“Regardless of my affection,” Yelena continued, “she’s my omega now, my responsibility.”
I snorted.Don’t let her hear you calling her your responsibility. Pretty sure she’d hate that.
“She can hate it all she likes. It doesn’t make it less true. The whole nest is my responsibility, and as my bonded mate, she’s doubly so.”
I cuddled against her. She took so much onto her shoulders, even when she had plenty surrounding her who would take up the burden.
We’d barely had a minute alone like this since the others arrived. Before it seemed like we’d had endless hours, but now we’d have to make a concerted effort to create time for each other.
Yelena hadn’t discussed the new bond with Logan, or her feelings about Yelena and I continuing our relationship.
“My love, I’ve known you long enough to see those questions in your eyes. I have no intention of abandoning you. Mate or not, you were here first and you’ve been my steadfast companion for years.”
Relief was more potent than I’d expected, burning bright in my chest.
I couldn’t imagine that Logan would have a problem with Yelena and me, but I’d heard stories of some omegas wanting their pack to hold them at the center. She didn’t seem to mindSeth and me together, though, so I was hopeful that would stay true for Yelena and me.
What do you think the odds are of us all dying?
Yelena’s eyebrows pinched together. “Higher than I would like.”
Even if their coming here means the end, I’m glad we’ll be together for it.Dying might not be so terrible if Yelena and Seth were at my side. Of course, I’d prefer none of us died, but with a monster at our gates, it crossed my mind a time or two.
Yelena pulled in a slow breath, using it to steady herself. She jolted, closing her eyes a moment.
What is it?
“I forgot Logan would be able to use telepathy with me now that we’re bonded. Not used to hearing her.”
What did she want?
“Just checking if everything is okay. I told her I’m processing.” She blinked her golden eyes open, leaning closer to me. “It’s strange being able to feel the little bursts of Logan’s excitement, and the more distant brushes of Seth’s pride and affection for her.”
I wanted that connection with my lioness. The wider the web of a bond, the more complicated everything became, and the less hiding we could do when everyone was part of it.
Are your feelings on bonding me still the same?I asked, running my nose along her jaw before planting a kiss just below her ear.
“It seems silly to keep you at arm’s length in that regard now that I’m bonded to Logan.” Yelena’s tongue danced with mine, and she nipped my lip before drawing back again. “I’ve always been adamant I didn’t want you bound to this place. You lived so much of your life with complete freedom to go where you wanted.”
I wasnevergoing to leave you.I rose up on my elbow to look down at her. She was so fucking beautiful with her curls still bound in silk and her mouth begging to be kissed.You are the one I love, and you’re bonded through Logan to the only other person I ever thought I could love. I’m not going anywhere whether you bond me or not, but I still want to share that with you.
I drew her into a kiss, savoring the taste of her mouth.
Please.I pulled away, searching Yelena’s face.
“You really want to be stuck with me forever?”
I’ve wanted that since the day we met. I know you were waiting for me to be sure, but I always have been.
I hadn’t walked three thousand miles after fleeing an abusive nest to not be with her. The gods themselves had led me to Yelena, just as they had led Logan and her panthers to us. We were all exactly where we were meant to be, and nothing would make me leave their sides.
“You’re so good at wearing down my self-control,” Yelena said lightly, though what I was asking for was as serious as anyone could get between partners.
Bite me. Claim me. I’ve always been yours and I always will be.
I watched her resolve crumble, anticipation coiling in my stomach at the realization this was finally going to happen.
“As much as I’ve always wanted you to have the opportunity to go, it would’ve torn me apart if you ever had. The selfish part of me wants to keep you forever.”
