The Succubus and her two Mates

12| Wistful moments

She objectively assessed that their emotions were the same where she was concerned, but she thought about how they felt for each other and how she could twist and turn others' feelings. She had done it before without meaning to, making her feel she loved someone when it had just been their love for her. Maybe she could do more and twist others to what she felt in a deep way and not surface temporary ones like what she projected at the demon. She thought about it while the two men whispered to each other, not to exclude her but to soothe each other. Brock apologising and Brand responding that there was plenty of time for them to make up for lost time.

She sighed wistfully. Brock and Brand returned their attention to her.

"It's very beautiful," she explained, "I remember when I first heard about mates, I had thought it was terribly romantic. But it does sound like it can cause a lot of heartache."

They both nodded. Brand's hand remained in Brock's as he continued, "It was really tough the first few years, and then I guess we kind of settled into the companionship part of it. Brock needed his partner for his duties, and I was able to attend to the majority of them, without being his official-"

Ronnie snorted in disgust, seeing where this was going. She had felt Brand reservations. He was trying to be diplomatic with how he explained he'd put all the work into their relationship without any of the reward. It sounded like he had just given and received little in return.

Brock looked shamed. "I never publicly declared I had found my mate."

"So what's changed now?" Ronnie asked. She felt angry. Brand was putting on a brave face, but she could sense this had not been a fair relationship.

"You," Brock said. He continued quickly, "It was like meeting you, being in the same room with the two of you- it- I-" He struggled to find the right words.

Neither she nor Brand interrupted him. Brand in particular wanted to hear this.

"It was like I didn't let myself believe Brand was really my mate. But when I sensed our matebond." He motioned to Ronnie. "Feeling it again with someone else, I just know now there has been no mistake. Brand had proved far more worthy than I, for years. I had no right to him... I felt I couldn't give him what he needed... I couldn't love him the right way..." he trailed off. Afraid to make eye contact with Brand again. "But it isn't just me, it is both of us." He motioned to her again. "And I just feel like it's okay to want him now..."

Brand absorbed his words. He had always known that Brock wanted and loved him, despite the distance Brock created and nurtured between them. He thought about their time together the previous morning. Brock had been cautious but he was ready to try.

"That's a lot of pressure," Ronnie mumbled. "I can't be the lynchpin of your guys' relationship."

Brock looked startled. "That's not what I mean. I don't mean that if you reject us today, I'll reject Brand. Never. Neither of us ever wanted to do that. Brand is my mate. I won't be making excuses anymore," he addressed Brand more than Ronnie.

Brand kissed him. Just quickly. He was overcome and didn't trust himself to talk.

Ronnie could see how his eyes glistened. These two need to fuck. Ronnie thought.

"Maybe it would be good for the two of you to go home and explore this," Ronnie suggested.

Brand shook his head. "At this time, it's more important that we are with you."

Brock agreed. "And I'm concerned about that demon last night. I wish I hadn't killed him, so we could find out what his plans were."

Ronnie pulled a face. "It's kind of obvious if you think about it."