I’d known separating so soon after completing a bond wouldn’t be pleasant, but I hadn’t expected the physical pain that hit me as soon as we went our separate ways.
By the time I reached Clumber Estate, a soft sheen of sweat covered my forehead and my hands curled into fists so tight I had nail imprints in my palms.
My phone chimed with a text as I walked up to the front door of the main house.
Gabriel: It hurts.
I’d wondered how it would affect him. Gabriel was neither a shifter nor a full non-human, but I guess a soulbond didn’t care.
Rys: I know. I’m sorry.
Gabriel: It’s not your fault.
Wasn’t it, though? Now we were apart and I didn’t have Gabriel filling my every thought, I had too much time to reflect on everything I should’ve done differently.
A soulbond was never entered into lightly.
That final step was only taken when both parties knew exactly what they were getting into. When all the consequences of taking that final step had been explained thoroughly and plans had been made for afterwards.
We’d done none of that.
I knew the basics of what was involved, but Gabriel had known nothing.
Nothing.
And I’d bitten him without a fucking thought about anything that came after.
My phone buzzed in my hand, startling me.
Gabriel: Stop. If the guilt you’re feeling right now is about last night, then stop. I know we rushed into it, but I don’t regret it, Rys. Not for one moment. x
And apparently our connection wasn’t affected by distance.
Good to know.
Some of the weight lifted from my shoulders and I breathed a little easier.
Rys: Thank you. And me neither x
I wasn’t surprised when Talis came out to meet me before I could open the door. I wasn’t expecting Axel to follow him out though. Before I could ask, Talis gave me a short, sharp headshake, so I let my questions go.
For now.
We had more important things to discuss.
“Did everything go okay yesterday?”
Axel smirked. “If you mean did I escort the Lady Sarhin and your father back through the gateway along with Blake and a fuck load of poison, then yes.” He gestured to his throat, then nodded at me. “But it looks like you got up to something far more interesting.”
Talis’s expression was unreadable for once, and a slither of unease crept down my spine. He was my best friend and my beta. I needed him to be okay with this. Choosing between Talis and Gabriel wasn’t something I’d ever considered, and I didn’t want to.
I took a deep breath. “Gabriel Mason and I are bonded.” They both knew it already, but saying it aloud seemed necessary. Made it more real somehow.
Axel grinned and stepped forward to grip my shoulder. “It looks good on you.”
I couldn’t help but stand taller. Gabriel was mine, and both me and my wolf were extremely fucking proud of the fact. I didn’t want to have to justify my actions, least of all to Talis, but I regretted nothing about this decision.
“Talis?” I raised an eyebrow when he stayed silent.
