16. Adelbert

Chapter sixteen

Adelbert

I drag my feet through the dark, quiet hallways leading toward the kitchen the next morning, in desperate need of caffeine.

Florence and I continued to chat about trivial matters over lunch, our conversation so engaging that I stayed in the kitchen much longer than I intended. I have never gotten so lost in a moment with another person as I did yesterday, it has only ever happened with my work. I even forgot to take my phone with me when I left the study, which resulted in a couple of missed calls from Jamie, Jasper, and Edmond.

After returning to my study, I was hit by a wave of arousal that I am fairly certain was Florence pleasuring herself in her room. Try as I might, my mental barriers could not withstand the strength of her emotions as they built and built, until I finally unzipped my pants.

I pictured Florence laid out on my desk, legs propped on either side of my chair as I fed my cock into her silky pussy. The image was so vivid that I didn't even have time to grab a tissue, spilling into my hand as Florence's orgasm pulsed through the house.

Before my guilt could get the best of me, I pretended I was rubbing my warm, sticky cum all over her skin, painting her with the essence of my basest being.

Then, I wiped away all the evidence and zipped up my pants like nothing had happened. I didn't allow my brain to linger on what I just did as I got back to work and returned the calls I had missed.

What my friends divulged was the final element I had been missing and I confirmed all my theories around an hour before dawn, just before falling asleep at my desk for a couple of minutes.

I stumble into the kitchen with one hand against the wall. An interesting emotion presses against my psyche, causing my head to snap up.

"Good morning," Florence says brightly from her spot at the kitchen table. The cat is curled up on her lap and a cup of tea is steaming in front of her.

I blink a couple of times in hopes that it will wake me up faster.

Is it mirth I sense from her?

"The coffee just finished brewing. Can I pour you a cup?" she asks sweetly.

I frown back.

"Why are you awake so early?"

"I wanted to get out of your hair early so you could work in peace without all my emotions disturbing you," she says guilelessly. "Unfortunately, it's pouring rain this morning so I'll have to find a new spot to sit and work."

I look out the window and verify her statement. It's a typical summer rainy day.

I can't believe how out of sorts I feel this morning that I missed her presence in the kitchen as well as the weather outside. My head feels like it's stuffed with cotton wool after digesting last night's findings and processing how it will affect me.

I stifle a yawn and explain as I fill a large mug with coffee, "It's no problem. I have finally found the answers. We'll have a group call tonight and I'll tell everyone about it."

My eyes dart around the room, trying to get my head in the moment but I think I am still too shocked to properly process it all. I plod over to the table and drop into the chair across from Florence.

"Good morning. Excuse my manners. It has been a long night."

Florence sits up straight in her chair, looking rested and content. Her cornflower-blue eyes twinkle with a light when she says, "Guess what?"

I wrap my hands around my mug and bring it to my lips. "I don't think I'm ready for guessing games yet. Why don't you just tell me?"

"I met a pixie this morning!" Florence squeals excitedly and does this odd little dance in her seat.

An unexpected warmth blooms in my chest and my mouth tips up in one corner. I lower my cup again, wanting to give Florence my full attention. "Yeah? Who made this morning's delivery?"

"Lindsey. She is so beautiful! And she glows!" Florence gushes, her whole demeanor animated. "She's only a foot tall but she's so strong. She carried all of the deliveries and they were practically bigger than her."

"Pixie dust," I explain. Though pixies are stronger than they look, the dust helps with levitating objects.

Florence presses her hands to her chest. "And her wings! The finest, most delicate green gossamer wings with an exquisite iridescent glow." She closes her eyes and shakes her head. "I'm sorry. I got carried away and blabbered all over what you were going to say. You said you found the answers?"

"It's okay. I'm glad you got to meet a pixie." You might be seeing her again . "Do you want me to tell you what I found, or would you prefer to hear it with the others tonight? I'm waiting for everyone to see my message across the different time zones, but I spoke to a few last night."

"I'd rather hear it now. That is, if you don't mind explaining it twice?"

I can't quite decide which I would prefer. But it might be better to tell her now in private so she can come to terms with the enormity of the situation.

"Have you ever heard of ‘fated mates'?"

Florence sits back in her chair and gathers her long hair to bring it over her left shoulder. Her eyes flit around the room before settling on mine, studying my face with open curiosity.

"I can't say I have. I mean, I can kind of deduce what it means, but the short answer is no. Is that what's happening to us?"

"Not exactly. But it could be. With other couplings of course," I quickly rectify before she gets the wrong impression.

I take a large gulp of coffee and groan as the flavor makes its way across my tongue and down my throat, closing my eyes to savor the first taste.

"Is the coffee that good?" Florence teases. Good-natured humor laces the question and I strangely find that I am not annoyed by the jesting.

"What did you put in this? It tastes different from when I make it."

"Would you believe me if I said magic?" She arches her brows and I huff at her silly joke.

"Talking about magic… For the sake of this conversation, I will mostly be referring to you and me, and how my findings will affect us."

Florence nods and starts stroking the cat on her lap. Its rumbling purr reverberates through the room, adding to the gentle patter of rain, and creates a calming atmosphere. A sentimental person would perhaps call it "soothing."

I choose to ignore all of that and continue with my explanation, looking Florence directly in the eyes, her rapt attention fixed on me.

"We have established that the fates designed our meeting under a particular star alignment. This fated event also caused the proximity bond to keep us close. I found a case of this happening once before—a very long time ago—but the reasons for it remain unknown. It does not occur often, so we should handle this with a degree of reverence."

I pause to check if Florence is still following and she nods for me to continue.

"This bond is called a fated bond. The good news is that it is not permanent."

Florence's eyes widen and her hand stills on the cat. It lets out a feeble meow and Florence starts stroking down its back again.

"It's not permanent? That's good news, right?" She tilts her head and the soft light makes her look almost… angelic.

I place one hand on my lap and flex my fingers, forcing my magic to retreat so I can focus on explaining the challenging situation we are in.

"Yes. I believe so. However, I cannot establish any kind of timeline for when it will dissolve."

"It'll just naturally go away?"

"For us, I believe so. Yes."

"Why for us? Not for the others?"

I take another large sip of my coffee, savoring the taste while I contemplate my wording.

"As I was saying, this is called a fated bond. The critical aspect to this bond is that it gives you choice. If one chooses not to pursue a romantic relationship, the bond will dissolve after an undetermined amount of time, the distance limit will be erased, and we can return to our lives as if nothing happened. I believe the marking will also fade at that time."

"Not that you'd ever want to pursue anything romantic with me, I know that, but what would it mean if you did?" Florence asks neutrally. I don't know how I feel about that. Did I expect her to sound disappointed?

Florence's direct question catches me off guard since she is usually more reserved about expressing herself. However, it reflects the thought I almost dared to entertain for a fraction of a second last night before refocusing on dissolving it. I run a finger along the edge of my shirt collar and shove away the heavy weight in my chest.

"I believe that if we were to choose to pursue a relationship, grow genuine feelings for each other, and make a conscious choice to be together, then the fated bond will become a mate bond."

"And a mate bond is…"

"Permanent. Stronger than marriage. It will connect our souls together. For different species it would manifest in different ways."

"How would it manifest for you?"

Why does she ask such interesting questions? Why does she not merely focus on herself and how to get home?

"I believe my magic could be amplified, but I could also be wrong. I do not plan on finding out."

Florence swallows hard. "And for Sadie and Everett?"

Again, she chooses to think of others and not herself.

When does she put her own needs first?

"I believe his vampiric traits have surfaced. Each species returns a little more to their basest beings. Their inherent proclivities come to the fore. Some of the phone calls I have received through the night have confirmed this."

"Are there others also experiencing what Everett and Sadie are?"

My shoulders slump and I let out a long sigh.

"Yes. And it is even more complex. In two other cases, partners have been added to the bond. But I can say their bonds were amplified because of physical contact. Be it purposeful or accidental."

"I have so many questions right now. Bear with me, please."

I nod for her to continue.

"So, the physical contact thing is serious? That exacerbates the bond?"

"Yes. Physical contact will make the bond grow stronger. It is my belief, based on what was reported to me and from what I read, that the urge to be close to your partner becomes intense and perhaps even uncomfortable."

"Does that mean someone else could enter our bond?"

I shake my head vehemently. The thought of anyone else claiming Florence causes a strange sensation in my chest that I do not wish to name. Yet, I do not desire to claim her for myself either.

"It is my understanding that Jasper had a preexisting… situation… with another male. Jasper had to travel to this male's location for work purposes. Natalie, consensually, went along with him. More consensual activities occurred between the three of them and it was discovered that the other male had a twin marking on his thigh the following morning."

"And he wasn't on the island?"

"No. He rarely travels away from his region."

Florence narrows her eyes at me.

"You're saying that as if it's a top secret location."

"It is," I state. Even though Cole and I are only acquainted, I cannot hazard to reveal more about his location. It could jeopardize Christmas across the world.

"Okay," Florence says slowly, a look of puzzlement on her face but she does not push for more. "Are there other bonds that have added more members too?"

"Yes. Do you remember Rollo, the wolf shifter? It seems his brothers also have a fated bond with Diana."

"Brothers? Like how many?" Florence blurts out.

"I believe two."

"So Diana has three males bonded to her?" Florence's eyes are so wide it looks like they are in danger of falling out of the sockets.

"It is not strange at all. It's quite common in some shifter cultures to have a polyamorous relationship."

"I can't decide if I'm nervous for her or jealous." Florence laughs lightly.

An odd discomfort rises in my stomach and an unbidden growling sound claws itself up my chest and escapes from my mouth.

"Diana will be fine," I grit out and loosen my fingers around the mug, afraid I might crush it. "They have sworn an oath to protect her, just as I have sworn one to you."

Florence's face sobers, the humor in her eyes dying down at my tone. Though, as always, she chooses not to remark on my rudeness and redirects the conversation seamlessly.

"Yes. So, where does that leave us and when do I get to go home?"

My eyebrows draw together and I internally wince at her question. Being the person solely responsible for finding a means to resolve these bonds, and failing to do so, is a clear indication of my inadequacy. I shudder to think what my father will say if he discovers what I have been hiding. His expectations and standards have felt like a noose around my neck my whole life, a constant reminder of the legacy I need to fulfill as the sole heir of Alberad.

I take a sip of my coffee and make a conscious effort to place it gently on the table. Sitting back in my chair, I set my hands on my lap and alternate flexing each finger. Then, I look Florence in the eye to deliver the news.

"I cannot give you an answer at this stage. We are at the mercy of the fates, it seems. The information I combed through was inconclusive when it came to dissolving the bond. If I have any spare moments, I endeavor to continue searching."

Florence nods and taps a finger against her rosy lips that I will never taste. For some reason she is very calm and I do not understand this response. I was expecting ire or resentment.

"Okay," she says with a pleasant grin, not a hint of sarcasm in her face, her tone, or her emotions. "If there's nothing we can do about it, then I'll just make the most of my time here." Her shoulders lift in a good-natured shrug. "What's next?"

Is Florence going to be this accepting of everything? She's not going to fight me or be angry?

I speak slowly and clearly in case the information that she will be staying with me for an indefinite period of time has not yet sunk in.

"We will have our video conference this evening and then I think it best that you make yourself comfortable in your wing of the house for however long you have to remain here."

Florence's nose wrinkles as she scrunches it in thought, causing me to shift my gaze away from her and to the downpour outside the window.

Our warm summer weather in this region is interspersed with cooler overcast days. It is common to have either a couple of morning showers that clear in the afternoon, or late-afternoon thunderstorms on other days. I find petrichor to be a rather pleasant aroma that blends well with the smell of the tomes I use in my studies, and it almost makes me look forward to locking myself away with my books for the rest of the day.

"Do you think it will be days, weeks, or months?" Florence asks me without a trace of derision.

"Again, it pains me to say that I am unsure of the duration of this bond. But it will be best for you to prepare for a lengthy stay," I explain carefully.

"Is there anything I can help you with?"

"No, thank you." Why would she ask that? "I have been working on my research for years, and this fall, I will present my findings to the top scholars in the supernatural community. I am very much behind schedule as I had put my preparations aside while dealing with the bonds. From tomorrow, I will return to my studies."

"Oh! That sounds really important. What's your project about?"

"I prefer not to say." Especially since you are having an effect on it and could possibly alter my findings , but I will never admit that to anyone.

"I understand. You have a right to your privacy." Florence smiles, though the sincerity of her expression is undermined by the flash of what could either be disappointment or perhaps hurt in her eyes. I am very well acquainted with a look of disappointment, however, I am not so familiar with hurt. I will grant Florence her privacy, just as she respects mine, and not read her emotions.

The cat stands on her lap and rearranges its body to plop down heavily again, causing Florence to gasp.

"If the cat is bothering you then just put it on the floor, or let it outside so it can go back to Alberad."

Florence's hands shoot out to the cat and cover him like a protective blanket.

"Oh no. I like him very much. He's like my personal heated blanket."

"Are you cold?"

"Um… not all the time, but there is a little bite in the air today."

"Why are you not wearing something warmer, then? Put on a sweater or something," I reason, noting for the first time the goose bumps running up her arms. I do not understand why she would choose to sit in a dainty T-shirt when she is clearly cold.

"When I packed for my trip, I was planning on summer vacation in the Caribbean. In July. I did not account for cooler weather in the middle of a forest in Germany. So forgive me for being slightly unprepared."

The moment Florence realizes that she said all of that out loud, and with such an intriguing attitude, she folds in on herself and closes her eyes as if to hide from me. She covers her face with both hands for extra effect.

Speaking from behind her hands, her voice is muffled as she says, "I'm sorry. That was so rude of me. Please pretend you didn't just hear me say that."

I tamp down my amusement and don't let a single thread of it show on my face and give her an affirmative grunt. That was incredibly endearing but she does not need to hear that.

"I will see to it that you have something warm to wear from now on. We can order you more clothing or we can send for some from your house in Kentucky. Whatever you prefer. I will cover the cost since you are my guest and I am already disrupting your life."

Florence lowers her hands and bands her left arm across her chest to rub her right biceps. Her free hand goes back to the cat and strokes his ginger fur soothingly.

I wonder what it feels like to have so much physical contact with another being. Surely, it must be taxing.

"Please don't worry about that. I do have a job and I can take care of myself."

"Except when it comes to staying warm. Or feeding yourself," I point out.

Why am I such an asshole? Did I have to be so brusque? Do I want her to hate me? Her inability to take proper care of herself bothers me for reasons that I do not have the time to examine.

Florence's hand stills and she looks at me with a reserved smile.

"I plan to be better about it now that Sir Purrington will be staying with us. I thought it's only right that I make myself comfortable in the kitchen, like this morning, so that I can take care of him as well as myself without bothering you anymore than strictly necessary. I will also not presume to think you would need my help."

"I—"

"But if you do—with anything, at all—please know that you can ask me." The warmth in Florence's voice and the earnestness shining through her eyes take me aback.

"Thank you. I do not deserve your kindness," I admit, knowing I have not done enough for her, have not been good enough to her. Never will be.

"I wouldn't go as far as to say you don't deserve it, but you're getting it anyway."

Then, she winks at me.

My heart does this very strange thing where it feels as if somebody kicked it and it flew off a ledge, only to come back and start beating uncomfortably hard and fast.

Before I have the opportunity to gather my wits about myself, Florence gently places the cat on the floor and gets up from her seat. She moves to the counter where she had placed the fresh box of pastries. I frown as I try to puzzle out what is happening.

No one has ever been kind to me for the sake of being kind. There is usually some caveat. Even with my grandmother. She was not a warmhearted elf, though, she tried to show me traces of affection by teaching me to cook so I could become self-sufficient.

Does Florence have an angle she is playing? I doubt it.

I guess only time will tell.