Chapter 29 #3
“Mom ran away from Blezen when she was pregnant with me. Aunt Maelis did the same when she was pregnant with Darian. My biological father found us in Fate Hollow when I was seventeen. He tried to rape my mother again, but I came home to it, lost control, and fought him to the death, killing him. We moved to Apex Capital after that.” He squeezed his eyes shut.
“I can’t understand how Darian could see what that did to our moms and then go do it to others. ”
I reached out and tipped his chin with two fingers.
“Jesper. Look at me. I promise you that you have only lost control on those who deserve it. I fully believe Darian deserves to die, but we aren’t risking your job.
I’ll relay all this information to my parents. Someone has to speak up, and we will.”
He took a shaky breath and nodded. “Thanks, Rune. My mom and aunt are why I’m so careful around women.
I didn’t grow up in Blezen, but I know my mom and my aunt.
I know how scared of men they are, especially dragons and drakes.
I would never want to make anyone uncomfortable.
When I first met you, it was the first time I’d ever wanted to learn more about a woman.
I loved your hair, and I wanted to run my fingers through it. That desire scared me.”
“I’ll never forget the first time I met you.” I smiled sadly. “You made me feel something even then, and you can touch my hair whenever you want.”
He reached up and ran his fingers through strands before letting out a shaky sigh. “I’m so sorry he hurt you and tried to do worse.”
I shook my head. “I was na?ve. I trusted the wrong person when I should’ve known better. I was in denial.”
“Tell me what I can do to help,” he said.
“Exactly this,” I answered as we kicked off our shoes and crawled up onto his bed.
His arms came around me, and I was wrapped in his winter woods scent. I looked up at him, and he touched my cheekbone with the back of his fingers. “When you walked in with me tonight, I thought that this is the family I want. My mom and aunt, and you…it felt more complete than it has ever felt.”
“It’s the family you have, Jesper.”
He exhaled, shuddering once, and tucked his face into my throat. I felt his restraint through our bond. His dragon instincts saw Darian as a threat to me, his mate.
“You can let it out with me,” I whispered. “I will always welcome your touch, Jesper.”
His hand slid to my waist, splaying it over his mark under my clothes. His thumb circled the mark from his talon. He breathed our mingled scents deep and slow until the tightness left his posture. His lips found my pulse and rested at my neck, not biting or kissing. Just breathing.
“Rune,” he said into my skin.
“Yes?”
“If I ever frighten you, tell me to stop.”
“You won’t.”
“I’m still telling you to tell me.”
“Okay,” I murmured and felt him smile. “But you could never frighten me.”
He leaned up and took my lips with his, kissing me like he needed me more than oxygen. As we kissed, his hand massaged his mark, sending pleasure down my spine.
When we finally pulled apart, breathless, he tucked me beneath his chin and reached for the quilt, dragging it over us with territorial satisfaction.
“Mine,” he murmured before his eyes widened. “Sorry. Instinct.”
“It’s okay. I like it.” I nuzzled closer. “Say it.”
“Mine,” he repeated, quieter. “You’re mine.”
“Yours,” I echoed and felt how much he liked it as it slid down our bonds. “I’m yours, Jesper.”
My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I pulled it out to see a couple of texts.
Koa Ashbourne
Dinner soon? Just you and me.
Drecken Grimsworn
They have me working overtime with the council. I can feel that you’re upset but not in immediate danger. I know Jesper is with you. Are you well?
“Koa wants to take me on a date.” I smiled a little and showed Jesper.
He nodded. “Go.”
I bit down on my bottom lip. “You’re okay with it?”
He squeezed my hand. “I already told you. I know you’re mating multiple men, and I know what that means for us both. I’m not afraid of sharing what’s mine.”
Warmth bloomed in my chest. I sent a yes to Koa and assured Drecken that I was okay before I created a group chat I’d been too nervous to make before.
Rune Bloodwyne created: Rune’s Sexy Mates
Rune Bloodwyne added: Jesper Wyvernheart, Drecken Grimsworn, Slater Havoc, Zuko Vyre, Koa Ashbourne, Dimitri Nocturnus
Rune Bloodwyne
I have feelings for all of you. I’m done running from it, and it’s time for a group chat to make it official. If you’re not already bonded to me, you will be. Let’s stop pretending otherwise.
I hit send, and Jesper pulled me against his chest, his large hand stroking my arm. “Finally,” he said against my hair.
The typing dots popped up immediately.
Slater Havoc
Venom baby, I already know I’m yours.
Zuko Vyre
The bonds will snap soon, but until then, I’ll enjoy trying to get ours to snap.
Koa Ashbourne
I’m so happy. I told Ragnar, and I think he’s happy, too.
Dimitri Nocturnus
Thank you for including me. I’m honored to be part of this group.
Drecken Grimsworn
Viperling, your bond is buzzing with nerves. Don’t be nervous. We all care deeply about you. You’re our mate.
“He’s right. All six of us see only you. Now…” He plucked my phone from my hand and set it on the end table. “Come rest with me.”
I breathed out and let myself sink into him, my eyelids fluttering shut. For the first time since Darian had shown up, I felt safe again.