Page 14 of Unrestrained

Taurus’ heart skipped a beat for more than one reason. He couldn’t let Stygian get hurt, but he was also moved by Stygian’s willingness to protect him.

Bodhi sneered. “You—”

“Oh, sit down, you fool.”

At Stellar’s command, Bodhi sat. A line appeared between his brows. He visibly tried to move but couldn’t. Stellar was his prince now.

“What have—”

“Be quiet.”

Bodhi’s voice vanished.

Stellar paced between Stygian and the clearly enraged druid. “We need to figure out what’s happening to River.”

“You could invite the healer. He plucked my shadow form from thin air, trapping me. I’m willing to bet he can fix this.”

Stellar nodded.

Taurus hadn’t even considered Wulfe’s town healer, Frost. From what Taurus understood, from purely fairy gossip, Frost was Lucifer’s son. He was powerful and the first place Stellar had gone when Lysander had nearly passed. Bitterness rose in his throat. Stellar had long been convinced Lysander would be his mate. He had been Stellar’s best friend longer than Taurus had walked the earth. Of course, there was someone Stellar preferred over him. Never had he solely owned Stellar’s heart.

Stellar stopped pacing and focused on Taurus over Stygian’s shoulder. His purple eyes glowed with inner stars. “Friend. Lysander is my friend. Companionship is all I dared to dream to have. You seemed too big a prize, even for me. Maybe especially for me. I’ve never been worthy of you.”

Stygian reached behind him and squeezed Taurus’ hand.

Taurus hadn’t known how much he needed that connection until he had it. He hadn’t realized how bereft he felt after having Stygian plucked from him like a crucial petal. Every ounce of his vulnerabilities were on display. It was no wonder Bodhi had seen how to crawl beneath his skin to stab him in the heart.

Taurus gave Stellar a sharp nod.

Stellar dipped his chin. Don’t allow this lowlife to play with your head. I see his game now. He plays to divide and conquer. Weaken us. We can’t allow that to happen. No amount of friendship could compete with you. Never in my long life have I coveted anything more than I have this pairing.

Taurus knew Stellar spoke the truth. You know my fire is easily stoked. My jealousy is every bit as explosive as my every other passion. He kissed Stygian’s shoulder while holding Stellar’s stare. The three of them burned hotter inside him than any emotion. He felt a deep hunger rumble from inside Stygian. The craving was more than mental. Stygian needed blood. His physical form was new. He needed to be fed.

Stellar waved his hand, and a magical barrier appeared. Magic glistened as a barely visible cage. He didn’t look away from them. “River is trapped in a deep sleep but in no immediate danger. This matter can wait a little while longer.” Stellar motioned toward the door. “After you.”

Bodhi stomped his feet, making the only sounds he could in protest.

Stellar glanced over his shoulder, barely offering Bodhi an ounce of attention. “You could use some cooling off. Comfort your mate.”

As a group, they headed for the hall. Their needs felt bigger than any imminent danger. They needed to focus on each other.

Chapter Seven

The skin beneath Bodhi’s hand was smooth and exquisite. He couldn’t stop himself from running his hand down River’s arm until he reached the tattoo that matched his. He gently turned River's wrist from side to side, inspecting the mark. Bodhi couldn’t explain the level at which nothing mattered any longer. Was this how Frost felt with his mate? Would he risk Gemini’s safety for Lucifer? He knew a spell when he saw one. Bodhi was nearly as old as Celeste. He wasn’t a fool. This mating mark was just another brand of magic. But every magic wielder had a specialty no one else could match. Celeste’s forte was the power to create and meld souls. It didn’t matter she was a god. A spell was a spell, and it could be reversed. Bodhi needed to ensure that never happened.

Bodhi ran his fingers through River’s soft curls. “Time to wake up, firecracker.”

River’s eyes peeked open. He immediately squeezed them shut.

Bodhi waved toward the ceiling, and the light dimmed. “Open your eyes.” He had to see those green irises. Bodhi hadn’t seen that shade of green for hundreds of years. The sea was too polluted now. Damn, his soul ached for those days. Still, Bodhi’s current form preferred the comforts of present day.

River’s eyes slowly opened again. This time, they locked onto Bodhi. “Hey.”

Bodhi shook his head. River puzzled him. He had torn into Bodhi with his words before actually ripping away his skin. Yet here he was, greeting him with the sweetest of tones.

“Hey.”

“How long did I sleep?” He never looked away from holding Bodhi’s stare. It was as if he didn’t care where he was. All he saw was Bodhi. That was a stroke of ego. Bodhi liked those.