"So," I say, setting the empty glass aside, "I'm officially bonded to four alpha shifters. If you'd told me that a month ago, I would have called the psych ward."
Killian chuckles, the sound rumbling deep in his chest. "If it helps, we didn't exactly plan it this way either."
"No?"
"We were just hoping for a regular Bonded," he admits. "The whole mate thing was a surprise. A good one," he adds quickly, "but definitely not what we were expecting."
I touch the marks on my neck again, tracing the pattern they form. Four distinct bites, arranged in a way that somehow feels intentional, artistic even. "It feels strange. Being marked like this."
Rowan's expression grows serious. "The bond isn't fully settled yet. There's still one more step. At least as far as a shifter bond goes."
Heat rushes to my face as I remember what that step entails from the books. The physical consummation of the bond. I've already been intimate with three of them, but not all four together, and not with the explicit purpose of sealing a magical connection.
"Right," I say, my voice coming out slightly higher than normal. "That part."
"No rush," Killian says, though his eyes darken with hunger. "You just woke up. You should eat, regain your strength."
"Absolutely," Rowan agrees, a little too quickly. "Food first. Everything else can wait."
The concern in their voices is touching, but I can feel their desire through the bond—a low, persistent heat that mirrors my own. They want me, all of them, with an intensity that would be frightening if I couldn't also feel the restraint they're exercising, the genuine concern for my wellbeing that tempers their hunger.
"I should probably shower first," I say, pushing back the covers. "I feel like I've been marinating in ritual magic for fourteen hours."
"You kind of have been," Killian points out with a laugh. "I like the smell of our energy on you."
"Coming from a wolf, that's more concerning than flattering," I say dryly.
"We'll give you some privacy," Rowan says, already heading for the door. "Take your time. Breakfast will be ready when you are."
Killian looks like he wants to stay, but after a pointed look from Rowan, he reluctantly follows. I guess even the pack alpha occasionally takes direction from the others. "Call if you need anything," he says, pausing at the doorway. "Anything at all."
"I've been showering for two and a half decades," I say wryly. "I think I've got it covered."
"Yeah, but showering with me is a whole different experience," Killian says, flashing me a toothy grin.
I can't help but laugh. "I'll keep that in mind, big guy."
Once they're gone, I sit on the edge of the bed, taking a moment to center myself. The bond pulses steadily in the back of my mind, four distinct threads of energy connecting me to my wolves.
My wolves.
The thought is still strange, but not unpleasant.
I make my way to the bathroom, shedding Sean's oversized shirt as I go. The mirror above the sink reveals what I already know. There are four bite marks forming a pattern on my neck and shoulder.
And the glamour has faded completely.
Shit. I must not have been able to keep it up after the ritual.
And yet, none of them even blinked. I wouldn't have known the glamour was off from the way they looked at me, like the most perfect thing they've ever laid eyes on.
The marks shouldn't even be scarred yet, but they're already faded to the same silver as the scars on my face, just less angry. Four interlocking crescent marks, almost like a clover. I trace them with my fingertips, remembering the moment each wolf claimed me.
The sight of them should jar me, but instead, it feel right. Those bites were nothing at all like the werewolf attack. The entire time I was planning the ritual, I worried it would be too triggering to go through with it, but I didn't feel trapped or vulnerable in their arms. Not even with all that magic pulsing around us. I just felt safe.
Protected.
Adored.
