“You think?” I echoed, skepticism lacing my tone.
“Yes, I think so. I’ve never bonded before. But bonding with me makes you both immortal. You’re my Duša—my soul.”
“How do you do it?” Lucas asked. “Nana and the others are so secretive.”
“Shifters,” Dominic sighed, shaking his head. “They make things so complicated. Let me guess, they said you have to figure it out on your own.”
“Yeah, that’s pretty much what they said.”
Dominic shook his head again. “Bonding is done through the exchange of sex and blood.”
That didn’t sound so bad—the sex part, especially. The blood part was a little gross, but I could manage. “What are we waiting for?” I asked.
Dominic locked his gaze with Lucas, then with me. “It’s not a decision that can be taken lightly. It can’t be reversed, and I want you both to have a choice.”
Lucas was quick to respond. “We’re mates. We were made for one another. I choose you.” Turning to me, he added, “Talon, I know you’re not sure, but—”
“I’m sure,” I interrupted. “I’m sure. Fighting for you both, I realized I’ve been too scared to admit our bond, but you’re both my mates. I choose you, Lucas,” I said, then looked up at Dominic. “And I choose you, Dominic.”
“Domi'zel,” Dominic corrected. “My true name is Domi'zel.”
My eyes widened. The significance of Dominic sharing his true name wasn’t lost on me. It was one of a demon’s most guarded secrets, a vulnerability in the wrong hands. This gesture underscored the gravity of our bond and the trust he was placing in us.
Dominic nodded at Lucas's and my acceptance but worry still shadowed his eyes. Did he doubt our words? Honestly, I couldn’t blame him if he did. After three weeks of running and avoiding him, here I was, ready to bond.
“Before we continue,” Dominic began, his voice hesitant.
Crap, he was having doubts. I opened my mouth to reassure him, but he continued. “There’s a way to ease Lucas’s pain and begin the bonding process.”
As if on cue, Lucas winced; another wave of pain seemed to roll through his body. “Anything,” he gasped. “Please, just make the pain stop.”
Dominic raised his hand, and a knife materialized out of thin air.
“I thought you said you didn’t have any powers,” I said, awed.
“This is nothing compared to the abilities I once had,” Dominic replied, holding his hand out. With swift precision, he sliced his palm, sharp and exact.
The blood welled up, dark and shimmering under the dim light. “My blood can numb your pain and start mending your injuries,” he explained as he offered his hand to Lucas. “It’s not a cure-all; otherwise, I wouldn’t rush the bonding.”
“Dominic. We want this. I know it’s fast and contrary to how we… how I’ve been acting, but I know who you are to me now. Who both of you are to me,” I said.
“Ditto,” Lucas echoed as he reached out and grasped Dominic’s hand, bringing the wound to his lips.
I watched in fascination and a bit of horror as Lucas sucked. The thought of drinking blood made me queasy, but Lucas’s body visibly relaxed, and the lines of agony on his face smoothed into relief.
“Is it helping?” I asked softly.
Lucas pulled back and nodded, his breath evening out. “It’s like a wave of warmth… the pain isn’t gone, but it’s bearable now. Thank God.” Lucas closed his eyes and took a few more calming breaths.
Dominic pulled his hand back, the cut already closing—another demonstration of his demonic resilience.
“You are so much more than a human. You are amazing, Dominic. Absolutely amazing,” I said.
“Well, I said I was a glorified human,” Dominic replied, his tone light, but still tinged with a hint of self-deprecation.
Lucas opened his eyes and fixed Dominic with a steady gaze. “Take the compliment, Dominic. Talon is right. I was thinking the same thing before I got hit. You’re amazing. And what’s more, you’re our mate. So don’t belittle yourself.”
“Okay, tiger,” Dominic smirked, his usual confidence peeking through.
