It had worked before. I pictured the strands of magic spiraling outward, all of them tangled and glittering. Some connected me to my bear. Others disappeared into the ether.
I inhaled and imagined each strand unraveling and returning to the core in my chest. Slowly, methodically, I pulled them all back. It took a few minutes, but the magical inferno died away, leaving nothing but dark, swirling shadows.
Since I had no clue what they were, I ignored them. Maybe a storm was coming. Or perhaps Maverick needed a better lamp in here.
“Baby, are you okay?” I opened my eyes to find Maverick gazing down at me, concern written all over his face. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to…” He looked at the bite. “My bear took over and refused to back down. He claimed you.” His voice caught slightly.
Was he having doubts? Something must have registered on my face because his expression went from regretful to angry in a heartbeat.
“I’m sorry for not telling you what my bear intended to do, but I wanted to claim you just as much as he did, little witch. Only… I wanted to wait until you were ready.”
He pulled me against him while nuzzling the bite mark on my neck. It stung but was nowhere near as painful as it should have been.
“Do I have shifter healing powers now?” I asked.
He snorted. “No, baby. But claiming bites heal quicker than regular wounds.”
“I thought I heard you in my mind. Is that a claiming thing?” Maverick looked surprised.
“It can happen with soul-bonded pairs.”Do you hear me now?
Yes!
Maverick smiled.My perfect little mate,he said in my mind before kissing me again.
Great. Now I have to listen to even more pointless ramblings all day long,Kenji grumbled.
I almost fell off the bed in surprise. Stars, I’d forgotten about my kitsune. Or rather, I thought he’d left.
No. Still here. And also traumatized from listening to you two bump uglies. I hope the bear has money to pay for a fucking therapist for me.
“Who the fuck’s that in your head?” Maverick growled in my ear.
I sighed. Kenji was right. Goddess, I did not need a three-way conversation going on all day and night.
“Three-way?” Maverick said out loud, and I realized to my shame he’d read my thoughts. Before he could hear any other inappropriate brain farts, I locked down my mental shields so neither Kenji nor my bear had access to the chaos in my mind.
“Ooh, did someone mention a three-way?” Zane popped into view at the end of the bed. His lips quirked up in a lascivious grin. I frowned when I saw what looked like blood splatters all over his shirt and unidentifiable chunks in his hair.
Maverick snarled and pulled the sheet over me. “Get the fuck out of my cabin!” he roared.
“No can do, care bear. I’m all juiced up on lust thanks to you claiming our mate. Which is just as well, seeing as how there are three hellhounds less than a mile away.” He examined his nails while smirking. “Could use a hand dealing with them before any idiot shifters stumble across them while on their morning run.”
“Hellhounds?” Bear sat up, still holding me close.
I dropped my shield to Kenji.Is he right?
Kenji huffed crossly.Why do you think I’ve been keeping watch for the last several hours? Not because I actually wanted to listen to you get laid, trust me.
I’m sorry! I didn’t know you were still there. You could have left!
No, it’s my job to protect you. You’re making it difficult, by the way.He huffed loudly.Maybe get railed in the witch dorm next time. It’s safer there.
I blushed even though my kitsune familiar was still outside.
“Little mate, we need to go deal with the hellhounds. The incubus will take you back to the dorm. When we’re done, I’ll come and get you, okay?”
He looked up and glared at Zane. “Now get the fuck out of my bedroom while my mate pulls some clothes on!”
