Chapter 351

I hesitate for a second, trying to remember what it was like when I first realized that my

mates were in the room. "Um... it felt like... like someone threw a brick at my wolf. But I didn't know who threw it."

He bursts out laughing, and then I do too, because I realize it's ridiculous.

"Clarity, please, Princess," Ben murmurs, drifting his drink casually through the air in invitation for me to continue.

"Well, like, because it didn't hurt," I say, laughing again. "But...I felt it, in my soul, in a very visceral way. A shock, like being hit out of nowhere, to recognize that he was there - it was just Luca at first, and then Jacks a moment later. And I didn't know who it was yet - just that they were around."

Ben hums, considering.

"And then," I say, tilling my head to the side, "it felt like...gravity changed? Like...like if I was a compass, all of a sudden north wasn't north anymore. Everything in me pointed towards Luca. And then to Jackson. And then to...both. Does that...offer any clarity?" I ask, frowning a bit, turning towards him, very much hoping that it does.

"Yes and no," he says, giving me a little smirk, because we're both aware that my description is heavily metaphorical and not based at all in any reality.

But, well. That's having a mate for you, isn't it?

"Ari," Ben murmurs, frowning again, and hesitating like he's not sure if he should ask. "Did... did either of them...hit you harder? Pull you more, in one way, instead of the other?"

"No," I say instantly, shaking my head. "Both ways at once. Both directions. Equal pull in each."

Inside, my wolf bares her teeth and then nips me, getting my attention. I sit up straighter, looking around because - is something wrong? Why did she-

"Come on," Luca says, making me jump a little as I break out of my reverie and look up into his smiling face, at the hand he's holding out to me. "Come and dance with me, Gorgeous. It's been six minutes since you've been in my arms, and it's six minutes too long

I laugh, accepting his hand, but then I hesitate and look back at Benny, not wanting to leave him here by himself.

"I'm up!" he says, grinning at me and pushing himself up from the seat. "It's been six minutes since I've been in someone's arms too! Please, someone! Come and hold me!"

I burst into laughter at my friend and open my other arm to him even as Luca pulls me to his side. Then, between my mate and my pal, I walk out onto the dance floor and proceed to get swept away in the music.

"This has been the most amazing night," Luca murmurs in my ear about forty-five minutes later, holding me close to his chest and tucking his head down close to mine as we lear against one of the booths, still both swaying to the music but taking a minute to ourselves.

"I know," I say, resting my chin on his chest and grinning up at him. "You were so amazing, Luca, Did our nation real proud."

"And you?" he asks, quirking an eyebrow at me. "Were you proud?"

"Luca!" I say, laughing and standing straighter. "Of course I was proud! I was so proud - am so proud!"

"And do you... mind?" he asks, grimacing a little.

"Mind what?"

He shrugs, and I can see he's a little anxious, even though we've both had enough alcohol at this point that we should be far beyond that. "Mind that...well, I mean, you jumped out of the box, Ari. And then you sprinted down to the ringside, and connected with me, and pulled me out of a stupor, I mean, that, combined with the article - people are going to know,"

"Oh, that," I say, waving my hand and rolling my eyes, completely dismissing it as I lean back against him. Luca laughs but squeezes me a little, urging me for an answer. "Luca," I sigh, smiling up at him, "I never minded if people knew that you're my mate- I never wanted to keep it a secret because I was ashamed of you or because it was shameful. I just - I mean, we as a family, we just keep things close. It's like mom's magic -

"Ella's insane magic," he murmurs, his hand drifting up to his ribs, where she knit the bone together this afternoon with half a thought.

Inod, eager. "Exactly. Mom's never kept it a secret - she'll heal everyone, anyone. She's just... never made a public announcement before." I frown a little, hoping he sees the difference. It's about...discretion? Not secrecy."

"I get it," he murmurs, holding me close and sliding his hand up my bare back and burying his fingers in the roots of my long hair. "And I'm sorry about all that. I'll make it up to you."

"You don't need to," I murmur, letting my eyes drift shut a bit, relaxing against him.

"Yeah, but I want to," he says on a sigh, dropping a kiss to the top of my head that makes me smile, that makes warmth drift all the way through me. "I'm just...so damn in love with you, Ariel Sinclair. I'm going to give you the world, whether you want to or not."noveldrama