Our kiss broke apart as we became overwhelmed with the need to move. Jasin began, slowly pulling out of me before sliding back in. The tightness back there made me gasp, but my body quickly grew used to it, and then Auric began lifting his hips to thrust into me too. I clung to his body, unable to do anything but take what they were giving me and enjoy every second of it.
I could tell they were overcome by it too, from the way they groaned against me and bucked harder. And when Jasin reached out and grasped Auric’s muscular arm, it nearly became too much for me. Especially when I felt Auric’s hand slide from my naked hip to Jasin’s, urging him on. It wasn’t just me with them, it was all three of us bonding together and sharing this moment.
I raised my head and my eyes locked with Reven, who stared at the scene with rapt attention. I wanted to give him a show. I wanted him to see what he could have too, someday. If only he would let me in.
But then he stood and came toward the bed, surprising me. He bent down, took my chin in his hand, and captured my lips in a kiss. I reached for him, my fingers sliding around his neck, but then he pulled back and straightened up. But I didn’t want to let him go.
I gripped his shirt, then slid my hand down to his trousers, pressing against the hardness there. He’d definitely enjoyed watching, and that knowledge only made me more excited. I tore at his trousers, yanking them open, revealing his long length. He didn’t stop me. Instead, he gazed down at me with his intense blue eyes as I took his cock in hand and brought it to my lips. My mouth slid over the head and he let out a soft groan, while tangling his fingers in my hair.
Auric and Jasin kept going through it all, rocking me between their bodies, their pace growing faster. I couldn’t hold on much longer, not with the incredible feelings they sent through me. But I needed Reven too, that was clear to me now. It couldn’t be just me with Auric and Jasin forever, I needed all of my mates equally.
I took Reven into my mouth as far as I could, while circling the base of his shaft with my hand. He gripped my hair tighter and his hips jerked, like he couldn’t help himself. Like he didn’t want to give himself to me, but was unable to resist.
I sucked on him hard, feeling my own release approach. I sensed through the bond that Auric and Jasin were close too, but they were holding out for me. Together the four of us moved in a sensual dance, back and forth, in and out, with my body taking everything they gave me and still wanting more. If only Slade were here too…
The instant Reven reached down to pinch my nipple, I was gone. His touch pushed me over the edge, and I cried out while tightening up around Auric and Jasin. Ripples of pleasure more intense than anything I’d ever felt before began to overwhelm me, and I was completely lost in the sensations. They were my mates, and in this moment I truly felt as though I belonged to all of them.
Each man released himself into me only seconds later, while I was still trembling. Jasin’s head pressed against my neck as he came hard into my behind, while Auric thrust up into me faster until his seed filled me. Reven was last, gripping my hair tight while he finally let himself go into my mouth. I swallowed everything he gave me and our eyes remained locked on each other’s, though his face was indecipherable.
When it was done, he slipped out of me, closed up his trousers, and then walked out of the room without a word. It was just like him, and all I could do was sigh and shake my head, while relaxing against my other two mates.
We fell onto the bed, the three of us a tangle of bodies without end. The kissing began again, hands sliding against each other’s skin, this time to comfort and show affection rather than induce desire or pleasure. The bond between us felt stronger than ever, and I sensed their satisfaction and love through it. Not just for me, but for each other too. It amazed me how far they’d come from those first jealous fights and heated arguments to snuggling together on the bed, with me pressed between their naked bodies. I loved them both so much, and nothing made me happier than knowing they’d truly come to care about the other during the last few months. Well, except for the thought of my other two mates joining me in bed like this too.
Someday, maybe…I could hope.
21
Kira
In the morning Slade showed me around the small village, pointing out the houses of friends and relatives, or showing me things he had helped repair. A lot of it reminded me of Stoneham, although Clayridge was better defended—not that it would have helped against the Dragons anyway.
The tour ended at a stone house near his mother’s, with smoke coming out of the chimney. “This used to be my house and my shop,” Slade said. “But now my cousin Noren lives here.”
“You said he took over as the town’s blacksmith?” I asked.
“Yes. Before that he was my apprentice. I would have liked to train him for a few more years, but the Gods had other plans.”
He led me around the back of the house, where the shop was located. There was a gray horse tied to a post nearby, and a wave of heat struck me as we approached the open door. Inside, Noren stood over an anvil, where he was working on a horseshoe. A large stone forge took up one wall, and against the other was a table with a variety of metal tongs and hammers with a sketch of some armor. Over it was a shelf with some helmets and gauntlets, while a variety of weapons and shields hung from the walls.
Noren looked up and brushed sweat off his forehead. “Morning.”
“I came to see how you’re holding up,” Slade said.
“Meaning you want to see if I’m keeping up the family legacy.” Noren grinned. “It wasn’t easy at first, but I managed without you. I’ve taken on my own apprentice now too.”
Slade clasped him on the shoulder. “Good man.”
They chatted a bit longer about blacksmith things I didn’t understand, before we stepped outside again. I gave the horse a quick rub, and then Slade and I kept walking, taking a leisurely stroll down the hill to the river and the surrounding forest.
“Do you feel better now that you know the shop is in good hands?” I asked.
“A little,” Slade said. “Although Noren seems so young to me. Too young to be running the shop. Then again, I was his age when I took over for my father too.”
I guessed Noren was about my age, and it hit me how much older and more experienced Slade was. He’d talked about how he’d been settled in his life, and for the first time I truly understood what he’d meant. He’d spent years building his profession and helping his town, and then he’d been forced to give all of that up. For me.
“How old are you?” I asked Slade, realizing I didn’t know the exact number.
“Thirty-two.”
I missed a step in my surprise. Twelve years older than me. “Truly?”
He reached out to steady me with a hand on my elbow. “Too old for you?”
“No, not at all.” I continued walking. “But it’s no wonder you think the rest of us young and foolish.”
“Young, yes,” he said with a trace of amusement. “Foolish…sometimes.”
“I can see now why you had a hard time giving up this life.”
“It was difficult, but I don’t regret it. After Faya left, this town was never the same for me. It wasn’t until finding you that I began to feel whole again—like I’d discovered my true place in the world. This village will always be my home, but it’s no longer where I belong.”
“And where is that?” I asked, as I stopped beside the river.
“By your side.” He cupped my cheek in his hand. “Wherever you go, I’ll be there with you.”
“My loyal protector,” I murmured, as I leaned into his touch.
His head lowered and his mouth pressed against mine. He gripped my hip, digging his fingers into the fabric of my dress while he kissed me long and hard until I was practically moaning for more. I slid my hands down his chest and under his shirt, running my fingers across his bare stomach.
A sharp sound in the forest broke us apart, and I was reminded of when Cadock’s bandits had interr
upted us before. But as I peered through the trees it wasn’t bandits I saw, but two young women raising swords at each other. Leni and Brin lunged and parried, laughing as they danced away from each other and then drew close again. There was something about the way they moved and looked at each other that made it clear this was more than just sword fighting practice.
“You’re better than I expected,” Brin said, her voice carrying through the leaves. “Where did you learn to fight?”
“Slade and Noren taught me,” Leni said, as their swords clashed again. “I joined the town guard three years ago, and became its leader when Slade left to find Kira. What about you?”
“My parents had me trained in combat from the time I could hold a sword. They were terribly worried their precious only child would be kidnapped and held for ransom or some such. It’s never happened, of course, but I can hardly complain.”
“Impressive. I’ll admit, you might be able to teach me a thing or two.”
“Oh, I can teach you a great many things, my dear,” Brin said, her voice sensual.
I covered my mouth to hide my amusement, especially since their conversation so closely mirrored the one I’d had with Reven the other day. I had a feeling theirs would end the same way too.
“One of them is going to get hurt,” Slade said, shaking his head.
“Brin is an expert swordswoman, and your sister doesn’t seem too bad either.”
“Not what I meant.” He scowled as he watched them tumble to the ground together, their laughter ringing out around us.
I took his hand and led him away from what was likely to become an intimate moment. “Let them have their few moments of happiness. They’re fleeting enough at the moment.”
He let me drag him away, and then entwined his fingers with mine. Just the simple act of holding hands with him was so much more than I ever thought I would get from him, and I took my own advice and allowed myself to feel content.
“You seem happier too,” he said, studying my face. “After Stoneham we were all worried about you.”
“I’m still upset about that, and I’ll miss Tash forever, but coming here and meeting your family has eased some of the pain.” I squeezed his hand. “Thank you for bringing us here. You seem like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders too.”
Slade nodded. “Once my family knew the truth about our situation, it became easier for me to accept as well.”
“That’s a relief. I worried after what happened with Faya you would never be okay with it.”
He spoke slowly as we continued back along the river toward the village. “It was different with Faya. I never believed she loved both me and Parin. As soon as she was forced to choose between us, she picked him and abandoned the life we'd created together without a second thought. That’s why I couldn't understand how you would be able to love all of us equally, but now I know you’re nothing like her. She went behind my back and cheated on me. You’ve been up front about this complicated relationship with me from the beginning, and you’ve never tried to hide anything about it. That honesty is important.”
“Does that mean you’re not upset about having to share me with the others anymore?”
“I don’t mind it as much as I used to,” Slade admitted. “Traveling the world with you and the others has opened my mind to a lot of things I never experienced while living in Clayridge. I suppose being one of your mates has changed me too. I only want you to be happy, whether it’s because of me or the other men. Or all of us.”
An image came to mind of Slade joining in while I was being shared between the other three men and I felt a flush of heat between my legs. I doubted Slade would ever want to do that, but I couldn’t deny the idea excited me.
As if conjured by my thoughts, Jasin and Auric emerged from the village, heading for the river. We’d agreed to meet in the afternoon to continue our training, but I hadn’t realized the day had gotten so late.
“Ready to get started?” Jasin asked, as they approached.
“If we’re interrupting, we can come back later,” Auric said.
“We’re going to try to summon lightning again,” I explained to Slade. “Do you mind?”
“No, it’s fine. My mother has demanded my help with fixing her roof this afternoon anyway.” He lowered his head and brushed a kiss across my lips. “I’ll see you tonight for dinner.”
“I wouldn’t miss it.”
He headed back toward the village, and I turned to my two mates with a smile I couldn’t hide. They’d both noticed the kiss, judging by the smirks on their faces.
“Things with Slade are better then,” Jasin said.
“They are. He’s finally starting to open up to me, and he said he’s getting used to the idea of sharing me with the rest of you.”
“That’s good to hear,” Auric said. “For a while, I was worried he wouldn’t be able to do his duty at the Earth Temple.”
“I don’t think that will be a problem anymore,” I said, my face flushing for no good reason. I’d shared my body with both these men last night, so why did talking about being intimate with Slade feel so embarrassing? Maybe because our budding relationship was more private, and a part of me wanted to keep it that way.
Jasin took my hand in his. “I’m glad you’re happy. Now let’s get to work.”
22
Jasin
As soon as I touched Kira our ever-present bond sparked bright, like a fire suddenly flaring to life. I always felt her in the background of my mind, but her presence became almost overwhelming when we touched.
She reached for Auric with her other hand, connecting the three of us. “Can you sense each other?”
“Yes,” Auric said, his eyes closed. “Much stronger than before.”
I closed my eyes and reached out, sorting through the tangled threads of identity and emotion to separate Kira, Auric, and myself. I focused on the feeling of Auric and followed the trail back, going deeper than ever before. He was a mix of excitement and nervousness, but I stretched beyond all that until I found his core self. His strength, his wisdom, his innate goodness. And there, wrapped up in all of that, was his air magic.
“I feel it too,” I said.
“Now draw upon your magic while reaching for the other one’s power,” Kira said. “Try to combine the two elements of fire and air to create lightning.”
As I seized the magic, I felt both Kira and Auric inside me, tugging and pulling, searching and finding. Fire came to me as if by instinct now, but drawing upon Auric’s magic was a lot harder. Every time I tried to grasp it, it seemed to slip through my fingers.
I heard a low buzzing sound and opened my eyes to small sparks flashing in front of us. My hand tightened around Kira’s as I tried to build up the magic, but then it fizzled out and was lost. The sparks vanished.
I ran a hand through my hair. “Damn. We almost had it.”
“Maybe we just need more time for the bond to grow stronger,” Auric suggested.
Kira sighed. “We don’t have time. We face the Dragons in only a few days, and we have to be prepared.”
“Then we keep trying.” I reached out and grabbed Auric’s hand too, forming a circle between the three of us. Instead of closing my eyes, I looked straight into Auric’s gray ones. And then I reached for the magic again.
A bolt of bright white energy shot down from the sky and hit the tree beside us, making us all jump. The energy disappeared instantly, but left behind the impression of heat and power, along with the blackened remains of a tree trunk.
“We did it,” Auric said, his voice impressed.
“Yeah, we did,” I said, dropping their hands. “But I’m not sure what good it does us. We can’t stand around in a circle holding hands every time we need to call lightning.”
“Sark and Isen summoned it at the Air Temple without even touching,” Kira said. “We simply need to practice more.”
“At least we know it’s possible now,” Auric said.
Kira held out he
r hands as she glanced at both of us. “Let’s try it again.”
I groaned, but took hold of both of them and called forth the magic again. The lightning came easier this time, but it was erratic, hitting the surface of the water with a jagged strike. We were going to have to spend all our free time practicing this to be able to actually control the magic in a way that would be useful in battle. Right now we had just as much of a chance of hitting each other as the enemy.
“Good,” Kira said, after the next three attempts. “Now do it again.”
“Couldn’t we go back to the other kind of training?” I asked, flashing her a naughty grin. “I liked that a lot better.”
“We all did,” Auric said.
Kira shook her head. “We will at night, and during the day we’re going to do this. Every day until you’re throwing lightning from your hands like you throw fire and air.”
I groaned, but then turned to Auric. “Fine, but let’s at least make this more fun. Ten coins says I can throw lightning before you can.”
His eyes gleamed as he smirked at me, that old competition between us coming back to the surface, except this time in a friendly way. “You’re on.”
23
Kira
Over the next few days we settled into a slower pace while staying in Clayridge that seemed to suit all of us. I practiced sword fighting with Reven, trained in magic with Auric and Jasin, and spent time with Slade and his family. After such a long time on the road, it was good for all of us to stop and breathe for a while. News had spread through the village about what we were, and people treated us with respect and awe, but otherwise little changed. Meanwhile, Brin and Leni got even closer—I caught sight of them kissing numerous times, and while their relationship seemed destined for heartbreak, none of us wanted to interfere with their happiness. But we all knew how hard it would be when it came time for us to leave.
Her Elemental Dragons: The Complete Series Page 42