Matthieu’s told me. I’ve been around the supernatural world long enough that I’m not very shocked by magic or things like mate bonds anymore, but I’m not a totally gullible idiot either.
“I think I need to find my friend.” I take a cautious step backwards, away from Matthieu.
He blinks like I’ve confused him. But then he seems to realize the direction my thoughts have taken, because his entire expression lights up. “I think I’d like to meet your friend too.”
“Um…” How do I tell him I want to talk to Alistair alone first, without offending him or hurting his feelings? Matthieu and Rian have been sweet and kind to me, and they seem excited at the possibility of meeting their mate. It just feels like there’s a lot happening all at once.
The balcony door crashes open, and Rian steps out with a panicked look on his face. He doesn’t see me right away, as I’m standing behind the door and partially hidden by the darkness. “Matthieu, thank god. I’ve been looking for you for ages. This is an absolute disaster!”
Matthieu smirks at me and then tilts his head at Rian. “Hello, old friend. What sort of disaster are we talking about here?”
“Our mates, of course!” Rian growls and tugs at his hair dramatically. “Everything was going so well, and they’re both absolutely precious. But then one of them cut her hand and ran away, and the other one got into a fight with a werewolf. I have no idea what the fuck is going on or how I’m supposed to keep track of them.”
My mind goes a bit fuzzy for a moment at hearing him refer to me and Alistair as his mates. Until I realize what he just said about Al, and I step forward where he can see me and widen my eyes in alarm.
“Al got into a fight? Is he okay?”
“Isla!” Rian gapes at me and shakes his head incredulously. “Have you been out here with Matthieu this whole time?”
He turns and gives Matthieu this completely ridiculous look of betrayal, and Matthieu laughs. “Don’t get upset at me. She found me on her own.”
I grab Rian’s hand, hoping he’ll focus on me instead of whatever petty jealousy he’s feeling. “Please, where’s Al?”
Rian’s entire demeanor softens, and he threads our fingers together. “He’s okay. I left him in my bedroom and asked him to wait there for me. He said the werewolf was your ex-boyfriend?”
My face heats up, and I grimace as I lower my gaze. That’s just like something Alistair would do—get into a fight on my behalf when I’m not there to cool him down or talk him out of it. A tiny, vindictive part of me hopes he got Bryson good, but the logical part of my brain knows he’s totally not worth the effort or the drama. I hate that I’m the cause of such a scene at a party like this.
“I’m sorry,” I mumble quietly.
“No, no,” Rian says softly. He pulls me a little closer, hesitantly, and brings his other hand up to tenderly stroke my hair. “You have nothing to be sorry for. I’ll make sure the shifter is black-listed in the fae community after tonight. I’m just so relieved you’re okay.”
Matthieu steps closer and bends down slightly so we’re more eye-level. He’s still smiling, but there’s no trace of the arrogance he was showing when Rian first stepped outside. “Is your friend a human like you are?”
Being so close to Rian and Matthieu at the same time is incredibly nerve-racking. It’s like my body feels comfortable and relaxed, and I’m still crazy attracted to Rian. But my brain is telling me not to trust these feelings, that these males are dangerous and powerful, and I have no business getting involved with them. Besides, this mate thing is totally confusing and overwhelming. The more I think about it, the more anxious I feel. God, I just need to get out of here and talk to Al!
“Alistair is half-human, half-demon. We’re not really sure what kind of demon his father was.”
Rian smiles at Matthieu as he continues to hold me. “I’d say quite a powerful demon, just from the short time I’ve spent with him. He has healing magic, and he can summon fire.”
“Impressive,” Matthieu hums thoughtfully.
Rian’s eyes heat up, and a deep growl escapes his throat. “Just wait until you see him. God, wait until you see them together.”
Matthieu chuckles and grins mischievously at me. My emotions are completely at war. I