Page 88 of Blinding Light

Always.

23

As they left the car and headed for the door, Moargan had to acknowledge the obvious—everything felt different. Had it started the moment they’d entered Ludo Fandi’s apartment and Moargan had seen true horror in Cyprian’s eyes? Perhaps it was their bonding ceremony that had turned his claim on Cyprian into the intense promise the palming ritual was supposed to be.

No.

The change had been set in motion the very first moment Moargan had laid eyes on Cyprian. That was the truth. Moargan could feel it in his body. That moment marked the beginning of how his lover had weaved the slightest of silk thread around Moargan’s existence and had wrapped himself around everything Moargan breathed. And he had done so without wanting to invade. No, Cyprian was discreet in every single aspect of his life. His footsteps, his voice, and even his movements were reticent as if he lived in a permanent state of apology.

Sorry.

Sorry for being here.

That had to change. Firstly, because Cyprian had every right to be around. Secondly, because he’d have to step up sooner or later. They were now bonded. The ritual had completed that. But could they also be fated mates?

A spark shot through this bond, warming his palm. Moargan’s head jerked up. “Did you just?—”

Cyprian gave him a sheepish grin and nudged his chin toward the front door of the house Moargan had grown up in. “They’re waiting. I didn’t know if it would work.”

“Well, it does.” And it felt amazing. Moargan kisses Cyprian deeply before his lover can push him away with a cute blush.

“Moargan. They’re watching.”

“So?” Moargan threw an arm around Cyprian and dragged him toward the house, inwardly purring like a cat. “Let them see.” He chuckled at the push to his side he received in reply.

“Hi Moargan.” Vandor greeted them by the door. He dipped his gaze. “Cyprian. I wanted to say I’m sorry for what happened with your father.”

“Thank you.”

“Yeah.” Vandor opened his mouth, but no other words came out.

“Come on.” Moargan tugged on Cyprian’s hand. “He’s always been a bit of a weirdo.”

Cyprian snorted. “Perhaps he’s shy.”

“Perhaps he’s weird.”

Cyprian pinched his side, making Moargan laugh.

“You fight like a woman.”

“And you…” Cyprian circled Moargan’s waist, dropping his voice. “Fight like a bear.”

“Like a bear, yeah? Well, if you want, I can chase you like one. Would you like that?” Moargan growled and leaped forward, barking out a laugh when Cyprian yelped and ran, bumping right into Zimeon.

“Oh, I’m so sorry,” he stammered, cheeks blushing beautifully.

Zimeon grinned. “Hi there. It’s good to see you two. Your father’s waiting in his study.”

“On our way.” Moargan hauled Cyprian back by his hand and steered both in the right direction.

“This house is so impressive,” Cyprian sighed as they made their way through the tangle of corridors and impressive rooms. “I can’t believe you grew up here. Does anyone else live here besides your dad?”

“Helianth still has his room, although he has his own house as well. And Kylix comes here from time to time.”

“That’s your cousin, right?”

“Yes. His mother is my father’s younger sister. Remember the two blue-haired dudes we met during Helianth’s Aureate? Those are two other cousins. Their father is a brother of my father.”

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