“So you all love your spaces, yes?”
We each glance at one another.
“If you don’t mind me asking,” Thayla says with the fakest smile I’ve ever seen. “When did you do this for them?”
“Oh, moments ago, after I changed. As I was looking around my beautiful room, the idea struck me. If I created a space for each of them, then they’d be more willing to stay with me.”
“Right, okay. That was sweet of you.”
“It was, wasn’t it?” she asks, tilting her head to the side. None of us answer.
“Have no fear, though, Ms.—Thayla.” She drags her name out like she’s waiting for our appreciation that she used her name like she was asked to. “I created a space for you as well. I know my boys. They’re much like their father. They won’t be going far without you.”
“Oh. You shouldn’t have,” Thayla says with a small laugh.
“Of course I had to. Come, let me show you.” She twirls around, stopping at the doorway as we all step forward. “What are you boys doing?”
“Following you,” Kyzen says.
She gasps, laying her hand against her heart.
“You boys have no business seeing your Binder’s personal quarters. Unless…” Her eyes roam across us, then settle on Thayla. “Thayla, have you already invited one of my sons into your bedroom?”
“What?” Thayla barks out a surprised laugh as her cheeks heat.
“What Thayla does and doesn’t do in the comfort of her home is none of your concern,” Amick says, holding her stare.
“That may be true, but this is my home, my rules. The four of you have no business in her room. I decide if, when, and who should I allow a goddess to enter your space.”
“You decide—”
Thayla steps forward, cutting Amick off.
“It’s fine, she’s right. Her house. A quick peek in the door right next to you will be fine.”
Despite the fact she’s consistently stroking our souls as if to let us know she’ll do that the entire time, our faces stay firm.
“Fine,” Amick says, then he focuses on Calista. “We tolerate no disrespect toward our Binder. You offend or harm her, and we’re gone.”
“Of course, son. I wouldn’t expect anything less from my boys.”
Ice slithers across my skin.
She knows fuck all nothing about us.
“Come, Thayla. I’m so excited to show you.”
Thayla gives us a tight smile as she walks toward the Goddess of Creation. The second they pass through the threshold and the door shuts, unease fills my stomach.
“I don’t like this,” I say.
“Neither do I,” Amick agrees.
We need to get the fuck out of here.
Before I can step forward, Riven charges toward the door. A yelp rips from his lips as soon as his hand wraps around the handle.
“Motherfucker,” he shouts, gripping his wrist and hopping around.
