Chapter Six #2
Rage erupted from Taurus. “You’d be dead on the spot. I can promise you that.”
Bodhi’s light green gaze focused on Taurus.
“Listen to you, ready to defend the man who was recently on his knees for your mate. That’s an odd stance.
” His gaze flickered Stygian’s way, dismissing Taurus as if Taurus hadn’t just threatened to thrust a dagger through Bodhi’s heart.
Bodhi sneered. “A vampire. Really? I could’ve made you more powerful than you could ever dream if you’d stayed loyal. ”
There was no missing the fury blasting from Stygian. Even if they hadn’t been connected as soulmates, Stygian’s anger would be another being in the room. “Snake. You never intended to grant me a true form. Don’t try to fill anyone’s head with bullshit now.” Stygian hissed, and his fangs showed.
Taurus was a little afraid of how aroused that made him.
“Holy shit. That was hot.”
Stygian flashed them a heated look at Stellar’s comment.
Stellar and Taurus reached for each other’s hands at the same time.
Taurus took a steadying breath. They were solid. Bodhi held no cards here.
Bodhi seemed unmoved by the entire situation. Even finding out he had another half for eternity didn’t seem to rattle him, much less becoming an unwitting citizen of Faerie.
“I guess we know now how the woodsman easily brought him here.”
Taurus nodded at Stellar’s observation. Fairies didn’t specifically have a mating mark. They could choose to do so, but markers such as collars were reserved for royalty.
Bodhi eyed River, cocking his head from side to side as if inspecting something no one else could. He turned his head slowly as if just registering what Taurus had said. His eyes glowed as if barely holding back an inner power. “Do not say anything about that woodsman in front of me again.”
Each time Taurus thought he couldn’t be more baffled, he hit a new level. The confusion sounded in his voice when he responded. “Who? Oaks?”
The air sizzled with barely checked power. Bodhi rose to his feet. He took a step in Taurus’ direction.
Stygian stepped in front of him. “You’ll have to go through me.”
Taurus’ heart skipped a beat for more than one reason. He couldn’t let Stygian get hurt, but he was also moved by Stygian’s willingness to protect him.
Bodhi sneered. “You—”
“Oh, sit down, you fool.”
At Stellar’s command, Bodhi sat. A line appeared between his brows. He visibly tried to move but couldn’t. Stellar was his prince now.
“What have—”
“Be quiet.”
Bodhi’s voice vanished.
Stellar paced between Stygian and the clearly enraged druid. “We need to figure out what’s happening to River.”
“You could invite the healer. He plucked my shadow form from thin air, trapping me. I’m willing to bet he can fix this.”
Stellar nodded.
Taurus hadn’t even considered Wulfe’s town healer, Frost. From what Taurus understood, from purely fairy gossip, Frost was Lucifer’s son.
He was powerful and the first place Stellar had gone when Lysander had nearly passed.
Bitterness rose in his throat. Stellar had long been convinced Lysander would be his mate.
He had been Stellar’s best friend longer than Taurus had walked the earth.
Of course, there was someone Stellar preferred over him.
Never had he solely owned Stellar’s heart.
Stellar stopped pacing and focused on Taurus over Stygian’s shoulder. His purple eyes glowed with inner stars. “Friend. Lysander is my friend. Companionship is all I dared to dream to have. You seemed too big a prize, even for me. Maybe especially for me. I’ve never been worthy of you.”
Stygian reached behind him and squeezed Taurus’ hand.
Taurus hadn’t known how much he needed that connection until he had it.
He hadn’t realized how bereft he felt after having Stygian plucked from him like a crucial petal.
Every ounce of his vulnerabilities were on display.
It was no wonder Bodhi had seen how to crawl beneath his skin to stab him in the heart.
Taurus gave Stellar a sharp nod.
Stellar dipped his chin. Don’t allow this lowlife to play with your head. I see his game now. He plays to divide and conquer. Weaken us. We can’t allow that to happen. No amount of friendship could compete with you. Never in my long life have I coveted anything more than I have this pairing.
Taurus knew Stellar spoke the truth. You know my fire is easily stoked.
My jealousy is every bit as explosive as my every other passion.
He kissed Stygian’s shoulder while holding Stellar’s stare.
The three of them burned hotter inside him than any emotion.
He felt a deep hunger rumble from inside Stygian.
The craving was more than mental. Stygian needed blood.
His physical form was new. He needed to be fed.
Stellar waved his hand, and a magical barrier appeared. Magic glistened as a barely visible cage. He didn’t look away from them. “River is trapped in a deep sleep but in no immediate danger. This matter can wait a little while longer.” Stellar motioned toward the door. “After you.”
Bodhi stomped his feet, making the only sounds he could in protest.
Stellar glanced over his shoulder, barely offering Bodhi an ounce of attention. “You could use some cooling off. Comfort your mate.”
As a group, they headed for the hall. Their needs felt bigger than any imminent danger. They needed to focus on each other.