Each of them is focused entirely on me and I look at Cole and say, “The Chosen One.”
He beams at me and I frown at him. He wants this? I see him exchange a long look with CK, which I have no idea how to interpret. He did mention something about kids months ago, but I slammed the door closed on that conversation. And of course, CK and I were making plans, but that got firmly shut down too after I found out about Sebastian’s spelling me. I am just not sure if it was my idea or his. I must nip this in the bud, pronto. “However, I am not some brood mare and there will be no babies of any species.” Cole’s face falls a bit and CK looks somewhere between smug and upset himself. We never did get to discuss it properly. I should probably carve out some time for that when I get back.
“Linc, you wanted a word?” I ask him then to change the subject.
He sighs. “It can wait,” he says.
“Are you sure?” I ask in concern. He looks beaten, as if someone has let all the fight out of him.
“I’ll speak to you when you get back,” he says.
I nod, feeling bad all of a sudden. I have never seen him so deflated.
“Well, if that’s it, I have some shit to deal with,” Devon says, standing up. He whispers to me as he passes, “Midnight,” and I nod.
Lincoln slopes off after a long hug, which makes me feel even worse now. Whatever is on his mind is weighing heavily on him. “What is it?” I ask him telepathically, but he doesn’t answer me. “Linc,” I press.
“Later,” he says gruffly and then leaves me alone with my husbands.
I look at them each in turn and then hold my hands out to them. “It’s time,” I say to CK. “You said you wouldn’t refuse when I asked again.”
“Only a fool would refuse you, my love,” he says, standing up and taking my hand. Cole takes the other and CK Teleports us upstairs to our bedroom and I shut the door on the rest of the world.
Chapter 15
Buckinghamshire, England, September 2013 – Liv
After a very satisfying sex session, I struggle to stay awake. I have to meet Devon soon and I can’t let myself go to sleep. Oddly, both Cole and CK have crashed so I sneak off the bed and get dressed. I hastily make my way outside and to the clearing, where he is already waiting for me. He smiles as he sees me dressed in jeans, boots and a thick coat. He pulls the lapels of the coat together as he kisses me.
“You look adorable,” he says.
“Thanks,” I say, wrinkling my nose at him. “So, what did you want to talk to me about that you didn’t want anyone overhearing?” I am eager to get this show on the road. I still have to go back to feed Cade and get some shut eye before the Heat hits.
He steps back and goes over all formal. I am worried now, and wonder if this has something to do with his odd behavior of late. He clears his throat and I wait for him to start.
“Err, I don’t know if perhaps Cole has mentioned to you about this weird connection thing we have?” he asks.
I nod, as I remember him telling me that the day after CK and I got married. “A bit, not much.”
“Oh, good,” he says, a bit relieved. He turns his back to me and starts to pace. “I have some feelings for him, that are…different,” he says.
“Different how?” I ask in the dark.
“Different as in, maybe, slightly, more in line with how you feel about him,” he replies cautiously with his back still turned.
“Err,” I say, totally sideswiped. He is in love with him?
“I wouldn’t say I was in love with him,” he says, turning back to face me with a soft smile. Gods, he knows me so well. “But there are some feelings of, you know.” He shrugs to show that he isn’t bothered, but he wouldn’t be telling me if it wasn’t affecting him.
“Okay,” I say, shoving my hands into the pockets of my coat. “What do you intend to do about it?” I don’t mind sharing. In fact, my mouth kind of starts to water when I think of the possibilities. A true three-way indeed.
He moves quietly to stand in fro
nt of me, pushing me back against a tree. He lifts my chin up and stares into my eyes. “What can I do about it?” he asks. He isn’t asking me, per se, more of what he thinks Cole would let him get away with.
I breathe out slowly and think about it. I have no idea. Cole is still very much in the hetero zone. He will be for some time, or maybe he will never leave it. But centuries of going around the block tends to make one curious and more adventurous. I know that Devon has been with men, as he knows I have been with women. “He’s still so new,” I say carefully. “I couldn’t say.”
He nods. “Thought as much,” he says stiffly. Not angry with me, but at the situation.