Page 82 of Bind Me

Ah, another of Billie’s fated mates. She told me he’s a gryffin shifter and a wild one at that, but staring at him now, he appears friendly, easygoing, and undeniably handsome. His blond hair cascades down to his chest, and he’s dressed in blue jeans and a casual deep mauve T-shirt that hugs all his muscles. Those blue eyes are striking. It’s as though I’m face-to-face with his animal side, unsure if I’m talking to Eryx or the gryffin.

“Hi,” I say, trying to sound casual.

Kaden steps forward, extending his hand with a firm grip. “Kaden,” he states, locking eyes with Eryx. “Heard a lot about you. You keep everyone on their toes, much like me.”

Eryx chuckles, shaking Kaden’s hand. “I do my best. How are you liking our neck of the woods?”

Kaden smirks. “It’s beautiful. That’s for sure. And I’m all about trying new things. Never a dull moment here, right?”

“Definitely not,” Eryx replies with a grin. “Especially when Billie’s involved.”

My friend approaches us, smiling brightly. “So good you’ve arrived,” she says, pressing against Eryx’s side as he holds her like she’s his entire world. He absolutely adores her.

“Where are the little angels?” I ask, glancing around, half expecting to see the twins about.

Billie grins softly. “It’s way past their bedtime. They’re fast asleep upstairs, which means we can all relax and be adults.” There’s a mischievous sparkle in her gaze.

“Come in,” Eryx says, reaching out to Chowder, who accepts his fist bump. It’s the first time I’ve seen him do that.

“This is Chowder,” I explain. “He’s part of the family and goes everywhere with me.”

“Well, great to meet you, too,” Eryx says with a nod in his direction.

As we enter the entertainment room, I take in the gothic style of the room. There’s a grand dark stone fireplace, its flames flickering with a warm glow. A spread is laid out with all sorts of drinks and snacks. In fact, there are two tables just for food. Tallis is already there, dressed in black fitted pants and a black button-up shirt, his dark hair cascading over his shoulders. He’s helping himself to the food.

Kaden claps Khaos on the back, greeting him with a grin. “Great to see you again.”

“Appreciate you helping here earlier. Means a lot.”

“Of course.”

Tallis calls out his hello, and Kaden drifts over to him by the table of food, along with Khaos.

I take a deep breath, trying to push away the weight of the day’s revelations.

“So, how do you all like to relax around here?” I ask Billie, seeing three of the guys chatting loudly, laughing, and I assume this is an everyday occurrence.

“Food, drinks, and a little friendly competition,” Eryx replies with a wink. “We have a pool table, darts, and plenty of space to unwind, but the twins keep us all busier than we’ve ever been.”

“In truth, I forgot what it’s like to sleep a full night.” She leads me to a cozy couch area near the fireplace. “I’m so glad you’re here.” She nudges me, taking my hand in hers. “I miss us living together and all those late-night chats. You gotta tell me everything that’s been happening with you.”

“Hey, I do a pretty good job of keeping you up all night,” Eryx interrupts and gives us a wink when we glance over.

Billie shakes her head at him, smiling, her flowing white hair dancing across her shoulders. She’s wearing a bright blue crisscross dress with a deep V-neck and long sleeves, and looks stunning, like she always does. Then she blows him a kiss. “That you do.”

Khaos joins us, too, in midnight-blue dress pants and a fitted jacket. He offers me a drink of something honey-colored that smells strong. I take it and settle into the couch near the fireplace while Eryx stands by the flames, studying us with a curious gaze. Chowder scrambles down from my lap and in front of the flickering fire, looking around the room with wide eyes.

“Why don’t we have more fire at home?” Chowder asks, staring at the flame, then back at Kaden.

“Oh, he talks?” Eryx murmurs, tilting his head as he studies Chowder with genuine curiosity. “My gryffin talks to me, but he’s never spoken out loud.” He leans down to Chowder, stroking his head. “You’re a clever otter, aren’t you?”

Chowder stands on his hind legs, enjoying the flames and staring at Eryx, seemingly unsure what to make of him.

“Is he magical?” Khaos asks, leaning forward, intrigued.

After a quick sip of my drink, which is a strong whiskey and burns my throat, I set it on the coffee table near the couch and explain in a low voice.

“I found him being experimented on, so I saved him and gave him a home. I couldn’t bear to leave him.” Looking over, I adore the way he wears his blue vest. While most of the cuts and experiments on his back have healed, he seems more comfortable wearing the outfit. It hurts me to think of his past, which is why I try not to bring it up around him.

---