He lowered his head to her breast and laved the rosy tip before sucking it between his lips. Alternating between strong pulls and teasing nips, he had her squirming beneath him, desperate for more, even as she wondered if she could take the continued sensual assault.
Finley slid closer to them and cupped her other breast. He rolled the nipple between his thumb and forefinger, then lowered his mouth to suckle her. Ciarra nearly came off the ground, at the sensation of both mouths on her. She forced her eyes open and marvelled at the sight of their heads—one light, one dark— next to each other as they pleasured her.
She grasped at both of them, fisting her hands in their hair, holding them to her. A hand skated up her leg and teased the curls shielding her sex before splaying on the gentle swell of her stomach. She lifted her hips in a silent hint—she wanted those fingers between her legs…now.
“Taste her,” Finley urged as he continued to torture her mercilessly with lips, tongue and teeth. “Make her fall apart in your mouth.”
Leilen moved down her body, pressing kisses along her stomach, her hips, her thighs. Finley brought his hand to her abandoned breast and tweaked the nipple again and again. Leilen knelt between her legs, spreading her wide. Ciarra squirmed, in part to Finley’s unrelenting attention to her sensitive nipples and in part to Leilen’s intense stare. He reached down and slid his finger, just the tip, along her slit.
Ciarra shuddered at the light caress.
“Again. More.” She rocked her hips and clutched at Finley’s head with both hands.
Leilen bent forward and she nearly lost it when his warm breath fanned across her pussy. He parted her folds and slowly licked from her opening up to her clit. Her breath stuttered past her lips when he speared his tongue in and out of her pussy. He caught her swollen nub between his lips and sucked hard.
Ciarra bucked against them, sliding through the burning release. Every muscle in her body trembled as she came. Leilen buried two fingers in her channel and pumped within her, never giving her a chance to come down from the soaring orgasm before driving her up again, even higher. Withdrawing his fingers, he licked and sucked her folds.
“Sweet Mother Above.” Leilen exclaimed as he feasted.
Finley’s laughter echoed in her head—and Leilen’s, too, she guessed. “Heaven, no? You’ll never get enough, trust me, but by the Goddess, you’ll try.”
Leilen straightened, but kept his hand between her legs, gently caressing the wet folds.
Desperate for…something, Ciarra lifted one of her hands from Finley’s head and held it out to Leilen. He moved from between her legs to her side and, grasping her hand tightly, bent to kiss her mouth. The scent and flavour of her release flooded her senses. As Leilen deepened the kiss, Finley lifted his head and sat back on his heels, watching the other man drive her senseless.
Leilen stretched out next to her and pulled her flush against him. Ciarra pushed on his shoulders until he rolled onto his back. She straddled him, positioning the thick head of his erection at her opening. He wasn’t going to stop her this time. She needed him, needed his cock inside her now.
He rested his hands on her hips, and his fingers tightened as she lowered herself ever so slowly, taking him centimetre by centimetre. Her breath caught in her throat as he stretched her. His eyes slid shut, and he groaned when he was fully inside her. She bent forward and nipped his lower lip. One hand left her hip and clasped the back of her head as he kissed her. Her pussy clenched around his cock. After several moments, she rose and began to move. Slowly at first, then faster and faster. Each time she slammed down, every nerve in her body quivered deliciously.
“By the Goddess, you two are going to kill me”
Ciarra slowed her pace and looked over to where Finley knelt. In the faint glow of the moons, sweat glistened on his pale skin. He had his cock in hand and stroked in time to her movements.
“You want it to stop?” Leilen asked through clenched teeth.
Ciarra was already shaking her head when Finley laughed.
“Fuck no,” he insisted, rising to his feet. He walked somewhere behind Ciarra, and she heard him rummaging through something. Then he was there, his front tight against her back, halting her movements.
He glided his fingertips down her spine and along the crack of her ass. She gasped and bit her lip hard. Sweet Lady Above, it was really going to happen. Both men were going to take her, fill her, fuck her.
“Watching the two of you… I can’t explain how arousing it is, how sexy you are,” he explained. “Add the emotions, the thoughts… They’re like waves in the sea, crashing over me, pulling me under. I feel everything you are.”
He guided her forward until she was chest to chest with Leilen. Anticipation gripped her, making her stomach dance. Something clattered behind her then he pushed a wet, slippery finger against her puckered opening. A faint floral scent reached her nose. She recognised the fragrance—a gel made from the manor’s gardens. The lubricated digit slid easily inside her rear entrance, and Finley stroked in and out before adding another. He scissored them, stretching and preparing her for his cock. Ciarra whimpered at the slight burn that intensified every sensation racing through her body.
“All right, sweetheart?”
Ciarra met Leilen’s gaze and nodded. Sweat rolled along his forehead, and his jaw was tight. He lifted his head and kissed her.
“You feel so damned good. You have no idea. I could get lost in you.”
Happiness burst inside her. Finley had been correct. This was just…right. Before she could respond, Finley withdrew. She made a small sound of protest at the sudden loss.
“Patience, love.” In contrast to his teasing words, his voice was tight, hoarse with need. He positioned himself to enter her. His hands settled on her waist, just above where Leilen’s gripped her hips again. He pushed forward, pausing when the slick head of his cock slid past the tight ring of muscle.
She knew he was trying to give her time to adjust, but she was frantic now. It felt as though everything before now was simply leading up to this moment. When these two men would fill and possess her.
Suddenly, he surged forward and buried himself inside her ass. He stilled, and the air was filled with the harsh breathing of three sets of lungs. Leilen trembled beneath her and his fingers dug into her flesh.
Finley leant forward until his forehead rested on her back. “Just…one…minute. Sweet Goddess, you’re tight. Not going to last,” he bit out.
Both cocks jerked inside her and Ciarra was in awe that these men, these strong, capable men, were so affected by this, by her.
Finley kissed her sweat-slick skin and straightened. Both men began to move, pushing her closer to release. The feeling of being so utterly filled and surrounded overwhelmed her. Tears filled her eyes and ran down her cheeks. She couldn’t hold back the desperate cries that escaped as tension built inside her. It wound tighter and tighter until she was overcome with the need to come… and take both her lovers with her.
Their thrusts became less coordinated, less smooth, and she knew they were as close as she was. Heat burst within her, and every cell in her body awakened. The release swept through her, over her. Her muscles tightened, gripping the cocks inside her, milking them until they exploded. Leilen claimed her mouth as he came, coating her womb with his seed.
“Ciarra.” Finley’s voice echoed in her mind as he tightened his fingers on her hips. He thrust hard one final time and emptied within her.
After collapsing atop each other and catching their breath, they shifted until they lay side by side with Ciarra between them. Eyes closed, she smiled as hands smoothed lazily over her damp skin.
She didn’t know how long had passed—had she dozed off?—when Finley sat up and stretched his arms over his head. She slowly opened her eyes and soaked in the sight of him, then turned to do the same to the man lying beside her.
What happened now? She bit her lip as she pondered what their being together meant.
�
�Ah, ah, ah, no thinking yet,” Finley admonished.
He pulled her to her feet, then swept her into his arms. He strolled into the vegetation, guided by the light of the moons
“Time for a bath, wouldn’t you say, Leilen?”
“Right behind you.”
Ciarra started to protest as they strode into the cool water of the nearby creek, but all arguments faded as she was once again pressed between her two lovers.
“Night’s not over yet, love.” Finley nuzzled her neck.
Leilen kissed along her shoulder to the other side of her neck. “Not even close.”
Chapter Four
Ciarra used the back of her hand to catch the sweat rolling down her forehead before it dripped into her eyes. They’d been hiking since early morning, and the terrain became more difficult they closer they came to the Captive Lands.
She glanced ahead of her at the two men. She’d expected things to be awkward between them when they’d awakened this morning, but it hadn’t been. Well, she’d felt a bit odd, but Finley and Leilen had been so relaxed and easy with each other, she’d gone from uneasy to feeling foolish.
Even now, the low rumble of their voices floated on the air as they talked and joked. She’d decided earlier that if they weren’t questioning what happened between them during the night then neither would she. And that was a complete lie, of course. She’d spent the morning wondering what last night meant, what the men expected, if this was a one-time occurrence…
They stopped and turned to watch her approach them. She knew why they stopped—they were coming upon the border into the Captive Lands.
Finley grasped her hand as she came up next to them.
“We’re here,” Ciarra stated softly.
Leilen looked around, his mouth turned down in a puzzled frown. “Where? The Captive Lands? There’s no markers…”
“There’s no need for them,” Finley said. “You’ll feel it as soon as we cross. Remember, there are strong magicks at work here. They will prey on every negative thought and emotion you have—there is a reason criminals are banished here. It could literally drive you mad. Of course, we won’t linger longer than necessary. We’ll find Darrick of Fey then leave immediately.”
Leilen studied them for a moment then nodded. “How many are here? Will we see others?”
“There are dozens wandering the lands, but it’s unlikely we’ll see any others unless we’re looking for them. We’ve sensed Darrick’s movements; he tends to stay along this border, among some caves in that direction.” Ciarra pointed to the left of the trail. “I haven’t sensed anyone else in this area.” She sent Finley a questioning look.
He shook his head. “Nor have I.” He took a deep breath and exhaled loudly. “Let’s go.”
Ciarra reached out and took Leilen’s hand, and as a unit, they started forward. For a moment, it felt as though they were walking through mud, then with a jolt, they were within the Captive Lands.
Leilen let out a shuddering breath, and his grip tightened around her fingers. She smiled at him in encouragement, though she knew exactly what he was feeling. The magicks were an oppressive force here, bearing down, almost suffocating.
“It’s not far,” she whispered.
He gave a terse nod, but said nothing as they continued. After a while, the terrain climbed upwards and they let go of each other’s hands so they could keep their balance. They came upon a cluster of caves in the hills. Finley stopped and closed his eyes. Ciarra waited—he was much better at seeing things here than she was.
He opened his eyes and nodded ahead. They made their way around a large grouping of boulders and found the man they were searching for.
Darrick of Fey sat against one of the boulders. His hair was matted and dirty, but looked like it was once golden. He held his head in his hands and rocked back and forth, muttering to himself. Suddenly, he began rapping his skull again and again, clearly agitated.
“Sweet Goddess,” Leilen gasped.
Ciarra felt a stirring of sympathy. It wasn’t easy to see those who were captives here. She’d seen it many times, but it had to be a shock to the man beside her.
Darrick fell silent and lifted his head until his gaze landed on them. He rose shakily, and his eyes narrowed. His hands clenched and unclenched at his side. His clothing—a tattered tunic and trousers—hung loosely on his thin body and his feet were bare on the dirt.
“Leilen?” he questioned, his voice raspy and soft.
Ciarra laid a hand on Leilen’s arm, but he shook it off. Before he could say anything, Darrick leapt forward. In a blur of movement, Leilen moved in front of Ciarra and watched in horror as Darrick fell to the ground, once again holding his head and moaning.
“He can’t hurt us. None of the prisoners can,” Ciarra said, stepping around Leilen.
“Magicks again?” he said harshly.
“Yes.” She fought against the pity she felt for the man writhing on the ground in pain. He was here for a reason and didn’t deserve any mercy.
“If you have questions for him, now is the time to ask,” Finley said in a flat voice.
Leilen cleared his throat. “Darrick?”
Darrick stumbled to his feet and stared at the trio, his gaze landing on Leilen last. He tilted his head and frowned. “Leilen… It is you! By the Blessed Lady, I’ve been searching and searching for you and the others. I need to see Kaelen immediately. He’s in danger.”
He moved forward, and Leilen held his hands, palms out, to stop his progress. “In danger from whom? From your followers?”
“What followers?” Darrick let out a baffled laugh.
Ciarra could see this man had once been handsome. His golden eyes were charming and his smile sweet. She shook her head to dislodge those thoughts. Obviously, he’d used such advantages to nearly get away with his plot to kill the King.
“The ones who conspired with you against Kaelen. The ones who kidnapped his mate and daughter.”
“Mate? What are you talking about? Kaelen has no mate, no…” he scrubbed his hands over his face, “daughter. You…you are—” With a groan, he dropped to his knees, cradling his head.
“What are you planning?” Leilen demanded. “Who is commanding your followers against the King?”
Darrick dropped his hands and glared up at him. “Kaelen is not King,” he spat. “He will never be King. The throne is mine. He will die, and there is nothing you can do about it.”
“We need to go,” Ciarra urged. “He isn’t making sense. I don’t think you’re going to get any information from him.”
Leilen stepped forward until he towered over the kneeling man. “You’ve already lost. Kaelen is King, and we will stop all those loyal to you while you rot in this hell.”
He turned to walk away, but Darrick grabbed his hand. “Please, take me to him.”
Ciarra frowned. It was as though it was another person talking. This pleading man was nothing like the ranting one a moment ago.
“Leilen, please! He needs to know, needs to prepare.” Tears fell down his dirty cheeks, and his eyes widened as Leilen shook his head. “You don’t believe me? Sweet Lady, ask Arella. She knows…she knows all of it.”
“What does she know? That her brother is a traitor?” Leilen snapped, yanking his arm away and backing up.
Darrick’s expression shifted, hardened. “She is a fool and needs to learn her place. She doesn’t understand what needs to be.”
Leilen turned from him, and Ciarra’s heart broke at the pained look on his face. She held her hand out to him, but he ignored it and strode past her. Finley wrapped his arm around her shoulders and led her away. She couldn’t resist looking back at the prisoner, who was now calling for Leilen to come back, pleading with him.
The three made their way towards the border—Finley again taking the lead, Ciarra the rear. Leilen walked stiffly between them. When they were on the other side, free from the weight of the magicks, a collective sigh of relief was released.
They walk
ed slowly along the path, side by side now, until Finley stopped suddenly.
“What is it?” Ciarra asked.
He shook his head. “I don’t know. Something was…wrong.”
“He’s obviously mad,” she said. “His anger, his guilt—they’re eating away at his mind.”
“No,” he said slowly. “He was sincere in his concern for the King. There wasn’t any deceit in his thoughts, but,” he blew out a frustrated breath, “he was just as sincere in his desire to take the throne, to see the King dead.”
“It’s the madness,” she insisted. What else could explain it?
“No,” he repeated “Something is in his mind—not the magicks here. It’s like a shadow, a darkness. I don’t know how to explain it, but it isn’t right. I’d like to talk to the King about it, Leilen. Myself, if that can be arranged.”
“Fine.”
The harshness of that one word startled Ciarra. Leilen’s back was to them, his posture stiff, his breathing laboured. She mentally smacked herself. Of course, he was reacting to the Captive Lands. She and Finley had been there before, knew how it would affect them and prepared for it. Even though they’d warned Leilen, she knew it was difficult to brace oneself against the unknown.
“Are you all right?” she asked gently.
He whirled around, anger blazing in his eyes. “All right? Really? I had to face the man who nearly killed my King, my friend. Am I supposed to be ‘all right’?”
“It’s the magicks affecting you,” Finley explained. “Remember? It will pass.”
“Fuck the magicks,” Leilen snapped. “Why can’t this be over? He was banished, Kaelen is on the throne. Why can’t we move on with our lives in peace?”
Ciarra moved forward, but halted when he kept going. Sometimes letting it all out was the best way to release the magicks’ hold.
“I’ve had to watch my friends find their mates. Mates they weren’t supposed to have. Did you know that?” He let out a hoarse laugh. “They looked into Waters and saw nothing—no true mates in this life—and he,” he gestured wildly, “changed all that. Kaelen’s mate was never supposed to survive, but she did.”
Shadows of Fate Page 4