He quietly laughed, and it soothed her until someone tapped on the door.
“I love you,” he whispered, softly kissing her ear.
“I love you, too,” she returned. Then she took a deep breath and pulled her face from his neck. “Okay, let them in.”
He kissed her cheek while mentally telling their family to come in, and she blindly clutched his hands, her eyes glued to the foyer.
When the three golden couples entered the suite to find a fourth, their mouths fell open as the door flew shut behind them. Frozen in place, they didn’t say a word. They just stared, their features strained by disbelief; their complexions blanched by surprise.
They eventually inched further into the room, taking in the details of the new bonded lights and changed auras, but only sighs drifted from their parted lips as their wide eyes searched and searched again.
Finally, Cordelia and Daleen left the others and rushed forward, putting a small dent in the tension. Quin’s mom sat next to him on the sofa while Daleen knelt at his feet. Then they both took him and Layla’s hands, but they still didn't speak. They just stared, their auras vibrating and pulsing.
Morrigan soon followed, and she didn't speak either, nor did she sit. After getting as close to Layla as she could, she laid her hands and lips on the top of her head and squeezed her eyes shut.
The three men remained frozen, staring at the newly bonded mates in shock, but after a long and emotional moment, Serafin broke the heavy silence by clearing his throat. “How did this happen?”
Quin looked away from Layla and raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”
Serafin lifted a hand to his throat and cleared it again. “Just yesterday, when everyone saw you around town, you weren't... you weren't... bonded.”
“No,” Quin confirmed. “We bonded last night.” He smiled at Layla, remembering, and she smiled back, her eyes shiny with comprehension.
Caitrin stepped forward with stiff shoulders and a wrinkled forehead. “Are you telling us… Are you trying to say…” He huffed as his nostrils flared. “Are you saying last night was the first time you had sex with each other?”
Layla buried her face in Quin's neck, and he wrapped her in a hug while meeting Caitrin's stare. “Is that so hard to believe?”
Caitrin’s chest expanded as his face reddened. “Yes! You've been sleeping in her bed for over a week. And I've never seen such a strong connection between two people without a sexual relationship present. Never.”
Quin shrugged as he stroked the back of Layla's neck. “I won’t pretend it wasn’t a challenge, but I can control myself, particularly if her well-being warrants it. And I think this golden light surrounding us would explain our connection sans sex. If this wasn't so unbelievable, I’d say we should have seen it coming.”
Caitrin scowled and started pacing. “I might have seen it coming if I'd known you hadn't consummated the relationship.”
“Are you suggesting I should have filled you in on our sex life?” Quin returned. “There's no way I could have predicted this. I realize our relationship has been intense from the beginning, but what else would it be when someone like her is involved? She's perfect in everyone's eyes, not just mine, and nearly every wizard in the world would trip over themselves to give her what I've given her. Never in my wildest dreams did I think it was leading to this, so why would I concern you with our sex life?”
“You wouldn't,” Caitrin conceded. “But never in my wildest dreams did I believe you hadn't bedded her already.”
“You have to give him credit for willpower,” Kemble mumbled.
Caitrin halted and looked over. “Insanity is what most wizards would call it.”
“She was dealing with injuries,” Quin cut in, “and daily drama. You know what, this discussion is pointless, and it’s embarrassing her. It doesn’t matter when it happened or whether or not we saw it coming. What would you have done if you'd known, Caitrin? Tell me to leave her alone? No. And even if you had, do you think I would have listened? Nothing was going to stop this from happening. Now let’s move on.”
Silence captured the room once more, and its occupants barely breathed, slowly pulling in air heavy with contrasting emotions. An invisible game of tug-of-war was taking place. Happiness and love battling worry and fear. Everyone felt it, even as they struggled with their own internal conflicts, attempting to secure a victory for optimism. Some had an easier undertaking than others.
Kemble eyed his son’s aura as he moved behind the sofa. Then he laid a hand on his shoulder and squeezed. “The silver cords in your auras – I’ve never seen anything like it. They’re connected, circling both of you.”