Chapter 23

I landed with a thud on the ground as Erik’s face appeared over me, concern marring his handsome face. I would have laughed if I wasn’t preoccupied trying to catch my breath that had been knocked from me. Waving my hand to signal I was fine, Erik moved to my side and helped me up.

“If you’re that concerned than maybe have Rune pull his punches.” I grinned over at Rune. “At least we have proof that he’s healed and feeling fine.”

Rune smirked and raised his eyebrows. He'd been fine for two days at least and hadn't hesitated in proving it through workouts and flirting shamelessly.

“I know you’re joking, but in a real fight your opponent won't be pulling punches. Besides, Rune technically is holding back some. I’ve seen him in action, and you wouldn’t have gotten up as fast as you did if he really hit you.” Erik grinned.

“Can I ask you something?” I took a big drink from my water bottle and leaned against the fence on the porch.

“Of course.” Erik grinned.

“Why don’t you fight with me? You always pull Sten or Rune in.”

Erik looked to the ground and ran his hand through his hand. Rune mumbled something about lunch and went inside, leaving me and Erik to our conversation.

“Caught on to that, did you?” He chuckled but continued. “I can see your weak spots better when I’m watching. Don’t worry, we’ll spar soon enough. But right now, it’s more focusing on form and strengthening your weak areas. Can’t wait to wrestle with me?” His tone darkened as he finished speaking.

My face heated. The last few days I’d spent a lot more time than normal with my mates. It’d been glorious. They’d told me about growing up as a pack and family. I could only hope our children will be raised as they had. A warm and loving home. Parents that were so far in their kids’ lives it was annoying to them. I’d also learned a lot about each one of them and their personalities.

We’d also spent a lot of time training. I’d gotten better at controlling my senses and focusing on how to use them or block them out when I didn’t. We’d been working a little bit on mental walls to keep Sten from sensing my emotions, and after we mate to keep the guys out of my mind.

My favorite part of the last few days though was the touches and kisses we’d shared. Small, but intimate breaks in the day that teased what it would be like to mate with them. Something I was growing more anxious for.

“Well, kitten?” Erik stepped into my space and caged me in against the front porch.

His face was looking down into mine, his face so close I could feel the warmth of his breath on my lips. I licked my lips, thinking about how great his lips felt against mine.

“I didn’t say that.” I fought to keep my tone even, and not give away how much I wanted his kiss.

“Oh, well if that’s the case, we better head inside. Sten wants to talk with us.” He said with a grin as he pushed away from the porch.

I nodded, but disappointment flooded through me. I moved to walk inside, but Erik’s hand grabbed mine and pulled me into him. His lips were on mine before I came to a stop in his arms. He gently bit on my bottom lip, hinting that he wanted to deepen the kiss. I couldn’t say no.

He groaned into my mouth as he stepped forward and pressed me against the porch again. I felt the hardness of his strong abdomen against my chest, and against my belly was proof of his enjoyment in the kiss. I leaned back, pushing my hips forward against him. Warm hands clamped down on my hips and he growled.

“None of that. I’m barely holding on to my control as it is, Astrid. You have no idea how badly I want you, all of you.” He murmured softly into my neck.

I wanted it too, but I knew now wasn’t the time. I kissed his chest and pushed against him. Sten was waiting. He moved back, allowing me space to move to the house. Out of the corner of my eye I caught him adjusting himself in his sweatpants, that didn’t nothing to hide his erection. My face heated and he grinned at my reaction.

All but running, I entered the house and found Rune seated in a chair across from Sten and Frode on the couch. Frode held out his hand gesturing for me to come beside him. I slipped off my shoes and moved next to him. Erik claimed the seat next to me.

“Now that we’re here, I’ve been doing some digging, and I found something disturbing. Our parents told us of the prophecy, and how they are pretty sure that it’s about us. In researching Astrid’s magic, I found more about it. I’ve been talking with Dad, and he agrees with me. Our mating is what will set the prophecy into motion.” Sten’s eyes moved over each of us.

“We already figured that, though. What did you find?” Frode asked, his jaw tensed, already expecting bad news.

“I’ve had trouble finding the full prophecy written down. It’s an old prediction, which leaves room of more error in translating it. But no matter what version I’ve found they all require sacrifices in order to stop it from coming true.” He held Frode’s heavy gaze.

“What kind of sacrifice?” I asked, placing a hand on Frode’s leg.

I could feel his anxious energy bubbling beside me.

“Well, that’s where it gets hard to answer. Different versions have different one. The answer ranges from a literal sacrifice, an emotional or a metaphorical, like shedding an old version of oneself. Either way it’s big and life altering.” Sten replied.

“Well, it’s a prophecy, I wasn’t expecting an easy time.” I leaned back against the back of the couch.

“Yes, we all did, but I wanted us going into this our eyes open. We may not all make out, which is something we face daily as warriors, but it’s certain that if we all make it, we won’t be who we are now. Whether that’s good or bad isn’t foreshadowed.” Sten leaned back in the chair he was sitting in.

I looked around the room. No one had really said much, but we all knew when their parents told us of the prophecy that things wouldn’t be easy. I thought over what Sten had told us, and the longer I thought the heavy it weighed on me that while I’d considered us changing, I’d never taken a moment to consider that we may not make it out alive.

I’d only been with my mates for a few weeks, but already I couldn’t picture a future without them by my side. I was okay facing a future where we were different. I already knew that nothing that changed in these men would make me not want them. However, a future without them sent crippling fear through me.

“We already knew that the prophecy would have its effects on us and our mating. Something we didn’t realize is, or at least not out loud, is that Astrid’s magic will impact us more than just being new. In all my research, mates aren’t mentioned with Seidras.” Sten said, his tone heavy with emotions that he was trying to hide.