Serenity

I'd been staring at these charts for days and none of it made sense. Daniel had gotten my university transcripts but their date was much farther back than seemed realistic - over twenty years. It's as if I'm a ghost or not really Serenity Matthews. The more we dig, the more bizarre the details become. We can't locate my birth certificate, my high school, or even my parent's death certificates.

Garen had returned to Caffrey & Dahl only to discover that most of the partners had been heavily compelled. They didn't even know how I'd been placed at Ito Industries. However, Mr. Dahl had suddenly taken an extended leave of absence and no one seemed to know where he is or when he will return. Matt had interrogated that bitchy receptionist, Ms. Salva about her spying on Daniel. Turns out she was working for his mother along with my old firm. She says Mr. Dahl gave her my files and wanted her to keep track of my movements. I feel like I'm living in some sort of crazy spy novel just waiting for another clue.

"Hey, you need to take a break and eat something," Garen said gently as he poked his head through the doorway.

"In a minute," I muttered, not looking up. I jumped slightly when his lips ghosted over my neck. "Garen."

"You've been over these charts dozens of times, love. Come, have some lunch with us." He tilted my chin up and kissed me softly then whispered, "Please?"

A sigh escaped my lips as I nodded, "Okay. Maybe a break will help." He grinned and before I could protest, he scooped me up in his arms and carried me down the stairs. I giggled when he dramatically entered the dining room.

"I have rescued the fair maiden from her chambers!" he boomed.

Daniel looked up, eyebrows raised, "Was she being held captive?"

"Yes, her curiosity had her trapped," he joked.

"So dramatic," I teased. That earned me a swat across my bottom as he set me down on my feet. "Meanie."

He chuckled, "Oh love, I can be mean if that's what you really want." Something in his look made my heart flutter. He smirked, "Food first, dirty girl." My cheeks burned as I looked away.

We quickly tucked into our food, not speaking much until Daniel cleared his throat. "Um, I need to speak with both of you about, well about presenting you to the Council and coronation."

"Us?" Garen asked. "I understand Serenity, but why me?"

"Because all three of us are connected, Garen. I know you've felt it too. While we may not be involved romantically, we are now bound through Ren. It is only fitting that we all rule together."

"Yeah, they're not going to let that happen," Garen scoffed. "I'm a damn commoner."

"And I'm a human or at least something like it," I interjected. "They either take us all as one, or they can fuck all the way off." Both men stared at me. "What? I'm allowed to be protective of my men. But seriously, is this the right time with all the unanswered questions about me and my past? Can they use that against you?"

Daniel frowned for a moment, "They can't refuse the bond of an Eternal." His eyes darkened a bit as he stood and moved closer to me. "They especially can't refuse a completed bond." He held his hands out to me. I stood, feeling my skin warm at his implication. "I know you've been scared, but let us do this for you. Your past doesn't matter to either of us, Ren. We love you."

Garen joined us, adding, "We aren't asking you to transition, just to complete the bonding claim by accepting our bites."

"Do I have to drink from both of you?" I whispered feeling their hands on me as I shivered with excitement.

"Only a bit," Daniel said, his lips meeting mine. A moan escaped me as Garen began kissing my neck, his hands wrapping around my stomach. "We love you so much," he whispered, picking me up. My legs wrapped around Daniel's waist as all three of us moved toward the bedroom. He had just started to climb the steps when a voice interrupted us.

"Sorry to be awkward, but this really can't happen."