Rockworth was more than double the size of Stoneham and many other horses and carriages filled the road, along with people walking along the side of it. We passed a bustling market with men and women selling their wares, before stopping at the first inn we saw.
The inn was called the Knight’s Reprieve and was crowded with dozens of travelers in the tavern grabbing some supper. Slade and Auric arranged for us to get the last two rooms, before we headed into the tavern ourselves. The room smelled faintly of warm food and was loud with the sounds of eating, talking, and music from a man playing fiddle in the corner. Reven slipped through the crowd easily and managed to grab us the last free table, but it only had four chairs.
“It’s fine,” Slade said. “I’ll sit at the bar and see if I can get any information from the other travelers.”
“Good idea,” Auric said.
As Slade took a stool at the bar, Jasin pulled out a chair at the table for me, before immediately claiming the one to my right. Auric got a journal out of his bag and began jotting down some notes, while Reven sat against the wall, his arms crossed as he eyed everyone in the tavern with suspicion.
A waitress with a low-cut dress that probably got her a lot of tips came over to our table, and her face lit up when she saw the man at my side. “Jasin! What are you doing here?”
Jasin flashed her the same charming grin he often gave me. “Just stopping in for a night.”
“Is that so?” She leaned close, accentuating her ample cleavage. “I’m so happy you’re back in town.”
“It’s good to see you, Minda. How’ve you been?”
“Good, but even better now that you’re here,” she said, batting her eyelashes. “My sister will be excited to know you’re back too.”
“Tell her I said hello,” he replied, while my fists clenched under the table. That familiar possessiveness rose up in me again, and this time it was harder to push down. Jasin and the others were supposed to be my mates and all, but even ignoring that, I’d spent the last few days traveling with them, sleeping near them, and fighting alongside them. Maybe I had a little bit of a right to be possessive at this point.
“I will.” She trailed a hand lightly along his shoulders and her voice turned sultry. “And if you need a room tonight, ours is free.”
He cleared his throat, glancing at me. “Thanks for the offer, but I’ve got a room.”
“Too bad. We had a lot of fun last time. Let me know if you change your mind.” She removed her hand, casting me a quick, appraising look. “I’ll get you all some food.”
After she walked away, I turned to Jasin, my blood boiling. “You slept with both sisters?”
“I did, yeah.” His eyebrows darted up. “Long before I met you. Is that a problem?” He gestured at the other men. “And should you really judge me when you’re going to sleep with all four of us?”
“I’m not judging, I’m just—” The words died on my mouth and I looked away, still seething.
“What? Jealous?”
“No!” My cheeks flushed, because that’s exactly how I was feeling.
He gave me that infuriatingly sexy grin. “I told you my bed’s always open to you.”
“Me and every other woman, it seems.” I jumped to my feet, making the guys glance up at me with worried expressions. “I just need a moment. Feel free to start eating without me.”
I headed out the front door of the inn, then walked around the side of it until I was near the stables and away from everyone else. My heart raced, and I felt like I couldn’t breathe. Gods, why was I so upset? I’d only met Jasin a few days ago and we’d never made any promises to each other. What he did in the past—or even now—wasn’t any of my business. He’d already admitted that he liked women. Lots of women. Which was fine, really. I didn’t have any real claim over him, just some weird magical bond drawing us together. Without that, we would be strangers. So why did it hurt so badly when I saw him flirting with that woman?
“Kira, are you okay?” Auric asked.
I turned toward him, trying to keep my face blank. “I’m fine. Just needed some fresh air.”
He moved closer, making me keenly aware of his height. “This situation is strange and overwhelming for all of us, but especially for you, I’m sure. It makes sense you would need to take a break from it now and then. But I just want you to know I’m here if you ever need to talk about it.”
“Thank you. I appreciate that.” I ran a hand through my hair and sighed. “I’m not sure it’s possible to take a break from it either. This is my life now, and for better or worse, I’m stuck with the four of you. And you’re all stuck with me.”
Auric touched my cheek, his stormy eyes locked on mine. “I don’t know about the other guys, but I’m glad I’m stuck with you.”
“You are?” I asked, resting my hand over his. I remembered the moment we’d shared this morning when I’d healed him, and my eyes dropped to his mouth. I’d wanted to kiss him then, but the other guys had been watching. Now we were alone.
“I know you think none of us want to be here, but I do. Everything about this feels right.” He lowered his head, his fingers tracing my lips. “Including this.”
With one hand on my jaw he pressed his mouth to mine, while his other hand slid to my lower back to pull me against him. Sparks flashed between us as he teased my lips open, before stroking me slowly with his tongue. With a soft gasp, I wrapped my arms around his neck, wanting even more. It had been way too long since anyone had kissed me, but my body seemed to remember how to respond. Or maybe it was Auric who did that to me.
At first, I’d thought Auric might be snobbish or distant with his fine clothes and his head always buried in a book, but his kiss was anything but. He took his time with my mouth, learning what I responded to most, and soon he made me forget everything I’d been upset about. All I could think about was this rush of desire that swept through me at his touch, and how I wanted more.
“What the…” Jasin’s voice said from behind me, interrupting the moment.
Auric and I broke apart, although he kept his hand on my back as we turned to face Jasin. My soldier looked stunned and maybe a little angry, but he was still mouth-wateringly handsome. That would never change, I supposed. And with lust already coursing through me thanks to Auric’s kiss, it was hard not to want Jasin too. An image flashed in my head of being pressed between them with both their hands and mouths on me that sent heat straight to my core.
“Jasin.” I wasn’t sure what else to say. I didn’t know if I should feel guilty for kissing Auric or not. Soon I’d be kissing all of them, if everything went according to plan, but I still had no idea how to handle this or how to juggle the feelings of four men. Or my overwhelming attraction to each of them.
“Could we have a moment alone?” Jasin asked Auric.
Auric glanced at me. “Are you all right with that?”
I nodded. “Yes, I’m fine. Thank you for making sure I was okay.”
“Any time.” He brushed his lips across mine, then straightened and gave Jasin a smug look before heading into the inn. I could practically feel the tension crackling in the air between them, and this new development would only make it worse.
Jasin swallowed, and my eyes couldn’t help but linger on his strong neck dusted with stubble. “You kissed him.”
“What? Jealous?” I asked, throwing his earlier words back at him.
“I am, yeah.” He looked down at the ground, with a strand of hair falling over his forehead that I itched to brush away. “I thought I would be the first.”
My heart softened at the vulnerability in his voice. “You’re going to be the first in other things.”
“I know. And I’m sorry about what happened in there. I swear, all of that is in the past. Nothing is going to happen with Minda or her sister or any other woman.” His words warmed my chest, but then he blew out a breath. “But seriously, that guy?”
And now my heart hardened again. “What’s your problem with Auric?
”
“He’s a stuffy nobleman!” Jasin’s eyes flared, his jaw clenching. “Although maybe you like that sort of thing. He is rich, after all.”
I propped my hands on my hips. “I like him because he’s smart and kind and attentive, not because of his money. I don’t care about any of that. And if you want to stay in this group, you’re going to have to find a way to get along with him too.”
I brushed past him as I made my way into the inn, my whole body flushed with both desire and anger. I’d never understand how Jasin could be so damn sexy while driving me crazy at the same time. And I was supposed to bond with him in only a few days? Not likely.
21
Slade
I sat on the windowsill and observed the empty town lit with only moonlight and a few torches. I’d been on guard duty for an hour, but everything had been quiet so far. Nevertheless, I would remain vigilant to protect Kira and her other mates from any possible threats for the next few hours, when Auric would take my place.
Kira rose from the bed beside me and silently headed into the washroom. Jasin slept in the other bed, face down and completely out. He was a true soldier, able to fall into sleep the second his head touched the pillow and instantly alert the moment he got up. I had no doubt if I woke him now he’d be ready to fight on a second’s notice. The boy was a hothead, but I never once doubted his loyalty to Kira or his willingness to do whatever it took to keep her safe.
The other two, I wasn’t so sure. Auric seemed a decent fellow, but I was wary of him due to his background. I didn’t have any great love for noblemen, but he was smart, I’d give him that. He seemed to be interested in Kira as well, but was it for the right reasons? Or did he only want to be a part of this for the knowledge and power he could uncover along the way?
And Reven? I didn’t trust him at all, but he could have walked away a hundred times already, and he hadn’t. I planned to keep an eye on him, but I didn’t think he would put Kira in danger, not after how he’d defended her from the bandits. Even though he was distant now, I had a feeling he would come around eventually. If not, I’d be happy to show him the door. We had no room on this team for people who weren’t committed to our mission.
As I watched through the window, something caught my eye outside the stone fence. An air elemental. It glided along the perimeter of the town and looked like a swirling tornado with arms and glowing eyes. I’d seen a few elementals before, mostly rock and water ones, but never an air type.
Elementals were immune to their own element, so Auric would be useless against this one, but they were weak against the others. The Dragons were supposed to keep us safe from them, but elemental attacks were common enough that people had learned how to defend themselves from them. Of course, that hadn’t helped the village we’d visited last night. They’d clearly been unprepared for whatever had hit them and had fled the village instead of fighting back. But larger towns like this one were well fortified against elemental attacks. Other than the stone wall and the small moat, they also had a line of kindling next to a brazier they could easily light. I had no doubt that the guards were all trained in how to handle elementals as well, but I kept watch on the one below anyway.
We were just lucky it wasn’t a shade. They were even more rare than elementals, but deadlier—and very little could stop them.
When Kira returned from the washroom, she spotted me and paused. She wore her one chemise, which was thin enough to show off her curves and the outline of her pale breasts, though I forced myself not to stare. If I looked at her like that I might start feeling things I had no desire to feel.
“Can’t sleep?” I asked, my voice low so it wouldn’t wake Jasin.
She shook her head as she sat beside me on the windowsill. “How’s guard duty?”
“Quiet so far, although now we have a visitor.” I pointed at the air elemental as it hovered outside the wall.
Her eyes widened as she caught sight of it. “Should we be worried?”
“Not yet. It seems to be alone, and it can’t get through the town’s wall. If it did, the guards could probably handle it. But I’m keeping an eye on it in case I need to help fight it off.”
She nodded. “Let’s hope it’s just the one.”
I leaned back and let my gaze linger on her a little longer. Her long red hair hung about her shoulders and a frown touched her lush lips. She’d worn that frown ever since she’d run out of the inn earlier tonight. I had a feeling Auric and Jasin were involved, judging by their similar expressions, but I wasn’t sure if it was any of my business. Still, I didn’t like seeing her upset.
“You seem troubled,” I said.
“Is it that obvious?” She sighed. “Auric kissed me, Jasin’s an ass, and Reven won’t talk to me. You’re the only one I can stand to be around at the moment.”
“I’m honored,” I said, with a low chuckle.
She took a piece of her hair and began idly twirling it as she looked out the window. “I don’t know how to do this. I wasn’t prepared to be involved with one man right now, let alone four.”
I couldn’t stop staring at her. She was too damn beautiful, and she made my resolve to keep my distance from her crumble. “You’ll figure it out.”
“I have to, I suppose.” Her bright eyes found mine again in the darkness. “Do you ever wonder why we were chosen and not someone else?”
“Every damn day,” I muttered.
“Me too. I can’t stop questioning it all. Was I chosen for all of you, or were you chosen for me? What if the Gods chose wrong?”
“I’ve considered that too, but we must trust that they have a plan for us.”
Her lips quirked up slightly. “Your faith in them is inspiring.”
I shrugged. “I need to believe, otherwise I question everything too. Especially my place in this. I’m a simple blacksmith, nothing more. I don’t belong here.”
“Do you want to leave?” she asked softly.
“No. Not at all.” I shook my head. “I’m sorry if I made it sound that way. I’m loyal to you and to our mission. Have no doubt about that.”
“But you don’t really want to be here.”
“It’s not that.” I ran a hand along my beard as I considered my words. “It’s more that I had a life I was content with already. A life I had no desire to leave behind.”
“I see.” She said, her voice quiet. “Did you leave someone behind?”
My chest clenched and at first, I couldn’t respond. “No,” I finally said. “There was someone once, but it’s over.”
Outside the window, the air elemental began moving toward the hills, leaving the town alone. My shoulders relaxed as he drifted out of sight. I didn’t want to fight anyone unless it was absolutely necessary, even an elemental.
“It’s gone,” I said, turning back to Kira. “And you should head back to bed.”
“I don’t know if I can sleep.”
Before I could stop myself, I said, “I can help. Turn around.”
She shifted on the windowsill so that her back was to me. I took hold of her luxurious red hair and considered wrapping it around my hand and pulling her head back so I could claim her mouth, but I restrained myself and simply moved it over her shoulder. Over the chemise, I rested my hands on her upper back, immediately feeling the tension in it. Her upper body was strong, probably from her skill with a bow, and I smoothed my hands across her, slowly kneading her muscles. She tipped back her head with a breathy sigh that made me instantly hard.
“That’s it, relax,” I said, my breath close to her ear.
“I’m the one who is supposed to be healing you,” she said.
“This is a different kind of healing.” My hands moved up to her shoulders and she let out a soft groan as I worked the muscles there. I hadn’t touched a woman like this in so long, and I hated to admit that I was enjoying it as much as she was. Compared to my large size she was so small and feminine, with soft skin and an inner strength that made her even more irresistible.
>
She relaxed against me and I trailed my fingers up the back of her graceful neck and into her hair. As my hand slid along her scalp, she leaned back against my chest and turned her head toward me. I caught her chin with my other hand, my eyes falling to her lips, which were open slightly and very inviting.
I stopped myself with my mouth only an inch away from hers. Gods, what was I doing? They’d surely put some kind of spell on me to make me desire her so. It took every ounce of self-restraint I had to release her. I quickly stood up and put some space between us before I could reach for her again.
She opened her eyes and looked at me with obvious disappointment. “Are you okay, Slade?”
“Fine,” I said tersely, while trying to gain control of myself again. “That should be enough to help you sleep.”
She rose to her feet and straightened her chemise. “Thanks for your help. I’ll see you in the morning.”
I pointedly looked away, my heart hammering in my chest. “Glad I could be of assistance.”
She slipped back into bed and I forced myself to sit back down and look outside again, when all I really wanted to do was crawl in bed beside her. I’d wrap my arms around her and keep her close to me all night, making sure she was safe and happy. I’d gladly do more too, if she wanted it.
I shook my head, disgusted with myself. I’d loved someone once, and I would never go down that path again. Especially not with a woman whose heart would be divided between four of us. I knew where that would lead, and it was nowhere good.
From now on, I had to keep my distance from Kira.
22
Kira
In the morning we had a quick breakfast at the tavern, where I tried to ignore the way Minda looked at Jasin, before we headed to the market to get supplies and some new clothes. We passed by dozens of covered stalls with people yelling about their goods, from stoneware to cloth to fruits and vegetables. Reven, Jasin, and Auric all went separate ways, while Slade stayed by my side for protection, though he didn’t say much to me. We’d almost kissed last night and I’d felt a real connection with him finally, but then he’d erected even more walls between us. Now his face was as hard as the stone he could control.
Her Elemental Dragons: The Complete Series Page 9