have mentioned he was here,” he drawls, and I bare my teeth at him in a snarl. This seems to take him aback, and as he glances over my shoulder, something in his expression changes. He’s still grinning, but it looks forced now, his eyes wary. “Clarissa,” he murmurs, as those gathered nearby now watch with a mixture of worried expressions. What’s happened in the last thirty seconds that’s causing them to worry? “Step away from the mountain man and go touch your mate,” Naril suggests, gesturing behind me.
Comprehension hits me, and I feel like an idiot. I’ve completely pushed the bond with Vaeril aside, focusing only on Tor. My need to make sure he was okay overrode the feelings from my other connections. They warned me that all feelings would be amplified and that we would both feel particularly territorial to start with, and I’d completely forgotten that as soon as my eyes had landed on Tor. Turning, I face my new mate, and I instantly feel awful. He’s practically shaking as he watches me with Tor, his hands balled up into firsts, and I know he’s trying really hard to battle his instincts. Now that I’m aware of it, I can feel him down the bond, how strong his need is to push Tor away from me, to hold me, to touch me. Usually, I would tell him to stop being a territorial fae, but I can see how hard he is trying for me, that he’s fighting who he is for me. How would I feel if another female touched Vaeril? Fierce, fiery rage floods my system. The onlooking speakers all take a step back, giving us more space, and I realise then that I’m snarling, and their startled, wary expressions are because of me. Breathing deeply, I straighten and take a few steps towards Vaeril, who’s watching me with an intense expression.
“He looks like he’s about to implode,” Naril helpfully notes, looking less tense now that I’m at Vaeril’s side.
Stopping in front of Vaeril, I reach up and place my hand against his cheek. His body instantly relaxes at my touch as he nuzzles his face against my hand, pulling me closer. Resting his chin on top of my head, he takes a deep breath, inhaling my scent as the tension leaves his body. I won’t admit it, but being here in his arms settles something inside me, and I wish that was enough, but I can’t deny the pull that’s calling me to Tor.
“So you finally did it then?” Tor asks lightly, as if he can hear my thoughts. Vaeril’s arms tighten around me as I glance at the tribesman. I don’t try to move away, knowing that would only escalate the situation, and instead, I rub small, soothing circles into Vaeril’s back with my hand.
“Yes, she’s mine now,” Vaeril replies, a low purring noise starting up in his chest. He’s just answering the question, confirming that we did finally seal the bond, but the way he says it makes it sound more like a challenge. Tor stiffens, and I watch as his hands clench and unclench. My heart speeds up as Vaeril shifts his weight, preparing to fight as his instincts push him to protect what is his. Vaeril promised he would try, but within the first ten minutes of being together, they are already on the verge of fighting.
Is this what it’s always going to be like? A constant battle and one-upmanship? Am I asking for too much? My thoughts spiral, falling into despair. Vaeril seems to feel my shift in mood and glances down at me, a frown pulling at his brow. Someone clears their throat, and I glance up to see Tor smiling.
“Probably a good thing I know how to share then, isn’t it?” Tor comments, shrugging his shoulders. The tension lifts, and I take a deep, relieved breath, sending Tor a grateful look.
Turning back to Vaeril, I see his apologetic expression and smile up at him. I was going to ask if he was okay now, if he had everything under control, but seeing him like this and feeling his regret through the bond, I realise he’s doing his best. I take his hand in mine as I pull away before turning to face those gathered around us. Tor is watching us with a neutral expression, and I want to speak to him, to find out how he’s feeling, but there are far more important things to discuss. “What happened