by Riley Walker
“Oh no. You are not suggesting that I have sex with Winston!”
“No child, I was thinking that maybe you should try kissing the King. Let’s see what happens.”
The tension in the room could be cut with a knife. Edrik stands next to me. “Over my dead body. Chess is ours, and he is not her mate. He does not deserve her company after the way he has treated her over the last few years.”
I place my hand on his arm trying to calm him down. “Eddie, I will do anything at this point to figure out what is going on with my powers. Like I said, I trust Ruby.” I turn my head and look over Edrik’s shoulders. “Come on, Winston, let's just get this over with.”
“Do not sound so enthusiastic, Princess.” He walks over to me and stands between me and Edrik. I stand up, prepared to get this over with. I’m startled when he grabs me by the waist immediately and pulls me toward him. His lips come crashing down on mine, but it feels awkward with my two mates watching us. I can’t loosen up and eventually Winston pulls away.
Winston looks so disappointed. “Well, Princess, it looks like I am not destined to be your mate after all. However, we are still betrothed and I will not leave your side until Armand is dealt with and your powers are restored.”
I am not sure why this feels like a kick to the gut. Most of the time, I loathe this man, but I’m disappointed that he is not my fated mate. If it isn’t Winston, then who could it be?
Ruby looks crestfallen, but Edrik and Rook look down right smug. Shelby is back fondling the jewelry, and Hawkeye is watching the door like, well a Hawk. Poor guy, will probably never be able to let his guard down in here again. My heart goes out to him.
Edrik takes Ruby’s hand and kisses her knuckles. “Thank you Ruby for all of your help. We will visit again soon.”
We all give her hugs or kisses on the cheek and say our goodbyes. I am glad we came to see her, but we’re leaving with more questions than we came here with.
24
King In Despair
(Winston’s POV)
There are no words to describe my disappointment at finding out that I am not one of the Princesses’s fated mates. I leave her and her entourage in the foyer, and head up to the room that has been set up for me. I sit at the desk that overlooks the front grounds of the Light Fey castle and contemplate what has transpired.
For years I have known that we would eventually marry. So many years were wasted while running from her, because I refused to except that every aspect of my life had been planned, all before my birth. All the wasted moments of not getting to know her, not having her in my life, and by my side. Now, she is lost to me. We may still be betrothed, but I can no longer ignore the fact that she is indeed the Golden Queen. She has already found two fated mates, and could still have more out there. How am I supposed to compete with this?
I push back from the desk and begin to pace the bedroom. As the King of the Dark Fey Kingdom, I do not lose.
Ever.
I do not want to lose my Beloved. It is time to fight for her. I will show her that we can be good together and that she will make an excellent Queen for both Kingdoms.
I need to spend more time with her so she can get to know the real me. The way to do that is to help her train and show her how to control her gifts. I have already committed to help find and defeat Armand for her. Hopefully one day, she will learn to love me the same way I have come to love her.
25
Paybacks Are Hell
We return home, and I start thinking about what happened today at Ruby’s Shoppe. I can’t get Winston’s disappointed look out of my head. I am somewhat relieved, yet sad at the same time. I am relieved that I don’t have to figure out a way to juggle another mate in my life right now, but deep down inside, I do have some feelings for the King of the Dark Fey. All my life I was told that I would marry Winston, and I have always had a little crush on him, even after the Bianca fiasco. Maybe we can now find a way to become friends. Also, the fact that I could still have another mate somewhere in the Dark Fey Kingdom worries me.
“Cara, what has you thinking so hard?”
I jump out off my couch and grab my chest. “Dang it, Rook, you nearly frightened me to death.”
Rook grins at me, “I called your name several times but you were deep in thought. Is there something you want to talk about?”
“Not really, I just want to relax for a bit. These past few days of training and trying to get my powers to cooperate, have me utterly exhausted,” I say as I sit back down on the couch in my room.
Edrik enters the room and comes over to sit beside me. He pulls my feet into his lap and begins massaging them. I lean my head back and enjoy the attention. I am nearly asleep when Rook lifts me up off the couch and sits back down with me in his lap. Edrik grabs my feet and continues the massage. I feel so loved when I am with my two fated mates.
Rook leans down and kisses my forehead. He starts running his fingers through my hair and I am in total bliss. “Cara, tell us what is really bothering you.”
I moan in contentment and look over my shoulder at Rook. “It’s Winston and the kiss. I know Winston, and if there is another mate out there, a part of me wanted him to be it. On the other hand, I am also relieved not to have to juggle a third mate right now. He and I are still betrothed, but I don’t know how to deal with that. The three of us, here in this room, work so well together. I am not ready, or willing, to mess that up.”
Edrik gives Rook a look as he slides my feet off his lap. Rook bends down and starts to kiss me gently at first, but then the kiss becomes deeper, more passionate. Edrik starts removing my pants while Rook pulls my shirt over my head. I am lost in the sensation of two sets of hands roaming and massaging my body. I am putty in the hands of these two men.
Rook picks me up and carries me to the bed. “Let us love you Cara. We want to worship your body and take away all the worries, if only for tonight. We can deal with all the other problems tomorrow.”
Edrik is following behind us while removing his clothes. He sits against the headboard and pulls me between his legs with my back laying on his chest. I look up into his chocolate brown eyes and see a hunger that only my Knight has for me. Edrik leans down taking my lips with a bruising kiss and begins to massage my breasts. I am completely lost in the feel of his large calloused hands rubbing my nipples, when Rook grabs my knees, pulling them apart. I never noticed him crawling onto the bed. I am looking down at him, anticipating what he is about to do next when Edrik grabs my chin and starts peppering it with kisses. He begins to pinch my nipples almost to the point of pain. Almost. Rook slides one of his long fingers between my folds while rubbing my clit with his thumb. The sensation of both their hands bringing me pleasure is euphoric. Rook slides a second finger into me and uses his expert tongue to suck and caress my nub till I am exploding in pure ecstasy. Rook places his hand on my stomach to hold me down while my body convulses in pleasure. I bite down on Edrik’s lip, hard, as he smothers my screams with a kiss. I am spent. I couldn’t be any happier, or more relaxed, as I sigh in contentment.
I am just about to roll over for a snuggle with Edrik when I hear Rook chuckle. “Cara, you didn’t think that we were done with you, did you? We are just getting started.” He grabs my ankles pulling me further down the bed and off of Edrik’s chest. This gets an excited squeal out of me.
Edrik climbs off the bed and stands next to Rook, both looking down at me. “Rook, can you believe Chess thought she was going to get by without pleasuring us also?” Edrik cocks his head to the side, a devious look is on his face. “Maybe, we should teach her a lesson?”
Rook has a shit eating grin on his face. “I know just how we will make her repay us.” He walks over to my dresser opening the top drawer, and comes back to the bed. He hands Edrik a forest green silk scarf, and then proceeds to walk to the other side of the bed with a matching scarf in his hand. I see the knowing looks on both of their faces right before each of them grab one of my wrists and tie it to the
bed. Maybe this is Rook’s idea of payback for the incident with the vines.
I tug on the binds pretending to be frustrated when I am actually really excited by my new predicament. “Guys, untie me this instant. I am really tired and ready to go to sleep.” It is impossible for me to keep a straight face while I say this. They both know me better than that.
Edrik crawls back onto the bed, settling himself between my thighs. He begins kissing my neck, my chest, and slowly makes his way down my body. Rook kneels on the bed right next my head, and begins to rub his shaft from balls to tip and back down again. He is so hot, my core clenches just watching him. Edrik gets my attention when I feel his very large erection nudging my folds. He refuses to enter, instead he continues to rub up and down, torturing me.
“Eddie, if you don’t put it in me right now, I will never speak to you again.”
“Oh, is that so Princess?” He says these words right before slamming into me.
I gasp at the sudden sensation of being so completely filled. Rook takes the opportunity to turn my head toward him, rubbing his penis across my lips. The salty taste of his precum causes me to moan. I am happy to take him fully into my mouth as far as he can go. Because of his size, I can’t fit all of him in my mouth, but I take as much as I can. Edrik starts pounding in and out of me while Rook drives his member into my mouth. I have given up on trying to pay attention to what these two men are doing, and am simply giving myself over to the pure ecstasy of the moment. It doesn’t take long before fireworks are erupting behind my eyelids and I am screaming out in pleasure. I clamp my lips down tight on Rook and he immediately unloads down my throat. Edrik picks up the pace and with a few more thrusts, I feel him swell and empty into me. As soon as it is over, they both get off the bed, and walk into the bathroom.
What the heck?
“Um guys? Where are you going?” I wait a minute for them to come back, and then I hear the shower running. Oh no they didn’t. I buck and try to pull my wrists free, but it’s of no use. I am not getting out of these scarves until they come back and untie me. I hear laughing coming from behind the bathroom door and this just makes me even angrier.
Edrik comes out with a huge grin on his handsome face. He unties both my wrists and throws me over his shoulder. I would protest this treatment if I wasn’t getting a damn good view of his very fine ass. He sets me down in front of Rook who is already in the shower.
I slap his chest, “Were you just going to leave me tied up all night?”
“Actually Cara, I had planned on it. You can thank your Knight for making me see reason. I thought you deserved a little payback. Now, turn around so I can wash your hair.”
Rook washes my hair and Edrik washes my body while I just stand here enjoying the company of my two fated mates. When the three of use are clean and dry, we all crawl under the covers of the bed. Sleep takes me under immediately.
26
Penguins Do It Better
I wake up and am immediately disappointed to find myself alone in bed. I stretch my arms above my head, trying to relieve my sore muscles from all the recent training, and from my time last night with Edrik and Rook. That soreness brings a smile to my face. The next thing I know, a whirlwind of a pixie girl comes crashing through my door and practically soars to the bed. I barely manage to get out of the way before she pounces on me.
“What the heck, Shelby? I’m not even dressed yet.” I say as I wrap the top sheet around me, rolling out of bed, and walking to the closet.
“Oh stuff it, Frannie. I’ve seen you naked plenty of times. So, what are we doing today?”
She asks me while bouncing on the bed. Where does she get all that energy?
“Unfortunately, I have more training today. I need to get my powers over nature under control. You wouldn’t happen to know where Edrik and Rook are do you?” I ask as I come out of the closet, wearing yoga pants, a sports bra, and a tank top, all in black.
Shelby grins at me, “That’s why I came in here. I overheard them talking to your dad. He told them that he has information on Armand’s whereabouts. They left about an hour ago to investigate. “
“You were eavesdropping on their conversation?”
“Of course, Frannie. You know how nosey I am. Also, I have been a little bored and thought maybe I could find Hawkeye. He said he would help me learn to control my shift better.” She says this all while still bouncing on the bed. I am already exhausted just watching her.
Shelby rolls her eyes at me, “Anyway, Rook caught me in the hallway and asked me to keep you company today.”
“Hawkeye went back to the inferior camp last night to take them more supplies. He should be back this afternoon. Maybe we can get him to play a game of poker tonight.”
Shelby claps her hands, “I’d love that. We need a fun night. Everything has been so serious around here, and you know I don’t do serious.”
I grab Shelby up in a quick hug, “I’m sorry you are in the middle of all of this. I will be so glad when we find Armand and put an end to him, but I still need to train. Do you want to go to the garden with me?”
She gets a serious look on her face, “Only if you promise not to take my head off with one of your vines.”
I put both hands on my hips, “Shelby, you know I didn’t do that on purpose. Come on, let’s go outside. I will try my best not to behead you.” I grab the dagger that Armand stabbed me with and head out of my bedroom. I have decided to start carrying it with me everywhere I go. Now I just need to tell Edrik and Rook I have it, and learn how to use it properly.
I am lost in my thoughts of Armand when I run into a wall and my best friend runs into my back. We both go down in a tangle of arms and legs.
“What the heck, Frannie? Are you tripping over your own feet now?” Shelby complains while picking herself up off the floor.
I see a hand reach out to me and I look up into Winston’s deep blue eyes. His face is lit up with amusement, and what a beautiful face it is. I shake my head snapping out of it and grab his hand, letting him help me stand.
“Where are you going in such a hurry, Princess?”
I dust off my butt and try to hide my embarrassment. “We are not in a hurry. I just wasn’t paying attention to where I was going. Shelby and I are headed to the garden for some practice. I need to get these wonky powers under control.”
Winston bends down and picks up the dagger that is still in its sheath. He hands it to me with a huge smile on his face. “Are you enjoying your present, Francesca?”
I take it from his outstretched hand and take a moment to look over the dagger that was used in an attempt to kill me. It has a silver blade with scroll artwork, and a golden handle with emeralds embedded into it. It truly is a beautiful work of art. “Truthfully, I love it, but I haven’t had the chance to train with it yet. So far, I’m going with point and stab.” I look up at his handsome face and feel a blush creep across my cheeks. Get it together Franchesca. You already have two mates and possibly another out there somewhere.
Shelby chooses this moment to squeal and snag the dagger from my hand. “Oh my goodness, Frannie! Is this the one you were stabbed with? It’s so pretty, but isn’t it kind of morbid to have the weapon that almost took your life?”
Winston clears his throat, “I can help you train today. We can work on your powers, and you can learn to throw a dagger properly. I would rather you be able to throw the dagger from afar, than have to be close enough to the enemy in order to stab him with it.”
Winston turns to Shelby, “I can train you too, Shelby. You should also know how to defend yourself and handle a weapon.”
Shelby throws her arms around Winston’s neck taking him off guard. “Thanks, Winnie! You’re not such an asshat after all. Now let’s go stab something.”
Winston cocked his brow at me. “Franchesca, what is an asshat?”
I just shake my head and we follow Shelby to the garden.
“Why can’t I figure this out? A few weeks ago, I could call on
my powers with no problem and now, nothing. I haven’t been able to do anything right since I was hurt.” I blow the hair out of my face and look at Winston for answers. I am tired, frustrated, and taking it out on him for no reason.
“Frannie, girl you need to chill. Maybe if you take a moment and do some yoga or something? I don’t know, but if you don’t settle down, I’m going to leave. You’re freaking me out.” Shelby throws her hands in the air and walks over to a bench and sits down. She’s right. I do need to settle down.
“How about we take a break and work with the daggers for a bit?” Winston is attempting to be the voice of reason and I appreciate his effort.
I nod my head the same time Shelby jumps up, grinning like a loon. “Yes! This is what I have been waiting for.”
“There is an area over here with a few trees large enough we can aim for. They are far enough away from anything that if you miss, it should not do any damage.” Winston begins walking toward the forest line while Shelby and I fall in line behind him.
“Right here is where you need to stand,” Winston tells us, pointing to a spot on the ground. “Your dagger will always be in its sheath on your hip. You want to grab the handle, be sure to pull directly up so it does not get hung up in its case. You wrap your fingers around the hilt, then lay your thumb on top of it.”
I attempt to do as he is instructing, but this does not feel right. “Winston, I don’t think I’m doing it the right way. There is no way I can throw anything with my thumb on top of it.”
“Here, let me help you.” Winston takes my the dagger out of my hand and proceeds to show me the correct way to hold it. “Make a fist, but leave your thumb standing up.”
I do exactly what he says. “Alright, now I want you to take the dagger, and do the same thing.”