“What was that?” Hayden’s jaw had dropped, eyes wide.
“Our life ribbons.” Liam brushed his forehead over Hayden’s back, the way an animal showed affection. “It’s how our souls bind.” He eased out of Hayden’s ass, cock still hard, and locked gazes with Teagan.
Oh, hell. Teagan had an overwhelming urge to run from the possession in Liam’s eyes.
“Run and you’ll trigger my wolf to chase you,” Liam warned, stalking toward Teagan on his hands and knees, muscles bunching under his skin. “There’s no reason to be nervous, sweetheart.” He brushed aside strands of hair from Teagan’s forehead.
“You say that like I didn’t just witness everything,” Teagan argued, even as he leaned into the touch. “Hayden’s never going to walk right again.”
Hayden burst out laughing, rolling over to look at Teagan. “If you think Liam’s kisses are a lasting experience, just wait.” He pushed from the bed and swiped his underwear from the floor.
“You’re leaving?” Teagan squeaked.
After sliding on his underwear, Hayden kissed him. “I’m freaking staving now. No one is going to make you do anything you don’t want to. If you need more time, just say so.” He pulled back. “I’m about to smash some food from the cookout before my stomach becomes sentient and crawls out of me in search of sustenance.”
Teagan stared incredulously at Hayden’s retreating form. “Fine, leave me to do this on my own.”
“Dude, you’re not alone,” Hayden said when he turned. “There’s literally a naked Tarzan next to you. He even comes equipped with his own vine to swing from.”
Hayden walked away without even a slight limp.
“He’s right.” Liam sat against the headboard, semihard dick on full display. If Teagan had a body like that, he’d show it off too. Probably get arrested for nude grocery shopping.
“About you having your own vine?”
Liam chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. He took Teagan’s hand, his thumb brushing over knuckles. “If you’re not ready, I’m not going to rush you. The binding is a one-shot deal, a sacred commitment.”
“And if my heart isn’t in it, I’ll ruin it for you,” Teagan replied.
“This isn’t about just me, Teagan. Your happiness means everything to me. This moment is just as much yours as it is mine.” Liam sat up and turned to face him. “I’ve waited over two hundred years to find you. Both of you. If you’re worried I’ll hurt you or—”
“Stop talking.” Teagan pressed a finger against Liam’s lips, ignoring the strong urge to kiss him. “It’s not that I think you’ll hurt me, Liam. It’s about making myself vulnerable, to anyone, after what happened to me.”
“Trust isn’t easily given once it’s been ripped away.” Liam rubbed Teagan’s back.
“But I want to trust you,” Teagan said. “I want to be your mate. I just don’t know how to take back my life.”
“You were taking it back when you allowed me to be a part of it,” Liam said with a smile. “You didn’t let your fear stop you.”
Teagan snorted. “I was rude as hell to you when you had breakfast with us, and I blamed you for making me kiss you.”
“I’ve dealt with ruder people, and I’ll take the blame for corrupting you.” He winked. “I like when you’re wicked. Makes you do naughty things to me.”
“You can’t say… Stop trying to make my brain short out.” He liked doing naughty things too, but it was hard to think when Liam looked like he was starving and Teagan was his meal.
“Wish you were feeling wicked right now.” Liam’s voice dropped to a husky pitch.
“I haven’t stopped feeling that way since you kissed me in your kitchen,” Teagan admitted then tapped his temple. “My mind goes straight to the gutter whenever you’re near me.”
“Yeah?” His gaze swept over Teagan. “Care to tell me any of those thoughts?”
Teagan chuckled. “You wish I was brave enough to tell you.”
“Or we can create our own filth. If you’re still not ready, I suggest you leave the room, because the need to claim you hasn’t faded, even a little.”
With his heart racing out of control, Teagan nodded. “I’m ready.”
It was the truth, because Teagan wasn’t having an internal meltdown. He wanted to belong to both men in every possible way.
