Bram threw his head back with a laugh. “That's perfect for her.”
“Yeah, it really is,” Hunter agreed.
And for the first time in what felt like ages, I smiled as exhaustion pulled me into apeacefulslumber.
3
BRAM
The desert stretched endlessly outside of Death’s manor. It was a rolling sea of golden sand dunes that rippled underneath the setting orange sun. Something about it made my heart feel like it was about to combust in my chest.
But maybe it wasn’t the scenery. Maybe it was because of Pandora. She walked beside me with her black hair pulled back into a long ponytail that swished as she moved.
I couldn’t take my mind off the fact that she was my mate, and I’d marked her to save her life. We’d spent all yesterday after the curse was broken, fussing over her in bed. We would’ve done the same today, but she insisted she needed to go on a walk to stretch her legs.
Chaos and Demo barked and ran ahead of us, playing and causing havoc as they did. When Demo manifested, I felt a tug on my soul. It was more proof that Pandora and I sealed her bond, and I gave her a piece of myself.
“This is nice,” she murmured, adjusting the strap of her bag on her shoulder. “I’m glad Reed and Hunter suggested that we have one-on-one time after bonding.”
“Itwasa nice suggestion,” I agreed, heat blossoming across my face. Nerves tangled in my gut as we walked. I’d never get used to being able to be around her like this. I knew I didn’t really deserve her, but I also knew that I wanted her—desperately. “Do you want me to carry your bag for you?”
“I’ve got it.” She shook her head, patting the bag softly. “Nebula’s been extra protective after I was cursed by Sybil, and he’s been insistent about going wherever I do.”
“How are you feeling, really?” I reached up and adjusted my septum piercing, a nervous habit that I couldn’t seem to shake.
“I’m good,” she replied easily, her red lips curving into the sweetest smile. “I’m bonded to all five of my mates, and I’m alive. I don’t have a reason to complain.”
“But?” I cocked a brow at her as hesitation spiked our matebond.
“But...” she sighed. “When I was cursed by dark magic, it felt as though I was drowning—actually drowning, Bram. Drowning but not dying. When I fell into the water, everything went black after the pain in my lungs got too much, but when I was cursed, the pain was endless. Nebula’s cursed by dark magic, and I hope that isn’t how he’s feeling.”
I nodded. “I understand feeling that way. I hate to say it, but being bound to a skull isn’t exactly the bliss of going home to the Fates. Even though that sucks, I also know that Nebula has you. He loves you, Pandora. And now, he has us, too.”
“Yeah,” she murmured softly, looking out into the expanse of nothing but our chaos manifestations, howling and playing in front of us. “You’re right.”
It was eerily silent; the stillness punctuated by the faint hiss of wind sweeping over the ground and by the crunch of sand under our feet. The air was infused with a dry, mineral-rich scent that was drowned out by the sweet caramel aroma from my mate beside me, and I couldn’t be more thankful for that.
I fucking loved her scent.
“I’m surprised Dex gave me the first turn for alone time with you,” I admitted, sweeping a hand through my hair. “I think he has ulterior motives.”
“He probably does,” she giggled, and my heart pounded almost painfully against my ribs from how beautiful it sounded.
“So, um, what does Nebula like?” I asked, side-eying her bag. He’d de-manifested before we went out to walk, and he promised not to eavesdrop, but I didn’t trust that. He was too protective of Pandora to just dip out like that.
“He likes stories.” She took a glimpse into her bag and smiled. “He also likes poetry.”
“Really?” My brows shot up in surprise. “I can actually do that.”
“What do you mean?” She pursed her lips.
“I need to make him like me,” I explained. “I know he hates me, and I understand why he does. I really do, but I’d like to change that.”
“He only hates you because of all the animal skulls you give me,” she revealed with a light laugh. “He’s jealous of them, I think.”
Shock riddled through me, and I gasped. “What? Seriously?”
She nodded, her giggles filling the air.
