by Jarica James
His fingers snake around us, teasing my clit with each thrust, my orgasm slamming into me so hard I have to bite my lip to keep from screaming. The taste of copper fills my mouth as my pussy clamps around him. His movements become more desperate, using me for his own pleasure now.
Bruising fingers hold me in place, which is probably for the best since I could barely hold myself up. With one last thrust he leans over me, pressing his chest to my back as he fills me with his cum.
He mercifully rolls us to our sides, but he keeps my leg hooked over his, his softening cock still inside me. We don’t talk, just relaxing slowly as our rapid breathing slows. He slowly nips at my shoulder as he snuggles me, fingertips tracing my skin. Moments later I feel him growing hard again and I glance back at him, surprised.
“I’m not a human," he teases, laughing at my surprise. “We can stop if you’re tired, beautiful.”
Instead of answering I grind back into him, ripping a moan from his mouth. I smile, loving the effect I have on him. He doesn’t feel the need to be as quick and rough again, instead he brings back his sweet and gentle side. He slowly slides in and out of me as he nibbles the side of my neck. The sensation of his mouth and the slow thrusts have my body coming alive all over again. Despite the gentleness of our love making, my orgasm feels stronger this time. I’m practically shaking as my climax approaches. Desperate to cum, I reach down and run my fingers along my clit, helping myself along. He growls in my ear at the sight, never breaking his steady rhythm.
We come together, his arms wrapping around me in quite possibly the best hug of my life. The sensitivity in my body is at an all time high and he thankfully pulls out, though he continues to hold me close. It’s like being wrapped in the best blanket, the outside world shielded by his embrace.
Bowen’s voice cuts through our bubble and I startle. “You two about done?”
“Don’t be jealous. You had your turn," Gerwyn says in a lazy voice, unbothered by the interruption.
“I am a bit jealous, but really I wanted to see how our queen is doing after that brutal training today." He grimaces at the mention of training. “Though apparently you’re better if Gerwyn was able to fuck you. He’s hardly gentle," Bowen chuckles and I don’t bother to correct him. Though our second round was gentle.
“I’m better now, Emrick healed me after Wyn put him in his place," I say. Gerwyn reaches over and pulls a blanket over us.
“Good. He was far too intense. I did want to encourage you not to judge him too harshly, though.” His lips tipped down in a frown. “We’ll explain to him you need to go a bit slower and use your magic and abilities. He just saw too many people die in the Dark War. He doesn’t want to lose you too, darling," his voice is encouraging, and I just groan, hating the guilt I feel.
“Fine. I’ll go find him in a few minutes," I concede. Stretching once last time, I kiss Gerwyn’s shoulder and stand up. No longer shy in front of them, I walk over to the basin of water, so I can freshen up. After I change clothes I hurry over to Bowen, giving him a quick kiss before slipping out of the tent.
The walk through the town is different than it used to be. Now that spring has changed, morale is definitely better. It’s even better now that we have resources we can actually use. Even the hateful looks I used to get thrown my way have diminished. I’m no longer just a random outsider, I do have the abilities to make change and cure the land and they see it.
It has me even more anxious to get back to the spring lands and see what animals and changes are happening. We went a few weeks back and the change was already noticeable. It will have to wait though, I need to get to winter first, our journey is hardly finished.
Walking through the camp always takes forever, I can’t help but stop and check in with everyone. I love the sense of community we’re building, and I want to get to know the people on a personal level, to know the struggles before they become a problem. It’s a bit of a challenge because new people arrive every few days, but with the help of the council, especially Gareth, it’s going smoothly.
As I pass the center of our lands, I spot Jacob and Andras sitting together reading a book. Andras has been working tirelessly, trying to teach Jacob how to read the fae language. Their relationship is still new, but you can tell how much they care about each other already. The quick glances and the way they naturally gravitate toward each other proof that it’s an equal relationship, something he definitely lacked with his ex, Sam. I loved seeing my best friend so happy.
Continuing on, I finally spot Emrick sitting on the bridge that leads to the court of autumn. He looks so sad sitting there with his head down that my heart clenches. Without hesitation I hurry toward him. He doesn’t even look up as I snuggle in without a word, but his arm wraps around my shoulder.
“You okay, big guy?” I whisper as I look up at him.
“I’m sorry, sweetheart," he replies. Even his low voice sounds depressed. “I was just so afraid of you not being able to defend yourself, that I ended up hurting you myself. The Spirit keeps dragging you away and you get yourself in situations that don’t include me. Like climbing down a well I wasn't able to fit down. This extensive training was my way of making sure I can protect you, even when I’m not around.”
“You did your best, but I’m just not your average fighter. I didn’t need to know this on Earth, and my body, even in fae form, isn’t used to the work. I tried, but without my magic I just can’t keep up," I explain, happy he’s giving me the chance to explain more. “I love that you care enough to teach me, but I’m strong in my own way, we just need to play to those strengths. I need to be able to train with my magic, make it stronger, especially against others who don’t need it to fight.”
“Alright, I’ll try. I’m sorry I pushed you so hard," he apologizes and plants a soft kiss on the top of my head. Glad it’s behind us, I wrap my hand around his and give him a reassuring smile. He needs to know that he won’t scare me away so easily. I have thick skin, I can take his occasional grumpiness and penchant for pushing too hard. I just can’t promise my sarcastic and snarky side won’t come out.
Chapter 3
At dinner I’m being a complete creeper, gawking at them. I know we came together unexpectedly, but I couldn’t have chosen better knights to be by my side. It’s just one of those moments of clarity, realizing that I couldn’t have even made it this far without them.
After Bowen and I were bonded, I was terrified that he would feel pressured and somewhat unsure. Hell, I know I’ve had similar thoughts. When he accepted it without hesitation, and even the others said they wanted this life too, I was shocked. But I wouldn’t want anyone else by my side. Most of our people probably speculate that they volunteered because of the power and title alone. The fact that they protect me, accept me, and want to learn more about who I am, shows me just how genuine they are.
“What’s wrong, Bella?” Maddox asks. His eyebrows draw down as he looks around to see if he missed something.
“She’s just appreciating our beauty," Bowen offers with a flutter of his red lashes.
“That’s it, Bo," I roll my eyes at him and laugh to try and play it off. Of course, a traitorous blush creeps into my cheeks at being called out.
“She was totally creeping guys, it was obvious," Jacob remarks nonchalantly, like he didn’t just point out my socially awkward qualities to the others.
“Stop embarrassing the queen," Gerwyn chastises softly, and gives them all a stern look.
“I was just thinking about how our relationships were unexpected," I say with a shrug and a deeper blush.
“Are you having second thoughts?” Emrick asks. He sounds calm, but his eyes hold a storm of emotions. The others go quiet and look at me, even Jacob freezes and gapes. I can see the hurt on Bowen’s face and the worry on the others, making me realize that I should have worded that better.
“No,” I reassure them quickly, sighs of relief echoing around the table. “It worries me more that it happened so quickly, that
you’ll all start to regret it or maybe think it’s all too much… that I’m too much," I confess, looking everywhere but at them, like the coward I am. I know that I need to stop questioning it so much and just accept it. Fate has dealt me an interesting hand but at the end of the day, I’m damn lucky. Okay, maybe not the whole almost losing my best friend and being betrayed by Allwyn, but the gaining four mates and a whole realm to lead part.
Emrick doesn’t feel the need to respond with words right away, which isn’t exactly surprising. Instead he scoots his chair back before reaching over and pulling me into his lap. Nuzzling close to my ear, he nibbles at it for a second before his gravelly tone rumbles in my ear. But the physical affection settles my nerves in a way words never could.
“I lived for over a hundred years in Autumn before I left for Earth. In all of my years I have never met a woman like you. You are funny, selfless, strong-willed, and sexy. Every other woman I have ever been close to, pales in comparison. Even before the Spirits spoke to you, I could feel this connection, this pull. You’re mine, Bella. Ours," he whispers as he squeezes me tight. The raw emotion in his words have me blinking back tears, the intensity of his words filling me with a confidence and balance I haven’t felt in far too long… if ever.
Jacob chokes out a startled laugh, ruining the sweet moment. “Shoot, I think Emrick is a closet romantic. You three better watch out," he sings out. I chuckle, but don’t argue, it was really sweet. And exactly what I needed to hear.
“He’s too smooth, this is going to be tough," Maddox huffs, but gives me a wink to show he’s not upset. I think Maddox likes a good challenge, far too much to let himself be outshined. “Get it out of your system now, she’s mine this evening.”
“Fine," Bo grumbles, though Gerwyn doesn’t argue. He probably figures that it’s only fair after our morning spent in bed. The reminder of our morning activities has me squirming in Em’s lap.
“How cute. You guys actually think I’m not the most important person in her life," Jacob croons. I laugh as he jumps up and pulls me off of Emrick’s lap. Of course, I don’t bother to protest, even the guys just give resigned sighs. They’re already adjusting to Jacob’s antics, which says even more about their character. It’s obvious how much he means to me and being an ass to him would definitely not win them any points.
“I missed you, my prince," I whisper, linking my arm through his. Leaning into him as we walk feels a bit like home and I just soak it up. “How are things going with Andras?”
With all the adventuring, recovering, training, and new relationships, we haven’t had as much time to gossip. They’ve been sharing a tent since the attack, Andras helping nurse Jacob back to health. Andras has already shown him more kindness and love than his old boyfriend ever had. Sam was either stupid, or just didn’t care, and I’m just glad he’s in his past.
“Perfect," he sighs dreamily. I know that tone, he’s falling fast for our fae friend. “We are taking it slow, which I am surprisingly okay with. He’s just so attentive and sweet, it makes me feel like I matter, and more than that, I want him to feel the same. I would wait forever for this one, ya’ know? I loved Sam, or at least I convinced myself I did. But this relationship is completely different. I didn’t realize how much I hated just being taken care of. I want to feel equal and strong in my own way. He makes me feel that. I think I actually love him, Bella. And not just the affection kind of love, the forever kind.”
Knowing Jacob like I do, I can appreciate the seriousness of his statement. After being shunned by his entire family and most friends when he came out, he didn’t love easily. Hell, he didn’t even ‘like’ that easily. He’s always been guarded, even on less intimate levels, so this is huge. The fact he’s admitting this to me so soon, tells me how special Andras is.
“I’m so happy for you. You deserve this. Slow will be good for you, I think. I’d like to say we’re doing the same, but…” I trail off with a smirk.
“Oh, the whole camp knows it’s not slow,” he huffed out a laugh. My jaw drops and I gasp, feet freezing in place at the horror of the entire fae population here hearing me fuck my knights.
Apparently he just finds that hilarious. My best friend is now bent over, clutching his stomach as he belly laughs at my expense. I’m mortified at the thought of it, but I can’t even be mad at Jacob, his loud laughter making me giggle alongside him until my sides hurt.
“I was just messing with you. I’m glad you’re finally getting in some extracurricular activity,” he jokes. I blow out a breath, relieved that he was just being a brat and our sex lives are a mystery to the greater population. I can just imagine the hate I’d be getting if they thought all I wanted was to seduce the men and play with the crown.
“You aren’t far off, though. My relationships with the four of them developed out of nowhere. It's fast and intense, but amazing. Just like coming here," I admit, laughing at the insanity of our new lives. “Remember when the biggest issues we had to deal with were entitled coffee drinkers and my awful study skills?”
He chokes out a laugh. “Yeah, I still have nightmares about your procrastination.” He gives a fake shudder. He tried so hard to make me into a model student, but I’m far too chaotic at heart for that.
“Oh come on, I wasn’t that bad!” I protest. “My grades were great!”
“Only because you mainlined caffeine like a psychopath,” Jacob says with a judging look.
“It’s college, isn’t that what I was supposed to do?”
He shakes his head. “No, the stereotype is to drink and party and ignore responsibilities.”
“Well, we did have Diamonds,” I remind him. Our karaoke nights were amazing and I could definitely use some of that stress relief right about now.
After a few beats of silence, his expression shifts to something more serious. “How are you dealing with it all? I know better than to question your feelings for them, you’re the most put-together person I know in that sense," he says.
The question stuns me for a second. In all the shit going on, I honestly haven’t taken a moment to think how I feel about it all. I’ve just been running on adrenaline and doing what I feel I ‘have’ to do.
“I don’t know, I’m just handling it,” I admit. “If I thought about all the pressure and responsibility I’d probably lose my mind.”
“Fake it until you make it, Queenie,” he grins. “But you’ve got a council now, four very capable men, our friends, and most importantly me. You’re not alone.”
“The hardest part of it all honestly has been not losing my confidence with them. They’re all so handsome and strong and capable… and I’m just me. It’s overwhelming sometimes, but mostly I’m afraid they’ll just say fuck it and leave me. How can I keep four men happy and run a realm?”
“Well first, it’s not just your job to keep them happy, you’re all a team. And second, I’ve seen the way they look at you. You guys are already so in sync that when you move, they move. It won’t be hard to find your own strength in all this. Hell, you’ve already gotten one entire court taken care of, you’re more capable than you give yourself credit for. You’ve blown their minds with how strong your magic is and how easily you wield it. Faerie chose right, and so did they.”
I blink back tears as I realize how right he is. I did manage to do all that in a matter of days. And the fact that I’m not even worried about what lies ahead speaks to just how much I believe in the group we have to handle it all.
“Thanks, Jacob,” I whisper.
“We got this, Queenie. That’s why I pulled you away, I felt like you needed a reminder of how perfect you are, by someone who knows you well. You’re intelligent, strong, and caring. Plus, you have more support than any ruler I’ve ever seen, it's incredible. It’s been a whirlwind ever since Silver Forest, but I know what you mean, it just feels right," he reassures me. He’s so passionate as he says it that I know he means every word. Pausing for a moment, I hug him tight as a silent thank you before we start walkin
g again.
“Uh, Jacob? What are we doing here?” He led us to the worktables that my council set up. We were so busy talking I hadn’t been paying attention to where we were going.
“We have an idea for this area,” he explains excitedly, his whole face lighting up. Pulling me over to the stack of blueprints, he spreads them out a bit so I can inspect them all. At first it just looks like chaos, a jumble of random building plans, but as he continues to straighten them out his vision comes to life. It looks reminiscent of a school or campus, along with various other buildings. They’d seemed to have plotted out the structure of the whole town. And Jacob clearly lent his artistic ability, because they’re unlike any of the traditional buildings I’ve seen and they’re so well detailed.
“I was talking to Andras and I think that with all of the new fae that will be coming here, as well as humans, we need some sort of school. The academy will give us a place to teach those who want to learn the history of Faerie and the language, as well as practicing their magical abilities. Hell, even those born here are out of touch at this point. We have more fae coming through the portal every day. Clearly more survived than the two hundred the humans originally thought.”
“Agreed. I think Em will definitely be on board with helping train for battle. And once the wildlife is released, we’ll need the expertise,” I agree. Each new picture I look at blows my mind. I’d asked the team to start working on them, and I’d wanted to help, but I can’t even be upset that I wasn’t included. It looks beyond amazing.
“We’ll start by building your manor. We also want to build a council hall, the academy building, barracks, housing, and a cafeteria of sorts. Eventually it will be all this, but for now we’ll start with the basics so we can all function and sleep in a real bed. I was thinking that we should build an outdoor marketplace too," he explains, pointing to the building sketches as he describes each one.