back, I reach for the door.
“I'll leave you both now. You have a lot to think about.” I smirk as I walk out into the darkness. “Sweet dreams.”
I turn and walk out toward the dorms, and I can't help but think about what has happened. Just this morning, I was bemoaning the fact that I couldn't risk anything with her, because she was mated. Now, Kaia and her mate have invited me to meet privately with them both. I'm not sure where this road will lead, but it's looking brighter than it did this morning, and I'm okay with that.