We stand there, watching with a kind of unhealthy fascination.
Even while unconscious, Lake’s instincts take over. His hands rise, groping blindly. He reaches for Aiden, pressing close, and Aiden responds in kind, their bodies are acting on their own, driven to heal, needing regeneration.
Mouths slightly open, we stare at the sight, ignoring how wildly inappropriate it is as their bodies cling to each other. Aiden’s impressive length hardens instantly, and Lake’s legs begin to draw up toward his chest, as if to allow penetration, his body moving on pure reflex even though he’s still fully unconscious.
"Alrighty," I say, grabbing Moon’s hand. "We really shouldn’t be watching this, but I think they’ll be fine."
"Yeah, definitely," Moon says with an awkward grin.
We both step out, leaving behind the quiet sounds of their instinctive intercourse as they enter the Joining.
Outside, Snow is waiting for us. Luca is probably downstairs.
"They’ll be okay," Moon announces cheerfully. "They’re going through the Joining."
"I did not need that image," Snow mutters, his face twisting in discomfort.
Moon just snorts, still amused.
I don’t say anything, but seeing that magic at work with my own eyes is a powerful experience. In truth, for TrueMates, things like that happen every day. The Joining fills them with healing energy, constantly restoring and preserving their youth. Deep inside, a fragile sense of reassurance builds in me because I realize my bond with Snow works the same way. It’s a comforting thought, knowing that for years to come, I’ll stay healthy and youthful.
Before we go downstairs, Snow suddenly stops and looks at my brother, frowning slightly.
"Wait. You mentioned you tried to wake me up when I was unconscious, and you used… a few things. What exactly?"
Moon raises a brow. "Like five different things, actually. Slapping your face, splashing water, Luca’s tricks…"
"Um, okay. But did you inject me with something?"
"Yes, that too. It was the same stimulant Luca used on his brother when Anzo was meddling with his mind using that memory-altering drug. It worked the best, and you started to stir."
Snow grimaces but doesn’t respond.
That’s when it hits me that the reason Snow couldn’t fully transform in front of Rocco might be because of that drug. Maybe it altered his body chemistry somehow, interfering with the change.
Moon must see the uneasy look on my face because he adds, "It’s made from the secretions of purple alpha glands. Powerful stuff. Gives you an instant kick, even if you’re in deep unconsciousness."
I give Snow a knowing look, but neither of us says anything. Does he know he died? Does he remember? Or is he just upset about the partially blocked shifting of his body?
Maybe I’m the only one who realizes that, in one version of the universe, that very drug basicallykilledhim. Killed… us.
The memory of it is too heavy for now, too fresh, so I stay silent, hunching slightly. Snow glances my way, obviouslyreading my anxious mood, and sends me a soft, reassuring hum in AO language.
We go down to the kitchen together, holding hands, and find Luca waiting there.
Bay is nowhere to be seen, which honestly doesn’t surprise me. As I glance out the window, his car is also gone from the driveway. This guy really seems to have an intense pace of living.
"Come here," Luca says, gesturing for us to come closer.
Jordan is lying on the couch in the living room. "I found him here, behind the kitchen island," says the purple alpha, pointing at the beta.
I realize then that the guy’s been out for a long time too; he must have been knocked out by Rocco’s people.
"We need to get him to a hospital. At his age, this is a dangerous situation—" I start, but notice that as Moon leans over the beta to check his pulse, Jordan stirs slightly.
Moon shrugs. "Or… we can give him the same thing we used. It’s pretty strong, it might help."
Luca glances at us, but as Snow nods, the purple alpha goes back to the car for his medical kit, and a moment later, Jordan gets his dose.
