"Okay you two. I am just a little shaken up, but give me a second to catch my breath here.” Kelsey stroked down each of their wet bodies as she spoke to them. “I wonder where the heck I am?"
As she turned slowly around getting her bearings, her gaze lit upon Seadale on the shore, kissing a strange tall blonde-haired woman.
"Why that two timing snake in the grass!” She growled under her breath. “Yeah, he is really in love with me. He's so jealous that he runs right into his lover's arms for comfort. What a lying, cheating son of a bitch!"
She always prided herself on being a lady, but screw it! She was rearing for a fight and his ass was hers. All she saw was blood red as anger swallowed her whole.
With her shoulders pulled back and her head held high, she marched herself out of the surf and onto the shore, swearing under her breath. So what if her clothing was plastered to her ass or that she looked like a drowned rat. She was on a mission of whoop ass, the whole time contemplating what she was going to say to Seadale when she came face to face with him. Kelsey had possessiveness written all over her face. It wasn't until that moment that she realized she loved that bastard beyond words. “Great, now isn't the time for my hormones to start raging. Just fucking great!” She cursed under her breath.
"Hey lover, did you forget about me so soon?"
Seadale and the unknown woman broke apart and stared at her like neither one of them knew who she was, well maybe she wasn't tall and elegant as the woman standing way too close to Seadale, but she did have her pride.
"Step back sister or the fur is going to fly.” Yelling between wild swipes of her hand, as she wiped water droplets out of her eyes. “How dare you accuse Daniel and I of flirting and then you go off with this woman playing kissy face."
Kelsey was eye level to Seadale's chest. Using her finger to poke it as she kept on reprimanding him. “What kind of fool do you take me for?"
Why was Seadale just standing there with a dumbfounded look upon his face? She couldn't see his eyes because of the sunglasses he wore.
"I thought you loved me and wanted me as your mate. I can see just how much I really meant to you.” When he still didn't acknowledge her, she exploded into a tirade, slapping at whatever her hands could find.
Seadale finally reacted, grabbing her hands, spinning her around to hold her in a bear hug with her back to his chest. Her feet tangled in midair.
"Whoa, wait a minute, woman. I think you are pissed at the wrong man.” He spoke low and close to her ear. “I am going to put you down and we can get this straightened out if you will just calm down."
The woman he had been kissing was laughing in a fit of hysteria. What the hell did she think was so funny?
"Shana, this woman thinks I am Seadale, can you believe that?"
Shana stopped laughing long enough speak. “Oh yeah, she was giving you an ass chewing.” Tears ran down her cheeks. “This has to be the best laugh I've had in years, Sin."
Sin gave Kelsey a gentle shake. “Are you going to behave if I let you down?"
Kelsey could only nod her head. This was too weird. Why did that woman call Seadale, Sin? What was going on here?
He set her down and spun her around to face him. He bent to her eye-level, pulled his glasses down the bridge of his nose and peered over the top, exposing his eyes to her.
Oh ... my. His eyes blazed a trail of midnight blue flames straight into hers. “What is going on here? You aren't Seadale, but you look like just like him—identical in fact."
Sin arched an eyebrow and gave her a sexy grin. “Well, I am his twin, identical twin that is. So that would make sense, right?” Well he sure had his brother's same arrogant ass personality, no doubt about that. Now there were two of them. Heaven help her.
The shocked expression on Kelsey's face sent Shana into another fit of hilarity.
"I am so sorry, but I didn't know Seadale had a brother, much less a twin for that matter. I am in the dark here, could someone please explain what is going on?” Kelsey felt like a babbling idiot.
The woman he'd addressed as Shana walked back into his arms and hugged him. “I am proud of you for not losing your temper, Sin."
"Thank you, Little One.” He smiled down with a loving glint in his eyes for the woman standing next to him.
The woman reached out a hand to Kelsey. “My name is Shana and this is my husband, Sindale. But I call him Sin for short. I have a feeling that you and Seadale had a little spat?"
Kelsey wanted to bury her head in the sand, she felt like a damn fool. How could she ever in her wildest dreams have expected Seadale to have an identical twin brother and not tell her about him? Something was definitely off here and she was going to get to the bottom of it. Come hell or high water.
"Please forgive me. Seadale and I did have a fight and I left without telling him."
"My brother can be hardheaded that's for sure, but let's get you out of those wet clothes and see if my mate and I can't help straighten this mess out for you."
With a sheepish expression, Kelsey nodded her head. “Thank you for your understanding. I acted so childishly."
"Think nothing of it. You should see Sin when...” Shana stopped talking when Sin decided she'd said enough and kissed her senseless.
Chapter Eight
Seadale was beside himself with worry. He no sooner walked away from Kelsey than inundating waves of sorrow filled his heart. He knew he could be an overbearing ass, and he'd proved it in the way he had acted toward Daniel and her. And without a shadow of a doubt he loved her, but he'd let his jealousy rule him. Damn, he'd made a mess of things.
Upon arriving back at their quarters, she was nowhere to be found. He'd every available citizen searching for her. When someone mentioned they thought they'd seen her heading for the shift-curtain, his heart sunk to his feet. She'd no idea how dangerous the waters of the ocean could be on her own. It'd never occurred to him that she would leave and not tell him. If something happened to her, he'd never forgive himself. Holy Fates in heaven, please let nothing have happened to her.
With a harsh wave of his hand, he magically transferred himself back into his personal quarters, right in front of the Wall of Visions. Another quick wave of his hand activated the wall, bringing it to life. Using one hand in a swiping wave, much like a cop directing traffic to move along, Seadale magically directed the Wall of Vision to scan the sea and surrounding land in a three hundred and sixty degree rotation. A stiff stopping motion with his hand, and the picture abruptly stopped. There on Sindale's isle, and the ground and land he held domain over—ruled over, stood Kelsey. Looking wet and confused. He was in for it now, he should have told her about his twin.
Leaning his head back and shutting his eyes, he contemplated his next move. He was in deep shit, no two ways about it. She'd be madder than hell at him for not telling her about Sindale. He was still selfish in so many ways, and should have told Kelsey about Sindale right away. Nothing was worth losing her. Not his damn pride or his egotistical ways. She filled an empty hole in his heart he hadn't comprehended until now.
Sindale and his mate were both chuckling and leading Kelsey off to their palace.
He couldn't encroach upon his brother's realm without losing his power, but he could communicate with him telepathically. Fuck his pride; he'd grovel on hands and knees for his brother if that's what it took to get her back to him safe and sound. That's if she'd take him back?
"I know it has been a long time since I have communicated with you brother, but you have my mate." Seadale tried to keep his mental message even and calm, though he was outwardly trembling. For the first time in his long life he was afraid. Frightened and unsure what his brother would do to his mate.
"Well, hello Seadale. I wondered when you would figure out where your little mate had run off too." A chuckle threaded through his mental voice.
"Please, I beg ... “ Seadale stopped for a moment to gather himself. “Please Sindale, do not hurt her."
Sindale's mental tone sobered up
on his next reply. "It was wrong of you not to tell your mate about having a twin. She is madder than a hornet right now and confused as hell. Do not fear, I would not harm what is yours, as I am sure, you would not harm what is mine ... right, brother?"
Seadale hesitated for only a moment. “Yes, my brother, you are right."
"Your mate is free to go back to you whenever she wants, not because you demand it. Are we clear on this?" Sindale's words were firm; he meant business and Seadale knew this.
"Yes, loud and clear..."
What choice did Seadale have? His brother was holding all the cards. At one time, they had loved one another. That was, until the rivalry and jealously eroded their kindred bond; a bond that identical twins would always share. They'd ignored what made them so special, immortal identical twin gods and a love that had thinned and winked into nonexistence. Neither Seadale nor Sindale had spoken to one other—though they could have telepathically at any time—since their father had separated them, long, long ago. They'd let their pride eat away at their souls, leaving bitterness behind as an empty reminder to what they had once had ... love between brothers.
Nothing was worth losing Kelsey over, and it was time to for him to search deep in his soul for what really mattered, and what was inconsequential. He had a feeling that tiny, seemingly frail woman was going to bring him to his knees, all seven feet of him. One fall, that if it meant getting her back, he would do over and over again.
* * * *
Shana shooed Sindale way, telling him she wanted to talk to Kelsey alone, without his overpowering presence intimidating her. She was hurting and confused enough as it was, without him making it more so. Sindale smiled at his wife and kissed her before leaving.
Kelsey was enthralled by the medieval structure and furnishings that occupied the room. The walls were painted with delicate, finely detailed murals. She took a double take at the paintings again, and blushed all the way to the tip of her roots. What at first glance looked to be people in everyday scenes, were actually scenes depicting sexual acts of every type. She was blown away. But she was too polite to say anything.
"What exactly has Seadale told you about his life that you would care to share with me? Whatever is said between us two girls stays between us, okay?"
From the very beginning, she'd taken an instant liking to Shana. Her easy manner and trusting large blue eyes immediately endeared her to Kelsey. She'd never had a sibling and meeting her made her wished she'd had. Kelsey could really use a friendly shoulder to cry on. “Thank you for everything, Shana. I need someone impartial here to help me sort out my life. My heart is too emotionally involved to trust. And, I need another woman's advice."
She played with the collar of the clothing Shana had loaned her to wear. “And for giving me something dry.” Running her hand down the line of her body, she was self-conscious of how it must look on her, instead of on the tall, willowy woman sitting next to her. Her insecurities crept back through the crack uncertainty had fashioned.
"It actually looks better on you. The pastel peach color goes well with your complexion.” Shana reached over putting her hand over Kelsey's worrying ones. “I mean it. You look beautiful. So, stop fidgeting will ya?"
Kelsey gave Shana a brilliant smile of thanks.
"Let me start at the beginning as best as I can remember from what Sin has told me.” Shana's eyes glazed slightly over whenever she spoke of Sindale.
They were both sitting on the bed like a couple of girlfriends getting ready to discuss their boyfriends during a sleep over, instead of talking about important events that could possibly affect Kelsey and Seadale's relationship.
"From what I have gathered, Seadale and Sin started out being the best of friends, doing everything together. One day that all changed in their teens when the beautiful goddess, Pentia, came into their realm and twisted their relationship. The brothers started competing for her affections. She was evil, tainted with darkness and malice. It was all a game to Pentia. Seadale and Sin were little more than amusements for her entertainment. She slowly and methodically shredded the threads that bound the twins together, until finally their father, Laymoth, banished her from their world. But sadly the damage had been wrought and each of the brothers blamed the other for her banishment.” Shana stopped for a moment to get her second wind before beginning again.
"At the time, the brothers were impetuous and foolhardy. Each believed that Pentia loved them. Their fighting and jealously escalated to the point their father separated them in fear they would do each other harm. Giving each a domain to rule in the magical realm of Ametheysea. Seadale would rule the seas of Ametheysea, while Sin would rule the land. Neither could encroach upon the other's domain without losing their powers. Thus, keeping them from hurting or harming one another. And in time, he hoped they could find love in their hearts for each other again."
As Shana grew near the end of the story, she watched Kelsey's reactions. The way she tilted her head and the sadness that clouded her stare, as Shana revealed the tragic tale of the two brothers to her.
"You have to remember these two men, these immortal men, are not like the men we grew up knowing. They are rulers. Gods if you will, of their kingdoms, larger-than-life figures that answered to no one.
"You got the big part right.” Kelsey had meant to speak under her breath, but Shana still heard her.
"Yes, that department is more than covered."
They both broke out laughing at their naughty puns directed toward their well-endowed men.
Kelsey placed her hand on Shana's knee. “Do you ever miss home?"
Shana rested her hand over Kelsey's. “Never. This is my home now. I love Sin beyond measure. And, I think you love Seadale much the same."
"You are a very perceptive woman, Shana."
"Among other things.” Shana gave her a sassy wink.
Their laughter filled the room to overflowing.
* * * *
Shana could see what Seadale loved about Kelsey. Her unpretentious personality and sunny disposition were effortless to be around. Even her long curly red hair like the morning rays spread down and out around her shoulders, framing her round, open face. Her burgundy eyes danced with mirth. She totally captivated Shana. She knew they were going to be the best of friends, and that was something she'd been missing. A girlfriend to spill her guts with and to laugh with, those were the traits that Kelsey had hands down. If they could pull it off, maybe, just maybe they could get their mates to see how stupid all their feuding was.
Sin could be a real terror when he was angry. And he could be unbelievably loving, too. Shana knew that when you loved someone, you loved them regardless of their faults, taking the good, the bad and the sometimes ugly. You had to like the wrapping on the package just as it was. Or, a relationship would never work.
* * * *
Later that night, as Kelsey snuggled in a huge bedroom down the hall from Shana and Sin's room, she took stock of her situation.
Ever since he and that darn pendant came into my life,, my life has changed. I'm changed. Her love for him and the life he offered her was everything a woman could ask for and more. There had to be a good line of communication between partners, that she felt they didn't have, but she loved him enough to try anything to help mend the fences between the brothers. Hopefully mend theirs too.
* * * *
Large hands smoothed a burning path down Kelsey's nude body. Lips trailed between her breasts, leaving a tongued-course that lathed the fleshy mounds of her breasts, until they encircled her peaked and pebbled nipples. Drawn into the warmth of a mouth, nursing and teasing their stiffness.
A firm body blanketed over hers, weighing her down with gentle regard. She knew in that moment, Seadale had come to her.
The pulse that beat along the shaft of his erection touched off a thrill within her core. She could feel her own heartbeat below, to match and mate with Seadale's. It was if her body and mind were hardwired to recognize his.
The air a
round her was scented with an exotically spiced fragrance, enticing and heady. It brought to mind sultry nights in a desert.
Firm lips worked their way up her neck, nibbling a heated line of sensuality along the way to her earlobe. “I have missed you, my love,” A graveled growl whispered near her ear. “My body needs yours. I can't stop thinking of tasting, touching, and feeling my cock sunk deeply into your nectar coated pussy. I am so very sorry for my bad behavior. Won't you forgive me?"
Kelsey opened her eye into the directness of Seadale's hooded gaze, a gaze that begged intensely.
His lips pursed and worried nervously as he waited for her to answer him.
"How did you get in here, Seadale? I thought you couldn't come here without losing your powers?"
"I have come to you in your dreams. But I would be willing to do anything to have you back.” Seadale leaned down worshipping the tender area, between her neck and shoulders.
Kelsey pushed on his shoulder to put some distance between them. “You hurt me, you know that don't you? Your jealously and mean-spirited words were uncalled for, Seadale. You will have to do more than just say you are sorry. I need for you to show me how much I mean to you, by finding it in your heart to forgive your brother and let the past between you two go. If you can do that, not just for me, but in forgiving him, you've forgiven yourself as well.” She licked her lips and then continued. “In doing that, I will see that you want to make changes in your life. Changes for the better."
The emotions glistened in her eyes. “Seadale, I really like Shana and want to continue the friendship that's developing between her and I. I am without a family, but you can change that for me. And Shana and Sindale too. I want—no, I need to be able to raise my children, our children within a loving family environment. It doesn't matter whether it is a magical one or human one, what truly matters are what the parents, you and I, surround our children lives with. Don't you understand you let a hateful girl get between two beloved brothers, for what? For you to worship her, adore her? In the end, she poisoned you both, corrupting the goodness and bonds of brotherhood. You see that now, don't you?” She ran her tiny hand down his face in soothing manner. “You need to understand this feud, this stupid long ago feud between you and Sindale would always be an open wound that wouldn't heal, festering and overflowing into our lives. If you can't see it in your heart to forgive him, then I wonder if maybe you're too hardhearted for even my love to penetrate."
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