Page 74 of Facade

“Just giving Heath a taste of his own medicine. Turnabout’s fair play,” Jace said cryptically. “Check your phone when you park.”

“Ok.”

Now she was curious. The moment she was parked behind the shifter dorm, Clarke lifted her phone, seeing that the group chat had been updated. Heath had been changed from Wizard to Triple Fudge Sundae. Giggles erupted from her.

“I love it,” she said.

She also loved that Jace wasn’t jealous, knowing that she found Heath desirable. They grinned like cohorts in crime.

“Heath is TFS now whether he likes it or not,” Jace said as he unbuckled his seatbelt. “I’m going to make sure it sticks.”

Her phone chimed, showing a message from Heath, saying that he was proud to be her triple fudge sundae, and would happily answer to the moniker. He was also relieved that he could be honest with Nadine and her mates, thanking Clarke for that.

Clarke’s tummy was fluttering, and she couldn’t stop smiling. She replied with heart emojis.

“It’s so good to see you happy,” Jace said seriously. “I like that Heath put that look on your face, and hope we see it more often soon. Love you, Primrose.”

“Love you, too, 007,” she replied, and blew him a kiss as Jace stepped out of the car.

With a sigh, she drove to the powered dorm and parked. The worst thing about bonding two mates in this situation was her inability to spend much time alone with them. Winter break seemed far away, but at least they would have more freedom then, even if they hadn’t found her dad at that point.

Heath

He’d spent most of the weekend adjusting to the reality of being newly bonded, and the complications that came with it in their current circumstances. Everything he, Jace, and Clarke were trying to accomplish was daunting, and the stakes were high. That, combined with evading his family, had distracted Heath from the joy of finding his mate.

Now, he was regaining mental and emotional balance. Heath was able to separate the mysteries from his feelings for Clarke. He was feeling positive about their relationship.

The three of them had been sucked into a potentially dangerous intrigue. However, they couldn’t allow themselves to be overwhelmed by it. Their personal connection was just as important, and deserved equal attention.

Having made her big confession, Clarke was open and friendly. Heath had already liked and respected Clarke as a person. Every time they talked, those feelings grew stronger. He had no doubt that they were a good match.

Knowing Clarke found him desirable put a silly smile on his face. Sex was only one component of a relationship. But mutual attraction was important.

Heath was delighted to be her triple fudge sundae, and would own it with pride. He didn’t care that she hadn’t been the one to come up with the nickname.

Currently, he was thinking about 007. Not all bond brothers got along, and supported each other instantly. Heath had seen squabbling, jealousy, and competitive behavior in newly-bonded groups several times.

Since Clarke and Jace had been childhood friends, Heath could have found himself at a disadvantage with her. They didn’t have history.

Instead of capitalizing on that, Jace encouraged them to get to know each other. He didn’t try to monopolize Clarke’s time and attention. 007 showed no jealousy or resentment toward Heath.

Jace was completely devoted to Clarke. Fortunately for Heath, Jace seemed to view domestic harmony and a partnership between them important to Clarke’s happiness. He had metaphorically embraced Heath the moment the bond flared.

Heath was deeply grateful for that. He had gotten just as lucky with his bond brother as he had with Clarke. The question was, how could he adequately repay that kindness?

He would have to think about it. Heath wanted to support Jace the way the shifter supported him, and strengthen their sense of brotherhood.

Sitting in the garage with Jace while Clarke spoke to Russell had been a pleasant bonding experience. They had shared glances and hand signals during that conversation. Heath felt that they were in complete accord with each other.

Russell had taken the situation seriously, and was motivated to help. He was one of those people who had never met a stranger, and had a knack for putting others at ease. That affability, combined with Russell’s observation skills, would serve them well.

Having lived in town for years, with a large social network, Russell might have an easier time finding leads to Charlie, Dr. Prentis, and the missing students, than the rest of them.

The students might not be connected to Charlie and Dr. Prentis. Several of them had gone to school here, probably having friends in town. There could be information to be gleaned from those friends.

It was possible that Lauren Prentis didn’t know a soul in Clementine, or either of the colleges. But she was probably wherever Charlie was. And Clarke’s vision showed Mars being the location of a clue.

Heath was looking forward to putting their heads together with Russell on this. He didn’t expect miracles, and instant answers. That would be naive.