Darkyn's Mate

Advice. Deidre was being asked by the woman who stole her lover and her destiny for advice. Was the Dark One laughing at her right now? There were days when she wished she was more like him, capable of great evil. Or at least, capable of revenge. Because she wasn't. She felt too bad for the former goddess to walk away.

She took a deep breath.

"Well, first, you didn't fuck me over. I thought you did at first and I'll admit, I'm not completely certain things might not break bad, but for now, I'm fine. Darkyn hasn't hurt me and won't. Look." She turned to show her tattoos.

"Oh my god!" Past-Death exclaimed. "He blood-bound you! That crafty son of a bitch!"

"In case I win our deal." Deidre said without thinking. Embarrassed, she cleared her throat. "Sorry. Seems kinda tacky to bring it up."

"No." Past-Death shook her head. "I knew he'd figure out something. Never guessed that. He's not someone who bows to others, and a blood-bond is pretty serious, considering you were already mates. I can't imagine the impact of both on him when one is more than enough."

Deidre still didn't quite believe the others were right. Rhyn claimed the same thing, but she definitely didn't feel as though she had any influence over Darkyn. She wouldn't be so terrified of him, if she did. Then again, would he tell her, if she did? She had no real way of knowing.

"That explains the fangs. So jealous," Past-Death added. "Sexy."

Damn fangs. She had forgotten not to smile and to keep her lips closed together. Deidre looked away, self-conscious about being turned into a demon.

"Anyway," she mumbled. "I'm glad you told Gabriel the truth. We talked after you told him."

"He came to see you." Past-Death frowned. "I guess I shouldn't be surprised."

"He's always loved you, Deidre. That hasn't changed." Deidre said, sensing the jealousy in the woman before her.

"I don't believe it's possible," Past-Death said. "I've been afraid of losing him my whole life."

You had no trouble ripping him from me or me from my own life. Deidre kept her thoughts to herself, growing more distressed with the visit. She hugged herself.

"I don't know how to help," she whispered. "The bond between mates is strong. Gabriel is honorable. He will do what's right."

"I want to do what's right, too, but don't even know what that is."

"Darkyn's approach to the mating bond was much different than Gabriel's. Gabriel gave me space and a choice. Darkyn … no way in hell. Relentless." Deidre heard the dreamy note in her voice and blushed again. "Anyway I mean, if you confront something instead of letting it fester, it might be easier to deal with. Instead of waiting for Gabe to come around, why don't you go to him? Try to make things right."