Page 44 of Soulmates

“Weren’t you just napping on my dock? How did you get so mad so fast?” Cricket said.

“I feel like a failure. Like, Jake just handed his soul over and I’m actively trying to do it and can’t.”

“Maddox…” Jake started.

“Jake didn’t just hand it over. He was under a powerful spell and given a task he had no choice but to complete. I believe there are other routes that could have been taken in what he gave you, but he was under duress, and in that moment, that’s what he thought to do. If you hadn’t been open to receiving it, however unknown, it wouldn’t have worked. This isn’t about who wants it more or who’s better at handing out souls, which you know, isn’t something you’re taught to do anyway.”

Maddox didn’t say anything to that. Jake pulled Maddox into his body and squeezed his shoulder and Maddox deflated a bit, leaning into him.

Cricket wordlessly handed over some more potion for Maddox, which seemed to help his overall disposition. Maddox had even stopped complaining about the taste, which, judging by the smell, must have been impressively bad.

After several more hours of research and another meditation session, Maddox’s mood had once again plummeted. Cricket finally sent them up to bed while Santiago stayed down to help explore some more potential leads.

Maddox sulked and attempted to stalk around like a truculent toddler but didn’t have much luck while tethered to Jake. It was cute, though Jake wouldn’t dare say so.

“Maddy, stop. Stop moving. Calm down. Please?”

“No, this is entirely my fault.”

“Which part? The part where I basically shoved my soul at you or the part where one of the most powerful mages we’ve ever met can’t even figure out how to complete the bond?”

“I am not in the mood to be reasonable.”

“I see that,” Jake said. “Come shower with me.”

“We need help to do that.” Maddox huffed.

“I’ll call Santiago.” Jake moved to the top of the stairs but was still attached to Maddox, who made an exasperated sound. Neither of them had gotten accustomed to being stuck together.

Santiago helped with shirts and left without a word but gave Jake a meaningful look about Maddox’s temperament.

In the shower, Jake turned Maddox to face away from him and crowded up against his back. With a soapy hand, he slowly washed Maddox’s chest and stomach in soothing circles. It took a while, but Maddox began to relax against him, even tipping his head to rest against Jake’s shoulder.

“I get it, baby. You feel angry and guilty; I just plain feel guilty. We have to let those things go if we’re going to solve this. Guilt and anger won’t make our magic work better. You know this.”

Maddox sighed but didn’t argue. He turned in Jake’s arms and cuddled up close, tucking his head under Jake’s chin. “I know. I’m sorry.”

“I don’t need you to be sorry. I need you to be easier on yourself.”

“Hmph. Well, at least we get to do this now.”

“Do what?” Jake said teasingly.

“Snuggle. Be soapy and naked together.”

“So, to get your mood turned around, I just have to get you naked and slippery?”

“I never said my mood was turned around.”

“Well, you seem more relaxed.” Jake rubbed up and down Maddox’s back and slipped his free hand down to Maddox’s crack.

Maddox hummed softly, tension leeching out of him. “You should keep doing that.”

Jake did. These teasing touches were everything. How many years had he wanted the freedom to put his hands on Maddox? Certainly since they were in their teens. They had always been affectionate with each other, but the ability to ask and receive permission to be intimate with Maddox was still so new, like he’d walked right into one of his teenage fantasies.

Jake’s breath caught as Maddox arched into him, anticipation and relief washing through him in equal measure when Maddox’s cock grew harder against Jake’s thigh.

“Want something, Maddy?”

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