Yet again, I’m reminded that I’m not a smart person.
Sin smirks and slowly deposits me back on the ground. “Let me know if you change your mind.” He winks, then turns us to face the doctor.
Butterflies riot in my stomach.
I’m not sure I’m capable of feeling any more embarrassed than I already am, but I finally find my voice. “Dr. Parnard! Hi, uhm, I thought you went back to the Mortal Realm a few days after we met.”
Noticing Sin’s arched brow, I clarify, “Dr. Parnard is one of my professors from college. I had him uhm, kidnapped to the Otherworld, so he could pose as a couples therapist and help keep Leon away from me.”
Turning back to my professor, I add, “Sorry about that, by the way.”
Dr. Parnard waves it off. “Not at all, I was happy to help.”
His tweed jacket is unbuttoned, but his shirt looks perfectly pressed. He seems remarkably put together for someone who was kidnapped.
Pursing my lips, I try to feel less awkward, until I’m hit with a stroke of brilliance.
I’m supposed to be organizing things.
I hold onto that fact like it’s a lifeline. “We have designated apparition areas! There are people ready to take you home. You don’t need to stay.”
The professor beams, and I think he’s happy to put this ordeal behind him.
“Actually, I’m going to stay,” he notes casually, ignoring my look of utter shock as he continues, “After our meeting, the guards kept me locked in a bedroom. I was certain your fiancé would kill me, and the threat of death had me reevaluating what I want to do with my life.”
His words grow more animated, sounding excited rather than afraid, “The man who found me yesterday, Magnus, assured me that he’ll be able to procure some psychology textbooks. In fact, he found some in a secret office only a few hours later. I spent the night reviewing the materials, and I’ve decided to stay here, working as the resident therapist. It will also give me the chance to learn the history of these magical worlds.”
In typical Dr. Parnard fashion, he isn’t asking, he’s telling.
He pauses for a moment after delivering his news, seeming to remember what position he found me in. His eyes shift between Sin and me. “Another one?” His tone is both accusatory and exasperated.
It turns out I was, in fact, capable of being more embarrassed.
I could have lived without that knowledge.
Lacing my fingers with Sin’s, I clear my throat. “This is Sin. He’s my actual mate. We bonded back when I was in the Shadow Realm.”
Dr. Parnard blanches. “Mate? As in you eternally bound your soul to this man – when you’ve only been away from your mortal life for a few weeks?”
I open my mouth to defend my actions, but Dr. Parnard just shakes his head, looking tired. “I’m scheduling you for a follow-up couples counseling session. See me at noon tomorrow in my office – both of you.”
Then, ignoring my sputtered protests, he walks away.
Chapter 42
Vivian’s Point of View
Rule forty-two:Nothing says ‘I care’ like a rotting body part.
“You stole my dog?”
My accusation is directed at Arianna as she makes her way toward me.
Cerberus bounds behind her, looking more like a playful corgi than a ten-foot-tall murderous beast. Each of his heads takes turns tossing a stick in the air while the others fight to catch it.
Only, it’s not a stick – it’s a dismembered leg.
Once again, I try to call him over, but he ignores my existence, obediently following Arianna. Her hair is tucked into a loose braid, the light color stark against her fighting leathers.
