The Scarlet Dagger

by J. E. Cluney

  He was gentle and took his time, but his magic had loosened me up, and now Skip’s second head was stroking my g-spot, making me quiver and arch.

  “I bet you’re going to love this,” Skip said and groaned as I kissed his neck, sucking gently on the skin.

  He didn’t care as I left my mark on him, his strong arms tightening around me as he continued bucking gently into me.

  Lucas’ thumb gently eased more and more into my arse, and he murmured a suggestion into my mind, which I happily agreed to.

  The magical vibrations started up on my clit and I gasped, gripping Skip’s shoulders hard, and he cursed as he thrust deeper inside me.

  Lucas worked my arse more, his thumb diving deeper inside me with more lube, before he finally used a different finger.

  The odd mixture of pleasure and pain at being stretched was blissful, and I bucked and moaned as I rode Skip and the pleasure built up inside me.

  Lucas finally removed his fingers, and I gasped as I felt his length nudge my lubed-up hole.

  He eased in, and the vibrations intensified as I cried out and squirmed, begging Skip mentally to keep thrusting up into me.

  I shuddered once Lucas was buried inside me, and then the pair of them moved into a rhythm, thrusting into me as my clit vibrated with each deep stroke from them.

  I writhed and arched and bucked between the pair, moaning as the orgasmic wave teetered just out of reach.

  Skip was grunting now as he guided me hard and fast onto him, stroking my g-spot with his second head, while Lucas kissed my shoulders and pounded into me.

  ‘Magic it, please,’ I begged Lucas as I felt the build-up reaching its peak.

  He chuckled as he did as I asked, and I couldn’t withhold the scream that tore through me as my body exploded in a magical galaxy of orgasmic bliss.

  It tore through me, burning through my every fiber as I writhed between the pair, and they joined me in finish with grunts and cries.

  We rode out the insanely intense orgasm, all linked together as one in both mind and body. We quivered and jerked as it coursed through us, and I let myself flop onto Skip’s chest as Lucas held himself up over me, panting and sucking in air as the grips of the moment still held us tight.

  My head spun, and I rested my cuffed hands on Skip’s chest as I drew in shaky breaths.

  “Fuck,” Skip rasped as the sensations slowly died down, leaving us all ragged.

  “We need to do that more,” Lucas said with a chuckle as he kissed the back of my neck and removed my blindfold.

  He magicked my cuffs off, and I relaxed between them, warmly sandwiched by the pair of them.

  “I’ll clean us up,” Lucas murmured as he ran his lips over my shoulder.

  I just nodded weakly as he eased out of me, and I felt his magic caressing me as it cleaned out my butt. Skip withdrew from me, and I plopped down beside him as Lucas cleaned us both up magically before he lay down and pulled me into him to spoon me.

  Skip lay on my other side, rolling over and stroking my face tenderly as I closed my eyes.

  God, I was spent after that intense session.

  “I’m glad you liked it,” Lucas said as he nuzzled my back.

  “I’m not sure how I feel about the fact I actually seem to enjoy this butt stuff,” I admitted, and Skip snorted.

  “It’s always the quiet ones.” He snickered as he leaned forward and kissed me sweetly. “But whatever you enjoy, we’ll do.”

  I smiled softly as Lucas’ arms tightened around me, and he kissed my shoulder blades.

  I wanted to sleep now, to enjoy this moment and pretend all was right with the world.

  We lay together in welcome silence, and Skip drifted off within moments, snoring softly as Lucas’ breathing deepened.

  As much as I wanted to sleep, my mind had started whirring, and the worries revolving around Joseph had me lying awake in the dark.

  I sighed as Marcus’ thoughts pushed into my mind, informing me that Trish and Hayley had arrived.

  Great. I rolled my head, smiling softly at Lucas as he lay fast asleep with one arm over my waist while I lay on my back.

  Skip was on my other side, facing away from me, but he was sound asleep as well.

  How I intended to carefully get off the bed without disturbing them was beyond me.

  ‘I’m awake,’ Lucas’ groggy voice cut through my mind as he opened one lazy emerald eye to gaze at me.

  He reached over, stroking my cheek and making a sweet quiver course through me before he leaned closer to give me a sleepy kiss.

  ‘My magic woke me, informing me they were here,’ he explained as he sat up and stretched.

  I slid off the bed after him as he rose, and with a soft click of his fingers, we were both dressed.

  Skip didn’t stir, and we headed downstairs to greet my grandmother.

  I heard Marcus as we padded down the stairs, having already invited her inside.

  “Allison! How are you doing, sweetie?” Trish spun around as I stepped into the living room, and she took two big steps to wrap me up in a warm hug.

  “I’m good,” I said as I hugged her back, taking in her sweet flowery scent that relaxed me.

  I stepped back, glancing at Hayley as she gave me a small smile and hugged me as well.

  “So what’s this stuff with the warlock? Tell me everything,” Trish said, her tone not one to be argued with as she took my hands after I stepped away from Hayley, then she gently pulled me onto the lounge with her.

  I shot Marcus and Lucas a look, wondering how she’d learned about it all.

  It wasn’t something I wanted to speak about right now, but the keen look in her greying blue eyes was enough to make me spill.

  Hayley sat down on the opposite lounge, clearly just as intrigued.

  They both sat quietly as I explained everything about Joseph Murphy—about how Mr Brady was after him and we hoped we were worried over nothing. I brought up Claire, which Trish scowled at, but she softened as I explained that she was influenced by magic.

  “Sounds like things have been crazy here lately,” Trish murmured as she gave me a soft smile. “How are you handling it all?”

  “I’m managing. I know Mr Brady is onto it. Claire is getting the right help, and everything will be all right,” I said, although I wasn’t sure if I fully believed my own words.

  “Well, I’m here to help you however I can now too. Take some of the stresses off. I hope you don’t mind if I do some cooking for you all. Been some time since I’ve had anyone in my own home with me. I miss cooking for others,” Trish admitted, her eyes crinkling at the edges with her smile.

  “Of course!” I grinned, not wanting to ruin the mood with all this worry about Joseph.

  Besides, Walter was doing some digging too.

  All I could do was wait for news.

  “I don’t know how you’re not more stressed,” Hayley said as she bounced her leg, clearly agitated at all the information.

  “Can’t afford to be.” I shrugged.

  “Well, I’ll be stressed for you then.” Hayley gave a sharp laugh before shaking her head. “This is insane.”

  “Yeah,” I agreed as Trish chewed her cheek.

  “Well, we’ve got a room set up for you,” Lucas interjected.

  I arched a brow at him. What room? As far as I was aware, we didn’t have a spare room.

  “I’ve magicked one onto the back of the house for you both,” Lucas explained when Trish gave him a confused look as well.

  “Warlocks and all their nifty magic, still blows my mind.” Trish tutted as she shook her head.

  “Thanks,” Hayley said quickly.

  “Bathroom is upstairs though. I’ll give you a tour,” Lucas offered.

  “Where’s the kangaroo and true shifter? Skip and Ollie, right?” Trish asked as she rose and straightened out her blouse.

  “Skip is sleeping, and Ollie is still out. Probably studying or hanging with friends,” Lucas said with a shrug.

/>   Hayley rose as well, reaching for the bags that were sitting on the lounge room floor.

  “Tell me, do you all sleep naked? Do I need to be on my guard at night when I get up to pee? Don’t need no dongs giving me a heart attack.” Trish barked out a laugh, and I choked on air as I shook my head.

  “Gran!” Hayley scolded her, but Trish just grinned mischievously.

  “Um, no, we don’t.” Lucas smirked, although it was a clear lie. They’d take care to wear clothes all the time while we had visitors after that remark.

  Especially since I doubted she’d get a heart attack from seeing one of my men naked.

  ‘Tell me, would you fight off your grandmother for us?’ Marcus said through a chuckle in my mind.

  I bit my lip as the vivid image of my grandmother trying to feel up a naked Skip shot through my mind, and I struggled to stifle my giggles.

  Yep, Trish sure was an interesting character.

  “Well, I think once you show me my room, I’ll probably call it a night. Nat says she’s sorry they couldn’t come in, but Dixon has work tomorrow and he was pretty tired after the drive. Figured you were all sleeping anyway. Sorry for getting here so late,” Trish said with a sheepish smile.

  “Yeah, I told them to head off. They can stay when they come pick me up,” Hayley added.

  “It’s fine, we were up,” I said quickly, causing Trish to raise a brow at me.

  “I wonder why,” she said suggestively before chortling as Lucas gave me an amused look.

  Hayley just sighed and shook her head in defeat.

  “Well goodnight, guys. I’ll see you in the morning and we can talk more then. Hope you have a good sleep,” I said as I rose and covered a yawned.

  “Of course. Sleep tight, sweetheart,” Trish said as she pulled me into a tight hug once more.

  “Good night,” Hayley added, smiling gratefully at Lucas as he started heading off down the hall with a few of their bags.

  We broke apart as Trish and Hayley said goodnight to Marcus before following after Lucas to see their room.

  I was tired now, especially after my fun with Skip and Lucas.

  ‘I can imagine,’ Marcus said, giving me a wicked smile as he rose from the lounge to step behind me and wrap his arms around my waist.

  “Don’t worry about Joseph. Mr Brady and the Council will handle it,” he said, trying to reassure me.

  But my own mother had warned me and told me how to deal with him.

  Your life is about to take a turn, things that were set in motion long ago are now coming to pass, and you must find the scarlet dagger and use it.

  Use the scarlet dagger.

  Why did that terrify me?

  And where on earth was it anyway?

  4

  I shot awake, gasping for air as my body shuddered, sweat plastering my clothes to my skin in an uncomfortable, disgusting way.

  I sucked in mouthfuls of air, the panic in me running rampant.

  What was wrong?

  I flicked my eyes around the darkened room, searching every corner and shadow for the culprit that was setting me off like mad.

  Skip had retreated to his own bed at some point, so I was all alone in my room.

  So why did I feel such dread?

  My door shot open as a figure lurched in, but I didn’t panic more, instead feeling the comforting presence of Marcus.

  “Hey, it’s okay. Everything’s okay,” Marcus said in a hushed tone as he pulled me into his arms on the bed, not caring that I was a sweaty mess.

  My muscles felt like they were spasming, every fibre of my being on edge as I tried to discern what had set me off.

  “It’s your banshee side,” Marcus murmured as he gently stroked away the strands of hair that were plastered to my face. His cool fingertips were a welcome relief against my hot and clammy skin.

  I stared at him, those frosty eyes coming into focus with the small amount of light seeping through my doorway.

  He was right. Now that I focused and looked within, it was my banshee. Something had distressed her, big time.

  I slipped into my void, wanting answers as I reached out for her.

  But she kept hidden, only the niggling unease wrapping around me in the darkness. She was calming down now, but what had set her off?

  I floated back out, frowning at Marcus as he searched my gaze.

  “Maybe it was a nightmare?” he offered, but we both knew my banshee wouldn’t react to a nightmare.

  No, something more sinister had triggered her.

  I just wasn’t sure what.

  But the sensation was fading now, and I climbed out of bed, stripping down to just my underwear and giving my sweaty sheets a dismayed look.

  I was still tired as all hell.

  “Here, let me,” Marcus murmured as he rose, and I spied shadows filling my doorway. I smiled softly at Lucas and Skip by the door, who’d come to check on me as well.

  “I’m fine,” I mumbled as I tentatively wrapped my arms around my bare chest while Marcus stripped my bed down in seconds.

  He flitted off past the guys, then returned and made the bed with new bedding just as Skip came in and pulled me into a warm hug.

  “You sure you’re okay?” he asked, his warm breath washing over my ear.

  “Yeah. You guys go back to bed,” I urged them as Skip pulled back, giving me a concerned once over.

  Lucas waited at my doorway as Skip nodded and retreated, and the pair of them headed back to their rooms.

  “I’ll stay with you,” Marcus stated as he made himself comfortable on my bed.

  I was too exhausted from the crazy day to bother arguing, and honestly, the company was more than welcome.

  At least my banshee side had calmed down.

  If only I knew what had set her off.

  I lay down, nestling into Marcus’ arms as he spooned me, enjoying his refreshing coolness against my clammy skin.

  “You’re safe here,” Marcus whispered as he kissed the back of my neck and nuzzled my hair.

  I smiled as I held his arms around me, feeling completely secure and indeed, safe.

  I drifted off after a short while and fell into a dream of racing through the forest as a wolf, so wild and free.

  I blinked groggily, finding myself alone in my bed once more as the early morning sunlight filtered through the gap in my curtains.

  I stretched as I sat up and contemplated remaining in bed. I could feel the others downstairs though, already awake.

  I sighed as my body ached and smiled softly. Last night had been a wild ride with Skip and Lucas.

  I frowned as I remembered waking up thanks to my banshee side. The dread and heavy sensation was long gone now, but I still wondered what had triggered her.

  It niggled at the back of my mind as I rose and got dressed into a light day dress before trudging downstairs.

  I smiled at the heavenly aroma of buttermilk pancakes greeting me as I stepped into the kitchen.

  “Good morning, sunshine. How’d you sleep?” Trish asked as she flipped some pancakes in the pan before bustling around to continue setting things up.

  Lucas was already seated at the table, and a glance at him was enough to tell me that Trish was not accepting any help in her breakfast preparations.

  “I slept fine,” I lied as I plopped down beside Lucas.

  ‘I’ve tried to help three times now. I think if I ask again, she’ll hit me with the spatula,’ Lucas said as I arched a brow at him.

  I could just picture her doing exactly that.

  “Good. I slept like the dead personally. It’s so quiet here,” Trish mused as she began adding condiments to the table. “Hayley is still asleep. She’ll be up soon. Anyone want some fresh juice?”

  “Sure.” I spied the jug of freshly squeezed juice on the counter—grapefruit juice by the color, which I quite enjoyed.

  ‘She’s made herself right at home,’ Lucas said with a snicker into my mind, amused by her need to take care of us.

>   It was sweet, and I quite enjoyed it.

  Trish poured me a glass of juice as she set plates out before us, and I looked up as Skip entered the kitchen.

  “Now that’s a nice sight to wake up to,” Trish said as she cackled, and I nearly choked on my sip of juice.

  Skip looked like he’d just dragged himself out of bed, having been summoned by the delicious scent of pancakes. Too bad he’d once again forgotten his shirt.

  He cast me a sleepy look, smirking as Trish bustled past him to fridge.

  I shook my head as she gave him a clear once over and made a delighted sound before clicking her tongue.

  Skip collapsed into one of the chairs, rubbing his eyes as he drew in a deep breath and smiled.

  “Smells good,” he mumbled before yawning.

  “Been making these pancakes before you were even conceived,” she stated as she got to work whisking up some cream.

  I cracked a grin as Skip’s half-closed eyes met mine with a slight smirk on his lips.

  Lucas was watching her, painfully wanting to assist with a bit of magic but too afraid she’d chide him.

  So he remained silent while Marcus joined us as well, gliding into the kitchen silently and slipping into one of the seats.

  “Where’s the last one? These are nearly done,” Trish stated as she checked her pancakes while holding the mixing bowl of cream in the other hand.

  I caught the faint glow of Lucas’ hand as Trish flipped the last batch of pancakes before continuing to whisk her cream.

  “Hmm.” She frowned at the bowl before setting it on the counter, and I knew Lucas had helped speed up the whisking process with some magic.

  Too bad she had already suspected him and was giving him the stink eye now.

  “Ollie?” I pursed my lips as I reached out mentally for him, then frowned when I realized he wasn’t in the house. Had he not come home last night?

  ‘He’s been gone all night,’ Lucas informed me.

  Ollie had a few friends, but surely he would’ve let us know if he was staying the night elsewhere.

  Now I felt guilty for not checking in on him.