Metal snapped and he was hauled over someone’s shoulder as pain flooded his system when his ribs hit something hard. Everything moved too fast. Wind blew through his hair. Then he was falling.
He was thrown into a dark room and a door was slammed. A moment later a familiar voice followed a door opening. “Rory wants you. That’s where you’re going.”
“Mercer, you bastard.” He moved toward the sound of his voice and was met with a mesh wall. “Fuck you, you killed my wife.”
“Rory wanted you alive. Now he wants you to suffer before you die. Wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t skin you alive, covers you in honey, then lets the bugs eat at you.” He started the vehicle and took off.
He was in a goddamned van. No seats, no shelves, and no handles on the doors. He was thrown into the back as Mercer hit the gas.
* * * *
Robert translocated to the room Finnian had been abducted from. Somehow the prick had managed not to harm any of the other patients. He just threw Kevin into a wall, and he was fine.
Once they took care of the hospital, video, and staff’s memories, Robert headed down to where the cameras had shown Mercer Fuego throw Finnian into a white van.
“Can you track him?” Robert asked Preston.
Running his fingers through his hair, he sighed. “No. His essence disappears. I can’t even track the thug who took him. I’ll go back to the Silver Council and see if I can figure out where the van went. Maybe there were enough cameras to figure out where he may have gone.”
Robert rubbed at his face. “I shouldn’t have gone home.”
Preston grabbed his shoulder. “You needed to, and you need to go back. If you can help me find him, you will. I have a feeling this isn’t going to go the way we want.”
“You want to catch Rory Golden, don’t you?”
“He’s a greed demon. The worst of them. Of course I’d love to catch him. But I need to find Finnian first.”
“Do you think I did the wrong thing?”
“No. I truly don’t. Doesn’t mean I like this outcome. Go. I’ll find him if it’s possible.”
* * * *
The van came to a screeching halt and Finnian slammed into the wall. He focused on his stash and grabbed a solid baseball bat. It was heavy, but it would work when the bastard tried to take him out of the blacked out back of the van.
Somewhere along the way Mercer had shut the window between the front and the back. He’d found the only door in the back of the van, but it wouldn’t budge. The side door. The back was welded shut. Clearly the van was used for nefarious purposes.
He moved toward the door, gripping the bat. Finally, the door opened and Finnian swung. The bat caught the bastard in the ribs, and he stumbled back. Finnian slammed the bat against the asshole’s head and he went down like a sack of potatoes.
Pain throbbed through his side and head. He caught himself on the car next to the van and focused on his stash.
Falling into his cluttered hoard, he slipped into unconsciousness.
Chapter 27
Nope, not tired at all now. Danika’s leg bounced as Adam turned toward Lake Washington. The plan was to enjoy herself and not have to suffer the way she did as a kid.
She’d known Mathis and Paavo for years. Hell, they had teased her about helping her with the awakening many times in the past. And she had always turned them down without a thought.
Of course, she hadn’t met them until after meeting Adam, so it only made sense that she wouldn’t conceive of sleeping with them. Especially with her previous view about what she was. And now, well, she trusted them. She trusted Adam. This was a safe environment.
Adam caressed her thigh and she bit her lip. Her skin was hyper-sensitive already. Probably the anticipation. She didn’t know what to expect, didn’t know what to think.
“Wish I knew how to take away the nervous energy.”
“That will go away.” Probably once they started to touch her and she decided to go with whatever came her way.
“You’re always so free sexually, this shouldn’t be any different.”
“They aren’t you, Adam. I’m not freaking out at least. I get it. I am as ready as I can be. Once things start, I’ll forget about why I’m weirded out by all of this.”
“Well, we’re here.” He drove up to the box before the gate and before he could press a button, the gate opened. She heard Mathis on the other end, “Welcome.”
“Hi,” she said, but her voice wavered. Part of it was not knowing what the awakening would do to her. Part of it was not knowing what her abilities might be. She knew her father had some magic. Knew he could produce things out of thin air. But what did he really do?
As far as she knew, Dominique couldn’t do any of that. Then again, she hadn’t been real receptive to what her sister could and couldn’t do.
They might need a long conversation soon. It would be best to suck it up and learn everything she could about her new abilities. And it was about time she embraced her true nature.
* * * *
Was it wrong that Adam was excited when Danika was nervous? He wasn’t sure, but he wanted to see her with them. He wanted to see her lost in passion. Of course, he wanted to be a part of it.
Whatever it took to get her to let go and enjoy herself so the awakening was a beautiful experience for her. He knew some people said it could be hell, that it could be painful even.
Not that he thought Mathis or Paavo could ever be involved in something like that. No, they were sensual creatures, but they weren’t sadists.
And Amethyst had more than assured him that they were in good hands. When he thought back on their old views, it was a wonder they had settled so easily into a town of Others.
He pulled up in front of the mansion. There was no other word for the place. And he felt a little out of place, but he climbed out of the car and went around to open her door.
Danika placed her hand in his and stood, stealing a kiss. “Love you, Adam.”
“Love you, Dani. More than words can say.”
“I feel it. Don’t you feel how much I love you?”
He kissed her again, then stepped away. “Come on, love. Time to make sure you’re never sick again.”
She shut the door and walked with him. Paavo answered the door, sweeping his blue hair back. “Evening, Mr. and Mrs. Dean.”
“Evening, Paavo,” Danika answered with a smile.
Adam tipped his head. “Hi. Thanks for having us over.”
Paavo’s smile spread. “Oh, the pleasure will be ours.”
“All of ours,” Mathis said from around the side of the door. “Thirsty? Want some wine?”
Danika nodded slightly. “A little.”
“Faery wine?” Paavo asked.
One corner of Danika’s mouth tipped up. “Never had any. I’ve heard some interesting stories about it. Should I be worried?”
“Don’t be worried. If I thought it would have any adverse effects on either of you, I wouldn’t offer.”
“Sure, why not,” Adam said. He didn’t often drink wine. He preferred beer, but if it had a chance to make Danika more comfortable, he was willing.
Paavo took her hand and led her into a room with couches, footstools, and chairs all facing the beautiful view below.
Adam took a look around. “You have a gorgeous home.” Danika leaned into him and he kissed her temple.
“Thank you,” Mathis answered, coming back with two large wine glasses. “Tell us about any limits either of you have.”
He figured it would be better to let Danika answer that first.
* * * *
Danika looked outside and took a sip. She rolled that question around in her head. “Not into pain.”
Paavo chuckled. “Neither are we. We’d witnessed plenty of an evil queen’s favorite pastime. Neither of us has any interest in trying to draw pleasure from pain. We’d much rather ensure ecstasy through pleasurable methods.”
“Then I don’t know of anything off the top of my head
. As long as asking for things to stop works, I’m willing to explore to see where those limits may be.”
Mathis took a seat beside Danika and took his own sip. “Of course. If we think we’re entering uncomfortable territory, we’ll back off and ask.”
“And where are your limits,” Paavo asked Adam.
He shook his head. “I honestly don’t know. I’m willing to experiment. Danika already gave her blessing.”
“Nothing that happens in this home changes anything between you. In fact, if anything, it can push you two closer. The wine may amplify your bond. You will not form one with either of us. That is purely something between you two,” Mathis explained.
“Not worried about that,” Danika assured. “I just never saw myself with anyone other than Adam after meeting him.”
Paavo took a seat on the stool in front of her. “Nothing wrong with that. And you know we wouldn’t push this on you, ever. But this will take away any trace of the cancer. You and Adam will have forever. We want to help, but only if you want it.”
“You say stop, either of you, and we do. That simple,” Paavo assured.
Danika chugged the rest of the wine, welcoming a loosening of inhibitions. The less she thought and let sensations take over, the better she’d be.
The wine was sweet and tart. Colors brightened as she looked around. Auras. That’s what she was seeing. She saw them more clearly when she was younger. Before getting sick.
Adam kissed her shoulder and she turned her head to kiss him.
Someone caressed her thigh and she breathed in Adam as he touched her throat, running his thumb across the shell of her ear. His lips grazed her cheek. “Enjoy tonight.”
“You too,” she breathed.
A warm mouth pressed against her inner thigh and she glanced down to find Paavo. He knelt before her, trailing agile fingers along her thighs. His gaze delving into hers.
She nodded slightly. His palms slid up her thighs and he took the hem of her panties. She lifted up to let him slide them down her legs.
Mathis leaned across her, grabbed Adam’s neck, and pulled him closer, staring into his eyes. Adam glanced at his mouth, and Mathis took his in a hard kiss. Danika forgot Paavo’s touch as Adam fell into the kiss, sliding his fingers into Mathis’ red hair.
Then Paavo’s tongue swept through her core before circling her clit. A gasp escaped her lips as she moved to give him better access.
Breaking the kiss, Adam bit his bottom lip as she pressed back on the cushion with a moan. Adam took her dress, pulling it out from under her, then off.
Adam cupped her breast and thumbed her nipple as her eyes closed. Then someone’s mouth was on hers, his hair sliding over her other breast.
So much sensation, she couldn’t think. Mathis looked into her eyes when he released her. “You okay?”
“Yes, yeah.” Paavo did something with his tongue that shot pleasure through her like a tsunami and her eyes rolled back as she came apart.
No one but Adam had ever made her come so easily. She wasn’t sure it was possible as her back arched. Paavo gripped her hips, holding her up as his tongue slid in and out of her.
Colors rippled and all of her senses heightened. She could still taste Mathis on her lips as Paavo looked up her body, his eyes capturing hers as he dragged her pleasure out.
When she finally started coming down, he lowered her back to the cushion and sat up. Her lids slipped closed as she enjoyed the afterglow.
* * * *
Relief flowed through Adam as Danika fully relaxed under their attention. It didn’t take long until she was lost to the passion. And maybe it was the wine, but colors seemed to roll around each of them.
“That wasn’t it, was it?” Adam asked.
“No, not even close,” Paavo stated.
“The beginning,” Mathis answered.
“You’re all wearing too many clothes,” Danika murmured, sitting up to look at each of them.
Paavo grinned as he whipped his shirt over his head and tossed it behind him. Then he stood, opening his belt, while watching her reaction.
Her lips curled into a smile. “Adam, why haven’t you moved?” She glanced over to see Mathis half nude already.
Adam stood and quickly got rid of his clothes. Danika grazed his thigh. “Anything goes.”
He dipped his head. Curious, hell yes. Willing to do everything with a man? That he was hesitant on. A finger up the ass was one thing, but anything more would take preparation and his main goal was making sure she was through the awakening.
“Worried?” Paavo asked, turning toward him to run fingertips over the tattoos on his chest.
“No.”
“Your designs?” Paavo asked.
Adam dipped his head. “I drew the designs, but Tony added more depth to them.”
“I’ve seen your work. You’re an artist.” His fingers trailed down, along his pelvis. He almost glanced at Danika, but she made an approving sound as Paavo wrapped his hand around Adam’s dick, stroking slow but firm.
“Fuck,” he whispered, then sucked in a breath as Paavo squeezed his head.
“This okay?” he whispered against Adam’s ear.
“Yeah.” Adam slid his hand down Paavo’s stomach before gripping his cock.
Paavo caught his earlobe between his lips and sucked. Adam gripped his shoulder with one hand and stroked with the other, in time with Paavo’s tempo.
His touch was different than anything Adam had ever encountered. Harder, commanding, but damn good. Adam moved his hair back and kissed Paavo’s throat as he stroked harder.
“Fuck yes,” Paavo hissed.
* * * *
Danika didn’t mind watching in the least. In fact, Mathis had lounged back at the side of the couch and pulled her against his chest. His touch wandered, teasing, but not building too much desire while she enjoyed every second of Adam and Paavo getting each other off.
Knowing the circumstances, and that Mathis and Paavo freely offered sex with no strings made it all acceptable. “Tell me you need more,” Mathis murmured against her ear, rolling his hips to show her how hard he was.
Without giving it a second thought, she decided he needed to get off like the rest of them. She turned to her hands and knees and licked his shaft before swirling her tongue over his head.
Mathis slid his hands into her hair with a sigh full of need. She heard the sound Adam made when he came and glanced up at Mathis, who still watched his man and hers come apart.
She stroked Mathis as she looked over her shoulder to catch the end. Adam met her gaze and all she saw was the love they shared. Turning back, she wrapped her lips around Mathis’ cock and took as much in as she could.
Mathis’ back arched as he pressed back. She stroked down and sucked harder.
* * * *
Adam slid onto the footstool, watching Danika with Mathis. Okay, that was totally fucking hot.
“She’s beautiful,” Paavo said. “Absolutely stunning.”
“Tell me about it.”
Mathis muttered something in a Fae language. Magic started to glow off him as his head fell back while coming. Danika swallowed him down before sitting back on her heels, licking her lips.
“I wasn’t expecting that,” Mathis admitted.
“What?” she asked, suddenly self-conscious.
He moved to her, kneeling before her, whispering something in her ear.
“What did he say?” Adam asked softly.
“She called on his magic. Not everyone can make a siren glow like that.”
“Did I do something wrong?” he asked, now wondering if he had disappointed.
“I’m glowing, but I’m not full siren. He’s more pure than I am. You just don’t notice because you didn’t look close.”
Adam studied Paavo and one corner of his mouth turned up. “Sure you’re not doing that to make me feel better?”
“Doesn’t work that way.”
“You sure?” Adam asked.
“Very.
”
Danika grinned. “That’s good.”
“Told you,” Paavo said.
“Oh, you were amazing, Danika,” Mathis purred.
“You know that one of us needs to be here to bring you over, right?” He leaned toward her, running his fingertip between her thighs before pressing into her.
She swallowed hard, nodding.
“If you think you can handle two of us at once, Adam can take you from behind.”
“And what about the other?” she asked, mere curiosity in her voice.
Paavo chuckled. “Depends. Adam could fuck one of us while we fuck you, or one of us can fuck the other while we’re inside you. I doubt he wants one of us back there, unless we’re planning to make this last all night and well into the morning.”
Adam’s brow cocked. “That much work-up?”
“Your first time? Can be. This is where you two need to make a decision, together.”
Danika took Adam’s hand. “Your decision. This was your plan.”
“And you truly don’t care if I were to be inside one of them?”
A laugh escaped her lips. “We’re here, we’ve gone this far, and I told you I’m ready for whatever we decide to do for us. One has to be inside me. If you want to be in them, well, it’s another new experience. I see nothing wrong with it. Or if we want to take longer, and you want to go the other route, we can do that too.”
He glanced at Mathis’ cock, standing proud, then shook his head. “Can you handle Mathis and Paavo at once?”
“Yeah.” She smirked. “What do you want?”
Adam kissed her, then moved to kneel before her. Paavo left the room for a moment. She pressed against him and he took her face, looking into her eyes. “You can have them both. I want to know what it feels like to take a man.”
She couldn’t help the smile that spread across her lips. He was doing this for her, and she didn’t want to deny him anything. “Then you’ll know.”
Better Than Luck Page 15