I frowned at him, anger rising again. “What does that even mean, Dominic? If I knew, I’d have told you yes or no!” “Maybe you do know and are trying to spare my feelings!” My eyes widened. I leaned forward, appalled. “I’m trying to figure out a very important question about my life and identity, Dominic,” I growled. “So no, I’m not trying to spare your feelings; I’m asking for your help. Tell me how someone ‘just knows.’” Sinclair sighed in frustration, his eyes narrowed before he closed them, concentrating.

“Sometimes I forget you’ve only had your wolf for a few months,” he murmured. “Please, Ella, forgive me. Some things are instinctual for me and Roger, but harder for you and Cora.” “Yes,” I agreed, nodding. I hesitated, about to ask something I wasn't sure I wanted to know, but steeled myself. “How did you know Lydia was your fated mate?” He sighed, opened his eyes, and looked at me questioningly. I nodded seriously, showing my understanding.

He sighed again and began.

“It was instant,” he explained, his eyes distant with memory. “The intensity was like my attraction to you—I was always attracted to you, Ella, even when you were the human nanny down the road. But with Lydia? When I saw her after reaching my majority, the bond was instant.” I thought back to seeing Calvin. I did notice him, and couldn't look away. Was that? “Can you tell me more?” I pressed, needing details. “What did it feel like?” He nodded, continuing though it was clearly difficult. “I was sixteen. She was…Roger’s lover, his girlfriend, and they were serious. But the first time I met her after my maturity, I felt her enter the room. Even across the room, in a crowd, my eyes went to her, and I instantly knew what she was to me. My wolf knew instantly, and there was no doubt.” “And for two years?” I prompted. “You just knew?” “It was more than knowing,” he said, shaking his head. “My wolf pined for her; I had strong, carnal reactions to her presence. And she felt the same—but we all thought Roger was Dad’s heir. And that,” he shrugged, “was more important to her than the bond, at the time.” “So she could deny the bond?” “Not really,” he murmured. “Her wolf was probably as crazy for me as mine was for her. But Lydia was determined and calculating. She had strong willpower, when incentivized.”

We were both silent for a moment. Jealousy coiled in me, even though Lydia was dead and our bond was stronger. Still, it wasn't easy thinking about Sinclair loving someone else.

It made me want to fiercely defend my claim on him.

On some level, I understood his reaction last night—his need to end the threat to our relationship.

But thinking further…I wasn't sure there was a threat at all.

“What?” Sinclair asked, studying me.

“I don’t know,” I said, frowning deeper.

He urged me to speak with a low sound. I collected my thoughts and cocked my head. “And there was nothing…physical between you? No sparks?” “No,” he frowned, shaking his head. “But you’re goddess-born, Ella. Who knows what happens with you.” I sighed, shrugging, acknowledging the possibility. But I pressed on. “And you instantly wanted her? Sexually?” He nodded slowly, thankfully not elaborating. “It consumed me for two years, Ella. And I’m sure she felt it too. Every mated pair I’ve talked to has felt the same intense sexual connection.”

I was quiet for a long moment. “Honestly, Dominic, I don’t feel that way about Calvin.” “What?” he asked, confused.

“I like him a lot,” I shrugged, “and he’s very handsome—” Sinclair growled, and I swatted him, scowling. “Stop! Like with Roger, it’s an observation—Calvin is a very good-looking man—” The growl deepened, and I laughed. “Stop!” I swatted him again.

“You stop!” he ordered, frowning. “This man touched you—said he thinks he’s your mate, and you think he’s handsome!?” “Okay, I take it back,” I sighed, rolling my eyes. “He’s ugly—complete trash. A toad—” Sinclair groaned, burying his face in the pillow, knowing I was lying. I smacked him again to make him listen.

“Seriously,” I said, sitting up and shaking his arm until he looked at me. “Dominic, I think there’s a connection with Calvin, but what you described—instant knowing, pining, your wolf going crazy, anything carnal?” Sinclair stared, and I shook my head slowly.

“Dominic, I don’t have any of that.” My mate sat up, eager. “Are you serious?” he asked.

“I promise,” I said sincerely. “I even asked my wolf when you were gone, and she said she didn’t know.” “She would know, Ella—” “Well then,” I shrugged, “Dominic…I don’t think it’s right. I don’t think he’s my fated mate.” My mate groaned, falling back onto the mattress and covering his face in relief. I smiled, relief washing over me. Until Calvin said ‘mate,’ I hadn’t been thinking it at all. It was him who put the idea in my head, making me freak out because I assumed he'd know.

Sinclair lowered his hands, studying me. “You’re not saying that to make me feel better?” I rolled my eyes. “I swear on everything, Dominic,” I rushed, eager for him to believe me. “I’m serious—if that’s how people feel when they meet their fated mates, I don’t feel that way about him, and neither does my wolf.” My mate moved too fast for me to see, and I shrieked as he pulled me over the baby, holding me tight. I laughed, snuggling against his chest, breathing in his scent.

“God, Ella,” he murmured, sighing. “I was so scared—” “I know,” I murmured back, pressing against him. “I’m glad you didn’t kill him.” “I’m not,” he growled, and I laughed. “He made a move on you, Ella. And even if you’re not into him, he’s definitely into you.” “Okay,” I admitted, biting my lip. “I guess…he is. But Dominic, he’s not entirely to blame. There is something between us, even if it’s not a mating bond.” Sinclair peered down at me, and I looked up. He nodded. “I can deal with that,” he murmured, accepting it. “As long as you and me?” “We’re good, Dominic,” I murmured, resting my head on his chest. “I’m in love with you, and nobody else. You’re my mate.” “And you’re mine,” he said, finality in his voice as he held me close. “I love you so much, Ella. If I lost you…” I nodded, understanding the unspoken sentiment. I breathed deeply, peering over my mate to look at my sleeping baby. Pleased and content, I traced a finger down Rafe’s belly.

Nothing could tear our little family apart.

After a sleepless night, the insane questions, and the reaffirmation of our dedication…

Feeling my mate’s breath and staring at my sleeping baby…I realized I was ready.

Even with war on the horizon, and the looming question of what was between me and the Prince of Atalaxia…I knew I was ready for baby number two.

I smiled and turned to my mate, because there’s no time like the present.