Page 22 of Changelings
Imogen shrugged. It wasn’t really any of her business what he’d done before they met. It was entirely his business if he wanted to search for a mate in every bed from here to Gleanná. In fact, it wasn’t even really Imogen’s business now.
But then…why was she so annoyed thinking about him flirting with some pretty barmaid in Granach?
Clearing her throat, Sorcha pressed on. “Well, in any case, I’m sure it’s a lot all at once. I just wanted to see how you’re getting on with the idea. And him.”
“He seems set on the idea.”
“Everyone knows how much he’s been wanting a mate,” said Sorcha. “There are more than a few women who’ve hoped for years it’d be them. But word is already spreading about you, I’m afraid. He came here more than once asking about you. Many will be more than pleased for him that it’s finally happened.”
That burning in her chest traveled up her throat, and Imogen clenched her jaw hard against the sudden sting of tears.
Good for Balar, finally finding his mate. Too bad about her face.
And good for Imogen, too. Found someone finally. Too bad the fates chose, not him.
“So I should go along with it? Because he’s wanted it badly enough?” The questions were as irrational as her thoughts, but still they slipped out into being, not to be drawn back.
Although she didn’t dare look Sorcha’s way, she could feel the woman’s frown. “Absolutely not. You get a say in this, too.”
“Do I? This mate business sounds quite final for them.”
“For them, maybe.” Sorcha sighed. “They know it’s different for humans.”
“I don’t need the town coming with torches and pitchforks if I say no.”
Sorcha nudged Imogen’s shoulder with her own. “They couldn’t anyway. No one knows where you live exactly.”
She appreciated the try at humor, and while it did loosen the tightest knot of Imogen’s trepidation, it felt as though nothing could stabilize the shaky ground she now tread.
“I think I understand what you’re saying,” Sorcha said gently. “No one would fault you for being uncertain. And most would understand if you ended up deciding you don’t want this. But if that’s your choice, you must tell him, before any bond takes root.”
Imogen nearly choked on her dry throat. “Bond?”
“Mm. I’m not entirely sure how it works for manticores, but orcs at least form a strong bond with their chosen mate. It’s deeper than love. They’re tied to that person irrevocably.”
“And they feel that strongly the moment they see their mate?” A cold pit of dread opened up in Imogen’s gut.
“No, not for orcs, at least. There’s some element of choice in the matter, as well as time for the bond to grow. It’s different for each individual, of course, but once it’s set, it’s there for life. From what I’ve heard Balar and the others say, the manticores seem similar. Not as quick as it is for fae, but still, a bond begins to form, and once it’s in place…”
The thought of that beautiful long feather laying on her kitchen table had Imogen’s stomach churning.
They lapsed into silence, Imogen not daring to open her mouth to speak for fear only acidic sick and frantic tears would escape. Sorcha gave her the time and space, not speaking until Imogen had gotten several deep breaths in her lungs.
“Whatever you decide, my family and I support you. But whatever it is, you must tell him.”
Imogen shook her head. “I never…imagined having someone.” Especially not a big, loud, winged lion-man who came with four other big, loud, winged lion-men.
“Not at all? You didn’t hope to meet an eligible bachelor hermit?”
Imogen snorted. “The only one out there is Dermott.”
Sorcha made a gagging sound Imogen completely agreed with.
She needed to tell Sorcha about what Dermott had done, laying more traps outside his land. Sorcha’s father Sir Ciaran was on the town council of Granach, a body who’d warned Dermott not to trespass or set more illegal traps. It was a safer topic, but she just couldn’t seem to get her mouth to work.
A gentle hand came to rest on Imogen’s shoulder and squeezed. “Think on it. You don’t have to decide anything now. Having someone…it could be nice. I worry about you out there alone.”
“I have Chestnut. And Shadow.”
