Page 108 of A Blackened Bond

“You can’t just play. We need to—”

“All work and no play makes life very dull, Creed.” There’s a slight endearment to Annex’s tone as he continues, gazing at their group’s chosen leader. “You’ve forgotten how to live properly, brother. It’s not always just about the end goal, but the journey along the way.”

Creed scoffs. “And life’s not always rainbows and sunshine. Being burnt before, you think you would remember that, Annex.” There’s a bite to Creed’s tone, an anger swirling in his amber eyes, not all entirely directed toward Annex.

Silence floods the room, a sombre atmosphere taking over.

“Let’s get you to ‘Elle’s’.” Ezra breaks the silence, giving me a knowing grin before we make our way toward the door.

“We need to talk—” Creed shouts.

Annex lets go of me for a moment, turning around to meet Creed’s angry glare.

“Nah. We’ve already said all we need to, Creed. Accept it.”

Ezra’s POV

Micai was my mate. My fated mate…and Annex’s too.

I stare at Annex, a smile pulling at his cheeks and his eyes shining with glee as he watches Micai.

I knew I would be sharing Micai with others, as was the way of the supernatural community. But I had hoped it would be my brothers—as long as that’s what Micai wanted.

I could tell she had a strong bond with Annex. It was evident from day one that they had a special connection.

Although to know that we’rebothher fated mates…

A smile mirroring Annex’s spreads on my lips. I guess fate had brought us together in our little group for a bigger reason….To meet our mate.And I couldn’t be happier.

Annex was a crazy psycho at times, but he would kill and die for his family, forthisfamily. He already has, andmore than once.

He had a love in him that was buried deep inside, one that burned brighter than anybody else’s. And, like me, he would give his whole heart and soul for her. He would burn the flesh from his body, break the bones beneath his skin, and raze the world to ashes for our mate if she wanted it.

Is this the reason I felt so comfortable when we were all together? That whatever bond that tied us to her was connecting and linking us more and strengthening our bonds?

I had heard in supernatural partnerships that there was usually jealousy between a few of the male partners toward each other, but I never felt anything like that with Annex. I was more content when we were all together and felt happy knowing she was with him when I wasn’t around. I knew he would always keep her safe and put her first.

“I’ll just be a few minutes, and then we can grab something to eat, maybe from Pages and Pies?” Micai turns back, waiting for a response from me as Annex nods.

“Yeah, and I’ll show you the best place for a gelato.” I take my space on her other side as Annex chuckles, draping his arm over Micai’s shoulders as I wrap my own around her waist.

“Whatever our girl wants.” He gazes over her head toward me, a soft look in his eyes before glancing back toward her between us.

Ourmate.

We make our way into Elle’s, Micai heading straight for a staff member as Annex heads toward the blades.

I notice the jewellery on the opposite side of the store and head over, finding a set of earrings that instantly remind me of Micai and me. A small lilac pearl sits at the stud before it drops down in small leaves—or scales—to a fine shimmering tip.

I pick up the set and notice one of the pearls has a slightly bluer shade to it. It reminds me of Micai’s soft blue eyes, and brings a smile to my lips.

Christmas wasn’t far off, and it would be our first together. And we had already missed her birthday.

It had been frustrating to know we spent the whole day with her and didn’t even know it was such an important day. We would have done something much better and grander if we had known.

So, Christmas Day was our do-over. I had already ordered a few things, and I know Annex had too. I think even Mallyn had gotten Micai a present as well.

We have never properly celebrated Christmas together before, just treating it as another normal day. At most, we had dinner together as a group. But this year will be different.

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