Three of Hearts

by Lillian Lark

  I need help, goddammit. Or at least for Asa not to mess up as badly. Do I think he rejected us by leaving us in bed? No, I do not. I’ve known Asa long enough to know that if he was going to reject us, he’d say it to our faces. I had tried to say as much to Zeph while she had retched into the toilet, but she wasn’t having it.

  My glorious confident harpy mate is devastated. I’d chalk it up to the delayed trauma from being abducted and gestating beings that can fry the car radio from unhappiness. The one thing that is certain is that Asa has a lot to answer for and I have to be the one to orchestrate it.

  Zeph isn’t in a state to manage the fight that is brewing, and Asa has to be hyper-focused on something else to not have already contacted us. I am the one who needs to glue this relationship together. I can see now what Mace had meant in our heart-to-heart yesterday. My contribution to this relationship isn’t going to be financial.

  We don’t need more money. We need more fucking sense. I am more than willing to break my swearing rules for this situation.

  Asa’s phone went straight to voicemail when I tried to call so I called Mace who told me he’d make sure Asa was at his house by the time we got here. Mace had sounded entirely too cheerful to keep me from being suspicious. I’m sure he could hear how furious I was, but he didn’t seem concerned.

  Every time Zeph hiccups a sob, my anger at Asa grows until it is some sort of ball of rage in my chest. I am going to fix this. Zeph is convinced that we’ll show up at Asa’s and he will formally reject us and only got into my truck after I promised her that we are not going to let Asa get away.

  I turn to Zeph. “Do you want to wait in here until after I talk to him?”

  I normally wouldn’t ask Zeph something like this, but my usually fearless mate seems almost brittle. I’ll protect her however I need to. Zeph’s face is full of misery when she looks back to me before the sound of someone speaking startles both of us.

  “Zeph! Greg! What a coincidence!” Mace is on the front porch.

  I sense Asa before he comes outside. Just like I thought, the man isn’t toiling in distress from rejecting his mates. He smiles brightly and I have the urge to smack him. Zeph sniffs and gets out of the truck and I follow.

  Asa’s smile dims as he gets a good look at Zeph. Mace makes his way to the harpy, arms held out for a hug. He gets within reach before he’s hit with something and goes down. We’re all stunned and Zeph sniffs. “I’m so sorry, Mace. It was… kind of an accident.”

  Mace gets up, looking concerned before looking down to her stomach. “The little fuckers pack quite a punch.”

  “Mace,” Asa warns.

  I bristle. Now he wants to be protective?

  “Mace, can you keep Zeph company? Asa and I need to have a conversation.”

  Asa is already partway down the path, drawn by Zeph’s obvious distress. “Can it wait? Zephyrine, darling, you look ill, what’s wrong?”

  Zeph looks confused but then glares.

  “Asa, inside now,” I say.

  He looks shocked by my tone. I’ve never tried to boss the demon around before but I’m at the end of my patience.

  “But—” He makes a gesture at Zeph.

  “You left. After she had to beg you to stay the night, you left without any mention or word where you were going. How do you think she’s interpreted that nonverbal cue?”

  Asa’s face pales but he looks to Zeph. “Zephyrine, no. That was never my intention—”

  I move my body in between them. “Inside, Asa.”

  I’m grateful that Zeph just looks confused now. Asa looks to me and shockingly does what I ask. I can hear Mace ask Zeph if she wants a hug before I close the front door.

  “I didn’t think it was a rejection, but she did. So, we are going to settle all of your issues with this relationship before bringing Zeph in because, Asa, this morning has been hell.”

  “What do you mean?” Asa sounds bewildered.

  “Do you want me to start with how she started crying when she realized you were gone until she made herself sick? Or are we talking about how you think we’re going to leave you?”

  Asa looks stricken and turns as if to go back to Zeph. Not even addressing the actual issue we came to discuss. I grab his arm and forcefully pull him back. I’m a little surprised how good it feels to physically corral him with how frustrated I am.

  Asa turns to me, angry. “Let go, I need to check on her!”

  “You’ll go to her after I’m sure you aren’t going to break her heart again.”

  “You’d keep me from our mate?” Asa grits out.

  “You kept yourself away first!”

  Asa pushes at me when I don’t let go. I push back. We’re in each other’s space, snarling like rabid dogs.

  “Maybe I wouldn’t think everyone is going to leave me if you hadn’t already left me!” His voice thunders in the small space.

  “I made a mistake!”

  Asa’s eyes are wide and vulnerability echoes from him. I don’t know how I haven’t seen this wound I’ve created.

  “You don’t want me,” Asa says.

  I still, dumbfounded. As if the dam has been broken, Asa keeps going, “You’re only with me because Zeph is your mate.”

  My patience snaps and I push Asa up against the wall. Frames drop as the wall shakes from the force of it and glass shatters. Our bodies collide as our wills do.

  “I’ve always wanted you. Even after I hurt you, I wanted you. I couldn’t sleep most nights from wanting you.” My voice is hoarse.

  “Those are just words!” Asa thrashes against me mindlessly and we fall to the floor. I stay on top, physically stronger from my fury and my wolf’s demands to keep ahold of our mate, lest he runs from me. I’m so on edge that I’m not quite sure what I’ll do if he tried to run.

  I wrap my hand around his throat and kiss him. It isn’t heartfelt or soft. It’s bloody and voracious and we both need it. I grind my hips into his viciously and he gasps. I groan at the press of my erection against his.

  Asa has always been the one in control of our coupling. In this wild instance neither of us is in control. The rage and fear driving us shifts to lust and we’re both tearing at each other’s clothes.

  The ripping cloth and panting desperation deafens me, consecrating this moment, our actions. Instinct overcomes all sense. The wolf wants to dominate, to claim. I don’t even try to stop it.

  I tumble Asa to his hands and knees and cover his back. The motion is a primal one, a necessary action of possession. Most of our clothes are gone, shreds that surround us. Asa’s pants tangle around his knees and keep him where I need.

  Hot skin touching skin spurs my wolf, as does the way Asa struggles against my body. The part of my brain that is still a man must be working because I immobilize Asa by reaching for his cock and squeezing in a way that makes my mate moan and try to fuck into my hand.

  “Need,” I say, the word barely understandable past my growl.

  “Yes,” Asa whispers senselessly and I want to howl in triumph at the submission, but it isn’t enough. I want to take, join, plunder. I spit in my hand and slicken my cock.

  The wolf demands more, it demands everything. I mount my mate and he bucks against me. I pin his body to the floor as I press into him. If I could think, I would hesitate, would do more preparation. But I’m not thinking. I’m just an animal claiming its mate.

  Asa hisses but doesn’t try to stop me, instead he rocks his head against the floor. “Fucking monster cock,” he mumbles but his flesh gives to mine and he gives a grunted shout of pain.

  I force my cock deeper; the tightness and heat make my eyes roll back. Feeling Asa this way is mind-blowing, and I can only go forward. Asa’s deep moans sound like a benediction to thrust.

  The wolf fucks our mate ruthlessly, trying to communicate how much we need him, trying to imprint ourselves on his very soul. Giving Asa something to remember, something to keep him from doubting our love again.

  The tightness a
nd friction are too much to slow the coming wave and I bite into Asa’s neck, marking him again, as we both seize in release. My mind goes blank as the soul magic rips through the two of us once more.

  Asa

  The first thing that pierces my awareness is the feeling of soreness and the weight smashing me into the floor. Gregory is still inside of me, though he has gone blessedly soft. The second thing is the soul bond thrumming in me, strong and steady. Tears prick my eyes at the feeling of wholeness that descends on me.

  I could not have predicted that a rough fuck could make me feel so wanted, to feel claimed. The pain has been a release in and of itself, flaying free the old hurts I’ve clung to. That does not mean I want a repeat of being fucked into the floor with a monster cock only using spit for lubrication anytime soon, if ever.

  Hells bells, that had hurt. It had also felt necessary.

  I groan as I adjust enough to disengage my over-endowed mate from my body when I hear a tsk; we aren’t alone. Zephyrine has dragged one of the armchairs into the hall and is sitting in it. I wonder how long Gregory and I have been passed out in a tumble on the floor. Long enough for my release to have partially dried under me and parts of me to be stuck to the floor. Just lovely.

  I focus on my harpy mate. Remembering how miserable she had looked earlier, it’s a relief to see that she now looks at me with a wry expression. I lift onto my elbows, Greg a dead weight on me.

  “Zephyrine—” I want to hold her, comfort her from whatever pain I have caused.

  Her eyes close when I say her name. A look of peace fills her face before she looks at me and sighs.

  “You left this morning… and I thought the worst. That my pushing you last night had been too much and that you didn’t want to be with us.”

  “That’s not true,” I say, heartsick.

  Zephyrine glares at me but it’s softer than usual. “I can admit that I may not have reacted in the most logical way. This morning was just a lot of things hitting me at once.”

  She did get abducted yesterday. I should have realized that my absence could have been taken poorly.

  “Aunt Fairuza also called me and explained where you were this morning. I wish you had told me what you were up to.”

  “I didn’t want to wake you; I thought you could use the sleep. I wish that you hadn’t assumed that my leaving had meant anything.”

  Zephyrine looks down, shame bleeding through.

  I make my voice soft. “I’ll give you leeway this time. I can also admit that yesterday I had acted rashly in proposing… You were right. I thought I was going to get left behind. I’ll try to be more open about it, but I can honestly say I’m good now.”

  I’m too old to think that I won’t have small moments of insecurity in the future but the sincerity and healthiness of the bond between Gregory and me has gone a long way in reassuring me. The bond along with how my mates reacted to my absence this morning helps. I hate that I hurt Zephyrine but it does ease my worries that I am only a temporary addition.

  She just nods and looks at the configuration I’m in again, lips twitching. “Is that comfortable? I know how heavy Greg is.”

  I snort. “I am anticipating getting up. I am, just slightly, glued to the floor.”

  Zephyrine rolls her lips, looking like she wants to laugh but is kindly holding it in. “Can I opt out of getting my ass fucked as a punishment in the future? This seems to be a common occurrence for the two of you.”

  I couldn’t make myself roughly fuck Zephyrine’s ass, I’d be too concerned over hurting her even if she is a strong, vicious harpy. Between Gregory and me the action feels fair enough because our dominance wars with each other. Zephyrine is more submissive in bed. “Would you rather get spanked?”

  Zephyrine’s laugh is full bodied. “Do you want to keep your hands? The orgasm deprivation doesn’t seem so bad.”

  “That’s because you know we would give in if you begged us to let you come,” I say dryly.

  Zephyrine pretends to consider that for a moment before taking pity on me. “Would you like me to get a washcloth?”

  “Please,” I grunt out.

  I start to move and lift the man on top of me. Gregory begins to stir with a contented sigh and blearily kisses my neck, over my second mating mark. I had begun this relationship wanting a mark and now I have one on each side.

  “Get off me you big oaf.” I try to be stern but I’m smiling as I say it.

  By the time Zephyrine returns, Gregory is awake enough to help me part from the floor. It’s practically domestic. I pull Zephyrine into my naked body and she laughs before I kiss her. “I’m so sorry I didn’t consider how it would be for you to wake up without me.”

  Zephyrine’s breath shudders out and she hugs me back. Gregory hugs both of us and the whole situation is laughable and sweet. Zephyrine pulls me into the shower and I let her while Gregory deals with the mess we made in the entryway. It is an odd thing to let them take care of me this time.

  Zephyrine has just finished washing my hair when Gregory joins us. He looks a little bashful. “Are you okay? Before… I didn’t take enough time.”

  I snort. “Or lubrication.”

  Gregory blushes.

  I pull him slowly by the hand under the spray. All of our naked bodies touch as if symbolizing our triad with the small gesture. “Thank you,” I say.

  Gregory looks confused.

  I sigh. “I didn’t know how much I needed to feel wanted, to feel connected to you until you showed me. Anyway, I heal fast.”

  Zephyrine scoffs, “I wouldn’t want the same. I could hear it all happen. It wasn’t difficult to convince Mace to leave so I could check if you were both alive afterward.”

  I shrug. Mace has lived a long life. Overhearing Gregory and me mating wouldn’t be the worst thing he’s ever experienced. Gregory’s face endearingly goes an even deeper shade of red.

  I take in my beautiful harpy mate and make myself flex this new trust muscle. “I want to be soul bound to you as well. Will you accept me?”

  Zephyrine’s eyes light up, surprised. “Of course.” She casts her eyes down and her cheeks also go a little pink. “I was actually surprised you hadn’t asked me yet.”

  I smile in triumph. I guess I’m not the only one who hasn’t wanted to face rejection. Next order of business. I bump Gregory and keep my voice gentle. “So, should we talk about your insecurities?”

  Gregory sighs. “I was struggling with the instinct to provide for you both. Alpha shifters are supposed to protect and support their mates. You and Zeph don’t need me to financially support you and I let that get to me.”

  Zephyrine’s eyebrows knit in frustration. “You provide more to this relationship than money.”

  “I understand that it is a part of your instincts but that isn’t why you are valuable to us,” I say.

  Gregory nods. “Mace actually helped me pull my head out of my ass about it. This situation also helped show me that you two need to have me around when you both get too in your head about things.”

  I feel my lips twitch. “Oh, we definitely do need that. Is that what your cock is for?”

  I’m teasing and Gregory laughs but sends me a hot look that makes me realize that maybe letting him dominate in bed should be something we repeat sometimes.

  Chapter 21

  Zephyrine

  Months ago, Sophia showed up at my house and put a series of events in motion with one favor. My tidy world has never been the same. I couldn’t have anticipated the ways that my world would be disrupted but I wouldn’t change it. Even if I do feel like a beached whale and perpetually want to push everyone around me off a cliff.

  It is extraordinary how much pregnancy has increased my homicidal emotions. My family has taken this transition in stride and my mates do their best not to tempt my wrath. Sometimes their best isn’t good enough.

  I’m perpetually irritated, no matter what. Right now, I’m irritated even as we all languish in domestic bliss. The kitch
en is full and smells wonderful. Amara and Greg are cooking test dishes for the catering expansion of the bakery that she is going to be in charge of.

  Amara eventually warmed up to my mates. Greg and her going into business together has benefited everyone. A lot of Greg’s customers are societies similar to harpies that would rather not deal with men in general. It’s bullshit, but it’s their issue. Amara is a bigger hard-ass than Greg. Having Amara help at the bakery will give Greg more time when the clutch arrives.

  Asa sits at the table reading reports from his laptop while Sophia and I weave traditional garlands of cypress and lavender. For luck during birth. Whenever my clutch decides to grace us with their presence instead of just stopping my electronics from working or shattering glass. I haven’t been able to keep a phone on my person for the last month. I’ve started to refer to all three of them as demons and it makes Asa smile covertly every time I do.

  I adjust in my chair. Along with perpetually being irritated, discomfiture has become my new state of being. My mates spoil me with massages and foot rubs, but it doesn’t stop everything from hurting or one of the clutch from kicking me constantly. The majority of the pregnancy has gone well but this last bit makes me realize why some harpies of old started battles just to bring on labor.

  “Are you okay, love?” Asa asks when I adjust my position for the fifth time in as many minutes.

  “I’m as okay as I was the last time you asked,” I spit.

  I just want these things out of me; this morning had been even more uncomfortable than most.

  Asa doesn’t laugh. I reacted poorly the last time he had laughed at me. He had kept the claw marks in his chest from fully healing, saying he liked having a scar to show off the fierceness of his mate. I have taken up breathing practices to try and deal with the worst of the mood swings.