Chapter 5: Is Everyone Crazy?

I bite my lip because this is unreal.”Ummm.”

Niko nods as a slight smile forms on his lips, “It is fine. Thoughts are a wonderful thing and in this case quite thrilling.” Niko looks at Chase. “But right now, you need to focus on your bond before you make more. A few more, I think.”

“No! I don't do that. I don't date,” I frantically reply.

“You might have to reconsider,” Niko urges.

“Or you damn men can just not go batshit crazy!” They laugh, and I really enjoy the sound. Why is it so pleasing?

“Some will be able to control their pull to you, like how we are doing, but not all. Those are the ones you'll need protection from. Because your mates will only seek to pleasure and please you. The others may seek that at first, but they will be overcome and lose themselves. Once that happens, they could harm, bewitch, or even kill you. A mate can't ever harm you, even in a fit of rage,” he explains.

“Starting with your boss, I need to make him back off,” Chase says.

“Maximus too, man!” Niko adds.

“Well, shit!” Chase huffs.

I look around. “Not all the guys are staring now, and the women have stopped too.”

Niko nods. “Good, that's a good sign means only certain ones will seek you out. Your mates will, but they will have control of themselves mostly.”

He looks at Chase, who now has his arm around me. I didn't even notice. “How?”

I look into Chase's eyes. I see comfort, peace, and love. Love? No, but what else could it be? I know it's not lust. I've seen that too many times.

Niko looks at me earnestly, almost reverently. “Emma, you will find what you seek in each mate. It is a good thing.”

My eyes widen, and I gasp. “You…”

Niko looks down briefly as if embarrassed before his gaze meets mine. “I'm not using magic here.”

Chase sighs. “He's not. Emma, I know this must be difficult to understand.”

Niko nods. “We were raised knowing that we weren't human.”

Chase lightly strokes my cheek. “Nothing will ever be forced on you again.” My eyes go wide, my breath hitches. Just how much does he know? “I saw glimpses of your past as I heard your voice telling me.”

“So now you have my powers?” I ask.

Niko shakes his head. “Not exactly. You still have them; your bond just gave him a small bit. “ I just look at him. He puts his hands up in mock surrender. “Fine. Yes, me too. Damn it to hell and all.” He lets out a breath. “As the bond strengthens, we will all share small bits of our abilities with each other. Each piece slightly strengthening so that once we are all united, the whole will be stronger than any other supernatural group.”

Chase cocks his head. “But there were only a few beings that had harems and even fewer that were strong.”

I begin to panic. “Harem! No, I can't do that!”

Niko’s gaze softens. “No one is making you. It is just natural for your species, chances are.”

“But I can't, don't you see….” I must be shaking because Chase embraces me and strokes my hair.

“Easy, it is alright. You will trust us in time. We aren't those bastards from your past,” Chase says softly.

“We should add them to the list,” Niko suggests.

“Why?” Chase asks.

“As she completes her harem, she will gain more power, and then they might seek her out,” Niko explains.

“He can't find me! None of them can!” I yell.

Chase tilts my head so that he can look into my eyes. “Emma. You are stronger now. He will die before he can harm you, as will any who try.”

“I believe you,” I reply. There's just so much sincerity in his eyes. He's so calm and genuine.

He smiles. “Good.” Then he kisses me. It is feather-light and so very warm and tender. His hands tunnel in my hair as mine run over his chest, pulling him closer. I can feel his desire and lust, but he's holding it at bay. He's keeping this kiss sweet and chaste. He's doing that for me. He wants me to be the one to take anything further.

He respects me, and that is a feeling that I have never felt until now. Never has a man respected me. Never have I been cherished. I've only been an object, accessory, or even a toy. No, he wants me not just sexually but as a partner and equal. He wants me and doesn't even care what I am.

Niko sucks in a breath. “Well, you all can carry on in private later. Charming, I think you should show her the station before you take her home.”

Chase nods, “Yes, I need to get clearance from Mike for her to help.”

Niko shakes his head. “Have fun with that because that troll likes no one.”

“He likes me,” Chase replies.

“And me, but how many centuries did that take?” Niko adds as they share a laugh.

“Far too many,” Chase answers.

“So I should be prepared for him to hate me?” I ask.

“Your allure will keep the hate at bay, but prepare for dislike or indifference,” Chase explains.

“Are there different types of trolls?” I inquire because I think I read about it, but I don't know if anything I read is true, especially considering I am talking to a Griffin and a Djinn.

Chase nods. “Yes, there are a few. There are your small, mischievous trolls. I'm sure you heard of gnomes. That would be them. Then you have your Jotnar type, which are probably what you are thinking of, as they are often depicted in literature as being vicious, hideous, and dumb creatures that live under bridges. He's not, so don't worry. Then there are stone trolls who more closely resemble rock golems when they are hidden behind a glamor. Lastly, you have his type, which is the rarest. They look human but aren't. They are capable of some magic, too. Nothing is as powerful as other beings like angels or demons, though. Mike is a mountain troll. They are very clan-driven, well, all but him, it seems. Why SIA was a good fit for him. Just don't worry, as he won't harm you. He's not that type of troll.” He carefully explained, and I appreciate how he did it, too. He didn’t make me feel inept, although that is how I feel right now.

“Alright, but I'm going to need shoes first,” I say as I wiggle my bare feet in front of him.