distraction. I wrap the coat tighter about myself before stepping into the snow-covered front yard. Everything is white and bright and so pretty, and I keep my eyes on the snowy tree line as I take clumsy steps further away from the cabin.
I stop to catch my breath when I’m a few dozen yards away from the door, and I look around slowly. It’s really gorgeous here, though I imagine not many people live nearby. And it’s so quiet. All I hear is the soft rustling of the wind in the trees and the idyllic chirping of birds. I’ve never spent much time outside of New York, and I’ve never been anywhere so mountainous or rural before. It’s not bad, but it’s definitely strange. I guess I’ll need to get used to it.
“Okay,” I mumble to myself. I pull my sleeve up and gaze down at the rune mark on my wrist. Last night really happened, and I have four fucking mates now. I dreamed about seeing a rune mark on my wrist when I was dating Bryson, but I never in a million years thought it would happen after he broke up with me. I almost want to laugh at the irony of my situation, and I brush my fingers over the mark as nervous laughter bubbles up in my throat.
It’s pretty and intricate, more so than any mate runes I’ve seen on shifters back home, and my skin tingles pleasantly as I stroke my finger along the lines of the design. I’m surprised to discover Madame’s protection brand is nowhere to be seen. My skin is smooth and unblemished where it used to be.
I don’t blame Caelan, Audun, Reule, or Maalik. Reule warned me this was going to happen, and Maalik did his best to stop it. I’m sure they were affected by those stupid moons even more than I was, and I acted like a fucking lunatic. Just thinking about my behavior last night makes me cringe. I can remember every detail, but it’s like I had no control over my actions.
The sex was amazing though. I already wanted to sleep with Reule, but holy shit those guys are so hot and they seriously know what they’re doing. My body still aches pretty much everywhere, but it’s the best kind of ache. If I hadn’t been so mind-fucked by those crazy moons, I know there’s no way I would have been as bold or as confident as I was with them.
A coughing sound interrupts my thoughts, and I turn my head to find Audun standing on the front porch watching me. He’s fully clothed, wearing a thick jacket and a hat on his head. When he sees me looking back at him, he awkwardly raises a hand and waves at me before shoving his hands into his pockets.
My heart melts a little, and I wave back shyly before turning around. It’s really cute that he came out here to keep an eye on me, while still being sure to give me some space. It makes me feel cared for, and maybe it’s just this fresh, new mate bond making me feel extra sweet toward the guys, but I don’t feel that upset about being here with them. A big part of me feels excited.
Honestly, I think the fact that I feel more excited than upset is freaking me out more than anything. I barely know these guys, and I don’t know a goddamn thing about this world. I pace back and forth in the snow agitatedly and grumble to myself. How the hell did I end up becoming mates with four sexy, chimera shifter guys? Why was I brought here for this? I’m still convinced that Reule and the others had no idea, and had absolutely no part in bringing me here.
I can’t change what happened. The only thing I can control is how I handle my circumstances now. And until they give me reason to do otherwise, I’ll try to get to know these guys. It’s not fair to me or them not to give this relationship a chance. Judging by the way Audun and Caelan were cuddling with me this morning, I have to assume they feel the same way.
But…Alistair.
I close my eyes and pinch the bridge of my nose. I know I’m stuck here officially because of this bond. But how can I just…not think about Al? I feel sick not knowing if he’s okay, and I hate that he’s probably worrying about me