Page 258 of Infernal Secrets

“We heard it,” Cyn said, setting a platter of scrambled eggs on the counter. His amber eyes met mine, burning with heat.

My face flamed, and I turned toward Ash, pressing my face against his side to hide my embarrassment.

“Yeah.” Zeke sounded a little embarrassed. “We didn’t mean to listen, but…”

“She wasn’t exactly quiet about it,” Cyn complained, continuing to set breakfast food on the counter.

I lifted my head and glared at Cyn. “Maybe he’s just amazing in bed.”

Ash cleared his throat, giving my waist a small squeeze.

“Doesn’t matter how good he is. We felt it.” Cyn set the bowl of mixed fruit on the counter with a hard thump as Ezra exited the bathroom.

I looked between them. “Felt it? What does that mean?”

“It means that when your bond sealed, it sent an echo through our bond’s developing tether,” Ezra said, grabbing a sliced strawberry from the bowl.

Zeke took my hand and guided me to the couch while Ash and Cyn brought breakfast to the coffee table.

“I’m not sure I understand,” I said, taking the paper plate Ash offered me.

Zeke looked at Ezra. “You’re better at explaining than I am.”

They all took seats around the coffee table and started adding eggs, fruit, and bacon to their plates. We needed to pack the dishes before the church movers arrived.

“Nyrith mates share a unique bond. However, in cases where someone has a second Nyrith—”

“Or four,” Zeke interjected.

“Yes, four.” Ezra inclined his head, not scolding Zeke for interrupting.

Like the others, Ezra seemed softer with Zeke, giving him space to be himself without backlash. After seeing how the triplets and the council treated him, I understood why.

“As I was saying, when multiple mates are involved, they share a group tether independent from their personal connections.”

“It’s why we all recognize one unique scent for you, while you recognize a different one for each of us,” Ash said. “If Ezra were also my Nyrith, I’d smell the same thing you did. But I only smell whatever body wash, cologne, or shampoo he uses.”

I mulled over his words as I took a bite of the fluffy eggs.

While I understood, I noticed Ezra didn’t mention our connection or any personalization. It was like he wanted to separate himself from the group. I wasn’t sure I liked it. He couldn’t explore this new bond by acting like he wasn’t part of it.

“So what does the group tether mean outside of my scent?”

“It means,” Cyn started, eyes finding mine across the table. “When you screamed, we knew he’d taken your blood, and you’d either taken his”—his gaze slid to Ash before coming back to me—“or he’d bred you.”

Ash’s fist tightened on the table. “That’s uncalled for.”

“What? It’s true.”

“It’s not breakfast-table conversation.”

“Oh, come off it,” Cyn snapped. “I heard the shit you said to her. You weren’t as quiet as you thought either.”

“Cyn, please.” Zeke touched his arm. “This is a good thing.”

Cyn cursed, working his jaw as he stewed in silence.

“Are you jealous?”