“Actually, she didn't say anything, but at lunch today the others and I were talking about what our fears are, and Ward–one of my other mates–is terrified of reptiles. He was hoping I’d get something fluffy, and instead I got blessed with a giantmurder lizard that can literally eat water buffalo. He’s going to lose his shit!”
“I amnota murder lizard, thank you very much, and your mate will need to man up,”Zara snaps.
“Oookay, sassy pants. I’m sure it will be fine,” I roll my eyes at her dramatics.
“Gather ‘round, class!” Professor Grellet claps her hands, waiting for everyone to join her. It seems over half the class have found their familiars. I’m still in awe of mine; the connection simmers right under my skin, not as overwhelming as the mate bond, but still distinct.
“It seems we have had some luck! I am so happy for those who have found your familiars. I suggest you take the time to learn about the creature that chose you. Learn their diet, their likes and dislikes. If they would like, your familiar can go with you, and I will have everything you need for their care sent to your dorm. Raise your hand if your familiar will be leaving with you; once we point to you, you may go.”
“Zara, are you coming with me?”I ask, glancing down at her.
“Of course witchling, you’re not leaving me to go back in that hell with these creatures.”I raise my hand, and when Rune points in my direction, I start heading towards my next class. First semester is Mental Shielding, which is held at the combat arena, and I decide I can use the extra time until class starts to get to know Zara more. I’m almost out of the forest when Rune catches up with me, Mikko still perched on his shoulder like a bird rather than a raccoon.
“So how does it feel having a familiar?” he asks, bumping into my shoulder, causing Mikko to slip. He jumps down from his vantage point and hisses at me, making Zara smack him with her tail. The racoon skitters up a tree.
I sigh, “Honestly, I’ve always hoped I’d have one, since my Nana has a raven. Hers is a lot less sassy, though it seems I got lucky.” I roll my eyes sarcastically, fighting the urge to use air quotes when I say ‘lucky’.
He barks out a laugh. “Yeah, I’ve been taking care of her since she was brought here. She’s a handful, that’s for sure. By the way, what’s her name? We aren't allowed to give monikers to the unclaimed familiars.”
“Though I loathe his rat, I like your mate. He made sure I got good meat.”
“Mikko is not a rat. You both will need to learn to get along, since you will be stuck together for a very long time,”I remind her. Out loud, I tell Rune, “Her name is Zara. She says she likes you. However, I am still worried about what Ward will–”
“What the fuck is that!” Ward’s voice, slightly higher pitched, interrupts me.
Speak of the devil… “Hey Ward. This is my familiar, Zara.”
He looks like he is seeing a ghost, his normally tan skin now paper white. “Dove, please get away from that thing, They eat fucking meat! Are you crazy?” He whisper-shouts.
“Who, exactly, is he calling a ‘thing’?”Zara snaps her teeth towards Ward. Rune is red trying not to laugh his ass off, and by now the others have joined and seem to be having the same problem.
What the actual fuck has my life become?
Leif finally helps get Ward to calm down. Unfortunately for him, he has Mental Shielding with me, much to his horror. He refuses to get within ten feet of Zara, who is taking great pleasure in scaring the shit out of him.
“Zara! Leave him alone please,”I beg after she snaps her teeth at him for the fifth time in like five minutes, as we are walking into the training area. “Ward sweetie, I know you aren’t a fan of reptiles, but she chose me, so you don’t really get a vote. Not that I would have chosen differently,” I assure Zara over my shoulder, “but the bond I have with both of you is forever. It can’t be changed, so can you both please try to work through it? I promise she will stop being a brat.”
He looks between me and Zara. “I will try my best for your sake, Dove, but I make no promises. I really wish you had an owl or cat or something.” The comment makes Zara hiss, causing Ward to let out a very girly squeal.
What the fuck is my life right now.That thought is spinning on repeat in my mind like a broken record, because at this point… just, what the fuck? I don’t think much more could surprise me at the moment with everything that’s been popping up lately.
“Zara, please stop torturing Ward. Ward, please don’t antagonize her. We have got to get to class.” I grab Ward's hand and start pulling him towards the training field. The others call out their goodbyes between laughing their ass off.
Ward gives Zara the side-eye the whole walk towards class, and as bad as it sounds, I’m also trying not to laugh at the ridiculousness of this. Zara, thankfully, is staying a couple feet on my other side so there is some distance between the two. Supes live for a very long time–hundreds to thousands of years depending on the species–and familiars live as long as their chosen supe. I sure fucking hope these two figure their shit out at some point, or it’s going to be a very eventful life for us all.
As we get closer to the field, Ward starts to relax, but I can suddenly feel the watch humming in my pocket, more intense with each step. Taking it out, I see the last hand is spinning uncontrollably.
Ward starts laughing and it’s his turn to pull me. “Come on, Dove, let's go meet my last brother-husband.”
I come to a screeching halt, my jaw nearly hitting the ground in surprise. “I’m sorry, your what?” I ask, choking back a laugh.
He grins proudly, beaming from ear to ear. “My brother-husband, duh. We will all be your husbands eventually, so they will be my brothers.” He starts pulling again, and I have to concentrate on not tripping over my feet since I’m still giggling; this man is something else.
The training yard is used for a couple different classes so there are still multiple scattered around as we get close to the side of the arena where our class will be held. I immediately feel the pulling in my chest start, but I tuck the watch back into my pocket since there are so many people around. Ward and I both look around as we make our way to our group, the tugging of the mate bond getting stronger. The class is gathered around talking to someone, but as we get closer they break apart, and I see him.
I don’t know how but I can instantly tell which one is my last mate, even without the watch. I stop in my tracks, causing Ward to jerk to a stop as well, as my final mate turns slowly to face me. I know he can feel the pull as well. He’s tall, probably the same height as Ward; but where Ward is dark, he is light. His hair is so white it’s almost translucent, his eyes a deep violet, set in a sharp jaw, and he’s biting the hoop that’s sparkling on the right side of his mouth. He has broad shoulders that taper to a slim waist, but a very bitable ass.Fuck me, all my mates are so fucking delectable.
Zara sighs loudly.“Can you stop drooling, and actually go speak to him?”
