Page 94 of Ascension

My mind sorts through, attempting to make sense of all the new information being shoved into it. I look at each of the gods before me, remembering when we first met. Adrian, the magnetic pull across the dancefloor, the insistence I felt to focus on him and only him. Mateo, my eyes pulled to his across the corridor, the school and students slipping away from me. Kyros, I literally fell head over heels for the man, melting into a pool of butter at his soft gaze and strong arms wrapped around me. Maximus, despite being the biggest asshole known to mankind, I still found myself drawn to him, the electricity of his emerald-green gaze on me.

It couldn’t be real, couldn’t be possible. Yet, I can tell from the guilty look in Kyros’ eyes, he can read exactly what is running through my mind and is silently confirming it. Helping me along, explaining the last piece of the puzzle, allowing me to work it out for myself.

They all knew. All four of them knew I’m their mate. Probably knew from the moment they felt the magnetic pull of attraction between us. Yet, none of them told me. Of course, they didn’t, despite the magnetic power to each other, they couldn’t stand being around me. Maximus even felt stuck with the responsibility of watching over me. That’s why they wanted to protect me, keep me safe. They feel obligated to do so. They’re drawn to me, just as I’m drawn to them. They can’t help it just as much as I can’t, but they don’t want to be.

Even if they did, would I want to be bound to them? The finality of soulmate rings in my ears, and fear and anxiety spiking within me. My breathing speeds up. Adrian’s hand squeezes mine, but I ignore him. I can’t focus on my racing thoughts and look at him right now.

The hurt and betrayal tightening my chest, makes it hard to breathe. I can’t do this. I can’t be tied to these four men. Four gods. Tears prick at my eyes, blurring my vision. I can’t do this, I can’t stay here—can’t put my heart on the line. Not with four different men, four chances of getting it trampled.

Kali tugs at my arm, wrapping hers around me and pulling me to my feet. My other hand drops Adrian’s. I meet her gaze seeing the understanding there. She already pieced together the clues, coming to the same conclusion I have. Seeing my need to run plastered across my face, she leads me to the exit, our other friends already waiting there for us.

“Olivia,” Mateo rumbles behind me, the anger evident in his voice. I stumble once, the only hesitation I will show. There will be no escaping this place, no running from them if I don’t leave now. I pause, meeting Kali’s gaze. She must have some idea of my intentions because she nods. Waiting for me to make the next move. I pull on that sea of power within me focusing it to my will. I need to get out of here.

I picture where I want us to go. Imagining the familiar sensation of dissipating. The feeling sweeping over me, I tighten my hold on Kali, not letting her slip from my grasp. Our bodies disintegrate, and the world fades to darkness. The last sound I hear is four roars melding together, filled with outrage and anguish, crushing my heart even further.

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