Page 52 of Fated Mates and How to Seduce Them
Both arms wrapped around his waist in a possessive hug, and Ian felt like he’d possibly been missed over the past day. Possibly the feeling was mutual. “That excited, eh?”
“And nervous,” André admitted, still not letting go. “Please put me out of my misery.”
Looking into his face, which did indeed look both excited and nervous, Ian suddenly felt like he was maybe missing some information. Context, at the very least. “Uh…is this something to be nervous about?”
André blinked at him like he had no idea how to respond to this question. “I thought Mom explained?”
“I thought she did too but now I feel like she missed telling me a few things.”
Speak of the devil, the woman herself came into the house next, already shooing them on. “Move, there’s no room for all of us in here.”
True, they’d entered via the garage, and the mudroom was large enough to kick off shoes and shed coats, but not for hanging out in. Ian pulled André along with him as he headed for the living room instead, as that seemed the best place to conduct whatever test they wanted. Mesmerize was something thrown out earlier, but Ian didn’t know if it was going to be the actual test.
Ian was somewhat aware of mates being important to vampires. The copious amounts of books, fanfiction, tv series, and movies were enough to tell him this was a thing. André’s reaction to the idea was also telling. But now that he sat on it, Ian realized he didn’t know how much impact this would have on them as a couple. What portion of those elements of being a mate described by the media were accurate? How much of it was something else he didn’t know?
Well, they’d test first. André could explain afterward, if it was at all relevant.
Upon reaching the living room, Ian found both Mr. Castor and Felix there as well. Whole family, eh? This was gearing up to be a thing. Should Ian be nervous? He couldn’t summon up the emotion, though. If anything, he grew more perplexed.
“Ah, finally, everyone’s back.” Mr. Castor sat up a little on the love seat, looking at Ian with a strange intensity. “Ian, dance with my son.”
“He has to let go of me first,” Ian joked. “Also, that was random. Why dance?”
Everyone in the room sucked in a startled breath.
Eh?
Ian had the distinct feeling he’d just missed something major.
“My god,” André breathed, finally letting go enough to come around so he could look Ian directly in the eyes. The joy and surprise lighting up his expression was like a lighthouse. “You really didn’t feel a thing, did you?”
“Feel what?” Ian asked cagily. Was he supposed to have felt something?
“He really didn’t.” Felix let out a whoop and then laughed the laugh of the incredulous.
“Dad used Mesmerize on you,” André explained, and there were happy tears in his eyes, shining brightly. “You’re clearly immune. You’re a mate, sweetheart.”
“I’m…No, can’t be.” Turning his head, Ian demanded, “Try it again.”
“Hmm, well, let’s try something a little different.” Mr. Castor stood and looked serious again.
Ian waited.
Waited some more.
People seemed to be holding their breath, but even then, Ian had no idea what was happening. Was something even happening? Well, the air felt a little heavier, like there was a thickness to it, but maybe the heat had kicked on?
“Prestige doesn’t work on you either.” Mr. Castor shook his head, smiling. “You’re a mate.”
“EHHHHH?!” Ian’s eyes darted from one face to the next, finally landing on André again. “Surely not!”
“Proof is right here in front of us.”
“No, but, but…” But mates were gorgeous, charming people, right? Ian was just Ian. There was nothing remarkable about him.
Well, there hadn’t been. Until about a minute ago.
Rubbing a hand over his face, he tried to collect his thoughts. Everyone in the room was dead certain he was a mate, and he didn’t think for a second they would lie to him about it. Which meant he was a mate—or had the potential to be one. He and André were only dating. They weren’t at soulmate status, after all.
