Page 121 of Between Two Kings

“He’s Damon’s mate!”

“Only if he wants to be.”

But Tem just shook her head. Caspen wasn’t getting it. To him, nothing had gone wrong. Gabriel was intact; Tem’s friend had survived the night. But Tem didn’t want Gabriel to become caught up in her world. The point of the evening had been to mend relations between the humans and the basilisks, not to find Gabriel a mate. She closed her eyes, trying to calm down.

“Tem,” Caspen said gently. “I promise you Gabriel is not in any danger. The mating bond is not like the blood bond. It consists only of emotion—there is no magic involved. Gabriel is not tied to Damon in any way. He may walk away a free man if he chooses.”

Tem tried to believe him, but panic was cinching her throat. She hadn’t expected this, hadn’t thought that taking Gabriel under the mountain would mean indoctrinating him into basilisk society. It was the last thing she wanted for him. “Why did you let him stay the night in the first place?”

Caspen gave her a long, knowing look. “Because I could see how Damon felt about him.”

“Everyone feels that way about Gabriel, Caspen. He’s irresistible.”

He shook his head. “My brother’s feelings are genuine, Tem. He does not fall easily.”

Tem stared at him. He was being sincere; she could tell. But it didn’t change the fact that she needed to get Gabriel out of here. “Will you take me to him?”

Caspen nodded.

The journey to Damon’s chambers was a short one. Caspen didn’t knock on his door; it seemed no one bothered to do that around here. Gabriel and Damon were on the bed, their lanky bodies curled around each other. Tem realized in that moment that she’d never seen Gabriel when he was sleeping. He looked completely at ease, his golden curls tousled, his arm draped over Damon’s chest. The sight warmed her heart.

“Gabriel.” She touched his shoulder. “Wake up.”

His eyes opened slowly. “Tem,” he mumbled, his voice thick with sleep. “What is it?”

“I’m taking you home.” As she said the words, some part of her wondered if he was already home.

Damon’s arms tightened around Gabriel. He pressed his lips to his neck. “Will you return?”

Gabriel looked up at Tem, silently seeking permission. But Tem found no need to give it. She understood that their relationship was out of her hands. Instead, she looked at Damon, speaking into his mind: Are your feelings for him sincere?

They are.

Why should I believe you?

Damon looked at Gabriel, who looked at him. Gabriel gave him a dazzling smile, which Damon returned. He is like sunlight.

He didn’t elaborate, but Tem knew exactly what he meant. Gabriel had been her sunlight her entire life. Perhaps it was time to let him shine elsewhere.

I’m choosing to trust you with him. Don’t make me regret it.

In response, Damon kissed him.

Tem watched them together, her heart full, her body warm. When they drew apart, she took Gabriel’s hand in hers as they retrieved his clothing in the cave before walking to the head of the trail. Gabriel stood by as Caspen pulled Tem into his arms.

“Will I see you back here before dinner?” he murmured against her neck. It felt like the question Damon had just asked Gabriel: Will you return?

Tem had completely forgotten it was Sunday. They would be expected at the castle tonight. And Tem would be expected to bleed.

“No,” she said. “I want to spend the day with my parents. I’ll meet you there.”

For some reason, after the night they’d just had, she craved the comfort of her mother.

Caspen kissed her. Then he turned to Gabriel. “You did well,” he said simply. Then he was gone.

Gabriel nudged her shoulder. “Hear that, Tem? I did well.”

Tem didn’t dare tell him just how well he’d done; she would let Damon tell him in his own time. All she could do was be happy that he was alive and that the visit had done what she’d hoped it would do: make it difficult for Gabriel to turn against the basilisks. After the way he looked at Damon this morning, Tem doubted he would lead another protest.