by Harper Wylde
Molly’s eyes were wide and shocked as she crawled forward slowly. “I’ve never seen a Phoenix shifted before. Wow!” she exclaimed, while Rini immediately started ruffling through my feathers, pulling at my wings, and inspecting me for the mark I was desperate to locate.
“Is it sort of starburst shape?” Rini asked in excitement, and I let out an affirmative chirp. She let out a girly squeal and joy surged inside of me. “I’m going to draw this for you… one second!” She hopped up and started rifling through Molly’s room.
“In my desk! Top drawer on the left,” Molly instructed, crawling to my other side to see the mark that Rini had supposedly located. “There it is!” If hearts could shoot out of someone’s eyes, I had no doubt they would be pinging around the room… all coming from Molly.
As soon as the girls were done, I shifted back and quickly donned my clothing, blushing after the fact I’d legitimately bared all to my best friends.
“Girl… we are all so used to nudity. You do not have anything to worry about.” Rini waved my concerns away and handed me the drawing pad. “Now, I’m no artist, but this should give you a pretty good indication if your mark matches theirs.”
I studied the round center of the starburst, and the way rippling triangles of sun rays surrounded it. It almost reminded me of the sun shaped mark in the Disney movie, Tangled. I let my fingers trace over the shape, my heart swelling as I realized it matched. I nodded to Rini and Molly, as tears threatened to spill down my cheeks. Blinking, I held them back and swallowed hard, clearing my throat to regain my composure. The guys were mine. My heart sang.
“So what are you going to do now?” Rini inquired with stars in her eyes, clearly enjoying the romantic moment I was having with myself.
My mouth opened and closed as I tried to come up with an answer. My mind raced with possibilities, but I had no idea what to do with this information. I knew what I felt, and I knew that I wanted the guys to know, but I had no idea how to go about it.
I was saved from answering when a knock sounded on the door and Angela stuck her head in.
“You girls doing alright?” she asked with a smile.
“Yes, Mom,” Molly replied, shaking her head as a smirk played on her lips.
“What are you up to?”
“Relaxing. You're welcome to join us, Angela,” Rini offered, indicating the other cushions spread across the floor.
She laughed, although she didn't close the door. “I don't want to put a drain on your party.”
“Mom, you aren't a drain. It's a girls’ night, right? Come, join us. I was going to show Rini how to braid her the way that you braid mine,” Molly said, snagging a brush from the bed.
Angela chuckled, stepping inside as Molly brushed Rini's short hair and began to weave pretty, intricate braids into it. “Well, if you're sure.” She settled on the floor beside me, nabbing a donut as well. “So, since we actually have a few moments to talk, how is my son? It's not as if he keeps me updated on what he has going on.”
“He's doing well,” I informed her, unsure exactly what she wanted to know. “He's been busy, all of us have, really.”
“Is he happy?” Her words were quiet as she rolled the donut between her fingers.
I paused, thinking about the other day at the hot spring and how happy he’d been then, but quickly forced my attention away from that memory to really consider her question before I started blushing. “I think so. I mean, he's stressed out at times and he's working too hard, but I think he's happy.”
“Well, that's something.” She sat up, tugging on my arm to draw me with her. “How about I do your hair too?”
“Oh, let her!” Molly bounced excitedly, ignoring Rini's snicker as she dropped the strands of hair she was holding. “She does mine all the time.”
“Okay.” I sat up, letting her tow me in front of the mirror. “I'm not really used to anyone doing my hair.”
“You may like it, I know I do,” Angela told me, brushing the lower strands as she spoke. “I always enjoyed having someone play with my hair or playing with my daughter's.”
“Have you seen Theo shift yet?” Molly asked, as she threaded strands together.
“Yes,” I replied, blushing brightly as I remembered the events of our last swim together. Molly squealed.
“Good! He deserves to be with someone who's comfortable with that side of him as well.” She bit her tongue as she concentrated on Rini’s hair.
“We’re not official—” I glanced panickedly at Angela as she brushed my hair in long, smooth strokes. Angela smiled at me, her eyes connecting with mine in the mirror.
“I'm under no illusions about your relationship with my son or the other boys, Nix. No one here will rat you out, you don't need to worry. The only thing in the world that I care about is my children's happiness—the rest be damned.” Her hands were soft and sure in my hair, the motions soothing. Her eyes locked on mine in the mirror as she ran the brush over my scalp. “I care about your happiness, too, Nix. You may not be my daughter yet, but I consider you mine, just as much as Molly is. You'll always have a home here, sweetheart. A mother, sisters... You're family.”
Tears burned the back of my eyes as she smiled at me, and I returned it, blinking hard to prevent the tears from falling down my cheeks. Molly and Rini sniffled behind me, and it was a relief to know I wasn't the only one affected by Angela's words. “Thank you.”
“So what have you decided about what we talked about before?” Rini asked, wiggling her brows. “Are you going to tell them how you feel?”
“Oh, have they told you yet?” Molly chirped. “I can't believe they've waited this long.”
“Not yet. They know I'm getting used to things. I think they feel the same way I do...” I blushed, remembering Ryder's declaration. “I just want it to be special, for all of us, together. I’ve been struggling with telling them all one-on-one because it just feels… singular.” I didn’t have a better word.
“Why don't you plan something? It's easier telling all of them together if you plan it,” Rini suggested.
“I thought about it,” I admitted. “I had some ideas, but I just can't decide.”
“Well, that's what girls’ night is for—talking about men!” Angela chuckled. “Try bouncing some ideas off of us, maybe we can help a little.”
Twenty-Eight
Nix
I paced nervously around the house as I ensured that everything was in place for the third time in a row. To say I was anxious would have been the understatement of the year, and I rushed back in to my room to study my reflection in the mirror. I wanted to look nice for the guys, and Rini, Molly, and Angela had all voted on this outfit. The dress hugged my waist and then flared, flowing around my thighs and ending just above my knees. The maroon color bled to black at the bottom, and I loved the way it looked on me. It was impractical to wear outside with the temperatures so low, but my plan didn’t include heading out. I wanted this moment to be special, and there was nothing more special to me than being at home. Just a few months ago the guys had opened their house to me, keeping me safe and offering me security I’d never had before. Sometimes the complete one-eighty my life had taken still shocked me.
Right on time, I heard the car doors slam outside and I tensed. With the help of James and Rini, I’d been able to delay the guys’ schedules today so that they’d all arrive home together—catching a ride home with Killian from campus. I knew they’d be nervous that I’d been home alone without any protection—the numerous messages on my phone told me as much—and I hoped they wouldn’t be upset when they learned it was me who had them waylaid.
Fidgeting nervously, I combed my hair through my fingers. It was cascading down my back in long, thick, straight layers, looking lustrous even in the indoor lighting. Mascara and a light line of eyeliner had been applied to my eyes, and I covered my lips in a light pink that Molly promised went well with my skin tone. While both Rini and Molly had wanted to paint my finger and toenails, I had refus
ed, opting for coating them in a clear gloss that felt more natural to me, rather than a color I’d have to commit to. The only downside to that decision had been the numerous choices of attire I’d had. If I’d at least had to match my outfit to a specific color, I may not have taken an entire day to search through my closet—which had been well stocked thanks to Ryder's online shopping habits—agonizing over what to wear.
Fleeing to hide out in the downstairs bathroom, I heard the guys clamoring up the front steps, each trying to beat the other inside to check on me. I smiled and shook my head at the picture I knew they were making. Then they paused, and I strained to listen as they found my note taped to the front door that would lead them on a small scavenger hunt around the house.
“Nix?” Killian called, the first one in the door. I figured he’d have shoved his way past the others in an attempt to make sure I was okay. I placed a hand over my mouth to keep myself from laughing and giving away my hiding spot. My instructions had been clear. They were to search the house until they each found an envelope with their name on it, and then reconvene in the living room.
“She’s not going to answer you.” Ryder bounded in the door, filled with more excitement than I’d seen him with in days. My hope that something different, something game-like, would lift his mood, if only for a short while, seemed to be working, and it lightened my heart. He’d been through so much lately, the weight he carried on his shoulders over his sister and his niece monumental. The black circles under his eyes and the fading purple color in his hair were enough of an indication that he wasn’t taking care of himself. Damien had been keeping an extra eye out to make sure that the Ceraptor was still eating enough, while Theo tracked his health from afar. Killian had tried to help Ryder take out his emotions on the punching bag, and while it helped for a little while, it was just another temporary balm. Hiro and I were there for support, but there was only so much we could all do, even as a family team. I’d been worried about him, but I hoped that what I had to tell him would help him feel less alone.
“Nix!” Killian called again, ignoring Ryder, though he was correct. I planned to keep to my hiding spot until each guy had their envelope in hand. “I just want to make sure you’re alright!” Killian’s voice boomed through the house and I signed, rolling my eyes at his insistence.
Damien. I pushed my thoughts toward my Gargoyle. I knew he’d heard me when the connection between the two of us opened.
Are you okay? Damien asked.
I’m fine. Tell Abra to stop fussing over me and to play by the rules. I made sure to inject my playful mood into my thoughts and Damien chuckled, letting my orders slide to Killian. I felt him begin to grumble that he just wanted to check on me, but Damien erected a mental wall against him, blocking him mid thought. Have fun! I told Damien before throwing up my own blockade brick by brick.
Pounding footsteps rang through the house as the guys started their search, and I winced briefly when I realized they could turn the whole house upside down in the process. Hopefully, the damage done wouldn’t be monumental or too much of a task to clean.
Ryder’s whoop of victory sounded from upstairs and I smiled. I placed my palms on the vanity counter and hauled myself up while I waited for the rest of the guys to find their notes, swinging my feet to pass the time.
Killian was the next to find his envelope, the hard sound of his footsteps descending the stairs was a tell that he was heading to living room to wait for the others.
“Any ideas? I can’t seem to find mine.” Hiro’s voice was muted through the walls that separated us, but I could tell he was confused as he searched the house for what I’d left for him.
“Uh, Hiro…” Ryder sounded amused. “Behind you,” Ryder stage whispered.
“I can’t believe I didn’t see that when I first walked through the door.” Hiro’s voice grew louder the closer he got to the other guys, and I knew the moment he’d pulled his envelope off of the wall I’d taped it to.
Rustling could be heard from the kitchen as doors and drawers were searched, followed by the distinct sound of the refrigerator being opened. Nix, Damien called for me. A hint? Where in the kitchen did you hide mine? I can’t find it.
I laughed out loud, nearly giving away my location, and lowered my mental defenses. Get more creative, batman. That’s all you get. I threw my barriers in place again before he could tempt me into releasing my secrets.
“Damien’s cheating.” Ryder’s whine was good natured and playful.
“You pointed out Hiro’s. I think that makes it even,” Killian reasoned.
Damien jogged up the stairs and I lost track of his movements from there. For a large man with the alter of a Gargoyle, he could move surprisingly light on his feet.
A few more minutes and both Theo and Damien had joined the others downstairs. I took a deep breath, slid to the floor, and smoothed my dress with sweaty palms.
Now or never, Nix. I gave myself a pep talk and my Phoenix ruffled her feathers in a soothing way. She was just as excited as I was about my proclamation, but unlike me, she was free from the nervous butterflies that fluttered in my stomach.
Steeling myself and finding a calm within me that I could work with, I left the bathroom and entered the living room. It was almost a flashback of the first time I’d been in the house, coming to face the guys after having shifted into my Phoenix form for the first time. So much life had happened to us in the last few months that it felt surreal. Who I was then and who I was now seemed like two totally different people.
“Hi,” I said, tucking my hair behind my ear in a nervous gesture as I entered the living room. Five sets of eyes landed me on and I smiled at each of them in turn.
Ryder’s gaze trailed down my body and back up again in full appreciation of the outfit I was sure he’d placed in my closet. His whistle of approval had me blushing and I laughed at his shenanigans, but my heart warmed immediately.
“Hi.” Theo grinned, turning his envelope over in his palms.
“I’m sure you’re all wondering what the notes are for and what this whole little game has been about,” I started, trying to swallow past my nerves. “This past week I’ve been working on a little project for you. I want you guys to open your letters, but then I need a minute to explain what it is you’re looking at before you ask any questions,” I instructed, and they all agreed, ripping into their envelopes and extracting two items, a handwritten note from me and a four by six picture.
Killian opened his mouth to ask a question, but I held up a hand and stopped him before he could get a word out.
“You guys can save the letters and read them later… they’re each personal… something just for you from me,” I told them. “But the pictures… that’s what I really wanted you to see.” Each guy inspected their snapshot and then glanced at the ones clutched in the hands of the person next to them.
“Nix, is this what I think it is?” Theo asked, pulling his glasses from where they were hooked on his shirt, and placing them on his nose to get a better view, as if to double check what he was seeing.
“The other day when I had my girls’ night with Rini and Molly, I learned about a myth that’s not really a myth. Rini told me about mate marks, and showed me hers.” The guys drew a collective breath and looked down at their pictures again. “It was hard to believe at first, but then I started thinking about it and realized I’d seen a mark on Theo when he’d shifted for me.” I pointed to the picture Theo held in his hands. “And then I saw the same mark on Killian’s paw.” I motioned to his image. “Ryder has the same mark on the back of his neck, near his mane, and Damien’s wing is marked with the same symbol.” I turned to Hiro next. “And your mark is hidden in the intricate design that decorates your middle tail.” I faced them all, and continued, “I spent the last week trying to get time with each of your alters so I could show you the mark.” Reaching for the extra envelope I’d set near the TV, I opened it. “This is mine.” I handed the picture Theo and let him pass it around. �
��It matches all of yours, or rather… your marks match mine.”
“This is incredible,” Theo said, handing the picture off to Ryder. “I had no idea the myth was true.”
“I figured as much when you didn’t say anything about it.” I gave him a gentle smile, loving the way he traced a finger over the starburst shape with awe. “In a way, I’m really glad to find out about the mark now and not back when I’d met you. It’s given us time to solidify what we already knew… that we belonged together. I care so much for each one of you.”
“We care about you too, Nix.” Damien clutched his picture in his hand, his attention solely on me instead of the printed ink.
I forged forward. “There have been so many times that I’ve wanted to say this to each of you individually, but the timing never felt right. It didn’t feel like the right move to clarify my feelings for one of you when it might make the others feel left out and excluded or jealous,” I rambled, playing with my fingers while I tried to get my point across. “What I’m trying to say is…” I paused, feeling like I was messing this whole thing up.
Damien must have picked up on my feelings, my mental wall having dropped as I explained everything, and he nodded at me, encouraging me onward.
“I love you.” The words burst forth. “I love each of you… so damn much.”
Theo, Damien, Killian, Ryder, and Hiro all stared at me, and then animalistic growls, groans, and rumbles filled the room as their gazes grew intense and heated.
“Nix,” Ryder breathed, breaking away from the pack and rushing forward to wrap me in his arms. “Fuck. Nix,” he whispered, pulling back just enough to slam his mouth over mine. I moaned from the ferocity of it, our lips battling for control, tongues dueling in the passionate wake of my declaration. When he came up for air, he rested his forehead against mine and stroked my cheeks with his thumbs, the picture forgotten on the floor beside us. “I love you too.”