Tres: Ancient Warriors. Modern Women. Waking Desires.

by Jules River

  Dunstin was affronted at first, he thought, Puny?! Huh! I plan on getting very physical with you. I could find a use for my axe, and oh, do I ache to feel the burn alright. He was getting harder just thinking about it. He just grunted in response to her, but continued in silence until they reached the bedroom.

  Lyra went into the closet to get workout clothes. “The maids hung up all of your clothes on the left side of the closet. So are you going to work out with me in the gym, or is that to much of a strain for someone your age? Do you feel 1700 years old?” she asked in a saccharine-sweet voice.

  Dunstin sat on the edge of the bed and glowered, “No, I do not feel old, I'm barely in my prime. Of course I will exercise if that is what you plan to do. Is that how you keep that sweet ass so perky and firm?” He needed to get a jab in, after all, at a real age of 29 he was only five years her senior.

  Lyra grabbed some workout shorts and a shirt for him, adding Nike’s and some ankle socks. For herself she had a pair of running shorts, a workout tank with built-in bra, ankle socks, and shoes. She came out of the closet with her arms full, dumped his clothes on the bed, and took hers into the bathroom, locking the door behind her. He put on the unfamiliar clothes while she changed in the bathroom.

  When she walked out Dunstin’s mouth watered. Lyra’s long, straight hair was tied up in a high ponytail and it still nearly came to her waist. Her tank was tight and her pert breasts spilled over the top, her shorts were fitted and just covered the crease below her butt, letting him see her little, juicy bum as she walked past him to the door. “You ready, oh ancient one?” He jumped up, grabbed her before she got to the door, lifted her over his shoulder, turned his head, and bit her gently on the ass. Lyra’s hair was nearly touching the ground and she was beating on his back and yelling in outrage as he continued to carry her through the hall, down the stairs, before putting her down to find out which way to go from there. He was not even winded. She was red faced from the blood rushing to her head and dizzy for a moment, so he held her steady. “What was that for? Ya big brute!” she huffed at him. He smiled and repeated, “Oh ancient one?” with a quirked-up eyebrow. “Well, it’s true. Technically, you are ancient. Don’t get mad at me for stating the facts.” He gave her a squeeze and turned her around, “Lead the way, little girl.” She gave him a dirty look and stalked off toward the gym.

  Lyra and Dunstin began stretching, and she realized he was more flexible than she thought. They began lifting free weights. She was doing five- and then eight-pound curls and panting; he was doing 50 pounds with no problem. Lyra was having a hard time not getting distracted by his bulging muscles. His shirt fit like a second skin.

  Dunstin was working out hard, trying not to lose it, attack Lyra, and take her there on the gym floor. Her fitted clothes and all her bending and stretching were driving him to the limits of his control. The way she kept looking at him in the mirror had him groaning, and kept his fists wrapped around the weights instead of around her amazingly arousing body.

  Finally, Lyra grabbed a towel and wiped off the sweat after a five-mile run on the treadmill; Dunstin grabbed one as well. He was slightly winded after the sprint at the end of the run. They both laid down on the floor to catch their breaths. Dunstin suddenly rolled over facing her, half on top of her, and gave in to his need to kiss her. He wrapped her ponytail around his fist and cupped the back of her head, pulling her head back to give him greater access to her pouty mouth, and kissed her fiercely, probing the seam of her lips with his tongue until she opened for him. He drank from her deeply, his hand moving up her stomach to the tops of her breasts as he felt the creamy mounds with his callused hand. Lyra was completely under his sensual spell until he took his talented hand away from her breasts and slid it down to the waistband of her shorts and started to ease them down.

  That’s when a cold dose of reality hit her and she grabbed the hand on her shorts and tried to pull him away. He resisted, revealing a bit of her hip to his touch. She started to panic, struggling and punching his arm and chest. He lifted his lips from her with a questioning, lust-filled look. Lyra panted, “Stop, Dunstin, you're going too far. I’m not ready for this.” Dunstin’s hands in her hair and at her waist began to tighten to the point of pain. “Dunstin, stop, you’re being too rough!” Lyra whispered, then demanded more forcefully, “Let me up now!” The accusing look she gave him, and the realization he was probably hurting her, had him loosening his grip on her instantly. He placed his forehead on her midriff, just under her breasts, and growled his frustration. Her body trembled beneath him, both in need and in fear of the unknown. She wondered if she should have stopped him.

  Her scent and feel were intoxicating. “You’re killing me, you know that.” It was a statement, not a question. He rubbed his face on her stomach and gave her a gentle nip out of impatience with her. She gave a little surprised squeal, and he pushed himself up and away from her, never taking his hooded eyes off of her. Lyra jumped up, put her arms around her waist and hugged herself, not knowing what to do next. She wanted to go to him; she wanted to run from him. The way he made her feel was new to her. She lost control with him. Her mouth was as dry as cotton. Lyra turned and took two bottles of water from the mini-fridge and offered one to him hesitantly, and they both drank thirstily. Lyra felt conflicted; she would definitely have to think about this one. They went back to the bedroom in silence, to shower and dress before dinner.

  Chapter 9

  Warin and Mira had a quick silent walk back to the castle, they were both lost in their own thoughts. Mira had yet to breach the subject of boundaries with him, but she felt this was not the right time.

  Once they were back in the bedroom they were sharing, Mira told him, “You go ahead and shower first while I pick out a tuxedo for you for the cocktail party tomorrow night. I’ll make the arrangements for it to be fitted first thing tomorrow morning.”

  Warin eyed her before he agreed, “All right, but you will not leave this room without me.” He waited for her to answer. Mira rolled her eyes, “Fine.” When he showered, she noticed he purposely did not close the bathroom door.

  They had all agreed earlier, that everyone should go into the city for a cocktail party the next evening, put on by some business associates at the Archäologisches Museum Hamburg. There was a slight chance of speaking to someone who might have some information on the talisman and possibly the book of spells. You never knew who might show up to one of these events, and who might know about a certain Roman sorcerer’s gravesite or remains. It would be a good information-gathering excursion, as well as a way to introduce the warriors into the cliquish society of antiquities.

  As they dressed to go downstairs for dinner with the rest of the group, conversation remained minimal. It was starting to get uncomfortable, awkward really, so Mira decided to take the bull by the horns, so to speak, and said, “It was never my intention to tease you or falsely encourage you. I don’t seem to be myself where you are concerned. Are you angry with me, Warin?” She placed her hand on his arm to get him to look at her.

  What Mira did not understand was every touch from her was an encouragement, which made it that much more difficult for Warin to stay his hand. Every time she was near, every time he looked upon her and breathed her unique scent, he was aroused. Everything she did incited his senses.

  Warin had always been sought after by the women of his time, and he took what they offered in abundance. This was different, so much more than a meaningless romp; his pull to her was nearly undeniable. A weaker man would have succumbed immediately. And the pull was not only about sex. He never wanted to talk to a woman before, or know everything about her, or share all that he was, is, and wanted to become. This possessiveness toward her bordered on obsession. It was greatly unsettling to him, but was he angry with her? No, he was tempted with every fiber of his being by her. He actually cared enough to make her happy, by giving her the time she needed. He hoped he was strong enough to do that for her. He also hoped she didn't make h
im wait too long.

  He said none of these things to her, but instead said, “Anger is a wasted emotion, as is dwelling on the past. You will yield to me sooner than later.” Then, as if he dismissed the topic, “I believe we are expected to dine below any time now,” and he led her toward the door.

  Mira was somewhat taken aback by his answer. She had tried to make peace with him, and this blasé attitude was given in return. “Tell me more about this party we are to attend tomorrow,” Warin stated, “I would be prepared.”

  Mira decided to let his attitude pass for the moment; they had more important things to worry about than his being an ass. Since he wanted to be all business, all business she would be. “It will be a formal affair, with many people present. Some of these people are friends, some are acquaintances, and some are direct competitors. There will be a few unknowns, perhaps, but we have been in this field our entire lives, through our father. My sisters and I are well known. We will mingle and drop a few inquiries here and there with the right people. We will have to hug people, shake hands, and kiss them on both cheeks. It is a European custom, like shaking hands is a Western custom. So no freaking out again, like you did with Todd. There will be talking to men and maybe even dancing. This is how business is done: schmoozing is required.” She placed her hands on her hips and said defiantly, “If you don’t think you can handle that, you need to let me know now, so you can just stay here.”

  Warin was frowning as he demanded, “Show me this kissing both cheeks.” Mira paused a moment, then she took both his hands in hers, leaned in, and gave him a quick, barely there kiss on each cheek. “There, that’s all there is to it. It a friendly greeting, nothing more.” Then she pulled away to watch his reaction.

  Warin grumpily decreed, “I don’t like it, but if you must do so, keep it distant and chaste.” Then he led her downstairs.

  ***

  Faye and Cenric got back to the room for a shower and to change for dinner, or so Faye thought. But as soon as the door was closed, Cenric pulled her into his arms and started walking her to the bed smiling, “Yes, this will be even better.” Faye came to a screeching halt, and demanded, “What do you think you are doing?”

  Cenric’s smile slipped slightly and he took on a bemused expression, as he queried haltingly, “In the water, you said...not in the water...you disrobed...upstairs...no?” He trailed off, with Faye adamantly shaking her head no the entire time. “You never had any plans to get to know me at all! All you want from me is sex! Well, you can get that from some other woman.” She jerked out of his embrace. “I said, definitely not in the pool and I don’t know you well enough! How did you get, ‘oh, if we just go upstairs, then we can have sex without even knowing each other’ out of that?” She threw up her hands in disgust and started toward the bathroom, muttering, “Never mind, I’m showering first.” before she slammed the door in his face.

  Cenric plopped down on the bed, wondering to himself, How did that go so wrong? She must have been serious about getting to know her before she would have sex with me. I do know much about her. I know she is the most sensually moving woman I have ever seen. I know she loves to dance and loves music. I know she likes all different kinds of music, some of it loud and obnoxious, some of it slow and soft. I know what she looks like sleeping and waking up. I know she is incredibly smart and stubborn. I know things about how she grew up. I know she has a freckle constellation of the Little Dipper on her right upper thigh. I know she is passionate about everything she chooses to do. Much of what I know about her I learned while I was in statue form, so she most likely does not realize I do know her. But, how much does she really know about me? Getting to know each other must matter to her greatly. I will show her how much I know about her and ensure she knows me.

  ***

  Lyra went straight into the bathroom to shower, her encounter with Dunstin weighed heavily on her mind. While showering she thought, I have never had a serious relationship, because I have never developed feelings for or been affected by anyone before Dunstin. I always concentrated on my family and my studies, then my work in the business. My life is happy, content, but maybe too predictable. I rarely step out of my comfort zone, which is smaller than most people’s. Just being near Dunstin the last two days has been exciting, infuriating and confusing. It is hard to imagine him not stuck to my side all the time, and it’s amazing how fast I have become accustomed to his larger-than-life presence. How could someone’s possessiveness piss me off and turn me on at the same time? I am usually much more reserved, and it would usually take me a long time to warm up to a new person. I have a connection with Dunstin, corny as it sounds. I like our tempestuous relationship, even though it takes me out of my comfort zone. I think I’m going to let things play out as they will.

  Dunstin was waiting for his turn in the shower, looking through the clothes in the closet. He decided to try to pick out something to wear for dinner on his own. As he pulled out slacks, a button-down shirt and loafers, he thought about his uptight Lyra. She is so passionate, but does not even realize it. She is very smart and a little insecure. She is absolutely adorable when she is mad, and it is so interesting to push her out of her where she is comfortable and see what she will do. She is also a bit scared of me at times. It is so arousing when she stands up to me. She is so innocent, but it does not trouble me at all that I will take that from her. It belongs to me, she belongs to me. I will be the one to help her find her confidence. I can hardly wait to see what a force she will be then. My Lyra is very attracted to me, I can see it in her eyes and feel it in her touch. That knowledge gives me a great deal of pleasure, especially since she believes she is hiding it so well.

  ***

  At dinner that evening everyone was reserved, the only conversation concerned the upcoming cocktail party. Steven and Todd would be attending as well; they were well-known and would be able to subtly inquire and exchange information. The sisters discussed with Steven and Todd who they would speak to about the various tasks. The brothers spoke among themselves about keeping a vigilant lookout for anything or anyone who looked suspicious, and how to blend in with the crowd at the party.

  After dinner they retired to the lounge for a drink. While the warriors discussed safety measures at the museum with Steven and Todd, the sisters were together alone for the first time since the warriors had been set free. Mira quietly asked, “Well, how are you both holding up? Are Cenric and Dunstin treating you well enough?”

  Lyra replied first, “Dunstin is a brute and a tyrant, but yes, he is treating me all right, I can handle him...for now.” Faye piped up, “I know what you mean! Yes, I can handle Cenric for now as well. He is getting more and more difficult to hold off, though.” Mira agreed, much to her chagrin, “I don’t think any of us will make it through this with our virginity intact.” They all chuckled, realizing none of them seemed to mind all that much.

  Mira took the opportunity to discuss how to deal with the warriors. “I think some boundaries need to be set for them.” She discreetly inclined her head toward the brothers. “We can’t let them do what they want with us. Unfortunately, I am at a loss at how to accomplish such a feat. Any ideas?”

  Lyra spoke seriously, “We should not let them sleep with us, that’s just too much temptation for them.”

  “I know, right, but how do we keep them out of our beds? I doubt they will just agree if we tell them they can’t sleep with us,” Faye said, sipping her drink. “It certainly didn’t work last night.”

  Mira nodded, “You’re right about that. It will only get harder to set limits with them the longer we don’t do anything, but how to enforce them is beyond me. Let’s try to come up with a solution soon, but for tonight, I’m just going to tell them we are not comfortable with the sleeping arrangements, and show them to their own bedrooms, and hope they relent.” Faye and Lyra agreed.

  As they walked back over to the men, Steven and Todd said goodnight and left for their bedrooms; it had been a long travel day for them, desp
ite the undoubted benefits and luxuries of a first-class flight from the United States.

  The warriors started to make small talk amongst themselves. Warin asked his brother, “How do you like these modern clothes, Dun?” Cenric responded in an amused voice, “I think he likes them just fine. Look, he even figured out a way to wear his axe strapped to his back under his shirt. You can hardly see it.” Dunstin sneered, “Well at least I’m trying to blend in, Cen, you and War are not even trying to conceal your dagger and sword.”

  The sisters gave each other sly looks, thinking, hmm, War, Dun, and Cen, we like! As they all smiled, Lyra said, “Even though Dunstin did a good job trying to hide his axe, none of you will be able to bring your weapons with you tomorrow night. They have metal detectors at the door.”

  Faye teased, “Sorry guys, you’re just going to have to use your bare hands if we run into trouble tomorrow,” and gave them a playful smile. Mira couldn’t resist adding, “Or we little women could just defend you, and ourselves too, if we need to.” She smiled sweetly and gave a conspiratorial wink to her sisters.