“You were going to heal it. I think it’s clean enough.” Truthfully, the small sting had already vanished. Gargoyle saliva had a healing compound or enzyme in it that made quick work of wounds.
Daryna stepped closer and touched Lillian’s arm, lightly drawing a fingertip along the abrasion. Just one swipe, a bit of tingling heat, and the wound was nothing more than a pale line against her obsidian skin.
Lillian huffed in acknowledgment and then realized she was turning as nonverbal as Gregory. “Thank you, Daryna.”
The Sorceress nodded her head. “If you will allow me…” Her gaze dropped down to the barely noticeable bump that curved Lillian’s otherwise toned gargoyle form.
As a dryad, her pregnancy was more noticeable. But in her gargoyle form, not so much. Lillian decided that might come in handy when she was further along. Not to mention everything about her gargoyle form was bigger including her hips.
Again Lillian felt the slight heat and tingle of Daryna’s power as it hummed along her skin and sank into tissue and bone. After a moment, the other woman glanced up. “All is well with our little one.”
“Good. And now I call dibs on the shower.”
Lillian stepped around Daryna and Gregory and made for the bathroom. Had Daryna not been present, Lillian would have invited Gregory, but as it was now, she wasn’t certain if he’d be the only one to join her.
Fate had an evil sense of humor. She and Gregory had finally found a way to be together, and then Daryna had used magic to will herself into existence.
My life sucks, Lillian decided as she entered the bathroom. Once inside, she summoned her magic and returned to dryad form. At least shape shifting was becoming easier. Turning to the mirror, she examined the small white scar.
The pale mark reminded her of Daryna. With a sour expression at her reflection, she turned and shed what passed for clothing in her gargoyle form.
Cranking the hot water to steaming, she stepped under the pounding spray. Blood turned the water a pinkish color and dirt soon muddied it further. Unfortunately, her unease and jealousy couldn’t be washed away so easily.
****
Gregory stared at the closed bathroom door, listening to the sounds of splashing water as Lillian washed up. Had the situation been different, he likely would’ve joined her. He was rather fond of showering with his mate. Memories of other times flashed to the forefront of his mind. He grinned.
“We should not place her in danger like that again.” Daryna’s voice was an exact match for Lillian’s down to the tone, cadence, and timber. It never failed to draw his attention.
He flicked an ear in her direction but continued to watch the bathroom door. “I didn’t intend to place Lillian endanger—not that she has ever listened to me once she’s set her mind to something. However, you are correct. What happened this day could have turned out much worse.”
Gregory glanced down at his hands, his talons flexing. He forced himself to relax. Worrying about what might have been was not something that was ever beneficial. “Later, I will go speak with Vivian and discuss having every last human that works directly or indirectly with the Fae scanned by myself or one of the others capable of sensing intention and deceit.”
Daryna walked a semicircle around him, her glance flicking over his form. After another half turn, she stepped in closer. He relaxed when she only reached up and removed a twig from his mane. She smoothed his hair back down with her hand. “We cannot allow something like what occurred today to happen again. It was careless. And careless will get us killed in a war against the Lady of Battles.”
“I was too busy playing at mentor. I shouldn’t have allowed myself to become so distracted by that role that I forgot my true duty—to see to yours and Lillian’s protection.”
Daryna laughed. “Don’t, as Lillian would say, beat yourself up over this. I, too, underestimated the humans. It won’t happen again.”
She turned from him, walked over to the dresser, and then picked up one of the brushes Lillian often used on his mane. Daryna returned to his side and gestured for him to sit on the bed. He did, but glanced towards the bathroom door again. Sounds of water still reached his ears, so he shrugged and allowed Daryna to start working on his mane, a job usually Lillian performed.
It was just hair, he told himself. It was a harmless enough activity.
Daryna settled on the bed behind him, her knees either side of his hips. He tensed, wondering if she would forget herself and touch him as she had last night. He did not wish to hurt her, but this thing between them wasn’t what he’d always known.
However, nothing more than the brush of bristles touched him, so he relaxed and enjoyed the sensation of having his mane combed smooth. He rumbled a contented sigh and allowed his eyes to drift shut.
They snapped back open a moment later when Daryna hugged him from behind. Warm lips brushed the curve of his shoulder.
His wings twitched and unfurled, forcing her arms away from his body. They needed some new rules. Apparently, he hadn’t been clear enough the night before.
“Lillian will be finished her shower soon…”
Daryna stood, and then stepped around in front of him and settled on his lap. “Well, then I better hurry if I want to enjoy the other half of my soul for a brief time.”
Her hands brushed across his chest, stroking and kneading his tense muscles. When he opened his mouth to say something, she pressed kisses along his throat and worked her way down.
This close, her scent was stronger, familiar and just as addictive as Lillian’s. Her magic raced over his skin a moment later, and he’d be lying to himself if he said he didn’t like it. He’d missed his other half. He always did when they were born in separate bodies. The desire awakening in his blood was also familiar.
His sorceress pressed closer, brushing herself against him. Her left hand grasped one of his larger ones and guided it to her breast while the right settled on his hip where her thumb stroked back and forth slowly with promise.
Even as his body responded, his mind snapped into focus. Yes, she was the Mother’s Sorceress, the other half of his soul. And, yes, he loved her—always would. But his heart only wanted Lillian’s touch.
“No.” Many times in the past when the loneliness became too great, they’d played love games—dangerous, delightful games that walked the line of what their sacred vows allowed.
This lifetime was different.
He captured her hands and brought them up to his chest, to rest over his beating heart. “This doesn’t mean I love you less, but I will not partake of these types of games with you until you and Lillian are reunited in one body. It’s not fair to either of you.”
Daryna broke eye contact and looked down.
“I’m sorry,” she mumbled softly. “I remembered what you said last night. Still, I can’t just deny what my heart still remembers and craves. But neither will I force myself on you.”
When she glanced back up, she slipped her right hand free of his grip—he let her—and then she cupped the side of his face. “But I would have one kiss from you each day all the same. That will be enough for me.”
Gregory wasn’t certain of the wisdom, but her request was reasonable. In the past, he’d never denied his lady anything that was in his power to grant. She was a part of him, and he couldn’t bring himself to deny her a simple kiss.
“Get a room.”
The words burned through the haze of confusion. Lillian stood in the bathroom door wearing a robe and toweling her hair dry. “And by get a room, I mean a different one.”
Chapter Seventeen
Lillian had exited the bathroom about thirty seconds before. Plenty of time to see Daryna straddle Gregory’s lap as they kissed and caressed each other. Lillian’s heart had frozen in her chest, sympathizing with her shocked mind which didn’t know what to do.
She’d stood there, silent, her heart breaking. It shouldn’t have come as a surprise—she’d been expecting something like this since Daryna
had first emerged from the tree. The Gargoyle Protector and the Mother’s Sorceress had a long history—an ancient one. They’d loved each other longer than Lillian had been alive.
Hell, longer than the human civilization had been around.
So it wasn’t a surprise that they would share a deep affection and intimacy. Still, Lillian’s mortal raised heart ached, her throat tightening with unshed tears.
Then Gregory had told Daryna no.
A clear ‘no’ that left no room for misinterpretation. He had denied her. Lillian dragged in a deep breath. When she released it, much of the earlier heartache was expelled with it.
Gregory had denied his sorceress because he was loyal to Lillian.
Narrowing her eyes, she focused on the back of Daryna’s head. The other two still weren’t aware that she’d exited the bathroom. Lillian waited to see how the other woman took Gregory’s rejection.
When Daryna reached up and caressed Gregory’s cheek, pressing her courtship, Lillian felt her claws lengthening. The now familiar vision of her grabbing Daryna by the hair and dragging her from the room kicking and screaming formed in her mind.
However, Lillian held her position while Daryna apologized to Gregory for acting like a cat in heat.
Fisting her fingers, she forced her claws to return to their regular length. She listened to Daryna’s crocodile tears and apologies to Gregory and then after a coy pause, the demand for a kiss. And how that would be enough to satisfy.
I call bullshit, Lillian thought to herself and then cleared her throat. “Get a room.”
When she had Gregory’s full, guilt laced attention, she added, “And by get a room, I mean a different one.”
Gregory bolted upright. Only a firm grip on Daryna’s shoulder prevented her from sprawling on her ass.
Damn. That would have been entertaining. Lillian shoved the petty notion aside. This new development needed to be dealt with, so none of them were distracted. They had a war to prepare for. The Lady of Battles would certainly enjoy it if her enemies were suddenly at each other’s throats.
And Gregory looked so torn. Her beloved didn’t know what to do, but clearly he thought he was guilty of something.
His look of anguish was enough to extinguish her petty thoughts. For his sake, she would find a way to work with Daryna.
“Lillian.” He released Daryna once she had her balance and then he stepped away from her. “Forgive me. Both of you, forgive me. I should be strong enough to be the protector you both deserve. I should not allow my own needs and desires to taint my judgment.”
“Gregory, I’m sorry,” Lillian said.
He stepped further away from them both, toward the door. “I will not choose between you or hurt either of you. So I shall be your protector, your loyal gargoyle, but not your beloved.”
“Gregory, wait,” Lillian called softly and held out a hand. “You have not failed us or betrayed us. Don’t let this drive a wedge between us. That is what the Lady of Battles would enjoy the most if she knew.”
When Gregory didn’t come to her immediately, she went to him and grasped one of his hands in hers. He didn’t try to pull away, so she gestured Daryna over as well.
Daryna watched Lillian with what could only be described as surprise, touched with a hint of admiration.
“Yeah. I promise I won’t start any slap downs or bitch fights.”
Again Daryna’s eyes widened. And then to Lillian’s surprise, the other woman started to laugh. “Perhaps another time? Gregory might enjoy the show.”
Lillian grunted, but felt a begrudging twitch of her lips at Daryna’s words.
She turned her attention entirely upon Gregory. And tapped him on the chest. “I came in time to see you say no to Daryna. And I thank you for being honorable. But I am not so selfish to deny you the other half of your soul. Or to deny Daryna hers.”
“Lillian, I—”
She cut him off. “I don’t really want to share your affections. Not even with myself, as it were, but we all need each other to be strong and whole. No secrets and no deceptions. And Gregory, that’s why I won’t make you choose.”
She reached out and turned his face until his eyes met hers. “However, just in case you get confused, if you want more than to kiss,” she ran her hands over her curves. “This is the body for that. We don’t need any accidental demigods suddenly being born into the Mortal Realm. We have enough trouble.”
Daryna made a soft noise. It almost sounded like a gasp. Had she just managed to surprise an immortal sorceress?
By the time Lillian looked up, Daryna’s expression was as stoic as always. Hmmm. Damn. Must’ve imagined it, Lillian thought a bit sourly. She’d have liked to shock the age-old sorceress out of her calm demeanor for once.
Daryna wasn’t going to humor her today it seemed.
“Lillian. Gregory. I, too, must ask forgiveness. I’m certainly old enough to know better than to wish for things I can never have. But that also means I’m old enough to know what a rare gift fate has given us in this lifetime.” She stared at Lillian. “Don’t waste the opportunity to be with the one we have always loved. And there is no need to be jealous for what Gregory still feels for me. I am but a memory. You are the Mother’s Sorceress as the Divine Ones intended for this lifetime.”
Daryna gave Lillian a little bow and then straightened and walked towards the door. “Gran said that she, the Fae council and the human military were likely to talk long into the night and that my presence would be appreciated when I’m able to join them.”
Duty, Lillian thought sourly. “We should be there too.”
It was the last place she wanted to go.
“No need. I will report everything I learn after the meeting is over. If other humans mean to harm us, I will find them, but you have my word I will leave any traitors for the human authorities to deal with.”
“Are you sure?” Lillian didn’t like the thought of shirking her duties.
“Yes. You and Gregory have both been tromping around the forest all day. You need rest worse than I do.”
Daryna smiled serenely, and suddenly Lillian was in the other woman’s thoughts.
“Our beloved needs soothing this night. He has been divided and uncertain how to provide what we both need without hurting the other. Show him that he has been overthinking things. And, Lillian, if you can accept that Gregory’s love is not limited, that he can, in fact, love us both without conflict, then that will make things easier for you.” Daryna fell silent in Lillian’s mind, but she could still feel the other’s presence so wasn’t surprised when she added one final thing.
“And if you can accept those truths, know that I will never attempt to seduce Gregory for more than a kiss every now and again.”
Lillian arched an eyebrow. “Agreed. And if you never try to take more than a kiss, I will never have to drag you out by your hair.”
Daryna was halfway to the door when her laughter rang out. “Deal, my firstborn body.”
Chapter Eighteen
Commander Gryton paced around the perimeter of the natural cavern that was now his temporary home. As far as such abodes went, he’d been in worse places while he went about his duties assigned by the Battle Goddess.
So far the Mother’s Sorceress—it was too strange to call or think of her as his mother yet—had been honest, teaching him things about controlling his magic that he’d never known.
And Daryna was fair in her teachings, never unduly harsh with her words or training techniques when he failed to grasp some concept. Unlike the Battle Goddess, who believed weakness and failure could be beaten or tortured out of a person.
Was this kindness and patience really what it was like to have a mother, he wondered? Or was this just another type of manipulation?
Because, really, she could simply be a far more accomplished liar than he gave her credit for.
Although…he’d been in her head during the training sessions and those times her memories and motives were open for him wh
ile she taught him about controlling and harnessing his vast and terrible fire magic. Nothing in her thoughts had hinted at a later betrayal.
Before she captured him, his power had been cascading out of his control. Had she not seized him and drained much of his wild power and started the process to teach him, he doubted he’d still be here. At least not as he was now.
His inability to control his own magic might have ended with this realm gaining a second sun. While the idea of a second sun to dance in binary sync with the star that already powered this solar system might be an interesting one, it wasn’t how he wanted his present existence to end.
“That’s why I am glad my hamadryad recognized you as our son. Otherwise, I might have lost you before I even had a chance to know you.”
Daryna’s voice appeared in the air, echoing from another location. Then with a slight buzz of power along his skin, she stepped through a portal and was standing at his side.
He’d grown accustomed to her sudden appearances and disappearances, as well as the seeming ease with which she read his mind. “Greetings, Sorceress.”
She flashed him a smile, the warmth in it real and frighteningly addictive.
“Hello, my son.”
She came and sat by the small fire he’d built earlier. Not that he needed one. Being a fire elemental, he could simply summon fire and make it burn without needing fuel. Although, there was something comforting about the smell of wood smoke.
It wasn’t lost on Gryton that he could learn so much more than he already knew from this woman.
If he was willing to trust her completely.
So far, she’d done nothing to betray him. As a result, he was prone to letting his guard down around her far more than he should. “Did you achieve what you had hoped?”
“I must admit, my day wasn’t very productive. There was an incident with the humans. A minor betrayal. But it was enough to set back the alliance.” She sighed and flicked her hair over her shoulder in annoyance. “Every moment we are pulled away from our rightful task to fix some little insignificant issue, we are drawn away from our preparations for the war with the Battle Goddess.”
Sorceress at War (A Gargoyle and Sorceress Tale Book 4) Page 11