Embrace the Dark

3

“But mostly excited to meet your mates, I imagine.” Carth pressed a hand to his chest dramatically. “Oh, that I could be one of them.”

Did he? Or was he being dramatic? I could never tell with Carth. I’d secretly longed for the same thing for years, but my mother’s mates were all strangers, so I’d never held out much hope it would happen.

Zain lifted his chin. “The Gods know what they are doing, and will pick the best men for the role.”

Carth nudged his friend. “Sure, but wouldn’t it be nice if she got to pick? Or at least could tell them her preferences?”

“We do not question the will of the Gods,” Zain said sternly. Then he rested a warm hand on my elbow. “Just know that whatever happens, we will always watch out for you.”

“I’m sure I’ll be happy with their selection,” I managed to say, as heat crept up my neck from the two men’s touches. Both of them had always been there for me my entire life, but I was sure things would change between us after today.

“If not, you can always come to me on the side. I’ll make sure you’re well taken care of.” Carth gave me a wink, while Zain rolled his eyes. “See you at the banquet tonight.”

They continued on their path, and I let out a sigh while I watched them go, admiring their muscular physiques and the way they moved. Two more men who were completely off-limits because of who I was. Carth had asked the same questions I’d had my entire life, but I’d always been afraid to admit them out loud. How did I know the Gods would really choose my best mates? They’d done a good job with my mother, but what if things were different for me?

Why didn’t I get any say in my own future?

Chapter Two

F

inally, it was time.

I made my way to my mother's garden, which she’d created before I was born in honor of the Life Goddess. As I walked along the path, I noticed a white rose had been trampled into the stone, and bent down beside it. I brushed my fingers across the wilted petals and gave a little push, and the flower lifted up and healed thanks to the energy I gave it. Once the rose was as good as new, I continued into the garden.

My parents were all waiting there among the verdant leaves and colorful flowers, but otherwise we were alone. I stepped toward them as storm clouds gathered overhead, threatening rain at any moment. One by one my fathers gave me a hug and wished me a happy birthday. Slade, my father by blood, came to me first, his dark eyes proud as he gave me a big bear hug. He was a very large man, and as a kid there was nowhere safer than on his lap, especially when he'd read me a book in his deep voice. Jasin was next, and he lifted me up and spun me around like I was still his little girl. He’d always been the fun dad who used to make messy art with me out in the courtyard with paint and pastels, although he’d been serious about my combat and military training. Then came Auric, who rested his hands on my shoulders and gave me a kiss on the cheeks, before wiping a tear from the corner of his wise gray eyes. Auric always encouraged my imagination with dolls and miniature horses and dress-up parties, and at night he would read me stories until his voice was hoarse. Finally came Reven, whose face showed no emotion until he pulled me against him and whispered in my ear, “Good luck, kid.” The sentiment in his voice made my chest tighten as I hugged him back. Sometimes I felt I was more like Reven than anyone else, even though we shared no common blood. He’d taught me all my favorite things, from lock picking to throwing knives to parkour, and he always gave me space to be myself.

My four fathers stepped back, and my mother, Kira, moved closer and embraced me. She smelled like fresh jasmine and her hug was warm and comforting as I buried my face in her red hair. As I pulled back, the sky darkened, the clouds blocking the sun.

"Your twentieth year is finally here.” Mom smiled wistfully and glanced at her mates. "I don't think any of us are ready."

"I am.” I straightened my shoulders. As of today I was an adult, and soon I would be mated with four men so I could begin to take my mother’s place as guardian of the world. I’d prepared for this moment my entire life and I was ready for it…wasn’t I? A flicker of doubt made my stomach churn. “Will it hurt?”

"Only a little," Mom said.

I nodded. Kira had gone through this without any training. She’d had no idea she was the Ascendant, and had been shocked and confused by what had happened to her—what was about to happen to me. Unlike her, I’d had five people prepare me for this moment, and I was going to face it bravely.

“Don’t worry. You can handle it.” Mom smoothed back my wild curls as she gazed into my hazel eyes, which mirrored her own. “I’m so proud of you. I know you’re going to do great things.”

I drew in a breath and stood a little taller. “Thanks, Mom. I have a big legacy to live up to, but I’ll do my best.”

“I know you will.” She kissed my forehead, and then returned to stand with my fathers a short distance away. There was nothing more they could do for me now. I was on my own.

Slade began pacing back and forth, and I heard my parents start to murmur quietly to each other, no doubt fussing over me in their own way. I could only make out a few words, but it sounded like they were plotting to deal with my mates if they ever hurt me. I pitied my future mates a little—they had no idea what was about to happen to them, or that they’d have to live with my four overprotective fathers. At least Mom never had to deal with that.