Terrible News
Talon
The clatter of chains mixed with low moans drifted up from the floor of The Dungeon, pulling me deeper into the spectacle below. From the shadowed seclusion of Dom’s office, I leaned forward. My hands pressed against the cool glass as I watched a master and his sub move fluidly through their scene. The master’s firm yet measured commands echoed slightly, a stark contrast to the sub’s soft, compliant responses.
It was a dance of power and surrender. I had never really thought about participating in anything like it, but the scene sparked curiosity about whether Dominic or Lucas would want to drive. Imagining my mates and me together in a similar dynamic caused my dick to harden.
“Like what you see?” Dom’s low and teasing voice ghosted over my ear, startling me. My heart slammed against my ribs.
I turned to find Dominic smirking, amusement flickering in his eyes at my reaction. His proximity sent a different kind of shiver down my spine, one that had nothing to do with fear and everything to do with anticipation.
“What?” I stammered out, my voice barely above a whisper.
He stepped closer, invading my space, his voice lowering to a husky murmur. “Do you like what you see?”
I licked my lips, my mind racing as I considered his question. “Yes, I do,” I admitted, my gaze drifting back to the scene below us.
Dom’s grin widened, seductive and knowing. “Really? What part intrigues you the most?”
Before I could form a response, a shout pierced the charged atmosphere.
“We can get pregnant!” Lucas’s voice, laden with panic and disbelief, echoed across the room.
It took me a moment to understand what he said. Was my mate losing his mind? Did he forget we were all men, and men don’t get pregnant? “What… It sounded like you just said we can get pregnant,” I said, trying to align his words with reality.
Lucas nodded with wide eyes. “Yeah, that’s what I said. Turns out bonded mates can get pregnant no matter the gender. Owen is proof.”
“Owen is what?” Holy shit. If Owen could, that meant—shit. “I can’t be a father,” I mumbled under my breath.
My heart raced for an entirely different reason now. It felt like the walls were closing in. I leaned over, grasping my knees to steady myself.
“Easy, Talon. It’s going to be okay. Breathe, babe, breathe,” Dominic soothed, rubbing my back in slow circles.
I looked up at my mates. Lucas was biting his lip, visibly anxious, while Dominic somehow remained the picture of calm. How could he be so composed? I took several deep breaths as Dominic guided me to a couch, where I collapsed with a heavy sigh.
“Why didn’t they tell us sooner? Do they realize how much sex we’ve had?” I asked, my breathing finally evening out.
“That’s exactly what I asked. Apparently, only bonded pairs get to know,” Lucas explained, using air quotes around ‘bonded pairs.’
“Why only bonded pairs? And fuck, we’ve been bonded for over three weeks. They could’ve told us sooner. I’m not ready to be a dad. Fuck, I’d probably be like the asshole who sired me.”
“You will never be like him, Talon. Never. You are a kind and good man. You will be a great dad,” Dominic said earnestly.
“Dom’s right,” Lucas agreed. “You’re going to be a great dad. And to answer your question, apparently, it’s a law not to tell anyone that isn’t fated.”
“Damn shifters and their archaic laws,” Dominic muttered under his breath.
I turned to my demon mate, bewildered. “Why are you so calm? You don’t seem surprised at all.”
Dominic shifted beside me and rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m not surprised. I’ve known about it.”
“You knew!” I sprang to my feet, shock morphing into anger.
How could he have known and not told us? Was one of us pregnant? Did he want that? Did he want to be a dad? The walls seemed to close in again, and my chest tightened with dread.
“Talon, please calm down,” Lucas said softly, his concern palpable. “I’m sure Dominic has a good explanation as to why he didn’t tell us.” He turned to Dominic, his eyes pleading. “You do, right? Have a good explanation.”
Dominic nodded. “I’m an eleven-thousand-year-old demon. Of course, I’d know about this.”
I clenched my fists and pressed my lips tightly together while Lucas closed his eyes. That may have been an explanation, but it wasn’t a satisfying one. Didn’t he understand? “Dominic. I don’t want to be pregnant,” I said gravely.
“Yes, and you’re not. Neither of you are. Please sit so I can explain everything.” Dominic reached out, his touch gentle as he grasped my wrist.
I allowed him to pull me back to the couch. Taking a few deep breaths and counting to ten twice, I turned to Dominic. “How are you sure?”
“Because demons use this.” He held up his hand, and a half-filled beaker of a purple swirling liquid appeared. “It’s our form of contraceptive. Demons make sure their minions take it. The last time the minions reproduced, it wasn’t pretty. It was on the fae plane, and well, we now have goblins.”
I released another breath, somewhat relieved. “And you’re sure?”
“I’m positive. I’d never think of us having a child without discussing it with both of you. Even though I stand by what I said—you’ll be a great father. Both of you will.”
I shrugged at his words. I didn’t know if I really would be a good dad or not. But at least I knew I wasn’t going to be a dad now.
“Wait, have you been dosing us with this stuff?” Lucas asked, pointing to the vial.
Dominic gave him a hard stare. “I wouldn’t dose my mates,” he said, irritation filling his tone.
“I didn’t mean to offend. Honestly, I didn’t,” Lucas soothed, reaching over and grasping Dom’s hand. “I’m sorry. It’s a lot to take in.”
Dominic nodded. “Only one of us must take it for it to be effective. I’ve been the one taking it. Speaking of, I’ll have to go back to the nether realm to get more. It’s only produced there.”
I released another sigh of relief. “That’s such a relief. I’m sorry for overreacting,” I whispered to Dominic.
He leaned over and gave me a reassuring peck on the lips. “I understand completely. I’d probably freak out even more if I hadn’t known.”
“We’re going to need to go through a list of everything you know because it seems Nana is slow in giving info,” Lucas chimed in.
“It’s not your nana’s fault,” Dominic explained. “Shifters came up with these laws a long time ago to keep it hidden from humans. The more that knew, the higher the risk of exposure, and they had some bad experiences with shifters being killed over it.”
“Wow,” I said, taken aback. “Was it really that bad?”
“Inquisition level bad,” Dominic replied flatly.
“Whoa, okay. Guess I can’t be too mad at Nana then,” Lucas said, then refocused on Dominic. “But I still think we need a list of things you should tell us.”
Dominic nodded. “I’ll tell you everything. To be honest, I thought you both knew.”
Lucas barked a laugh. “If I’d known, you’d both be wearing condoms.”
I chuckled. “Same. We would have double bagged, that’s for sure.” I pointed to Dom’s hand. “So, how often do you have to take this stuff? Should we all be taking it?”
“Just a tablespoon in the morning. We can all take it, but it’s not needed. It does lose its effect at twenty-four hours; that’s why it’s daily,” Dominic said.
“Can we come back to your realm with you?” Lucas asked. “You did say you have to go back, right?”
Dominic grinned. “Absolutely. I’d love to show you both more of my true home. Besides, I’m sure my minions would want to get to know you more.”
“I’ll need to inform the king, but I’m sure he’ll be okay with it,” I said.
Dominic was about to speak but stopped as Jorin walked into the office.
“Master Dominic, apologies for the interruption, but there are matters that require your immediate attention,” Jorin said, his tone as calm and neutral as ever.
Dominic sighed, a slight frown marring his features. “That’s fine, Jorin. I’ll be there in a moment.” Dominic turned back to us. “I have to go deal with some employees. We can make plans to leave when I get back.”
“I’ll head over to the pride house and talk to King Edward,” I said, rising from the couch.
“And I think I’m just going to stay here and nap. It’s been a crazy morning, and I’m drained,” Lucas declared, already curling up on the plush couch in the corner of the office.
I chuckled at his ability to find comfort anywhere, leaned down, and kissed his forehead gently. “Sleep well.”
I stood and gave Dominic a quick peck. “I’ll see you soon.”
“Be safe,” Dominic said, and it looked like he wanted to say more, but stopped himself.
“I will be,” I said and walked out of the office.
Stepping out of the Dungeon and into the hot afternoon sun, I hurried to my car and started my trek to the pride house. It wasn’t that far from the lion’s den, and traffic was light for downtown Tampa. My mind still reeled from all the information; it was almost an overload.
My phone buzzed in my pocket, pulling me from my thoughts. Glancing at the screen, I saw Tessa’s name. Without hesitation, I hit ignore. She called again. I pressed the button a second time, more annoyed now.
Almost immediately after, my phone rang with an unknown number. Reluctantly, I answered, knowing all too well who it might be. “Hello?”
“Talon, why are you ignoring my calls?” Tessa’s voice came through, as sharp as ever.
I sighed, pressing the phone tighter against my ear. “What do you want, Tessa?”
“You need to stop being so selfish and think about mom. She’s depressed, Talon. You need to suck it up for the family,” she snapped.
Her words stoked a fire within me. “I’m not being selfish, Tessa. You have no idea what—”
“Just come home, Talon. For mom,” she cut in, her voice softening just enough to sow a seed of guilt.
I clenched my jaw, frustrated and angry, yet a part of me twisted with concern for my mother. “I can’t talk about this right now,” I said finally, and hung up before she could respond.
Turning onto the long drive, I thought of everything that had happened with my family. I knew Lucas and Dominic were worried about me, but I wasn’t ready to confide in them. The truth was, I was relieved. Walking out of that house and cutting ties was like a boulder had been lifted.
Yes, I had my momentary bouts of sadness when I thought of my mom, but the thought of never seeing my dad or sister gave me so much relief.
I pulled behind one of the black SUVs and put the car in park. I couldn’t think about my mom or family. I was here to talk to the king and get back to my mates.
I walked into the Pride house and was quickly greeted by Carl. “Master Talon, welcome.”
“Hi, Carl. How are you doing?”
“Very well. How are your lovely mates? I still can’t believe you have two,” he asked.
I grinned. “They are lovely, aren’t they?” I chuckled. “They’re doing great. I’ll let them know you asked about them.”
I hurried down the huge hall. I hoped I could finish up and get back fast.
Stepping into the common room, I was greeted by the sounds of video game gunfire and the light bickering of Jeremy and Leon.
“How’s mated life?” Jeremy asked, pausing his game to look at me.
“Better than ever, just getting here from the dungeon,” I replied.
“Oh man, you’ve got to take us there. Those guys were so hot the last time we went. And bonus, we don’t have to stay away because the demon is your mate,” Jeremy said with a grin.
Before I could respond, the king’s firm voice cut through the casual atmosphere. “Talon, you’re here,” he stated more than asked, his tone commanding immediate attention.
I nodded respectfully. “Majesty,” I acknowledged, feeling a twinge of unease.
“I’m glad you’re here. I need to speak to you. Come with me,” the king commanded, his voice brooking no argument.
A ripple of unease stirred within me as my lion instinctively sensed the gravity of his tone. I followed King Edward down the hall and into his study, a room filled with the heavy scent of old books and the sharper tang of whiskey.
“Close the door behind you,” he instructed, moving towards the bar. “You’ll want a drink for this.”
I complied, my hands slightly unsteady. The king poured two amber-filled tumblers without asking, handing me one as he gestured towards the sofa. “Sit,” he said firmly.
“Sire, is something wrong?” I asked, taking the seat and placed the drink on the table.
He picked up the glass and handed it back to me. “Drink first,” he suggested. I took a deep gulp, the liquor burning down my throat, setting my senses alight with both warmth and a sting.
“Your father was here today,” King Edward revealed, his tone neutral but his eyes sharp, watching me closely.
The mention of my father sent a chill through me, and I downed the rest of my drink in one harsh swallow, coughing as the alcohol seared. Why is he bothering our king? Couldn’t he leave me alone?
“What did he want?” I managed, my voice rough, my eyes watering, not just from the drink.
“He wanted me to intervene on his behalf and ask you to visit again,” the king said, his voice steady.
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, counting to ten. I opened my eyes. “I told you what happened—”
Edward raised his hand. “Yes, you told me about the dinner, and I told your dad I wouldn’t interfere. But then he mentioned something else—something about your mother.”
A cold shiver ran down my spine. “What about her?” I pressed, my throat tightening.
“You know your mother’s human, and she’s not your father’s fated mate.” King Edward paused, his eyes meeting mine with a seriousness that made my heart sink. “This means she can still get human diseases. Your mother isn’t well, Talon. She’s very ill.”
The room seemed to spin slightly as I absorbed his words. “How ill?” I whispered, fearing the answer.
He took a deep breath, his gaze never wavering. “She’s dying, Talon.”