AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I knew it, for a long time, really, perhaps even that first moment I locked eyes with him across that building. He changed the entire course of my life that day, and despite its tumultuous nature, I am grateful for where it brought us.
Although, having this war behind us and finding true safety might be an even better outcome.
“I hate to break up such a sweet moment, but it’s worth sharing that mate bonds don’t work that way.” Sydney positions himself toward us. “There is a definite pull toward your fated mate, but that’s not all that factors in. It can be rejected.”
I stare at him and let his words wash over me. Could what he be saying true? That I was right and my feelings for Bo really are mine and mine alone, not forced upon me by the mark he left on my neck.
"There are obvious magical influencers of lust and desire. That is not what you're experiencing though. Trust me, I went down a very deep rabbit hole when I found out the love of my life had four love interests of her own. I wanted to understand it, to figure out its complexities. And back when Silas and I hated each other, a strong part of me wished that their fated mate bond was the only thing that drew her to him.”
“And it wasn’t?” I ask him with bated breath.
"As a matter of fact, no. It's what brought them together, but it isn't what sealed their fate. Ultimately, it was their decision, their choice, their own free will, that secured their love for one another." Sydney takes a sip of his coffee. "There are things that come with the fated mate bond, supernatural things, but those are merely perks or extras, not the whole package. Willow and Silas share another supernatural bond, too, although it’s far too complex to get into today. As do her and Cameron.”
I want to ask him more questions, to find out every last detail about the mate bond and revel in how very wrong Bo was in thinking that what we shared wasn’t real, but when Dashfinallystarts to molt, my every waking thought falls to him.
“This is so interesting,” Sydney says from the couch.
Dash does his thing, molting and burning and his entire form becomes encased in a hard shell of ash. It’s a beautiful process once it’s started, but the moments leading up to it are brutally painful. To think that it’s ever his last life drives a serrated blade straight through my heart.
After a small eternity, Dash shoves his fist through the center and emerges from the rubble. He blinks a few times, the debris falling over his long lashes, and settles his sights on me.
I rush over to him, my hands finding his face, my thumbs rubbing circles on his renewed flesh. “Took you long enough.”
The corners of his lips turn up. “Sorry to keep you waiting.”
Wes walks over and reaches down. “Glad to have you back.”
Dash latches onto him and allows him to pull him onto his feet. Dash dusts off his body and steps out of the remains of his process. “I remembered something.”
“What is it?” I ask him.
“That woman.” Dash pats his arm. “Parla.”
“Yeah?” The very being I can’t wait to end.
“She’s the one who tortured me.” Dash reaches back to slap his back. “My scars. They’re from her. I don’t remember all of it, but there are fragments that keep coming to me. I think my mind was trying to uncover it with those nightmares. To show me the truth of what happened.”
My blood boils—my hatred for that evil bitch growing with each passing second. I thought I couldn’t hate her anymore, but I was wrong. It’s one thing to fuck with me, and something else entirely to hurt any of my men.
I will make her pay for what she’s done, one way or another.
And the sooner I can return to Prania, the better.
Time moves much quicker in Prania than it does in Arthlia. Tremont said we hadn’t been gone long before we abruptly came back. And if that’s any indication, there’s no telling what else Parla has done in her extended time in Prania.
I promised Pippa and Gary that I would return, I gave my word to that wendigo.
What kind of person would I be if I went back on that now?
“I will make her pay.” I plant my hand on Dash’s shoulder.
“We both will,” Wes chimes in. He glances over at me. “I’m not letting you go without me.”
Sydney sighs. “If you’re both going, I’m going to have to help Tremont with the spell. It’s the only way to ensure enough power to send you.”
“You’ll help us?” I turn toward him, not quite believing how easily he volunteered.
"If I've learned anything from being married to an Oliver, there isn't any convincing her of something she's set her mind to. I'd rather assist and greater your chances of survival than let you go off on your own. She'd say the same thing."
