Wrath licks my neck, and goosebumps break out across my skin.
“This is mine,” Wrath growls.
“Ours,” Angel snaps, his eyes glinting as he creeps closer and crouches in front of me, really staring at me.
He is so beautiful. The connection between us that was once one of hatred and suspicion is filled with affection, awe, and respect. I understand Angel in a way I don’t think the others ever will. He has to come to me, and he’s here, approaching. Claiming.
He breaks my heart.
Wrath’s hands tighten, and I tap them lightly. He releases me, and I walk over to kneel before Khaos.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t know either.”
He lifts his head; his face just appears exhausted. “Casey.”
That’s all he says, just my name. I shift forward and put a hand on his knee; he wraps his own over the top and squeezes.
Fuck. I blink away tears and take a moment to swallow hard.
“Who’s next on the list?” I whisper.
Khaos looks at me with such sadness. “Brian. His name is Brian.”
The others have stiffened behind me. Tension that crashes their little fantasy into a million pieces.
I stand up and turn to stare at the others. “You can’t really be fated mates to someone if you’re in literal chains to them.”
“I could,” Wrath snaps.
“No, you couldn’t. Because there will always be a worry, a niggling concern wondering when I will use these chains to break you. The power discrepancy between us would be wrong. No one can start an honest relationship like that.”
“So, what do you want to do, reject us?” The horror in his voice makes me ache for them.
I heave a sigh and look skyward. “No,” I say honestly. “That’s not what I want, but I also know any permanent thing between us is impossible while I wear this.” I hold up the cuff. “We have a year. Let’s go ahead with the plan.”
“You want us to watch our fated mate fall in love with someone else?” Hazard shouts at me.
He’s furious, more furious than the others.
“You are a once in a lifetime, and you want to throw it away?” Hazard roars. “What is wrong with you two?”
I wince. “Hazard, I’m sorry-”
He throws his hand up and spins, shifting, and vanishes into the trees. Angel follows him.
“What exactly do I need? Love or just a mate? A companion or family? Can you clarify that or do you just have a general feeling?”
Khaos stands up behind me and circles me so we’re standing shoulder to shoulder, watching the spot where the twins vanished. “I don’t know; it keeps shifting.”
“So let’s play it by ear. We have some time. Let’s see if we can find some way of getting this thing off.”
Riot walks up to me and grabs me by the shoulders. His eyes are blazing. “I’m not going to help you fall in love with someone else.”
I glare up at him. “Then you won’t ever be free.”
“I don’t care.”
“You say that now.”
