“Knotright now, boys.” Nathan grinned, “You’re both being totalKnotheads.”
I laugh—a real, soft, unguarded laugh—and it makes all of them smile and visibly relax.
Nathan adjusted me in his lap, wrapping his arms around my waist, holding me as if the world outside this cavern can’t touch me here.
“You were amazing,” he whispered into my neck. “In every way.”
“Especially mastering those shadow abilities. It took me years to learn that kind of control.” Oren’s chest puffs out with pride at my accomplishment.
I blushed. “Thanks… I guess.”
“No. Thankyou, precious.” Zane smirked, “Big Slyappreciates it.”
My eyes widen before I remember the conversation from back at the academy with Nathan. “Shut up. Or my love castle is closed for business.”
The twins and Nathan began laughing, but Jet and Oren looked confused.
“Your dick is named after one of her dads?” Jet's complexion was green.
Nathan stopped laughing briefly. “If you know, you know.”
That made us laugh again. It felt good and right to be with them like this.
Jet sat beside us, his thigh pressed to mine, and Oren stretched out a hand, brushing it over my arm with feather-light comfort.
Zeke leaned his head briefly on my shoulder and yawned. “Tomorrow I have a gift for you, don’t let me forget.”
I smiled softly. “I won’t let you forget.”
Zane sprawled against my other side, fingers absentmindedly tracing little shapes on my knee.
For the longest time, none of us talked. We just breathed together.
Five different heartbeats.
Five different kinds of touch.
Five different ways of holding me steady.
The fire of what just happened cools into something more profound— a warm, steady pulse of connection that anchors me in a way I didn’t know I needed.
Nathan kissed my shoulder.
Zeke squeezed my hand.
Zane nudged me with his chin.
Jet’s thumb strokes a soft circle over my wrist.
Oren leaned his forehead against mine and whispered, “You’re safe with us. Now, tomorrow, and always.”
And Ancestors help me—I believe him.
Chapter 29
Reverie
Iwoke to heat.
