Chapter 1 #3
Link’s eyes return to normal, but he doesn’t step away from me.
His hands come up to my thighs, and he gives them a reassuring squeeze.
“Everything is normal, sweetheart. No spells, and no sign of mind manipulation that I can see, because I know that would be your next question. I also ran your DNA results already.”
“But how?” I’m surprised, because he didn’t even take my blood.
“I took your blood when you first fell from the sky, and its makeup is stored in my memory banks,” he jokes, tapping his temple before getting serious again.
“When I run it against the boss men’s, I can confirm you are most definitely of their blood.
I probably should have confirmed that the first time around.
I’m sorry I didn’t and left you wondering.
” He sounds genuinely apologetic, and he steps back, looking a little bit embarrassed.
His words have a huge breath escaping me in a rush, and I sigh heavily. All my worries and concerns melt away.
“If you’re really concerned about mind manipulation, ask Xavier to have a look. There’s nothing that he wouldn’t be able to find. Although I can pick up a lot of mental manipulation, the warlocks have a way of hiding their presence from artificial programs. It’s better to be safe than sorry.”
I jump off the bed and throw my arms around the blushing doctor. His arms come up to embrace me, and I snuggle against his chest. “Thank you, Link. Dylan made me question everything that has happened so far, but now I know I can face the truth. He is a grade-A douchebag.”
He rubs my back and gently pulls away. Not wanting to leave Caspian out, I go over and hug my octoman.
“I’m sorry, I just needed to know,” I apologize, my sense of relief immense, and he returns my hug just like Link.
I lean into him a little more, trying to burrow myself in the warm comfort he’s giving me.
“It’s okay, baby. I completely understand. Just remember there are always going to be assholes, but what you and I have is real. There would have been no bond unless me, my beast, and you were all in agreement.” Caspian leans down and rests his cheek against my head as I digest his words.
“He’s right. I did read up on that, and his beast wouldn’t have been able to force the bond without mutual attraction and compatibility. He’s also not wrong about assholes. Josa out there is a prime example, and he won’t be the last, but you have me and Caspian and your grandpas.”
“And I don’t think that will be the last of us.
You’re very likable, babe.” Caspian pulls back, winking at me, and once more I’m excited for what’s to come.
It still amazes me that he can talk so casually about me having more mates without getting jealous.
“Come on, I think your grandparents have plans for you to see the warlock today. Xavier’s going to see if he can figure out why you’re not showing any signs of power, and we can ask him to dig around in your brain too. ”
A rush of adrenaline spikes through me at the thought of seeing the mysterious sexy warlock. I wonder if he will show me his real form again, or if I will be visiting with the mist-shrouded man.
Disappointment flashes through Link’s eyes at the announcement that we need to get moving.
I don’t want him to think I’m abandoning him for Xavier, so I make the decision then and there to embrace this multiple love interest thing, especially since Caspian assured me that he and his beast are okay with it.
“Link, would you like to meet up for drinks later?” I ask him, making eye contact so he knows I’m being genuine, and his face lights up. His skin and eyes literally start to sparkle like Edward Cullen from The Twilight Saga. He’s gorgeous.
“I would love to. There’s a club on the ship, or a pub or a number of restaurants if you want to get food. Which would you prefer?”
I shrug and look at my mate.
“The club’s fun. People really like to blow off steam when we’re between shows, but they also don’t have the same hang-ups as humans, so you may see things that will shock you,” Caspian warns me.
My eyes widen at the possibilities of what I might see. “Is this one of those ‘I could be challenged to a duel to the death’ things?” I ask cautiously, and both guys shrug, not committing to a direct yes or no answer. Men.
“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure you’re not,” Link assures me, but I’m not fully sold.
“Okay, well, I will try anything once. I’d really like to try to fit in. I don’t know many of the circus performers yet, and I’d like to change that.”
“Great, I’ll come get you at eight if that’s alright?”
“Sounds awesome. Okay, Cas, let’s go find the grandpas, shall we?” Cas does a double take at the nickname, but he looks pleased, his eyes quickly changing to his beast’s before shifting back. I’m hoping that means he’s happy with the pet name too.
My mood has done a complete one-eighty, and I’m looking forward to seeing my grandpas even more now that I know the truth. We are family. Before we leave, I give Link a kiss on the cheek. He holds his hand against the spot I kissed with a look of wonder on his face as Caspian and I leave.