18. Eighteen

"You'll message me when you get home and get settled, right?" Aria asks as we say our goodbyes.

Lyker thought it'd be best to cancel the large coronation that was originally planned today since the entirety of yesterday, into the wee hours of this morning, was spent going back and forth to Rebel Castle, talking to the members of the pack and forming a plan for him and his Nexus from here.

So this afternoon, we held a small coronation and dinner with just our group, Rylan, and his Nexus, as well as the few other finalists who competed in the Alpha Trials. Once they've had time to get the pack back in order, establish a new council rather than Elders, and get settled into their new roles, then Lyker plans to have a much larger ceremony that we'll return for.

"Yes, and you message me. You understand how the communicator works?" I say, giving her a teasing smile.

"Very funny. Yes, and if I can't figure it out, there's a group of very capable men here to teach me." She smiles as she side-eyes her four where they're saying their goodbyes to Oakly's and my Nexuses.

"Ready, little wanderer?" Draken calls out.

"I'll see you soon, I promise," I tell Aria, pulling her into a tight hug.

I doubt my dreams are going to keep leading me into hers now that she's free and where she's supposed to be, which is a bittersweet feeling. She's become such an important person in my life.

"Got any sage advice for me before you go, Fortune Teller?" Lyker asks.

"The only piece of advice I have for now is don't be a dick." I smirk. Everyone laughs as Lyker's face fills with mock offense. He probably thinks I mean in general, or as the new Alpha, but really, I'm talking about with Aria.

Stepping into my guys, I wave bye as we become shrouded in darkness. It's been a clusterfuck the past two days, and I feel overwhelmed with responsibilities I have no clue how to handle.

Cleaning house in the Terravile pack is a huge accomplishment, but yet, it's just the start. The guys still have to interrogate all the new prisoners, Tillman still has to give a debrief of everything he discovered from the Elders' minds, and half the time I have no fucking clue what I'm supposed to do.

It's a hard pill to keep swallowing, knowing that any knowledge I already have, things that could really benefit me every day, is locked away in the stone around my neck or will only appear when a vision comes through. I feel clueless, until suddenly, I don't.

I've pieced it together. The memories started when I was around six, but I don't know when they stop. Hell, I could've seen this mysterious CC the day before my birthday and have no clue. And that shit both intrigues and pisses me all the way off.

"It feels so good to be home," I breathe as we step out of the transport.

"Thought you were looking forward to traveling, little wanderer?"

"I am, but I'd like our travel to be at least somewhat leisurely. Not fighting for our lives and dropping criminals off at swanky dungeons," I retort.

When Draken first bitched about how "nice" Rebel Castle was for prisoners, I figured he was just being dramatic like usual, but no, this time he was being for real. Their accommodation is much more generous than what they deserve for what they've put the people of Elementra through.

"How about you grab a bath, then we'll get some sleep. The shit show can wait until tomorrow," Draken says, wrapping his arm around my shoulders as we make our way inside.

"That sounds perfect." I sigh.

After the four of them escort me to my door and make their way to their own rooms to shower, I make a beeline for my oasis. The smell of eucalyptus instantly fills my senses, and the sound of water falling into the tub causes my shoulders to drop in relief. That is until I strip my clothes off and get my first look at my new addition sitting about an inch above my belly button, adding to my small collection.

When I changed both last night and this morning, I refused to look in the mirror. I didn't want to see the evidence of what happened. I wanted to avoid it until I was in the comfort of our home. Now, I count nine. Nine pearly white scars mar my skin.

I never realized my natural healing was ten times faster than normal people in the nonmagical realm until I got to Elementra, but my father and Donald must have known. Even without the access to a healer or healing vials, blackened eyes, sliced skin, and the bruises that constantly covered me always healed within a few days. When Donald broke both the bones in my forearm, that was an exception that took around six weeks in a cast to fully heal.

The only other exceptions were the eight other scars that litter randomly across my sides and stomach. I remember each of the times those scars were left. Each time, my father had me strapped to a table, slicing my skin in precise cuts. Never too deep, but always enough to leave a river of blood pouring beneath me. He would end his session by cutting me once with a different knife than the one he'd been using. I can remember how badly they burned. It was as if the knife was melting my skin off.

It dawned on me the moment in the arena when I ran my finger across the raised, already healed skin on my stomach, that each of those times, my father was using an enchanted dagger. They're the only marks he ever left on me to scar.

Sinking into my bath, I try to erase the insecurity that's trying to creep up my neck. I hate the way the scars make me feel, make me look. Sure, they've made me stronger, who I am, blah, blah, blah, but I still don't like them. They're a constant reminder of the torture I had to experience.

I'm not sure how long I sit here, completely zoning out as I watch the waterfall dump gallons of clean and pure, magical water into the tub, but the sound of my bedroom door closing drags me back to reality and out of the warm swirling escape.

Dressing in only my robe since I neglected to grab clothes before coming in here, I walk out of the bathroom and stop as I see Tillman with his back turned toward me, alone in the middle of the room. His beautiful large body stands tensely like he was nervously waiting for me to come in here.

"Tillman."

"Will. I made you a new sleep gown, robe, and slippers," he says quickly as he turns to me.

"Thank you," I murmur, smiling as I reach for the new ensemble.

Hurrying to my closet, I strip my large, fluffy robe off and pull on the beautiful lavender floor-length nightgown. The silk material is so breathable and weightless, it glides over my body like a second skin.

The feel of it is so soft and thin, it's like wearing nothing at all. The long-sleeved matching robe ties around my middle, accentuating my waist and showing off my curvy figure. I absolutely love it.

"How do I look?" I ask, doing a little twirl out of the closet.

"Breathtaking," Tillman whispers and I shoot him a bashful smile as I look around the still empty room.

"Where is everyone?" I ask.

"I have something to show you. If you are up to it," he says nervously, extending his hand out for me to take.

Very rarely, only twice actually, have I seen the stead-fast, self-assured persona of Tillman's drop; both times we were in highly emotional situations, so for him to be emitting so much nervousness now, I know whatever it is, is important to him.

"I'd love to." I smile. Wrapping his much larger hand around mine, he pulls me close, whisking us away through a transport.

I gasp as we step out into the middle of his treehouse. Small embers are burning in the never-ending fireplace, chasing away the cool night breeze, and candles are scattered about, casting a small glow around the room that reveals the darkened silhouettes of the trees outside the panoramic windows. Where the tree once continued to grow through the floor and out the top of the treehouse has been replaced with the bed, hanging from vines directly under the open canopy.

"Tillman, this is amazing. How did you have time to do this?" I ask him breathlessly as I tilt my head up to stare at the stunning view of the millions of stars in the night sky.

"Draken and Corentin helped while you were in the bath," he tells me as he watches me move around the space.

"And Caspian?"

"We left him behind in charge of watching you," he says with a small smirk.

"Sneaky ghost. I'm sure that's exactly what he did too," I say, rolling my eyes, causing Tillman to let out one of his rare, hypnotizing laughs.

"He did help with something, though," he says vaguely.

"What?"

Walking over to the small desk that sits in the corner of the treehouse, he grabs something out of the top drawer. Anticipation, happiness, and desire all replace the nervousness I felt from him earlier, and my emotions feed off of his, leaving me slightly bouncing on my toes and squirming in place as he comes to stand in front of me.

Slowly, he glides his hands around my wrist, and his element coats my skin for a moment before he pulls his hands away, revealing the most gorgeous bracelet I've ever laid my eyes on.

The delicate silver conforms to my wrist, its quality so light and airy, I barely feel it sitting on my skin. Split down the middle is an intricate design that flows all the way around the bracelet. At first glance, it looks like the swirling pattern is made of some sort of clear gem, but upon further inspection, I feel its cool touch and see that it's moving. I quickly realize it's water, like a river flowing through the bracelet.

Turning my wrist, controlled bursts of flames flicker into existence, dancing within the depths of the embedded, crushed shades of purple gems that make up the foundation of the bracelet. Tears begin to well in my eyes when his words start to make sense.

"You used everyone's element to make this for me," I whisper.

"You can carry around a piece of us with you wherever you are. I molded it on your wrist, and I've reinforced it, so nothing will break it," he tells me as he runs his fingers around my wrist softly.

Throwing myself at him, I wrap my arms around his neck and slam my lips to his, pouring my love and appreciation for his gift into the kiss. This is so personal and perfect, and they all contributed to making it special, just for me.

"Tillman, I love it. It's absolutely perfect. Thank you so much," I say as I break our kiss.

"You deserve the world, Willow. What you did for me in the arena…" he trails off.

"I'd do it a thousand times again if it means I'll always have you."

"I'm yours, little one," he swears.

Falling into the depths of those emerald eyes, I see his fierce love for me, but I also see his guilt staring back. He's beating himself up, despite everything I've told him, he's once again blaming himself for something he can't control. I don't want his unwarranted guilt.

There's something he can control that I want from him, though.

"Then make me yours, Tillman," I command, my voice laced with my desire for him, all of him.

I hold my breath, watching as the meaning behind my words sink into his mind, and his eyes go from loving and tender, to hungry and heated in seconds.

Slowly sliding me down his body, he grips my hips as I get my balance, tracing his hands up my sides and undoing the rope keeping my robe closed in one smooth motion.

As he takes a step back, separating us, I unconsciously try to take a step forward, wanting the heat of his body pressed back against mine, but I find I can't. Vines have snaked their way up my calves and wrist, locking me in place as another set grips the collar of my robe, pulling it off until it pools at my feet on the floor.

This is just another example of how he's unmatched in his element. He may believe I'll be just as strong as he is, but there's no way I'll ever be able to sneak up on him the way he just did me.

Prowling around me, his eyes devour my body through the thin material that he technically dressed me in. The longer he spends just observing, the shallower my breathing becomes, and the harder my nipples grow.

He has the patience of a saint, but me and my newly awakened sex drive do not. I need him to touch me. I need his hands, his fingers, his mouth, his cock, his bond, all of him, now.

"You'll get all of that when I decide to give it to you, little warrior," he declares, making it obvious he's already spying on my thoughts. His voice is low, seductive as he whispers in my ear.

My body is all too aware of his as he continues to press into my back and moves my hair to the side, laying a trail of kisses down my neck. His fingers running down my arms, up my sides, over the curve of my ass causes my entire body to shudder. His exploration is teasing, tormenting, and I can feel my arousal drip down my thighs.

When his thumbs graze my painfully tight nipples, I groan, a mixture of frustration and begging. The game he played with my body in the gym and the one he plays now walks a thin line between fucking irresistible, the buildup immaculate, and pure torture that's going to kill me any minute.

Tillman's dark chuckle causes my eyes to fly open, colliding with his. By the beautiful, smug look on his face, I know he read that thought, and I know he's thoroughly enjoying this. Thankfully, he gives a little mercy, and with a quick flick of his wrist, my brand-new silk gown disintegrates into nothing.

I suck in a startled breath when he suddenly drops down on his knees. With our massive height difference, he's nearly face to face with me, but he falls back on his heels, gripping my hips. Leaning his head down slowly, he lays his lips against my new scar.

"I'll spend every day, for the rest of our lives, repaying you for the sacrifice you made for me, Willow. I'll worship you like the goddess you are." He vows.

Before I can argue that he doesn't need to repay me for anything, his vine releases from around one of my calves, and he slings my leg over his shoulder, then buries his face into my pussy.

The sudden sensation sparks every nerve ending in my body, sending electricity shooting through me, causing me to cry out in both surprise and desperation.

He doesn't waste a drop of me, plunging his tongue in and out, laying long, heated strokes up from my core to my clit. He even licks the evidence of my arousal off my thighs before going back to feasting on my flesh. I fight against the restraints around my wrist, needing badly to push my fingers through his chestnut curls.

I could easily break through his vines' hold, but this is how he wants me, and I'm not opposed to being tied up for his pleasure. If this is his brand of worshipping, I'll gladly be his altar.

A faint pinch to my nipples causes a small whimper to fall from my lips and my body jolts at the abrupt touch of pain. Looking down at my chest as the tingling continues, two velvet clamps are attached to my hard peaks, creating a never-ending stream of stimulation to pulse through me.

"Tillman. Where—"

"I made those for you. You're going to feel me everywhere I want you to feel me," he growls, forcing my pussy to clench around the fingers he's pushing inside of me.

If it weren't for his hand gripping my ass and his vines tying tethers to my body, I'd be a puddle on the ground. My knees are weak, trembling, and the liquified heat coursing through my veins sets my body ablaze. He may be worshiping my body, but I'm completely at his mercy.

I'm overstimulated, but still, I need more. I need to come. I need him.

I know from his groans, he's listening to everything that crosses my mind. He knows how he's making my body feel and what I need, yet he won't relent.

"I'm enjoying the taste of your pussy far too much to stop right now, Will," he replies lazily as he pulls back to stare at how wet I am, the evidence of it dripping down his chin and hand. He runs his fingers through my mess, shoving two of them in at the same time, causing a long, drawn-out moan to escape me.

"Please, Tillman. Please make me come," I beg.

Everything intensifies the moment the words leave my lips. The pressure of the clamps begins to ease then tighten repeatedly. Their pattern so unpredictable it's sending me into a maddening mixture of pain and pleasure. I don't currently know which one I love more. I can feel his massive fingers opening, stretching me out, and then coming together to caress my G-spot. My screams fill the room as he licks me faster and when he sucks my clit between his lips, I ignite.

Stars dance in front of my eyes as I fight to catch my breath. It takes me a minute to realize the stars aren't going away because he's somehow laid me back on the bed without me noticing, and I'm actually looking at the sky. My wrists are still tied, but there's more slack to them now, so I push up on my elbows and peer down the bed to where he's standing.

With the fire going behind him, a glow of light highlights his still fully clothed silhouette, and I let my thoughts about that ring loud and clear through my mind.

His lip twitches slightly, then slowly. Starting from his shoulders, his clothes begin to fade into nothingness. I stare memorized as the articles of clothing shimmer out of existence, leaving nothing but a very naked, gorgeous statue of a man.

I can't help but let my eyes trace out every flawlessly etched muscle. He's fucking perfection personified and I can't wait to run my hands over every inch of him. As my gaze continues to travel down his body, my pussy both throbs in anticipation and fear as I stare at his hard cock. Just like the rest of him, its fucking massive.

That'll never fit in me.

"It'll fit, Will. I'll take care of you the whole time." Tillman swears as he crawls on the bed toward me, pushing me back until I'm lying flat.

The pull of the vines has my arms stretching above my head and my legs spread wide, baring me open to him completely.

Capturing my mouth, he kisses me senselessly until I'm no longer thinking about the dilemma of him fitting inside of me. My only thoughts now are about how fucking amazing it's going to feel. Sitting back on his heels, he runs his hands from my breast down to my thighs, spreading them farther to make room for his body to fit mine.

"Fuck, you're drenched. Just for me." He groans as he pumps two fingers in and out of me.

Switching hands, my mouth waters as I watch him spread my wetness all over his dick, stroking it to the same tempo his fingers are fucking me. I'm so jealous of his hand right now. I want that to be my body. I want him to fuck me.

A heated laugh leaves his lips as he slowly pulls his fingers out of me, licking them clean, groaning at the taste of me. I can feel my face heating and I squirm. The way he acts like every piece of me is something precious does unspeakable things to me, my confidence. He makes me feel worthy.

Lining himself up to me, I can feel my pussy stretching farther than it ever has to accommodate his size. He takes his time, circling my clit with his thumb and locking his lips to mine. After a few shallow thrusts, I cry out, my body shuddering as my walls relax, letting him slide into me completely.

Fuck, I'm so full, I don't think I could move even if he didn't have me tied up.

"Will…fuck. I want to give you gentle, slow, show you how much I want you…" Tillman grits out between clenched teeth.

The tension coiled around his body matches mine. I need him to move. I need him buried so deep within me, all I can feel is him. I know that's what he needs too, but he doesn't want to say it. Typically, I love the fact he wants to baby me, treat me like a delicacy, but not right now.

"I don't want gentle Tillman," I say softly.

The steadfast, balanced look in his eyes cracks and he grips my hips, his thumb tracing my silver mating scar, causing my body to ripple in pleasure. Digging his fingers into my skin, he starts to slam into me with a wildness that feeds the desire brewing within me.

Jumbled cries leave my throat and as much as I want to meet him stroke for stroke, I can't. I can't keep up with him as he fucks me like it's the last thing he'll ever do. As soon as he drops the vines from around my wrists, I wrap my arms around his neck and pull him closer to me so I can feel his skin against mine.

The throbbing in my chest strengthens the ecstasy traipsing through my body, and I know this building orgasm is going to be ten times stronger, ten times more powerful because it's going to be paired with a bond to my gentle giant.

"Come, Willow. Become mine forever," Tillman commands.

"Yes," I scream as my climax rips through me. My bond erupts like a volcano, snapping out of me and flowing into Tillman, forcing him over the edge as he bellows my name.

Blinding light connects the two of us in a moment of pure bliss, flooding my body with the impenetrable strength that's all Tillman. I feel as though I could move a mountain right now as his bond enters my chest, caressing my elements, magic, and my dragon before settling gently in place.

I smile as the light dims, revealing the emerald wisp between the two of us, merging our hearts as one. When Tillman lays his forehead to mine, his voice fills my mind.

"I've both feared and yearned for my Primary with every beat of my heart for my entire life, but I never could've fathomed you'd emerge with such fierce perfection, little warrior. You're the embodiment of my dreams, surpassing every expectation I dared to harbor. You're not just a part of my world; you're the pounding heartbeat that defines my very soul, an unstoppable force that consumes me completely, for eternity. I love you, Willow."

"I love you, Tillman. So much," I whisper, tears of bliss streaming down my cheeks.

My chest swells with the love I can now feel keenly flowing from him. It's so potent, I swear Draken's bond glows a little, feeling the affection too. For a moment, I bask in the restfulness of my bond. This is the first time since arriving here and meeting these men, my emotions seem to be leveling out slightly and my head feels clearer than it has in years. With each bond snapping in place and every memory that unlocks, I feel like I'm growing into my true self. It's the freest I've ever felt.

"You'll never be shackled again, little warrior. Figuratively or literally. Well…not shackled in a bad way." Tillman's deep, smooth voice rumbles as he uses the vines around my ankles to bring my knees to my chest. He's already hard as fuck again and his dick slides deeper with the new angle he's put me in.

"Fuck…" I groan, closing my eyes.

"That's exactly what I plan to do until you beg me to stop."

The sloshing of water startles me awake and I jump in the strong arms wrapped around me. Peeling my eyes open, I realize I'm in my bathroom, naked, cradled against Tillman's chest.

"Easy, Will, I got you. It's time to wake up. The others are waiting on us already," he whispers as he kisses me on my cheek.

"What time is it?" I croak out.

My voice is hoarse, body bruised and sore in the most mouthwatering of ways, but I'm exhausted and feel like everything's moving in slow motion. There's no reason for me to be awake right now, the others are more than welcome to come climb in my bed.

"As much as they'd love to do that, we have things to do. It's almost midmorning. I let you sleep as long as I could," he says, apology evident in his voice. It isn't until he sinks down into my bath with me that I notice he's naked as well, and immediately my greedy libido takes notice of his dick pressing against my ass.

"You sure we have things to do?" I ask sweetly, squirming in his lap.

"Will…" he warns, clutching my hips to stop me. I go to protest, but he shoves a healing vial between my lips, cutting me off.

The cool liquid soothes my raw throat and works its way through the rest of my body. The red marks around my wrist and ankles slowly start fading to barely noticeable blemishes, leaving behind my soft, fair skin. There are a few bruises left behind on my hips, and not going to lie, something about the shape of Tillman's fingers imprinted on my skin inside of Draken's mating mark creates some dirty fucking thoughts to cross my mind.

"You sure are listening in quite keenly to my thoughts right now." I chuckle as Tillman breathes a quiet "fuck" and leans his forehead down on my shoulder.

"I'm not even trying. They're coming in strong. The moment you think it, I hear it. Not that I'm complaining, but you could back off those thoughts for the time being." He groans, repositioning me away from his cock that's growing harder by the second. I try, I really do, to get my mind out of the gutter, but the more I try, the more that comes.

"Sorry…sorry. Tell me the plan for the day." I laugh as I purposely picture another very naughty scenario out in my mind, causing him to growl.

"Breakfast, the academy for debrief, then back home," he grits out, lathering his hands in my bodywash. I smirk to myself, very pleased I got him all hot and bothered as I lean my body back into his.

He takes his time working out every kink and knot in my muscles, softly smoothing away the rest of my aches from last night as he washes me clean.

His sweet attention, although his hands are roaming all over me, does cause the sexual thoughts to subside, and I fall blissfully into a relaxed state, thinking about how wonderfully they treat me.

Smiling down at my new bracelet, I can't help but picture how I could spend my days just consumed in my Nexus if we didn't literally have the weight of the realm lingering over us. I push the bitterness away as fast as it comes, instantly feeling shitty about those thoughts when the made-up faces of all the innocent people still in the Mastery's hands pop into my mind. I don't like this responsibility, nor do I want it, but someone came to my rescue when I needed it the most, so I can at least try to do that for them.

"It won't always be like this, little warrior. I won't allow this war to consume our lives. We'll make time for our Nexus. I swear it," Tillman murmurs as he kisses my shoulder and washes away the suds from my body.

I cling to his words as he lifts me out of the bath and I dry us off. I know it's me being a little selfish, but really, I've never been a selfish person. I've never had the opportunity to, but with them, I can be. I can be selfish over them. They're all mine, and I don't have to share them with anyone, so one day, hopefully one day soon, I can selfishly suck up all that attention.

My body shivers as Tillman teasingly slides me down his body, a little payback, and his gift cloaks me, dressing me in a baby blue sundress and strappy sandals. I flood the bond with my giddiness over my dress and watch his eyes light with surprise. We all have felt snippets of each other's feelings even without the bond; like right now, I can feel the other three's impatience, but this is his first time experiencing me directly sending him a feeling. And the look on his face makes me blush. I love that he looks at me like I'm treasure.

"You're a priceless fucking gem, Will," he says before pulling me to him, stealing the smile from my face with a burning kiss. "Come on before the others come looking."

I send Draken some love and calm down our bond as I feel him growing more and more restless, and he sends me a feeling I can only describe as ‘hurry the fuck up.' Checking on the other two, I'm a little surprised and startled at the jealousy and envy I'm picking up. It sets my bond off, worry and need overwhelming me to get to them to make it better.

Now that this is the second bond to solidify, I can better tell how my bond works as a whole. It's much like a tree. The roots that are deep beneath the surface embed themselves into my soul, my tether to life. Then the trunk is the bond itself, thick and sturdy, the foundation that gives the branches strength. That's where the guys are; they're the branches that grow from the trunk like arms, stretching toward the heavens.

Both times I bonded, those branches that represent Draken and Tillman, grew, bearing fruit now, if you will. The other two are still thick, growing outwards, but they're awaiting their fruit, and when they shake, it shakes the whole tree. So now that they're both feeling these strong emotions, it's jolting my trunk.

Walking into the breakfast room, I barely make it two steps in before I'm whisked off my feet and a surprised squeal slips out as Draken twirls me around like he hasn't seen me in days, not twelve hours.

"Little wanderer, I know you weren't fucking in the shower again, so what took you two so long this morning?" he asks before attacking my mouth.

"Draken," the other three shout.

"There's not an again, if it hasn't happened in the first place, and how would you know if we were?" I ask him with a small smile on my now red, swollen lips.

"Because he spent the night spying down your bond to feel what you were up to," Caspian says with a smug smirk on his face.

"You what?" Tillman yells, while I snort and shake my head, amused rather than mad at Draken's bullshit. I knew I felt his bond's presence last night, just couldn't be for sure or tell why.

"First of all, let me explain that better," Draken growls, shooting Caspian a withering look. "I'd never invade on such a personal and special moment, but I felt when your bond snapped in place. It was like mine and your bond strengthened, then mine and Willow's glowed, so I kinda took it as you two were inviting me to observe."

"So you thought we were asking you to, quote, observe, so then you what, felt us down the bond the whole time?" Tillman asks in disbelief.

"Well, I mean, I had to really focus to feel her. It took a good bit of concentration, but once I figured it out, I felt her the whole time," Draken tells him blissfully and I throw my head back, laughing, nestling into Corentin's open arms.

The others stare at him like he's creepy as hell, knowing good and well they all spy on me one way or another. Well, Corentin doesn't, but he attempts to boss me around the most, so it evens out.

"How are you feeling, princess?" Corentin asks as he pulls me around to face him and gives my forehead a sweet kiss.

"Amazing," I tell him honestly.

My cheeks blush as his jealousy gives way to sincere happiness and he graces me with a smile that's brighter than the sun. It makes my heart swell knowing that he may feel some envy, but his happiness for us outweighs those feelings. We'll have our time, that I can promise.

A coolness seeps into my back as another body presses in. The mixture of Corentin's airy but warm intensity, mixing with Caspian's chill, is a sensory experience like no other. My body doesn't know whether it's on fire, freezing, or getting ready to float away. As his shadows twirl around my body, I run my fingers through the ones circling my waist, causing him to step closer to me.

He hasn't admitted it, and the others wouldn't tell me cause it's Caspian's power to explain, but I've pieced together on my own that he can control what he wants to feel and doesn't want to feel through his shadows much like Tillman can control what he wants to hear. So I know every time he surrounds me in his shadows, it's his way of expressing physical contact, and he doesn't make me stop my own exploration, so I know he likes it.

"Did you enjoy yourself last night, Primary?" His question is low, gravelly, and drenched in longing.

"Yes," I whisper.

"Good. Don't think because Tillman swooped in like a knight in shining armor, you're not in trouble with me. The others may forgive and forget quickly, but I won't. I don't think my brother will either," he promises darkly.

I jerk my eyes from his shadows and look up at Corentin. He might not be verbally confirming or denying Caspian's words, but the heat and promise in his gaze say it all. I'm definitely in trouble with both of them for saving Tillman. Honestly, it's bullshit, but I have a very, very good feeling my punishment won't be a punishment at all.

"Let's get you some coffee and food. We've got a lot to do today," Corentin declares, breaking apart the fantasy I was building up in my mind.

Which I'm both disappointed in and grateful for. The caffeine headache that's starting up is a bitch and I've got quite the appetite from my workout last night. As soon as Corentin passes me my coffee, I snatch it up, groaning as the first sip of sugary goodness slides down my throat, and I hide my smile behind my mug as all the guys react.

"Fuck, that sound is just as good as all the noises she was making last night,"Tillman says and I choke on my coffee, surprised he just announced that in front of the others. Don't get me wrong, I'm pretty used to Draken explicitly saying things or calling me out, but I'm in utter shock that Tillman would do it.

Luckily, the others don't say anything or even acknowledge his comment because I'm walking a thin line right now with my sex drive. My emotions are starting to level out with each bond, but my libido is not. It's getting worse. I love when they're flirty, touchy, and make sexual comments to me, but right now, I feel like I could jump their bones at any second with one good look shot my way.

I promise you; I want them just as much as the bond wants me to want them, but I don't want it to be the driving force for any of us to bond sporadically.

Thankfully, we finish our breakfast without any more comments about the noises that come out of me, and we start making our way to the back lawn.

"The groups that traveled with us to Terravile, Gaster, and Lucas, ground leader from Crestwood, plus his Nexus, will be at the academy for this debriefing. Lyker and Rhett will be on the communicator. Once we run through everything we know, I'll give my parents an update," Corentin informs us as we gather around, ready for transport.

Tillman had Rhett stay behind in Terravile rather than come back to the academy with us to give Lyker some backup just in case. Plus, his Nexus is one of the few who can get through the wards at Rebel Castle, so he'll be helping us and Lyker with the interrogations as well. As for this Lucas person, I have no clue who he or his Nexus are.

"Ready?" Tillman asks as they all lay a hand on me. At our grunts, he opens the transport, swooping us away as one to the command room in the training gym.

Stepping out, everyone's already here and my eyes lock onto where Oakly is standing nestled into San's side, with everyone else surrounding the long table with piles of papers and files spread across it. I don't make it two steps toward her when excruciating pain splinters across my mind.

The caffeine headache I was bitching about earlier intensifies tenfold and a grunt falls from my lips as the sudden onslaught makes me nauseous and my vision blurry. Swaying, I latch onto Corentin's arm for balance, stealing his attention.

"What's wrong?" he asks as he wraps his arm around my waist to steady me.

His words are garbled, and it takes me considerable effort to piece together what he just asked me. The pain suddenly stops but leaves behind a flood of noise I can't shake. My ears are ringing so loud, it only adds to the overwhelming number of conversations flowing through my head.

"He smells so good today…"

"These fuckers are crazy to be traveling in that forest…"

"I'm starving…"

"Why has she stopped walking…"

"What's wrong…"

I can barely distinguish who's saying what, and as the noise just continues to grow louder, my brain feels like it's going to explode. There's too much going on, too much noise; it's like being front and center at a heavy metal concert with no noise-canceling headphones on. Dropping to my knees, I shove my fingers in my ears as tears begin to stream down my face.

"Please make it stop, please. It's so loud. It's too loud," I beg, plead as four sets of hands are placed on my body, stopping my back-and-forth rocking.

"Princess…"Corentin demands firmly, causing my body to twitch; his voice, for a brief second, drowned out the rest.

"Corentin, please help me," I choke out as the noise begins to filter back in again.

"We're going to, baby. Listen to Tillman. Do as he tells you," he commands, but the noise is becoming too much again, and I slam my eyes shut to force away the dizziness accompanying it.

Tillman's hand wraps around the back of my neck, gently rubbing his fingers in calming circles, soothing away some of the pain. "Look at me, little warrior. Tell me what's happening," he orders softly, his voice causing the same reaction, and I force my tear-soaked eyes to blink open to him.

"There's so much noise, so many voices. It's taking over my mind," I cry out.

"Okay, Willow, focus on me, focus on my voice. Don't think of anyone or anything else, just me. Do that for me,"he instructs and I lock onto his eyes, trying my hardest to do as he says.

"Think about my voice. Listen to it. Is it all you can hear, or do you hear everyone else still?"he asks.

"Just you, only you," I breathe.

"Good. Now, I want you to focus on forcing my voice out. Imagine yourself lowering the volume of my voice as I speak until you can no longer hear me."

I nod and keep my eyes locked on him. The only way I can imagine doing what he's describing to me is by picturing myself turning down a knob on a radio, slowly turning the volume down until it cuts off.

"I'm so honored, proud, and blessed to have you. You're remarkable, beautiful, smart, sexy, and so full of sass." His words make me laugh, and it seems to help as his voice begins to lower, and my breathing starts to level out.

"You're the greatest thing to ever happen to me and my brothers, little warrior, and I love you so…" His voice finally fades completely before he can finish his sentiment, but I continue to stare into his eyes, letting my gratitude for his help bleed through our bond.

"I love you," I whisper, cupping his cheek.

The silence of my mind now is so peaceful compared to the assault it just went through. Tearing my eyes away from Tillman, I look at Corentin, who I know figured out whatever just happened first based on how quickly he reacted when I hit my knees. I have a pretty good idea, but I'm almost too fearful to ask.

"Did what I think just happened, happen?"