Chapter 21

Creed turned around and looked back at the water.

“Instead of turning away from me, why don’t you tell me what’s really bothering you.” I stared at his back and waited for him to turn around to face me.

“What do you mean? You know why I’m upset.”

“No, I don’t. I know you’re lying to yourself. You’re not really mad at Dawson or me. We agreed not to keep any more secrets from each other, but you’re hiding something. I can feel it.”

“All I’m trying to do is protect my mate.” Creed shook his head as he finally turned around to face me.

“Creed, I appreciate the effort, but I don’t need any more bodyguards. I can take care of myself and if I need it, I have plenty of back up. What I need is someone that will stand beside me and let me figure my life out.” I stood up and walked closer to him. I need to make sure I have his full attention.

“I’ve been protected my whole life. I need to experience things. I’ve also known forever that this mark has a meaning. It’s time to figure out what it is. The moon goddess has a purpose for all of us. She didn’t grant me three mates by mistake. All three of you were brought into my life for a purpose.”

Creed looked at me with understanding in his eyes. He let out a deep breath but didn’t argue with me.

“Whether any of us like it or not, we’re all a part of this together. I need to keep control of my magic, and I think I’m losing it because my body and mind are fighting against each other. I don’t want to hurt any of you, but the same pull and need that I feel for you, I also feel for Dawson, and I guess Rowen now to.”

Creed shook his head and let out a slight laugh. “Why is this happening to me? If my father found out about that prophecy, and that your magic could be shared with your mate.” He stopped and shook his head.

“I don’t want to think about it, but you would never see the light of day again. You would be forced to do unthinkable things. He would torture you, even worse than what’s been done to me.”

“And that’s why you’re going to overthrow him before we can ever bond. You can’t let your past haunt you Creed. You control your future, not him.”

He smirked, “Some days the only thing that got me through was the thought of meeting my mate. I used to imagine that she lived in a den hundreds of miles away from the king. I would move to her den with her, and we would be free to live in peace while we raised a family together.”

He smirked and shrugged his shoulders, “I also imagined she was a dragon, and I was her only mate. I guess I was wrong all the way around.”

“Are you disappointed that I’m not a dragon?”

“No, your perfect. I just don’t know what to do to keep you safe. I am a dragon. I’ll never be able to live outside a den. Other species fear us. I’ll never be accepted anywhere else. I’ll be stuck in the king’s den for the rest of my life.”

“I’m standing right here, and I’m not scared of you. I’m from the craziest mixed-up pack in America. None of us fear anyone based on their species.”

He looked at me like he wanted to argue with me, but he didn’t know what to say, so I kept going.

“You weren’t in control of your past, but you are in control of your future. I don’t think any of us planned for this, but it’s happening. The prophecy that we told you about is only one theory about our situation. None of us know if it’s what the moon goddess has planned for us or not. I have a lot more research to do.”

Creed nodded, “I don’t know if we will ever be able to bond. I can't chance sharing your magic. At least not why the king’s alive. He would repeat history and steal your magic. I know you’re a wolf and have a strong need for your mate. It’s killing me that I can’t satisfy your needs and keep your wolf calm. Damn it, I want to, but how am I supposed to satisfy you and protect you?”

I stared at him for a minute, how did I miss this? “Do you think that’s why I keep losing control of my magic? Because we keep trying to avoid the mate bond, but my wolf needs the bond.”

“What?” Creed looked at me confused.

“Think about it, my wolf controls my magic. She has felt the bond with three mates now and hasn’t had any release in that aspect. Is she forcing my magic to release, because she needs, um, to release the tension?”

Creed closed his eyes for a minute as he shook his head, like he was thinking about something. He grabbed my hand. “I have an idea. Let’s finish this conversation in my room.”

We were both quiet as we walked, but I think we both needed the time to process everything.

“I want you to know, I don’t open up or talk about feelings often.”

I smiled, “Creed, I’m glad you did. That’s what I need from you. I want to know the real you. How do you expect me to get to know you if you don’t talk to me about what’s important to you or your thoughts?”

Creed nodded as he opened the door to his room. I didn’t want to push him, so I stopped talking. I know he’s uncomfortable.

“So, let me get this straight. No bonding and no claiming each other are the only rules for our situation.”

I smiled, “Those are the ground rules, but I’m going to add no fighting.”

Creed smirked and nodded his head. He knows he was wrong for going after Dawson.

“Outside those rules, any of your mates can do whatever they want with you.” He slipped off his shoes and started walking closer to me.

I nodded, “Anything I agree with and want.”

He stripped off his shirt, and my eyes scanned his body. My mouth is starting to water as I take in his tattoo-covered muscles.

“I don’t like the thought of their hands or mouths on you, but I have to agree that we may have been going about things all wrong.”

I slid back on his bed further as he crawled up in front of me.

Creed tucked a piece of hair behind my ear and stared into my eyes. “We can get some relief without completing the bond.”

I bit my lower lip as I reached up and ran my hand down his bicep.

“I’m gonna make you cum so hard, you’ll think of me every time they touch you.”