Read Online Genesis by Christie Rich - Free Book Online Page B

explained compulsion to the Elementals at the
Order compound. You were close in your assumptions. Where love is
concerned, compulsion takes you to the end possibility. It
eliminates the need for getting to know your companion by speeding
up the process. Essentially your body knows how you would feel if
you were able to learn everything about the other person. Usually,
the mind follows the body, but not in your case.”
    “ Lucky me.”
    “ Yes, well. There is more.
Once a lord establishes a connection with an Elemental, it is
nearly impossible to sever. This makes the bonding process
easier.”
    My mind sped through so many thoughts
they were a blur. “Are you telling me I really do feel this way
about Heath?”
    He took my shoulders between his hands,
eying me steadily. “You are experiencing what you are capable of
feeling for Heath.”
    Oh. Capable. For so many months now I
thought I may actually be what Aunt Grace would label a
hussy.
    Taylor laughed. “If I am certain of
anything, you are not capable of being that. You have been at a
disadvantage throughout this process. Normally, Elementals are only
subjected to compulsion by one man at a time.” He began pacing, his
arms casually tucked behind his back. “My brothers and I acted
inappropriately where you are concerned.”
    Geez. I couldn’t believe it. He was
actually admitting it. “You’re telling me.”
    His unyielding stare slithered around
me. “Unfortunately with so many of us attempting to woo you, the
result for each of us was watered down.” He gave me a shrug. “If I
had known what was to come, I may have tried harder, but I doubt it
would have made a difference.”
    I looked away from him. “I think we’ve
already discovered it wouldn’t have helped.”
    “ No.” The soft brush of his
fingers tickled my cheek. “It would have. I tried to be honorable
when my brothers sought other means of luring you. If I had only
been paying more attention, I would have seen the
signs.”
    I gave him a look. Who was he trying to
fool? A soft pfft came out of my mouth before I set him straight.
“I think you were a little too focused on the fact that the love of
your eternity was nearby.”
    “ I see you
understand.”
    I glanced at him, not able to meet his
gaze. “So what do I do about this?”
    “ Just because something is
possible doesn’t mean it will happen, Rayla. Now that you know what
your feelings truly mean, you are better equipped to deal with
them. Even though you have let them overwhelm you at times, you now
have a distinct advantage you didn’t before: you should be able to
discern intent with the bond in place.”
    I had wanted to comment on something he
had said before, but he’d distracted me. “Did I hear you correctly?
Are you all incapable of compelling me now?”
    He stared at me, not giving anything
away. “I am honestly not sure. This has never been done before. The
lesser bond is dangerous to say the least, and being connected to
five men at once will certainly have its disadvantages.”
    “ Try it,” I
blurted.
    Confusion claimed his eyes.
“What?”
    I nodded, feeling more confident in
this. “Compel me.”
    His eyes went huge. “My lady, I do not
think that is wise.”
    I squared my shoulders. “Do it. I have
to know.”
    He nodded, but only slightly. Somehow
it didn’t quite seem like a yes. “For it to be a true test, we need
to wait for a time you are not expecting it.”
    I let out a frustrated breath. “I would
rather get it over with.”
    He laughed at me, and I didn’t mind so
much until I heard what he had to say. “I’m sure you would, but if
I have a chance at compelling you, I want it to count.”
    My groan may have been a little
overdone. “Don’t start with that again. I thought we decided we
were going to be friends.”
    “ We are.”
    I narrowed my eyes at him. “But I
thought you just said—”
    He chuckled, coming closer. “Just
because I have agreed to proceed with friendship does not