“Not really,” she admitted. “You need me sexually, and you’re hoping I’ll eventually give you a child. But that’s true of any female. Raptor shifters can form a mating bond with anyone. You don’t needme.”
“We form the bond intentionally,” Gabriel agreed, “but we sense our mates just like all the other shifters. You are our mate, Heather. There is no one for us but you. I thought we’d made that clear from the start.”
“Well, almost the start,” Patrick corrected with a grin. “It took me a while to admit that claiming our mate was infinitely more important than revenge.”
“Mating bonds are forever,” she reminded. “How can I be sure this isn’t part of your revenge?”
He pushed to his feet, his movements slow and deliberate. “There is only one way for you to be certain. Let me form a transfer link.”
She tensed, eyes wide and luminous. “Won’t that give you access to my mind?”
“I already have access to your mind,” Patrick told her firmly. “So does Gabriel. You are safe with us because we would never harm you, never enter your mind without permission.”
“The transfer link must be used intentionally,” Gabriel stressed. “We can send and receive thoughts and emotions, but each transfer requires effort.”
She considered that for a moment, her expression pensive, gaze assessing. “But if you choose what to send me, then you can manipulate the outcome. You could only send the emotions you want me to sense.”
Patrick chuckled, amused by her stubbornness. “That requires a lot more skill than you realize, but it can be done. If you’re looking for brutal honesty, then I’ll simply link our minds. There will be no hiding, no manipulation. You will see us exactly as we are.”
“Can the bond be undone if I don’t like what I see?”
His expression hardened and he clenched his teeth. He offered to open himself completely, to make himself vulnerable. How could she?—
“I know there’s darkness in you,” she added hurriedly. “There’s darkness in all of us. I know how much you’ve suffered. My expectations are realistic. I assure you.”
“It all comes down to trust.” Patrick took a deep breath and continued with more conviction. “It wasn’t easy, but I have chosen to trust you. Now it’s your turn. If you honestly feel I’m unworthy of trust then this courtship is over.”
Gabriel hurried on before Heather could respond to the ultimatum. He moved in front of her and placed his hands on her upper arms. “Patrick destroyed your trust when he kidnapped you. We understand that.” He pulled her up out of the chair, his hands lingering on her arms. “He’s trying to earn itback. A mind link will allow you to sense our emotions without any sort of filter.”
“Brutal honesty,” she echoed, nodding her head. “I think we all need that. Link our minds. Let’s see if there is any hope for our happily ever after.”
CHAPTER 8
Heather gazed into Gabriel’s eyes, letting the unique orange heat soothe her. His hands moved up and down her arms and then he pulled her into a light embrace. Patrick pressed in behind her, hands resting on her hips.
“You might feel overwhelmed for a few moments when our minds connect,” Patrick warned, his voice warm and resonant. “Surrender to the sensations if you can. Struggling against them will only prolong the intensity.”
“All right,” she murmured, shifting her weight from foot to foot.
Gabriel’s warm palms framed her face, and he tilted her head back. “Relax, love. We’ve got you.” His lips settled over hers, the kiss light and comforting.
Energy surrounded her, curling and caressing. Restlessness made Heather squirm in Gabriel’s embrace. He deepened the kiss, nibbling and licking as Patrick’s fingers pushed into her hair. Heather tried to relax, to accept what was about to happen.Claire and other mated females described the mind link as something wild and wonderful.
Pain sliced into Heather’s mind, the sensation bright yet mercifully brief. She gasped into Gabriel’s mouth, but his lips remained sealed over hers. As the discomfort receded, her awareness expanded. She was connected to twin balls of energy, brilliant and pulsing. It took her a moment to realize she was sensing her mates for the very first time.
Emotions trickled into her mind. The flow was muted and strictly controlled at first, but it gradually expanded. Distinct emotions formed within the energy stream: concern, desire, and tenderness.
You’re doing very well, Gabriel praised.
A sudden surge of affection accompanied the thought and Heather gasped. She ripped her mouth away from his and sucked in a deep breath. “Are your minds still shielded? How much more intense does this get?”
“The link is restricted to one fourth its usual size,” Patrick warned. “I can keep it at this level until you adjust to the sensations.”
“Yes, please.” She nodded, feeling shaky and unsure. “This is wild already.”
Gabriel eased his fingers under the hem of her tee shirt. He slid his hand upward and teased the underside of her breasts. “Certain activities make the adjustment easier. Pleasure will distract you and allow you to more easily accept your heightened emotions.”
“So will pain.” Patrick leaned in and nipped the side of her neck. “How long has it been since you willingly submitted to my discipline?”
