“They also don’t give a damn about the realm’s rules,” Calythra counters, his tone firm. “You think the realm will honour your bond?”
The fuck? He knows about our bond? Do I have neon lights above my head? Hell, perhaps my scent has changed or something. I try to give myself a subtle sniff but catch Jamie’s attention. He’s looking at me like I’ve gone and lost the plot. I clear my throat, focussing on Calythra.
“Not between beings from different worlds. You’d be fighting every day just to stay together.”
The truth in his words lands like a blow, and I see the hesitation in Solan’s expression. For all his strength, his defiance, he looks scared. But when his gaze meets mine, something shifts.
He nods slowly as if coming to a decision. “We don’t have any other choice.”
Jamie raises his hand like he’s in school. “So… first we get my horse, right? You did stash it somewhere, didn’t you?”
Calythra barks a laugh, his grin returning. “Priorities. Yes, kid, we stashed your horse. He’s safe.”
Jamie beams, and I find myself smiling despite the tension. “Good. Let’s start there. I’ll come up with the next step.”
Solan turns to me, his golden eyes softening. “You?”
“Yes, me.” I meet his gaze, refusing to back down. “I’m capable of making decisions, and I’m not going to sit here waiting for someone else to dictate my life.”
He doesn’t argue. Instead, he steps closer, his fingers brushing mine. The contact is grounding, sending a quietthrill through me. He needs this, I realise—this touch, this reassurance. And maybe I do too.
“Uncle Jack, are you and Solan boyfriends now?”
Bloody hell. My fingers twitch, but rather than releasing Solan’s hand, I hold tight. “Uhm.” I peer down at my nephew, my breath whooshing out of me when he stares back with curiosity and maybe a little amusement.
This kid’s met one of my old boyfriends, but it’s been a while. Who am I kidding? He was probably too young to remember. But boyfriend? Seriously? How am I meant to explain that Solan is so much more than that even though I don’t think we’re even officially fully bonded, which the arsehole still hasn’t explained properly.
Sure, we keep being interrupted, and there’ve been nonstop life-and-death situations going on, caused by monsters and plants who are determined to eat us and a realm that wants to enslave us.
Talk about one clusterfuck after another.
“Yes…?” I drag the word out.
“Huh. He’s so much bigger than you.”
And isn’t that a kick to the balls?
Calythra snorts out a laugh while Solan vibrates at my side. Arseholes, the both of them.
“He’s notthatmuch bigger than me,” I say a little defensively. We all know I’m full of shit. Solan is wide and tall, and given half the chance, I’m sure he’d carry me around. Honestly, in the bedroom, I’m more than happy for him to do just that. And being engulfed in his strong arms is like being wrapped in a blanket more than big enough to swamp me.
But still, calling it out like that….
Jamie dips his brows, assessing the two of us together. “If you say so,” he settles on, ever the diplomat.
I roll my eyes, mainly at myself. I also nudge Solan with my elbow, since the dick is thoroughly entertained. Stopping short, I slam my hand to my chest. The fuck is that? I turn abruptly, staring at Solan, realising that I felt every ounce of his amusement deep in my chest.
Understanding fills his gaze. And yes, I bloody know that, too, despite no outward change. We communicate silently. No words push into my head, and thank fuck I haven’t developed the ability to mind read, but I sense warmth, reassurance, a plea to not panic. Each emotion is a pulse surrounded by affection that’s impossible not to react to.
I tug my hat off and press my forehead to Solan’s chest. This is not the time or place, and I swear to all that is holy that if those purple monsters burst out and attack, I’m going to go all John Rambo on their arses, but I need a moment to process. To feel. To not freak out. I sense Solan’s emotions. There’s little doubt he’s experiencing mine too.
There’s a shuffle at my side, and I tune in, but I’m not quite able to pull away just yet. Calythra has led Jamie a few steps away, talking quietly to him. Strong, warm arms wrap around me, cocooning me. I swallow back the bubble of hysteria that Jamie is right about how big Solan is. I love it and wouldn’t want it any other way.
“I’m okay,” I finally say, clearing my throat. Vulnerability is a curse back home—for a man, a farmer, and even a property owner. Fuck, even for an Aussie bloke. I take a breath before trying to bottle that shit up, but Solan knows. He’ll always know, right? What I’m feeling? The depth of my emotions? Is that what’s happening here? I’m not sure if that’s terrifying or liberating. Both, I suspect.
“I’m okay,” I repeat, this time receiving a gentle kiss on the top of my head before he releases me. My smile is quick to formand real when I peer up at him. He nods once before I step out of his hold and glance over at Jamie and Calythra.
As though sensing my attention, Calythra stops speaking and turns my way, Jamie following suit.
