Page 47 of From Frost to Flame

Chapter Ten

Lex

Rain pitter-patteredon the tent Castor set up for them while they talked. Their wet clothes hung on one side to dry while they sat facing each other ontop of dark blue blankets made of plush nebula fabric. Lex sat in the flimsy robe Julian packed him and enjoyed the view of Silas stripped down to only a pair of black briefs. A dim lantern tucked away in the corner cast a low flickering light, but the immaculate beauty of Silas's body was still noticeable. Every curve of carved muscle and constellation tattoo made Silas living art.

Fifty years since he pinned me down. Since I’ve had his hands on my hips.

“Lex, are you listening?”

Remembering why they were sitting here, he looked down, embarrassed, and stuck out his bandaged arm. “What did you say?”

“I was saying our bond can lead to intense desire. Especially when your mate makes you feel wanted, cared for, or loved.” With a gentle touch, Silas got to work on unwrapping Lex’s wrist one layer at a time and inspected the damage. “Do you think this is an effect you experience?”

“Yes. I think so, anyway.”That’s probably why I’ve had trouble focusing on anything decent since he asked for me back. Having a mate is embarrassing.

“I was asking if you had questions about our bond. I’m sure it’s a lot to take in.”

“Does our bond maybe make us more jealous of other people?” He shifted uncomfortably as he asked.

“It can. Anything that threatens our bond can be distressing. Why do you ask?”

“I may have panicked and broken a glass in my hand when I thought you were seeing other people,” he admitted quietly. “And I kissed Vega to make you jealous. I’m sorry, that was so immature.” He expected Silas to be angry, but he just laughed.

“That explains a lot. If it makes you feel better, it worked, and I was definitely jealous.”

“You’re not mad?”

“No,” he said with a smile. “We weren’t together, and I understand feeling jealous. I will have to ask Vega where he got the idea I was seeing anyone at all. He knows that’s not true, so I suspect he was up to something. Probably teasing you on purpose. Any other bond questions?”

“What was it like when we bonded?” Stinging liquid splashed on his wrist, and he winced. “Like, what did it feel like?”

“I felt our souls tangled together. I was certain I was always yours and you were always mine. It was beautiful and terrifying, and the best night of my life.”

“That’s beautiful,” Lex said, smiling at him, and then a knot of guilt hit him. “I wish I had something magical like that to say to you. All I remember was feeling safe. I don’t often feel that way with how many nonhumans are stronger than vampires. But with you, I just knew I didn’t have to worry about anything.”

“Trust me,” Silas said, kissing Lex’s fingertips. “Hearing you say that is, in fact, magical. Anything else you want to ask me?”

“I have these visions when we’re apart. I see you doing things or talking to people. There’s never a warning, it just happens. I’ve been trying to understand them for years.”

“They’re a voluntary way for mates to check in on one another when separated. The lack of control you have is odd. Looks like we found another way things manifest differently for you, other than you not feeling my pain.”

Lex slumped his shoulders. “Everything about this bond makes me feel out of control. I don’t like not having control of my mind or actions.”

“We can practice.” Silas tore a bandage with his teeth and wrapped Lex’s wrist. “I can control the effects of our bond better since it’s natural to me. I’m sure you can get it with time.” He hesitated. “If I claim you, you might have more control.”

“Claim me?” Lex raised a brow. “Not to be crude, but you’ve done that plenty of times in the past.”

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