Page 11 of Unrestrained

Fuck. The curse dragged out inside Stellar’s head. Of all the people who could’ve gone missing, it had to be River. That did not look good on any of them. Obviously, he worried about the fairy’s whereabouts. Surely he had simply gone to visit the human realm or something along those lines. They had just seen him. He cringed at the reminder. There was no way he could have known after all these centuries that Taurus was his mate. Of course, as Stygian had pointed out, there had never been a blood exchange between them. Now that he had realized that, he felt a little dumb for not trying. To be fair, their kind didn’t bite. They were more akin to energy vampires. He had felt the urge to bite Taurus before, but he had always been in the middle of some violent sex. Damn. He should have seen it. They were too perfect together. Then again, he was strong enough to admit he had craved Stygian for sex and simply his time. Their mind games had become more than just Stellar enjoying something new. Now he simply put on a tough face, kept his thoughts locked behind a steel door, and tried to make sure his two mates never saw how confused he felt. Two mates. That was a blessing he hadn’t dreamed he would be found worthy of having. More than one mate was usually reserved for the greatest of creatures. Not him.

Stellar put on his game face. People filled the great hall. Worried chatter echoed throughout the room. Silence fell the moment Stellar entered the room. Everyone bowed their heads. Stellar actually fucking hated that. He knew it was a sign of respect, but he honestly wasn’t that special, and he knew it.

“No need to bow. We have business.”

Another sudden burst of chatter exploded when the people standing closest saw Taurus’ collar. A whispered chorus of they are mated made its way around the room. Despite the delay in the serious topic they were to discuss, Stellar couldn’t help but smile. Everyone would understand Taurus belonged to only him by the end of the day.

Technically, he belongs to me as well.

A low growl rumbled in the back of his throat. You’re both mine. I suggest you do not forget it.

“What about River?” Taurus asked out loud. Only Stellar and Stygian would know he wasn’t talking about River being missing. That was important too, of course.

I am yours only. You two have nothing to worry about. If it is your wish for me to never feed from anyone else, you have my vow, even if I starve.

It hit Stellar. This must have been how Lysander felt when he chose death over letting anyone other than Stone touch him. He understood now. While Stellar had fed from River, somewhat, Stygian had been right there, enjoying the show. If he hadn’t been, Steller realized now the time with River would have felt even more distasteful to Stellar than feeding from anyone other than Taurus had already been. Stygian had wanted to watch. He had pleased one mate at the expense of the other. Even though he hadn’t finished, Stellar hated that.

Taurus ran his hand down Stellar’s spine, stroking him. It’s okay. This time. If it happens again, I’ll slit your throat in your sleep.

Stellar tried not to laugh. They were having a serious moment. Yes, my angel.

Hey, what about me?

There’s nothing angelic about you, my little demon.

Stygian sniffed. That’s better.

Stellar caught himself smiling like an idiot and quickly rearranged his face. River was missing.

To that end. “Has anyone seen River past noon hour yesterday?”

A sturdy wood fairy stepped forward. “He’s my neighbor, my lord. River always comes home by dark. I keep a watch out for him. He’s a little… well, you know. He’s a head-in-the-clouds fellow. No one has seen him since he left here.”

“Have you looked for him?”

The fairy nodded. “I checked all the usual places before everyone joined the hunt. He’s nowhere to be found. It’s not like him to do this. He never misses a meal with me.”

Well, shit. “Okay. I know this isn’t something we do often, especially not as a large group, but we need to search Wulfe. Do not get distracted by all the sexy Weres. This is important.” Stellar divided everyone into groups, assigning them to different areas of the human and not-so-human town. He couldn’t go. They would already draw too much attention. A royal presence would only make the town more clouded with lust. As it was, people would likely spend their day locked away. It was the fairy dust from their wings. Even if they kept their glittery appendages put away, the dust still spread like pollen. When the room emptied, Stellar paced.

Taurus watched with his sexy yellow eyes, following Stellar’s every move. He stood straight and solid, like the warrior he was. Taurus’ mind was…

Stellar turned and focused on Taurus. “What did you do, Stygian?”

A loud sigh rang through Taurus’ head. Stellar could hear everything. “As you said, you were entertaining me, and Taurus needed a little jealousy to make him admit he wanted you all to himself. I just suggested to River that someone should stir up your jealousy. That’s all.”

Stellar stood firm. “That’s not all. You somehow convinced him to free you. You possessed him.”

Taurus shrugged on Stygian’s behalf. “He was completely unharmed. Unwittingly, he gave me the means to escape, so I might have taken him for a little ride. It’s not easy having no corporeal form. You should understand. You were using my lack of skin as punishment. I just enjoyed a couple of hours in the sunshine. It’s not like I didn’t come right back. I left him safe and sound, I swear,” Taurus’ gaze swept Stellar’s body. Stygian made a humming sound of delight. “No way would I leave with all this sexiness entertaining me.” Taurus’ gaze returned to holding Stellar’s stare. “When I saw Taurus, I saw my chance. He is irresistible to you. I knew you’d finally touch me.”

Stellar kept waiting for Taurus to interrupt and rage at Stygian. He didn’t.

Taurus finally spoke. “You’re not the only one in this situation who’s been given two mates. He’s mine as well. Fate has spoken. I’m still unsure about him sharing my body, though.”

Stellar pinched the spot between his eyes. What should have been a cause for celebration, and never leaving the bed again, was a mess. That tracked, though. Unlimited existence and still nothing was ever easy. He hated that.

As much as Stellar believed he hid the worst of his thoughts, he hid nothing from them. Stygian wasn’t sure why Stellar hadn’t realized, as his mates, there was no place in his mind to keep secrets. It was their right to see everything if they chose to do so. Stygian chose to do so. Even before he entered Taurus or could hear Stellar’s thoughts, Stygian had seen the weariness in Stellar. He didn’t want to be in charge of everything. That was supposed to be his father’s job. One day, the king had simply refused to handle his duties any longer. Someone had to be in control. Their people still needed a leader. The law. The judge and jury. What was Stellar supposed to do? He couldn’t simply let them fall to ruin. But this wasn’t meant to be his job, and Stellar didn’t want it. His exhaustion weighed on Stygian. That was a feeling Stygian understood well. Bodhi had promised him a body of his own as long as Stygian helped him in his bid to destroy Lucifer. It was a game, of course. He had known in his heart Bodhi would dangle that carrot in front of his face for eternity. Hope was an evil thing. Stygian had been incapable of escaping that dumb emotion.

“Your acceptance of me has given me a reason to want to keep going.” Stygian meant the words for both his mates. “You two have no idea how far I would go for a body of my own. I know I’m the thief in this situation. It’s not as if I don’t realize how I accidentally stepped into the middle of what should’ve been the most wonderful moment of your lives. I’m sorry I’ve stolen that from you.”