“Could you please examine Lila to make sure she isn’t under any spells?” Caspian requests bluntly, and Link frowns before nodding.
“I can. Is there any reason why she might be?”
Thankfully Caspian is able to coherently express my rambling to Link while I’m so overwhelmed, not to mention my head is now thumping too. I’m not afraid of conflict, but it’s becoming a regular occurrence and it’s fraying my nerves. I must make sure to drink some more water from Skarr, but I really think it’s emotional overload that’s causing the pain.
“I’m afraid Dylan’s deception and how easily she has accepted all of this has her questioning herself. She says it is out of character for her to be so trusting, and she is worried she’s accepting this all without thought because she’s being influenced.” I can hear the slight hurt in Caspian’s words, and it’s the last thing I want him to feel.
I shake my head at him. “I didn’t mean to hurt you, Caspian. I love what we have despite the unexpected start of our relationship, and I can’t wait to get to know you better, but I have to know. I have to know that I am of the Adams’ bloodline, and I have to make sure that I haven’t been coerced before I go any further.” I know I’m not explaining myself properly, and I see the hurt in Caspian’s eyes continue to grow, but when my gaze drifts to Link, his expression tells me he understands.
“No, I get it. I heard Josa telling you what my mother has promised him, so I completely understand wanting to have free will. Come on, it’s a quick scan, and then you will know for sure.”
He parts my legs like he’s done the last few times and steps close. I can’t stop the shiver of awareness that shoots down my spine at the contact. Memories from the other night flash in front of my eyes like a movie preview, and it’s all I can do to grit my teeth and hold in the moan that threatens to escape. His silver eyes swirl as he scans my body.
“My program is designed to pick up physical and metaphysical issues. I never thought to scan for spells before because nobody had given me any reason. I also know how long your grandparents have been searching for you. This is not a small thing. I think the lawyers were slightly incompetent because it has been years, Lila,years, since they started looking for you. They’d just about given up hope. I had John in here a number of times over the years for grief counseling for both his wife and your parents, but also because of you. The decision to leave you behind has haunted them. They have been happier this last week than we have seen them in a long time.” Link’s eyes continue to scan as he talks.
“He’s not wrong, babe. They really have been different men this week. All those looks you’ve been getting while walking around the ship with them were not solely aimed at you, even though it may have felt that way. The Adams men have been unapproachable and decidedly unfriendly for a long time, except to a few select people. Seeing them happy and laughing is probably a big relief for everyone involved. Hopefully they’ll be more approachable for the general circus population and we won’t have to be mediators.” Caspian gestures to himself and Link.
“You’ve been running interference?” The information from Link about my grandads catches me off guard.
“Yeah. The two of us as well as Xavier and Saxon. It’s why your grandpas trusted you with Xavier when he scares so many others. He’s basically been a grandson to them, helping them with all aspects of running the ship since he’s been on it. People don’t argue when he appears, all mysterious and shrouded in mist, crackling with power, they just do as they are told.” My heart melts a little more toward the powerful man at this little tidbit. He doesn’t sound as bad as Dylan made him out to be.
Link’s eyes return to normal, but he doesn’t step away from me. His hands come up to my thighs, and he gives them a reassuring squeeze. “Everything is normal, sweetheart. No spells, and no sign of mind manipulation that I can see, because I know that would be your next question. I also ran your DNA results already.”
“But how?” I’m surprised, because he didn’t even take my blood.
“I took your blood when you first fell from the sky, and its makeup is stored in my memory banks,” he jokes, tapping his temple before getting serious again. “When I run it against the boss men’s, I can confirm you are most definitely of their blood. I probably should have confirmed that the first time around. I’m sorry I didn’t and left you wondering.” He sounds genuinely apologetic, and he steps back, looking a little bit embarrassed.
His words have a huge breath escaping me in a rush, and I sigh heavily. All my worries and concerns melt away.
“If you’re really concerned about mind manipulation, ask Xavier to have a look. There’s nothing that he wouldn’t be able to find. Although I can pick up a lot of mental manipulation, the warlocks have a way of hiding their presence from artificial programs. It’s better to be safe than sorry.”
I jump off the bed and throw my arms around the blushing doctor. His arms come up to embrace me, and I snuggle against his chest. “Thank you, Link. Dylan made me question everything that has happened so far, but now I know I can face the truth. He is a grade-A douchebag.”
He rubs my back and gently pulls away. Not wanting to leave Caspian out, I go over and hug my octoman. “I’m sorry, I just needed to know,” I apologize, my sense of relief immense, and he returns my hug just like Link. I lean into him a little more, trying to burrow myself in the warm comfort he’s giving me.
“It’s okay, baby. I completely understand. Just remember there are always going to be assholes, but what you and I have isreal. There would have been no bond unless me, my beast, and you were all in agreement.” Caspian leans down and rests his cheek against my head as I digest his words.
“He’s right. I did read up on that, and his beast wouldn’t have been able to force the bond without mutual attraction and compatibility. He’s also not wrong about assholes. Josa out there is a prime example, and he won’t be the last, but you have me and Caspian and your grandpas.”
“And I don’t think that will be the last of us. You’re very likable, babe.” Caspian pulls back, winking at me, and once more I’m excited for what’s to come. It still amazes me that he can talk so casually about me having more mates without getting jealous. “Come on, I think your grandparents have plans for you to see the warlock today. Xavier’s going to see if he can figure out why you’re not showing any signs of power, and we can ask him to dig around in your brain too.”
A rush of adrenaline spikes through me at the thought of seeing the mysterious sexy warlock. I wonder if he will show me his real form again, or if I will be visiting with the mist-shrouded man.
Disappointment flashes through Link’s eyes at the announcement that we need to get moving. I don’t want him to think I’m abandoning him for Xavier, so I make the decision then and there to embrace this multiple love interest thing, especially since Caspian assured me that he and his beast are okay with it.
“Link, would you like to meet up for drinks later?” I ask him, making eye contact so he knows I’m being genuine, and his face lights up. His skin and eyes literally start to sparkle like Edward Cullen fromThe Twilight Saga. He’s gorgeous.
“I would love to. There’s a club on the ship, or a pub or a number of restaurants if you want to get food. Which would you prefer?”
I shrug and look at my mate.
“The club’s fun. People really like to blow off steam when we’re between shows, but they also don’t have the same hang-ups as humans, so you may see things that will shock you,” Caspian warns me.
My eyes widen at the possibilities of what I might see. “Is this one of those ‘I could be challenged to a duel to the death’ things?” I ask cautiously, and both guys shrug, not committing to a direct yes or no answer. Men.
“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure you’re not,” Link assures me, but I’m not fully sold.
“Okay, well, I will try anything once. I’d really like to try to fit in. I don’t know many of the circus performers yet, and I’d like to change that.”
