Page 25 of A Bond So Deadly

Even with the pain, desire courses through me as I stare into his rich brown eyes. I don’t want to worry them, but more pain shoots through me, the aching sensation spreading to my chest.

I press a hand over my heart. “I’m dying,” I say dramatically, flopping against him.

My mates blink at me.

And then Raith starts belly laughing.

Unbelievable.

It’s not until another whimper falls out of me that Raith’s laughter abruptly stops, and the tension in the room rises. All of my mates shoot to their feet, except Thane who remains seated as he holds me.

“What’s going on?” Thane asks as his brows lower with concern.

“Okay, so I don’t think I’m dying, or at least I hope not, but…” I pause as the realization of what this reminds me of hits me, knocking the air out of my lungs. Pain that only goes away after doing the deed. Hot sweats… I mentally check off the symptoms in my head.

“But?” Galen prompts.

My mates are closer now, all crowded around me, and the intoxicating scent of them makes the pain worse. Oh crap. It is what I think it is, isn’t it? The searing pain comes in waves, pulsing through my whole body, and I let out a shuddering breath.

“It’s a stupid theory,” I mumble.

Galen crouches down and takes one of my hands in his. “Nothing you say is ever stupid, little shadow. Now, tell us what is causing you such misery.”

Fire and ice run along my skin from where he touches me, and I try not to wince as the pain increases. “I think…” My mates smell too good, and desire almost has me panting. Or is it the pain that’s causing that? “I think…” I say again before trailing off. I can’t be right. Can I? No…

“Mate,” Thane growls impatiently.

Closing my eyes, I bite my lip. “I think I might be in heat!” I say in a rush.

The room goes silent, and I crack my eyes open, watching as my words sink in and their expressions change. Knox’s eyes darken, Thane stares at me with worry, an amused smile curves Galen’s beautiful lips, and a low growl starts deep in Raith’s throat. That sound only makes my pain worse, the agony mixing with my desire and making me hunch over as my stomach cramps.

“I’m sorry, did you say in heat?” Galen asks, bewilderment mixing with his amusement.

“It’s either that or I really am dying,” I chirp back. “But I’ve felt something similar before, when I was with you and Raith’s monster.” I struggle to breathe. “It wasn’t as bad, but the pain was definitely there, and it went away after I…”

“After my monster bred you,” Raith finishes for me, his voice a guttural rasp. Fangs peek from his lips, like his monster is enjoying this, and he wants to remind me that he’s there.

Heat rushes through me, and claws start to peek from Raith’s fingers.

Oh sweet and holy smut gods.

“Not now,” Thane rumbles at Raith’s monster, and Raith shakes his head, gaining control again.

“I wasn’t aware humans went into heat,” Galen muses, his glittering gaze traveling over me like he’s looking for answers.

“They don’t normally,” I reply. “And I know it sounds silly, but it makes sense. I mean, I have an unbearable pain that goes away when we uh…you know. And I’m so hot.” I swipe away the sweat that’s beading on my forehead. “I don’t have some of the other signs yet, but that has to be it, right?” I rack my brain, thinking of some of my favorite omegaverse books. I mean, it’s not like I’ve been nesting, so there’s that. But at the thought of a nice, cozy area to curl up in, I whimper again. Actually, a nest is exactly what I need. Soft, plush pillows… Fluffy blankets…

I’m expecting the guys to laugh, but I’m surprised when Galen replies, “I must admit, since the games the urge to bond with you has been harder to resist.”

Thane frowns. “You think it’s because the curse has been removed?”

“Well, thank fuck. And here I thought it was my monster messin’ with my head,” Raith adds.

“No, I feel it too,” Thane confirms.

Our attention goes to Knox, and his predatory gaze lands on me. “If we could bond, I would do it in a heartbeat,” he says simply.

A breath rushes out of me. “Wait. Now, I’m confused. So I’m not in heat, but you think it’s the fated mates connection doing this? But Blake never mentioned having any pain when she had, uh, similar issues.”