Chapter 33

The next evening, Samuel and Pierce watched in despair as Carissa lost interest in everything. She had been so hopeful to have some family. Now she felt rejected and lost. Each twin soothed her the best they could. But their efforts didn't seem to matter and she insisted on them making her sleep early, when there were more than a few hours left in the evening.

Once she was safely in the ground, the twins looked grimly at each other. Samuel glided up the steps from the basement into the open rooms of the cottage. His heart was heavy, wanting to only please Carissa.

"Maybe one of us should just declare being her single lifemate," murmured Pierce as he stepped into the room.

Samuel frowned at his brother. "What are you saying? We declare the SongMaker was wrong?"

Pierce shrugged as if it didn't bother him. "What matters is her happiness."

"Yours matters too. And we'd be living a lie. We've talked about this before."

"Think about it," replied Pierce, "we'll have some explaining to do back in the United States. Humans certainly won't be accepting of a threesome marriage."

"I can handle that with humans. In a way, we already hide the truth from humans with who we really are. I think we'll have to acknowledge that you are her husband."

"Oh really. Not you?"

"We started out by saying you were the one, remember? I'm fine with it. But it's different with our own people. Like it or not, they should recognize both of us as Carissa's lifemates."

"It will never happen," said Pierce, shaking his head. "Tyrell was right."

"You did not just say that."

"Face it, Samuel, no matter what Mikhail says, we'll be recognized only because of his order. Not because they respect us."

"I'd like to see Julian come up against just one of us. Then he'd realize we aren't as inexperienced as he says we are."

"Beating him won't help our situation."

"No, but it would feel good."

Pierce broke into a smile. "True."

May I come in?

The twins stiffened at the sound of Mikhail's voice. Pierce walked to the front door and opened it. The Prince stood on the porch, but did not enter. He had a serious expression and simply waited.

Pierce cleared his throat. "You are certainly welcome to come inside."

"Thank you. I want to apologize for-"

Pierce held up his hand. "There is nothing for you to apologize for," he interrupted.

"I'm afraid there is. Anything different is very hard for some to accept, especially our ancients."

"In particular, ancient twins," muttered Samuel. Pierce shot him a look to keep quiet, but Samuel ignored him.

"This is true," replied Mikhail. "I hoped once they got to know you, they would acknowledge what I see."

"And what is it you see?" asked Samuel with a sharp tone.

The Prince spoke in soft, but firm voice. "I see twins who have selflessly served our people. I see two hunters who sacrificed their desire to hunt vampires to protect our wealth. Survival is not only about physically hunting our enemies, it is also staying a step ahead of them and thinking in different ways. You may be young in comparison to other hunters, but you are just as worthy. Never forget that."

The twins were silent for a moment, slightly overwhelmed at Mikhail's words. He was indeed a leader they both highly respected.

"Thank you…Mikhail," said Pierce. "I can only wish the rest of our ancients had your wisdom to see things as you do."

"Being a leader is not easy," he replied, "but it also takes great courage to stand for what one believes is right. I trust my instincts when making any decision. And while I make mistakes, my instinct is usually right. In time, the ancients will learn that as well. You have known me as your leader all your lives while they have not."

"You certainly defend them despite their arrogance," said Samuel in a low voice. Mikhail stepped beside Pierce just as he was about to reprimand his twin. "I understand your emotion," the Prince said. "But in order to develop relationships with others, one must acknowledge all aspects from other viewpoints."

"Exactly. And the ancients could use that same advice."

"I agree, which is why I gave them the exact same message."

Samuel raised his eyebrows. "You said that to them?"

"I did. And Gregori along with the SongMaker even questioned their allegiance."

Pierce was truly surprised. "We…have no words."

The Prince frowned. "I am diplomatic in nature, but I still expect my sworn hunters to accept my decisions."

"Thank you. But while I mean no disrespect, your words will not change their views."

"I think they will certainly be more open in their efforts," said Mikhail with a slight smile.

"Yet it will only be because of you. We have little credibility in their eyes."

"Does it matter that much as to what they think?"

"It does to Carissa," murmured Pierce.

Mikhail sighed and walked over to a nearby sofa. Sitting down, he looked at the twins with sympathy. "Her happiness is what matters to you most. Raven and Shea truly loved meeting her."

"What of Deserai?" asked Samuel.

The Prince tilted his head. "Why do you ask?"

"Julian had to point out to Carissa that Deserai is his lifemate, as well as sister to the Dark Twins."

"Did he," replied Mikhail, making it a statement and not a question. He was going to have to pay a visit to Julian, making sure Deserai knew about this little detail. Watching Julian get into hot water with his lifemate would be very worthwhile.

"Yes," said Samuel in a biting tone. "Now Carissa is questioning if any of them truly even wanted to meet her. All her life, she has wanted a family. And now she is crushed to think that she finally found out who she really is, but is not accepted by our people."

"I am sorry," said Mikhail in a sincere tone. "While I have not talked with all the women, I truly do not think they agree with the males regarding your union." He smiled briefly. "And why would any of them have an issue with a female who has two males?"

Pierce returned his smile. "Some may think it's a curse."

"Then they would have nothing but sympathy for Carissa," chuckled the Prince.

Samuel had his arms crossed over his chest. "We are returning home," he said flatly.

Pierce looked at his twin. Samuel…

Mikhail stood. "I am disappointed to hear you say that."

"What do you expect?" he snapped. "Our lifemate was reduced to tears. I refuse to let that happen again. So of course we will go home to the United States."

"That is not what I meant." Mikhail walked closer to Samuel who stood his ground. The Prince reached out and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I meant that I am saddened by the fact that you call America your home. While the States may be a place where you choose to live, your home will always be here. And I will always accept you."

Samuel bowed his head, his throat so tight and full of emotion, he could not speak.

The next evening, Pierce tried to remain patient as Shea, lifemate to Jacques, was doing what she did best: a very thorough scientific analysis. Why in the world he agreed to this was beyond him.

Because the Prince asked it of you last evening, Samuel reminded him.

It's not like you helped in saying no.

Fine, I admit it, his empathy got to me. And apparently Shea begged Mikhail for this opportunity.

Whatever. I don't need her thinking we are some science experiment.

We still failed to tell Mikhail about Tyrell.

Is it even necessary? The ancients believe he's a vampire. I'm not sure even Mikhail would argue with them regarding Tyrell.

Samuel was quiet for a moment. Then for Carissa's sake, let's at least visit the Songmaker. He is very open to any discussion. He was held by a wizard at one point in his life. He may be sympathetic to our description of what happened with Tyrell.

Pierce almost laughed. Never thought I'd hear you want to defend Tyrell.

I'm not defending him, I'm just making sure to please Carissa!

Right.

Shut up.

Pierce smiled. Let me finish here and we will visit him. Then we'll begin to make arrangements to travel back to America.

Yes…it is time to return.

"Are you communicating with your twin?"

Pierce blinked. "Yes, sorry."

Shea smiled at him. "That's okay, Jacques is in my head so much it's a miracle I can think straight."

Jacques walked by them, carrying their infant son. He grinned at Pierce. "And she loves it."

Shea rolled her eyes. "Let's get back to my questions. We've talked a lot about how you and Samuel seem to share a soul. Let's talk about Carissa."

Pierce drew a deep breath. "Very well. What do you wish to know?"

"Well first, let's get to the biggest question."

"Which is?"

"Mating."

Jacques suddenly seemed to choke and began to cough. "Shea," he said as he caught his breath, "I think that's going a little too far."

"I'm a scientist," she shot back at her lifemate. "I have to know how two males can even tolerate this union." Shea looked at Pierce. "I mean, our males grow tense when any other male is merely talking with their lifemate if their not right next to them . It seems impossible to think two brothers would be able to withstand such strong instinctive feelings with one female."

Pierce cleared his throat. "It is not an issue for us."

"How can that be?"

He glanced at Jacques who was pointedly taking an interest in their son. "Samuel and I…we feel no jealousy when one of us is with her."

Shea's eyes widened. "None? None whatsoever?"

"It is hard to explain, but I actually want her to be with my twin. In fact, it can be quite a distraction. I feel everything when it comes to Samuel being with her, but I'm slowly learning to block it out when necessary."

"Amazing," murmured Shea, "I guess I can understand that if the three of you share a soul. You need her to be with Samuel as much as you need to be with her." She straightened in her chair. "What about Samuel?"

"He feels the same."

"I meant as in how much you need to be with him."

Pierce grew puzzled. "He is my twin. Of course as my brother I need him."

"But I'm talking about the fact that you share a soul. Have you ever tried to not touch his mind for any significant amount of time? Do you experience the same loss which happens between lifemates?"

Pierce knew what she was getting at: lifemates who shared a soul could not bear to be separated from each other after the bonding ritual. "I don't really know. I can't think of a time when we didn't communicate for a long period of time."

"Perhaps you should try it sometime."

"Why?"

Shea tilted her head. "You said earlier that you feel and experience each other's wounds, but not the healing process."

He nodded. "That's right. Do you have any idea why?"

"I have to wonder if Carissa was the missing link."

"We were tested in front of Mikhail when Carissa was with us. Samuel's wound appeared on my shoulder. But when I healed myself, Samuel did not."

"As twins, you share common physiology, which means a shared soul impacts both of you should anything happen to one. But you were still limited without your lifemate. If she had merged her mind with both of you at that moment, Samuel may have healed. The bond will strengthen over time which may also help."

"In some ways," said Jacques, "I'm envious that you have twice the protection for your lifemate. One can always be there with her."

Pierce looked over at Mikhail's brother. Jacques truly accepted them. While it may be hard for him to understand, Jacques tried to look at each situation with an open mind. "This is true," replied Pierce, "but it is also twice the risk."

"What do you mean?"

"If anything happens to me, it will impact Samuel."

Shea thought for a moment. "What if the bond was somehow broken? Could Samuel somehow inherit your part of the soul if you passed away?"

"Even if it could happen, I just know that Carissa would want to follow me. Samuel would follow Carissa."

"You and your brother are indeed a puzzle," said Shea with a smile. "But a fascinating one. So, do you and your brother mate as well?"

Jacques choked again and promptly returned to his earlier coughing.

Shea persisted. "If you three bonded, do you need to be with him as well? Are there homosexual tendencies?"

Oh if only, teased Samuel on their private link in a dainty voice.

Shut it. Pierce grimaced as Samuel laughed while he could feel Carissa smiling. He turned his attention back to Shea, speaking in a firm voice to make sure Jacques heard every word. "My brother and I are not intimate."

"Even when you are with Carissa?"

"No."

"But then how do you-"

"Shea," said Jacques, "I think that's enough."

She huffed at him. "If you can't handle basic mating questions, then you can leave the room."

"That's useless since I'm always in your mind."

Shea flipped her red hair over her shoulder. "Then deal with it." She turned her attention back toward Pierce. "Now, you were saying?"

Pierce sighed. "In truth, Samuel and I were only…both with her at the same time during the bonding ritual. My preference is for each of us to be with her separately while the other is out feeding."

"But why? I would think the three of you together at the same time sharing a soul would be quite desirable."

"While my body may not resist, my mind does. I'm actually like the other males in every way when it comes to thinking about this union. I had quite a challenging time dealing with it. Sometimes I still do."

Shea looked at him with sympathy. "I can imagine Samuel feels the same way."

Pierce laughed. "No."

"Really?"

"That's not to say this is how he wanted it to be with his lifemate. He's just the opposite of me. The three of us together at the same time does not bother him. He's had quite the past playboy life, so to speak."

Jacques gave Shea a teasing look. "In other words, Samuel has experience with threesomes."

"So? This is scientific research."

"So when our son needs to learn about women, I guess you won't have any objections when he has a threesome."

"Jacques!"

"A foursome?"

Shea threw a pen at him which Jacques easily dodged and only laughed. She tried not to smile but couldn't help herself.

Pierce was also smiling. He'd heard Jacques had suffered a terrible ordeal years ago with being held captive beneath the earth until Shea found him. The experience was said to leave the Prince's brother mentally unstable. But as he watched the couple playfully tease each other, Pierce found Jacques to be extremely strong, as well as very outgoing.

Pierce, growled Samuel, the traitor is nearby again.

Tyrell? What does he want?

How the hell should I know? Now get back here.

Pierce stood and bowed toward Shea. "Forgive me, but I am being summoned for a meeting."

Jacques grinned. "Excellent timing. All this talk of scientific research on mating is making me feel quite left out. Maybe my lifemate can help me understand the concept more." Pierce chuckled as Shea swatted him and then turned back to Pierce.

"Thank you," she said in a sincere tone. "I know sometimes my questions can be a little annoying, but it's good to learn everything we can."

"Indeed. You may have a good point about Carissa helping Samuel and I to heal if she merges with both of us. Perhaps we will reach out to you in the future for more of your insight."

Shea simply beamed. "I would love that."

Author's note: Have over 50 people following this story. What is everyone's thoughts? (aside from the fact that yes, I wish I could write faster to publish faster. In truth, sometimes more reviews actually give me more creativity.) I think this story is nearly over. Maybe only a few more chapters with what I have in mind... -Anne