Page 23 of Distinctly Daray
The corner of Phillip’s enticing mouth quirked. “We have not known each other long, and whether you like it or not, we required you to make our circle complete.”
Keegan scowled slightly. “Are you upset that we’re mates?”
Shaking his head vigorously, Victor rubbed his suddenly damp hands on the charcoal gray pants he’d chosen to wear. “Absolutely not. Although if I’m being honest, I’m still shocked.”
“I understand,” Phillip said. “My dragon is confident. However, I remain unsure how I have gotten so lucky.”
“I’m glad you guys are feeling as confident as me,” Keegan remarked. “Today, one of my classmates decided it was his duty to pull me aside. After learning this morning that I’d found another mate, he researched triple matebonds. He gave me all kinds of warnings and statistics.”
“It’s a struggle for some people,” Victor conceded, though neither he nor his cat liked hearing it. Now that he’d met Keegan and Phillip, he would not let them go without a fight. A surge of protectiveness for both men flowed through him thanks to his kitty, and Victor silently thanked his beast for trusting his instincts and sharing his strength.
“It need not be for us,” Phillip stated firmly. That quiet confidence made Victor’s dick twitch, and he quickly crossed his legs in case his hormones raged out of control. “I have nothing to do but research. While I did not bother looking into the struggles of other people, I searched what people feel are the componentsof a successful relationship. What I learned is that we must communicate and prioritize each other. If we can promise to do those things, I see no reason we cannot honor Fate.”
Keegan grinned. “I wish you could take your classes, but I’m glad you looked into that. I want to be friends with you both, and I definitely want to honor Fate.”
“If we’re honest with each other, our trust will grow,” Victor commented. “I know you’re both honorable, but please don’t keep things from me or each other, even if you think you’re protecting me. The last thing I want is secrets.”
“I wouldn’t keep secrets from you,” Keegan assured him.
“That is an impossible promise,” Phillip stated flatly. “Our line of work will force us to keep secrets.”
Victor laughed. “I mean things that relate to our relationship. Don’t worry, I don’t expect you to break the rules or give me details about your work.”
“I apologize for misunderstanding,” Phillip offered.
“No apology is necessary,” Victor replied with a smile for Phillip. Their acquaintance was short, but clearly Phillip was pragmatic and serious. “I should’ve been more specific.”
“I can promise to be honest with you as it pertains to our relationship,” Phillip vowed.
“Good, then I can finally tell Victor how nervous we were about dinner last night,” Keegan said.
“Our nerves were stretched thin at the idea of approaching Chand about my resurrection spell,” Phillip added.
Victor’s brows flew up in surprise. “It occurred to you guys before you met me that Keegan might have a beast on the other side of the veil?”
“We thought that was why we were so awkward with each other,” Keegan replied. “Thankfully, that feeling is gone now, but I’m still curious.”
“My beast was the calmest I’ve known him today, but he remains aggressive,” Phillip said. “As hard as I work daily to build my relationship with him, we cannot communicate directly, so I am unsure exactly why he is unruly.”
Victor’s heart broke as he thought again about Phillip’s struggles. Even prior to first shift, his cat had provided him with a sense of calm and fortitude. It was nearly impossible for Victor to imagine anything breaking the bond he shared with his beast. So, he instinctively hated that Phillip lacked the same tight relationship with his dragon.
“I’m so sorry,” Victor told Phillip. “As a shifter, I can’t imagine how frustrating and scary it must be to share your soul with a belligerent beast.”
“I work hard to talk through my frustration both with myself and Alaric,” Phillip confided. “It is not my dragon’s fault I do not understand him or his motives. He is not purposely hurting me, although it takes many potions to allow me to mute the roaring in my ears and his constant desire to assume control of me. Thankfully, this is the second day I have slept just eight hours. I feel optimistic about the future.”
“I’m so glad you’re hopeful,” Keegan replied. “You’re a strong person, and I really like how you refuse to blame your dragon.”
Victor smiled at Keegan. “I agree, Phillip is very impressive.”
“I wish to make a rule that we do not embarrass me with compliments,” Phillip stated.
“Get over yourself,” Keegan retorted. “Victor and I can compliment you whenever we want. Right, Victor?”
“Without a doubt.”
“You should both get out of my room now,” Phillip teased.
Grinning at Keegan’s bright laughter, Victor hoped the part of him awed by the two beautiful men would never fully go away.
