Page 81 of Higher Demon

A sob of relief escapes me, and I think every ounce of love and comfort that I can his way. I still don’t think it works, but just in case it does, I want him to know I care and I’m waiting. “He’s okay,” I whisper, mostly to reassure myself.

“What was that?” Gabe asks as I sit up and swipe away the wetness on my face.

Shit.

How do I tell my brothers and brothers-in-law that I have a mind-to-mind link with Marc and not have them think he’s mind-controlling me?

“I said, I’m okay,” I stall. “Uh… I think I might have… food poisoning.”

Connor stands, grabs my upper arm, and hauls me to my feet. “Yeah, food poisoning is known for causing sudden agonizing pain and then disappearing without a trace a few minutes later.” He points to a chair. “Sit. I want the truth.”

Feeling a lot like I’m fourteen again, I slink over to the chair and slump into it. Marc is a steady, reassuring presence in my head. Whatever he’s doing now, he’s fine. “I’m not a kid, Con.”

His expression softens, and he leans against Kieran. “No, you’re not. I’ve told you before, but it’s worth repeating: I’m proud of you.”

Aw, man. That he can say that even after finding out Marc and I are together… well, there’s a reason I love my big bro so much. “Thanks. I, uh, I try to make you proud.” I let my gaze skim from him to the others. “All of you.”

“We know,” Gabe assures me. “We know who you are, Ian. And that’s how we know you’re a shitty liar, and if you were being mind-controlled by a demon, they’d do a better job of covering it up.”

“Hey!” Damn it. That’s what Matt said.

“It’s true, kid,” Connor says. “As much as I hate to admit it, if Marc was mind-controlling you, you’d have come up with a better lie than food poisoning.” He pulls a face. “Which means you actually decided to get involved with a higher demon. I’m gonna need time to process that one.”

“Take as much time as you want,” I offer generously. “It took me a while to process it too, and I was living it.”

“While Connor’s processing,” Kieran interrupts gently, “why don’t you tell us what just happened?”

“I’m kinda guessing,” I begin cautiously. “Marc and I talked about this, but neither of us thought it was gonna happen—not this soon, anyway.”

“Uh-oh,” Tom mutters, inching closer to Connor. Aw—he’s going to take him down if he has to.

“Higher demons do this thing when they find a soul mate.” This isn’t exactly how Marc explained it, but I’m trying to make it acceptable to my brothers. “The one being they’ll love forever and can’t live without.”

“I can’t decide if that’s sweet or sickening,” Kieran says.

“Sickening,” Connor and Gabe reply in unison. I roll my eyes.

“Anyway, it’s called a bond. It’s basically a mental awareness of the other person.” I carefully avoid saying it’s a mind connection. “It canonlyhappen when both people are fully committed to the relationship and willing for it to form.”

“And you have it?” Connor looks a little nauseated.

“I didn’t, before. Ithinkit appeared when I was telling you guys how I want to be with Marc forever. Suddenly it was like he was with me, and I could feel his pain.”

Con perks up. “He was in pain? Was that what it was? Did he die?”

I glare at him, glad I didn’t mention the whole dying-when-the-other-dies bit. “Could you try to sound a little less happy about my boyfriend being in pain?”

He actually gags. “Please don’t say that. Ever.”

“What? That he’smy boyfriend? Get used to it, Con. He and I arebondednow. We’re gonna be together always.” A little thrill goes through me at the thought. He’s mine forever.

“Getting back to the point,” Gabe prompts. “Marc was in pain, but I’m guessing he isn’t anymore? Do you know what’s happening?”

“He’s fine now, I know that. He wasn’t before. I think…” I gulp, not liking to remember it. “Things were really bad for a little while. But it seems to be good now.”

Kieran makes a humming sound. “That’s why you asked about telepathy? Is it one of the benefits of this bond thing?” His fingers twitch, and I get the feeling he wants to take notes.

“That’s what Marc said, but I don’t know how it works.”

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