Culling

Part I • Chapter XIV

But then... "Wouldn't that interfere with you being matched with someone else? Is this the same as marriage?"

"It is not marriage, it's more. Also, I want you to know that there is no one else. Not for me, or for any of us." Mr Blackbourne was still serious, he leaned forward earnestly. "Whoever is bound to one, also is bound to the rest. So if you are compatible you would be with us all, and we are a uniquely sized group connected in our own way. There hasn't been anyone but you who has had that kind of compatibility with nine different men. Sean and I are sure that you are it for our group."

This was all so sudden...

He continued, still holding my hand. I knew I was shaking, but it wasn't from fear about the situation or even about potentially binding myself forever to these men. Surprisingly.

I was scared now - scared that this all sounded too good to be true. 

I would live past these games. I could keep my friends, forever. I would never be alone again. I had found people who seemed to want me, for me. And as what, a romantic partner? I couldn't fathom why. I was just plain, irrelevant Sang. 

From everything I've heard, all these men were smart, influential people. Way out of my league.

"Talk to us, Sang." Dr Green's voice broke into my thoughts. "I know that this seems to be moving quickly. Ideally we'd want the time to get to know you more, and you us, before making a step like this, or even suggesting it. We've always known that when we found the one we'd want to do this ritual, but we always had planned on it being done during a marriage ceremony. Not like this. But your safety is the most important thing right now."

He exchanged a glance with Mr Blackbourne before continuing. "There are benefits for you, which is our biggest consideration. This process would allow us to have a grasp on the emotional state of the other and could help us share abilities in certain situations. It is your decision, and we will help you in every manner that we can, regardless of if you decide to do this or not."

I wasn't sure what to think as I looked at my hands being held by the two men in front of me. I wasn't opposed to the idea. But I know that blood-bonding was a serious thing, and I had always heard that blood magic was to be avoided. "What if we aren't compatible?"

"We are." Dr Green insisted.

"If you are compatible with me, you are compatible with all of us - and I am certain that you are our match." Mr Blackbourne answered. "However, in the instance that we are not compatible then simply nothing will happen during the procedure. We would know the results instantaneously."

So it was a win/win? "Is everyone alright with this? What if someone doesn't want to be tied to me."

"We discussed it with Kota last night, and he spoke to the rest about it earlier when the three of us were out. That's why Kota was waiting for us. We all wanted this eventually. We want to be with you." Dr Green assured me. "To be honest, everyone is hoping that you will want to do the procedure, but are upset because of the timing."

"Upset?"

"If we were not in this life or death situation and had met you in other circumstances, then we would want to take the time to date and pamper you properly. Like you should be." Dr Green explained, and I could feel myself blushing at the words. 

"Everyone feels helpless because our hands are currently tied, we can't do what we want, and you are in this less-than-ideal situation with us. We are all feeling anxious about being able to keep you safe. We don't want to make you feel pressured, which is why I'm telling you that there are other ways to protect you. We will still be here for you, you will still be one of ours and you won't have lost us because you said no."