I smile at that as the three of us nod, taking it all in and seeing how the progeny of Wrath lives, though we fall back into silence. I feel like I’m on the most awkward blind date ever, which is stupid, because I have feelings for each of them and we’ve all had our moments together, but for some reason, as a group, we’re awkward as hell. It’s as though everything is settling into us: the reality that we’re free, that Morax can’t come for us again, that we’re not in a dungeon or fighting for our lives. And then there’s all the heavy mate stuff and all that entails.
I turn to look at my three mates, and everyone is quietly looking around. Ire has his hands in his pockets, and he keeps stealing looks at the three of us like he’s on edge about our reaction to the space, seemingly worried we won’t like it. It’s bold and dramatic, everything in blacks and reds with a modern vibe, and even though it’s not what I would call homey, it’s still decadent. It fits him, and I’m glad I get to see where he lives, to get a peek at this piece of him.
I realize that as much as I’m waiting for one of them to take the mate reins and steer this horse, I’m the common denominator here, which means I have to be the one to bring us together and make this work. I have to be the glue. I just wish I thought to ask Medley and Delta how glue works, because then maybe this wouldn’t feel so intimidating.
A wave of nervousness rises up inside of me, but I shove it aside. As much as sudden shyness wants to grab hold of me, I can’t let it. Right here, right now, this moment is important. The way we begin our quad is vital to how we’re going to go from here. We need to get to know each other, grow comfortable with each other, and that depends largely on me setting the tone and the example. I don’t want Ire to feel like the odd man out, and I don’t want Vudu and Toreon to hesitate or hide themselves either.
So I swallow and clear my throat and pull up my half demon, half angel, big girl panties. “Okay, how about we get cleaned up first,” I say, looking between them, “then we can eat and rest?”
The three of them immediately nod, like they’re grateful I’m taking the helm. Even though they haven’t said anything, I know that Toreon and Vudu need a moment to process, to talk, so I’m going to make sure they get that time, and then I’m going to make sure we eat and rest together, because I know that we all need that, too.
They need to know that I’m here, that I’m okay, that I choose them, and I need that reassurance from them as well. I’ve had so little time with my new mates, all of it while we were surrounded by danger or dejection, so I’m looking forward to being able to learn about each other without being stuck under a cloud of worry.
“This way,” Ire says, and he begins to lead us down an open corridor straight ahead. Once inside, he shows us the different doorways and which lead to bedrooms and bathrooms. “I usually take this bathroom here, but…but I don’t need to,” Ire says, blue eyes swinging around.
“That’s fine, I’ll take the second one,” Toreon says before giving me a smile that doesn’t quite meet his eyes before he turns and slips inside.
Ire looks up at Vudu. “Fucking hell, you’re massive,” he says as if he’s looking at Vudu for the first time.
Vudu grunts and I giggle. “Just give me a bath I can fit my ass in, and it’ll be fine,” he says.
“Better take the last one there,” Ire says tilting his chin, and Vudu squeezes my hand before stomping his way down the hall and going into the designated room.
As I watch Vudu go, something tugs at me. I hold up a hand to Ire, silently asking him to wait, and then follow after Vudu, knocking gently on his bathroom door. It cracks open, and I’m met with dark gray skin and muscles for days. My eyes lift from Vudu’s bare chest until my gaze is fixed on his red eyes, and I audibly swallow. I wasn’t prepared