Eden

Damien seems to be waiting for me to make the first move, remaining unchanging in his stance across from me.

Alright then.

I dart to the left using my increased speed, and that's all the encouragement Damien needs as he darts alongside me, matching my speed effortlessly.

He wears a smug smile on his face, acting as though he has this practice fight in the bag, but he should know by now after all our training that I am a worthy opponent.

I stop abruptly, sprinting backwards before I twirl around with one hand raised. "Fulgur!"

My lightning magic crackles across the field and barely misses Damien's right arm. "Too slow." He shouts as he turns and blasts flames in my direction with a wave of his hand.

"Don't act too cocky, Damien!"

I summon my magic forward, coating my hands in it, I raise my hand and catch his fire, returning it to him swiftly with a flick of my wrist.

It nails him in the shoulder, causing him to grunt from the impact.

He looks me in the eye as a genuine smile makes its way to his face. Damien and I have always enjoyed our training, he's one of the only men who doesn't take it easy on me, and he's not used to fighting someone so small and agile.

It makes for a fun training session for both of us.

We clash repeatedly on the training grounds, my happiness increasing right along with my adrenaline.

Damien sneaks up behind me, and seems to be only seconds away from getting me when I get him first.

"Imber!" As soon as the word leaves my mouth Damien is being drenched within a small wave of my own making.

Within the same motion I sweep my leg out, taking out both of his legs, in turn making him fall with a loud thud.

I quickly place my hands on him. "Gravitas!" There's no way I could hold him down with my own strength, I've tried and failed that.

Once I figured out I could use gravity magic to hold him down it was a whole new game for me.

I look over and meet Jericho's excited gaze, the huge smile on his face making me feel proud of how strong I've become. I smile back at him before turning to Helath, waiting for him to declare me the winner.

"The first match of the day goes to Eden." His voice rings out, followed by a few "hell yeah's" from the other Reapers, I can hear Jericho's words, "I knew she'd win." His faith in me making my heart swell with emotion.

I look down at Damien, prepared to finally release him, but time seems to slow as my eyes meet his, our close proximity bringing back every emotion I felt while laying within his arms those nights my heart couldn't rest.

I already released him from my spell moments ago, and yet he makes no attempt to move from beneath my hand as his eyes search mine, looking down at my lips longingly. "Eden.." He breathes out softly, his words caressing my face, sending small chills down my spine.

It's that action that reminds me we are not alone, and this isn't right.

My face heats with embarrassment, and I refuse to look in anyone's direction as I stand and calmly walk off of the training grounds, not bothering to explain.

That did not just happen in front of all those damn Reapers and their over observant asses.

I'm through the doors and down the hallway before I hear footsteps quickly approaching from behind. Figures Jericho would have come after me to see what that was all about.

I'm up against the wall quicker than I can register, his face only a breath away from mine. "He didn't tell you, did he?" Damien's voice comes out low.

I search his eyes, not understanding what's going on. "What?" My voice comes out barely above a whisper.

"Jericho, he didn't tell you anything upon returning to your room last night after seeing me?"

I search his eyes, hoping to find unspoken answers within them. "No, he didn't say anything, but I haven't asked him yet, either. I had planned to.. What is this about?"

"Ask your mate about it." Within the same breath he releases me from his hold, oddly leaving me feeling cold, longing for his closeness.

Damien turns and walks away before I can ask any more questions, the small interaction leaving me upset.

Is Jericho keeping something from me?

He wouldn't. Not if it was important.. Right?

"Eden?" I turn and look at my mate, hoping with all my heart he'll be honest with me.

"Jericho.. What did you go to see Damien for last night?" He takes a deep breath, closing his eyes.

He opens them again and looks at me, and then down the hallway that Damien just walked down moments ago.

"Give me a minute, I promise to tell you everything. Just let me talk to Damien first.." He looks at me, and I can see that he's being genuine.

I cross my arms over my chest and nod. "Well, go on then."

He kisses my forehead swiftly and makes his way down the hall after his fellow Reaper.

I wait for a few minutes after he's out of view, before quickly following after him. "Silentium." I whisper, cloaking myself in silence.

I'm tired of being kept in the dark. Jericho and Damien both know something, and I don't like that they both have kept it from me, when it obviously concerns me.

I make it to the hall that contains the rooms, and silently approach Damiens, both of the men's voices growing louder as I do.

"I'm not telling her, I told you, that task falls to you as her accepted mate." I hear Damien's voice first.

Accepted mate?

"This doesn't have to be difficult.. I think in the end we all want the same thing." Jericho responds.

"Then show me. Prove it." Damien's voice comes out low, almost a mix between anger and lust, the tone making me press my legs together without meaning to.

I don't hear any more words being exchanged, my irritation and impatients increasing by the second.

My irrational side wins as I inch closer to the door, opening it without a sound.

My heart drops as I take in the sight before me.

Jericho has Damien pressed up against the wall, their bodies close as their lips crash against each other.

I stare open mouthed at my mate as he bites Damien's lower lip, causing him to open his mouth, slipping his tongue into his fellow Reaper's mouth.

I release my silencing spell so I can be heard finally. As soon as it's undone both men freeze, probably just now being able to hear the sound of my breathing.

"Jericho..?" He slowly releases Damien, reluctantly turning in my direction, his eyes cast downward.

I look towards Damien as he also refuses to meet my eyes.

"Eden.. it's not what you think."

"It's not what I think? So you weren't just kissing Damien?" I demand of Jericho.

His eyes finally meet mine, his face portraying his emotions clearly. "Eden.. I.."

"Did you do this to get back at me for sleeping in his bed?" I question.

"No.. it's not like that at all. I'd never go out of my way to hurt you after I said I forgave you for something.."

"Then what is this? I don't understand.." My tears begin to slip down my face, despite my best efforts not to.

Why would Jericho kiss anyone behind my back? I understand what I did was wrong, sleeping in Damien's bed, but I never let Damien touch me in such a way. I went as far as to attack him when he tried to kiss me.

Jericho approaches me, and I take a step back, not wanting him to try to hold me.

He stops when he realizes I want space from him.

I finally turn my attention to Damien. "Nothing to say on your part?"

"Eden.. You should know something."

"What? What the fuck is it I should know? Because I'd love to be in on whatever the fuck is going on here!" I shout, looking at both of the men in turn.

Damien and Jericho look at each other, seeming to silently agree on who will be the one to tell me.

Jericho walks up beside me, still giving me a bit of space, as Damien approaches from across the room.

I look towards Jericho, taking note of the soft look in his eyes as he watches my face.

I turn my attention back to Damien as he stops in front of me. He looks into my eyes, his golden ones searching my blue ones.

My heart is racing, and I feel like I'll explode if they don't tell me this instant what's going on.

Damien reaches up with one hand, cupping my face gently, Jericho makes no attempt to stop his fellow Reaper from touching me so intimately.

Damien's other hand snakes around my waist, bringing me closer to him, and for once I don't fight myself or him as I let him press his body against mine. He lowers his face to mine, gazing into my eyes, our lips only a breath apart.

"Mate." Damien breathes out.

My heart stills at his words. "What?"

"You're my second chance soulmate, Eden.."

I back away from him slowly, needing space to think. "I don't understand.."

My eyes dart over to Jericho, needing him to make this make sense.

"The gods work in mysterious ways, my beautiful mate."

"So then why the hell are you kissing Damien?" I demand of him.

"I- fuck.. I-" Jericho stumbles over his words, looking over at Damien for help.

"Because, Eden, if you accept me, Jericho and I will become connected, as well.."

"That doesn't explain why you two were making out."

"Because I wasn't going to accept the soul bond if Jericho wasn't going to admit his feelings for me.. I didn't want to be connected to Jericho if he wasn't willing to openly accept me."

"How long did you two know about this and not tell me?"

"Just since last night.. we were going to tell you." Damien admits.

"I was never going to keep this from you, Eden.. I'm sorry this is how you found out." Jericho says.

"I don't know what to say.." I'm so damn confused right now. They should have told me right away. It shouldn't have happened like this..

"I need to be alone."

Jericho's gaze falls to the ground, and I know he feels guilty for what just took place. He should have told me about the soulmate bond before going and swapping spit with Damien, and he knows it.

Me and Damien's eyes lock, and I can't think of any words to say as I take in the pain hidden in his eyes.

I just need time to think. I wasn't prepared for this.

Do I accept Damien?

I bite my lip, worried my words might be taken the wrong way, but needing to know. "Why isn't the pull as strong with Damien?"

"Because you haven't fully accepted him."

"Fully accept him? What do you mean?" My face begins to heat, already anticipating the answer.

"If you two were to have se-"

"Okay. I'll keep that in mind." I mumble, cutting Jericho off mid sentence, before leaving the room swiftly.

"Eden?" Jericho calls after me.

"Please just leave me alone for a bit. I'm sorry, I won't be rejoining training this morning."

I don't bother to look back as I rush to me and Jericho's room, hoping neither of the men will follow me.

What the hell.. what am I supposed to do.. the gods have given me two soulmates, but why? Can I handle this? Can I handle being a mate to two Reapers?

My heart thunders in my chest as I lay in bed, hiding beneath the covers, acting as though it will protect me from all my problems.

My mind continues to wander back to the scene that played out before me when I caught them. The way Jericho's large muscular arms caged Damien in as their full lips crashed against each other, the way Damien's muscular arms wrapped themselves around Jericho's waist..

Oh goddess. Stop that. I should be upset about it, not getting turned on thinking about the way the large, powerful mens bodies..

OH MY GODDESS. STOP.

I poke my head out of the blankets, looking around the large room. Not wanting to get out of bed, not wanting to leave the room, but knowing I can't hide away all day. People will wonder where I am.

I climb out of bed and make my way into the bathroom, I brush out my hair and make myself presentable again.

I change out of my training clothes, opting for a flowy black skirt and deep red wrap around top. I used to wear skirts more often, my current life events have made it to where I mostly wear pants these days, though.

But today I am simply existing. I'm not going to stress about anything else.

I know lunch is approaching, and I still look forward to meeting the other Reapers mate, Abigail. From what I've heard she's timid and sweet, and apparently shares a distaste towards Melinoe.

I slowly open the door, making sure no one else is around as I make my way out and down the hall towards the dinning room where we all gather to eat.

I can hear all the chatter before I even enter the large room. As usual barely anyone pays attention as I slip in, being too caught up in conversation, or already enjoying their food.

I spot Jericho sitting near the head of the table, a seat next to him remains empty for me. But on the other side of that empty chair sits Damien.

The idea of having to sit between the two men leaves my stomach in knots.

I slowly make my way over, not wanting to draw attention by not sitting beside my mate.

Mates.

Oh goddess.

Jericho smiles softly at me as I take my seat, a plate of food already prepared for me. "I figured I'd get you some of the good food before everyone else got to it."

He tells me with a grin. "Thank you." I smile back at him, trying to pretend everything is fine while in front of everyone.

I grab my fork and begin eating the peppered chicken, needing something to occupy myself with other than these thoughts, and the two large men sitting on either side of me.

Jericho eats slowly, seeming uninterested in the food before him. Every so often I catch him looking at me out of the corner of his eye. I know he feels guilty, and he should.

He gently sets his large hand on my thigh, letting his hand rest there. Despite my irritation towards him I lean my head against his arm for a moment, letting his scent and presence calm me.

Damien glances at us, then down at my thigh where Jericho rests his hand, then away.

I can sense his need to claim me in the same small ways Jericho does, needing to simply touch me to announce to others I'm his, as well.

But he remains still, his food untouched.

"Eden! I see you've finally joined us, this is my mate, Abigail." Kaito beams at me as he approaches, his beautiful blonde mate trailing behind him, smiling sheepishly as she rests a hand on her large pregnant belly.

I get up and out of my chair, grasping Abigail's outstretched hand. "It's so nice to meet you Abigail." I say with a smile.

"It's lovely to meet you as well, Eden. And please, call me Abby." She says in her wispy voice. I take a moment to admire her. Her long light blonde hair, her beautiful grey eyes, and her lovely pointed ears. She is breathtaking.

No wonder Kaito has an elven accent, his mate is one of the elves of the forest. I have a feeling that's where they live for the most part. The elves are very connected to their homeland.

"Abby it is then, I look forward to spending time together."

She smiles and rubs her belly. "You and me both. I was worried I'd never get the chance to meet a fellow Reapers mate."

I glance at her belly and then back up at her. "How far along? If you don't mind me asking."

"Seven months, we're nearing the last stage. Kaito and I are excited to welcome our little one." She says lovingly as she looks down at her stomach.

"Do you know what you're having?"

"We're letting it be a surprise," She says. "Would you like to feel the baby kick? Always so active after I eat." She laughs, looking over at Kaito who smiles back at her.

I'm so weird about touching pregnant women's stomachs, but at the same time nothing is quite as magical as the start of a new life forming.

I reach my hand out and Abby quickly takes it within her own, placing my hand upon her stomach where the baby is most active. I almost jerk my hand away the first time I feel the baby.

"Oh goddess! I felt it." I smile and look back at Jericho who grins at me. I turn back when I feel the baby move again. "Sweet little one, you will grow big and strong, your life full of many blessings." I speak, knowing at this stage the baby can hear people's voices from outside the womb.

I look up at Abby, her face beaming with happiness, her eyes teary, though I know it's not from sadness. She will make a great mother.

"Thank you, Eden. I have a feeling we're going to be good friends, you and I."

I smile back at her and nod. "I look forward to it!"

Kaito comes and wraps his arm around his mate. "I'm going to take Abigail to go rest, I'm sure we will see each other again later."

I smile and wave bye to both of them, before rejoining Jericho and Damien at the table.

"Are you ready to go back to our room?" Jericho asks me.

I nod and get up from the table, looking at Damien as I do. I don't know how to act around him right now, and it seems he feels the same.

"I'll catch you two later." He mumbles before scooting away from the table, standing and walking away without another word.

And I sense it, the pull to go after him and comfort him, to tell him to come with me and Jericho to our room..

But something inside me keeps me where I am beside Jericho as I watch Damien disappear through the doors.

The rest of the day passes quickly, nothing of importance happening. I find myself curled beside the large fireplace in Jericho and I's room, as I rest my head against his large chest, reading one of the many books he has.

"It's late, would you like to go to bed? We have an early day tomorrow."

I set the book down, yawning and stretching. Jericho peppers my neck in light kisses as I do, making me laugh softly.

He undresses me and lays me in bed, discarding his own clothes he climbs in with me, wrapping me up within his arms.

Sometimes this is nice, just laying together. I always enjoy having sex with Jericho, and would probably never turn down the opportunity to have my way with him. But moments like this are meaningful, as well.

Jericho strokes my hair softly as I drift off to sleep.

Only for erotic dreams of Damien to bombard my mind.

I sit up so quickly my head spins for a moment, and I look over at Jericho to see him sleepily eyeing me with confusion.

"I can smell you.. Is it him?" He asks me gently.

"I don't know what to do.." I whisper. "I don't want to lose what's between us.."

"You won't be losing anything. This is not a loss, my beautiful mate, this is a gain, and one the gods intended. This soulmate bond is a gift, Eden."

"Is that truly how you see it?"

"I don't see how I could think of it any other way."

I bite my lower lip, feelings of unease washing over me. "What do I do?"

He smiles at me. "Go to him."

"Will you come with me?"

"This is something I feel you must do yourself.. We had our first time alone, it's only right you seek him out alone. But once you're done, bring him back here. My room is bigger, and has a better view than his does."

Anxiety feels as though it will suffocate me as I take in what he's saying.

"How do I know this is right?" I question.

"Don't listen to me, nor Damien, nor the gods.. Listen to your heart, Eden, what does it tell you?"

I remain silent for a moment, knowing I've been feeling the pull to seek him out repeatedly.

"I love you Eden, and I won't deny.. I love Damien, too."

"I love you, Jericho." I look into his eyes before kissing him softly.

"Return to me with our mate, my love." He whispers to me.

I hesitate for a moment before getting out of bed, wrapping my witches cloak around my naked body before heading to the door.

I take one last look at Jericho, who's already laying back down, seeming to try to fall back asleep.

I take a deep breath and leave through the door, closing it behind me. I'm so nervous I feel as though my whole body is trembling.

Maybe I should go back and demand Jericho accompanies me.

He said I needed to do this on my own. But I'm so nervous I feel like my stomach has flipped itself upside down.

I approach Damien's door, standing outside of it, knowing he probably knows I'm here by now, but unable to bring myself to knock.

Slowly the door opens, revealing a tired looking Reaper. His golden eyes sleepy, his light brown hair a mess, and his chiseled body in full view as he stands in front of me in nothing but his loose sleep pants.

"Eden?" He questions me curiously.

"Damien, I-" I bite my lower lip, trying not to let my nervousness show.

"Do you want to come in?" He asks lowly.

I find myself at a loss for words as I look up at him and nod my head before walking past him and into the room I haven't been in since Jericho's return.

I have no idea how to go about this, my mind and mouth failing me.

"Eden?" The vulnerability in Damien's voice makes my heart flutter.

I turn around and face him, not having the right words to say, but needing to say so much.

I look Damien in the eye as I let my cloak fall off of my body and on to the floor, revealing myself to him.

I'm within Damien's arms so fast I don't register it until his lips are on my jawline, tracing it softly.

"Is this what you want?" He asks, sounding out of breath.

"Yes.."

"Tell me, Eden.. Say it."

"Make me your mate, Damien."

"As you wish." He growls out lowly, sending chills down my spine, igniting a fire within my soul.

3,959 words.