Page 4 of Immortal Bonds

Soren's smile grew even more somehow. "Excellent, then. I imagine I will see you later at dinner. I'm off to do some research." They lifted the book in their hand and strode back through the open door of the library.

Thalric wanted to follow. He loved books — so much so that back home he had his own miniature library. That would be hell for anyone who moved his stuff later, he thought, but didn't vocalize it. No need to give them hope that he had decided to stay. It was still pending.

"We should probably get you settled. We've done a lot of walking and talking and some reunions. You'll see the others at dinner. I imagine you want some rest."

Thalric could have told his sister that he didn't need to rest. He'd used his magic to give his dragon full control while he slept during the trip. He knew it would be exhausting to stay awake. His human body would have crashed the minute he landed otherwise.

He shrugged, then took her hand, which she extended his way. Thankfully, Silas had never minded the affection between the two of them like some possessive dragon mates might have. He and Mira had always been close, possibly closer than the other siblings they grew up with. As a result, they were touchy-feely. It was just who they were.

Up until that moment, Thalric hadn't realized how much he missed it. He had understood how starved he was for this level of affection. How, despite the charm and charisma he could pour out in waves, he had not connected with anyone on a level he needed, on a level he craved.

Mira led him to a room on the same hall as the rest of the family. Granted, it was a massive hall, the rooms spaced out so that no one felt like they were on top of one another.

"This will be yours," she directed, pushing open a door to what he presumed was a guest room. What he found instead was a space that looked pretty much identical to what he had back home.

"How did you—" he started, spinning around to look at the space.

She clasped her hands together in front of her and swung her body side to side. "I have my ways, big brother."

The tease in her tone was welcome. He loved his sassy sister. She didn't get to express that part of herself much anymore. "Well, it looks great, and I can't thank you enough."

She bounced over to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. "You can thank me by staying."

He shook his head, turning to look at Silas. The other man raised his hands. "Do not look at me to defend you. She will get what she wants. It is just a matter of whether you agree, or whether she forces your hand."

"Forces my hand?"

Mira looked up at him. "Romilly found his mate here in San Noctis, and I suspect my other children will find theirs soon too. Who's to say there isn't a bit of magic left for you?"

Thalric only just managed to keep his expression neutral. What she was suggesting was phenomenal. It was a dream. Everything he could have wanted.

But it was so far-fetched that it didn't seem possible. He pressed a kiss to his sister's forehead, then released her and stepped away. He faked a yawn that neither of them believed.

"I think I should get some rest. I'll see you later. Maybe send me a text when dinner's ready."

"Of course," Mira said easily, before wrapping her arm around Silas's and dragging the man out of the room. "Love you, bye!" she shouted, slamming the door in their wake.

Thalric shook his head and dropped down onto the edge of the bed. He pulled out his cell phone, making sure that the ringer was on for whenever she told him it was time to eat. He wouldn't be asleep, but he might be a touch distracted.

He opened the one app he allowed himself. The phone was mostly for business and to keep in touch with family when he made time. But the app was his indulgence. It was his favorite thing because it held his favorite person.

He shot off a message: "How are you doing this afternoon, boy?"

Then he waited for the reply.

CHAPTER 2

CREIGHTON

Creighton stood in line at the café, angry at himself for running late that morning. Had he simply gone to bed on time instead of crafting yet another Gnome for his collection, he would not be in the mess he was in.

While he loved the café because of their dedication to all species that lived in San Noctis, he also didn't like how many people would be there. The morning rush was full of all different types of people, people that Creighton typically avoided.

Thank goodness he'd remembered to put in his blockers before he left the house. As a vampire, he had a very heightened sense of smell. Imagine a thousand times that of a normal person and several times over other supernaturals. That was his burden to bear. A disability he'd been born with and had managed for all of his many years.

While everyone else could sniff each other to their heart's content and tell what someone was thinking or feeling in the moment, he was forced to rely on people being honest when they spoke. Part of the reason that he had his shop and kept to himself outside of business hours was because he didn't know who he could trust. He hadn't learned anyone well enough to be able to pick it out.

He looked around the space slowly, not letting his gaze linger on anyone for too long, lest they think he was trying to engage them in some type of challenge. Creighton wouldn't challenge anyone. He was a softy through and through.