by A C Wilds
“Well then we have a lot of work ahead of us,” he says, with an exasperated sigh. I can see that he isn’t too keen on wanting to work with a newbie, but it’s not my fault the Queen stuck us together.
“Let’s get this over with then. I don’t want to be here any more than you do.”
“You’re wrong there Azra, I’d love to spend time with you, anytime in fact.”
I glance up at him and try to gauge if he’s telling the truth. My magic is doing flip flops in my chest, but I just can’t accept a murderer into my harem. He killed my mates' sister, and my soul bonded doesn’t like him. I need to go talk to Red.
“Nope. I don’t need to see you except for when it’s mandatory. If the Queen didn’t request this little lesson, I wouldn’t even be here in the first place. Now let’s get on with it.”
He steps up and places an arm around my shoulder to reach for the sword. He doesn’t grab it by the hilt, but rather undoes the ties that secure it to my back. Once it’s free, he uses his other hand to clutch the scabbard. Both of his arms are around me now, and it’s getting hard to concentrate. He smells like frost on trees, and lilacs in the spring. I find myself leaning in, and taking a sniff. He chuckles at my actions, and I step back clearing my throat.
“Next time, just go from behind,” I say, in a flustered tone. I realize how that came out when he begins to laugh straight in my face. I feel the blood rush up, and I must be a wonderful shade of pink.
“As you wish my lady,” he says after he stops laughing his ass off. I swear I see tears glistening in his eyes. It wasn’t that funny.
We practice for most of the day. He teaches me stance and balance. How to hold the sword properly, and how to block. We practice drills to get my arms accustomed to the weight of the sword, which becomes a lot heavier as the time goes on. He goes through different scenarios with me, and when I finally get one right he declares we are done for the day. All in all, I am glad we came. Even if this guy is evil, he gave me a valuable lesson on how to stab someone properly with a sword.
Walking over to the guys, I see they are just as anxious as I am to get out of here. Grey gets up first and pulls me into a hug. He bends down and nuzzles my neck while wrapping his wings around me. We’re in our own little bubble when he places a soft kiss on my mouth. “I’m glad that’s over because I was going crazy standing here watching that asshole put his hands all over you. I wanted to punch something,” he whispers into my mouth.
“You always want to punch something,” I reply. I grab his bottom lip between my teeth and give a tug. He lets out a hiss of pain but presses into my front more. I know if we stay together like this, we aren’t going to make it out of this building. I quickly kiss his lips again, and then back out of our little cocoon.
Shax and Cass come up to me then and each lays a kiss on my head. We walk hand in hand with Grey trailing behind out of the building. The sun has almost set, and my stomach growls in response. We really did spend all day in there.
“Let’s get you fed, and then I was thinking we could all go for a ride? We haven’t done that since we got here, and I’d like to check on the horses. Storm isn’t used to being without me for long,” Cass says, looking toward the barn in the distance.
With all that has been going on, I haven’t told the guys about Red and Ash. It completely slipped my mind. “Yes, let’s go see the horses. I am sure Red has got a lot to say.”
I glance up at Shax and give him a sly smile. I can’t wait for everyone to freak out when they see Red shift for the first time. Shax returns it and gives me a quick wink before anyone notices. I stifle a chuckle and keep walking in the direction of the palace.
After having a quick meal and showering, we all head to the stables. Grey picked up Logan from Anna’s and he is now talking non-stop about the sleepover he had with his new friends. You can see the light in his eyes coming back. He’s starting to be the boy I knew he was this whole time. Even though we are still in major trouble, it’s good to know there is one positive thing that came out of this, Logan is blossoming.
“And then we ate these things that looked like cake, but it really wasn’t. It tasted like pizza. Remember pizza Greyson, ugh, it was so good! I wish you guys were there, I mean sort of. I really love you all but being with friends was really nice. If you want, next time I can bring you back some. I don’t think you want to hang out with boys, right Az? It’s ok if I just bring it back. You don’t have to come,” Logan says, with his vibrancy turned up to a thousand. He is such a wonderful boy.
“You’re right Logan, I don’t think us grown-ups would have any fun with you guys. I think you and your friends are better off by yourselves,” I reply. He looks up at me with the brightest smile.
“Thanks, Az. You’re one of my favorite people,” he says.
“And you’re mine.”
We reach the stables a few seconds later, and the smells of horse hit me instantly. To say that I am obsessed with horses is an understatement. It’s what I lived and breathed for most of my life. Ever since I was a little girl horses have always been the thing I have wanted to do, whether it was riding or grooming, I was just happy to do it all. When I had the opportunity to show jump in the Winter Equestrian Festival two years ago, I thought I had it all.
The course was super tough that day. My horse Sharott was on edge for some reason. We walked the course together counting strides and getting ourselves used to the environment; when out of nowhere he spooked. Full on reared up, shaking his head and backing up like he was afraid. I just took it as a freak thing and continued on with the day. When it was our turn, he took his turns beautifully, following my every move. His jumps were swift and smooth with him landing gracefully every time, and then the last jump came and he froze in mid-air. His front legs got tangled in the top bar and we both went flying to the side. I made the quick decision to push myself away from him, otherwise, I would have been crushed. He broke his right front leg that day, and his owner pulled us from the competition. His leg would never heal correctly, and I was blamed for the misjudge in the jump. My luck as a professional show jumper ran out. I was done for.
I shake off the bad memory and look around me. The stables are just as immaculate as I remember them. The stalls are full of different breeds of Fae horse, some looking a lot like Earth horses, and others looking nothing like them.
Walking down the halls the same as the other day, we reach the branch that houses our little herd. Storm rushes to meet us as we approach his stall. He swings his head out and throws it up in the air in greeting. He’s excited to see Cass, and from the look on his face, Cass is too.
Red’s stall is next to Storms, but he isn’t in it. I look over at Shax, and he gives me a shrug as if to say, ‘I have no idea where he is either’. Hurri is across from the guys, and I can see that they moved Ash in next to Hurri, although her stall is empty as well. Tricky Arion shifters.
Just before I try to go looking for them, Red’s energy comes out to me loud and clear. He’s in the meadow behind the barn. They want to finish Shax and Ash’s ritual tonight. I take in all the rest of what he has to say and then turn to the group.
“We’re going for a ride, and you are all going to get to be part of a celebration,” I say, with a little wink to Shax. He catches onto my meaning, and I feel a jolt of happiness from him as he smiles wide. He’s excited to finish his soul-bond with Ash.
“What do you mean celebration? Is there going to be food? Cause we ate like forever ago, and I could use some more of that pizza cake,” Logan asks, with hopeful eyes.
“You just ate, like 25 minutes ago, Logan,” Grey says, in an adult tone. He’s trying to be a super serious parent right now but is failing miserably when Logan turns, and gives him a huge smile.
“Twenty-five minutes is a really long time for a growing boy’s stomach to be empty,” Logan counters. This causes all of us to chuckle around him and makes his mood even brighter. His energy is a happy sunshine yellow, and it’s infectious.
“Let’s get going, and maybe we can find some of that cake pizza on the way back,” I say, while I go and gather Hurri’s tack. I don’t need to take anything for Red and Ash, but Hurri and Storm need to be saddled.
Cass and Grey make quick work of helping and before long we are marching out of the barn and into the meadow behind. There’s a tree line in the distance, and I can just make out the flaming auburn color of a horse’s coat. The shadows circle him, and I know Ash is near.
When we approach the trees, Red and Ash stand side by side in Arion form. Together they look like fire and smoke, two deadly forces of nature ready to be wielded at a moments notice. All that training spent with Gunner this morning has nothing on the two warhorses in front of me. They exude power and grace. I can feel the presence of strength. I know they can take out thousands of soldiers. If there was a doubt in my mind that we won’t have a shot at this, it’s gone now.
“What is Red doing out here with a gray horse?” Grey asks, looking between the two Arions.
“Do you forget that I can communicate with you? Please feel free to direct any questions my way, as to make it quicker for clarification,” Red responds, back to Grey. His horse face gives away nothing, but I can feel his annoyance.
“Yeah, sorry horse. I forgot about the whole Mr. Ed thing,” Grey says, in a snarky tone. I see Red’s nostrils flare, and a beat of energy picks up. I have no idea if he knows the reference Grey is trying to make, but I cut it off before it can go further.
“That’s enough guys. We’re here for a reason. Red, Ash, please show Grey, Cass, and Logan why you requested we come down,” I say, stepping out of the way a bit. I reach out for Shax’s hand, as we turn to watch them explain.
“Very well, but since this one is no longer human and cannot die easily anymore, I will not be holding back if he decides to make another rude comment toward me or my mate. I do not care if he is your knight. He should respect your soul-bonded,” Red says, as he steps closer to Ash and the magical shimmer begins to overtake them. When the bright light clears, in their place are two fully clothed Fae. Red’s auburn coat is now only shown on the top of his head, and along his jawline in the form of a beard. His eyes are still the same penetrating ones he has as an Arion, but his body is built for battle. He’s massive. There are muscles on top of other muscles. He’s dressed in what seems to be battle leathers, just like the guards were wearing outside of the training yard today. Ash’s gray hair is piled high atop her head with a long braid swinging down her back. She’s in matching female leathers, and it leaves little to the imagination when it comes to her figure. Her face is petite and delicate, but the rest of her is toned, and fierce. She’s a protector, a true guardian. Her beautiful black eyes settle on me, and she wastes no time in enveloping me in a hug. I embrace her back, even though I feel the worry coming off of Cass and Grey.
“What the fuck Azra? Red? Gray horse-lady?” Grey questions. I have to give it to these two, they really know how to make him speechless.
“Red can shift when he’s in Faerie. Even though his true form is a horse, his shifted form is a man. Ash, is Shax’s soul-bonded Arion, and she’s Red’s mate,” I explain to the guys. I can feel the jealousy roll off of Cass. He’s disappointed that Storm isn’t an Arion. I walk up to him and side my hand in his. I look up into his face and smile. He leans down to kiss me, and that pang of sadness dissolves when our lips make contact.
“Everyone is super special, wow Azra maybe you should just paint these giant targets on our backs saying, “SUPER REJECTS COME TO FUCK SHIT UP,” then we wouldn’t have to hide anything from anyone. Lucy and Mikey would be able to just know who it is that wants to take them out,” Grey projects. He’s starting to pace around the trees, almost as if he is looking for an answer somewhere.
“Would you stop being an ass for two minutes and come back over here and speak to us. Yes, ok I agree that whoever follows me turns into something a little extra, but I promise you I’m not doing it on purpose. I didn’t choose this life. I didn’t choose to be the Changer and have to make all these important decisions in a world I have no idea about. I’m stuck here, just like you Grey. We need to figure shit out so that we can free humanity from the arrogance and pain of these two rulers. We need to make a better life for us, and for Logan,” I say, the last part looking down at the boy. He’s standing directly in front of Red staring up at him with the hugest worship eyes. His fingers are poking at the leathers, and Reds doing a very good job of ignoring him. A smile cracks across my face.
“Logan, stop poking Red. He’s still Red, just in a man size,” I tell him, trying to stifle a giggle. Red looks so hardcore, and Logan is just too adorable for words.
“Az, he’s like a superhero. Do you think he could be in the X-Men? Wolvie and Red saving the day,” Logan says, jumping around and showing awesome superhero poses. This gets a huge smile out of Red, and my giggle turns into a full-blown laugh. The rest of the group can’t keep it in either, and we all join in on the fun.
Wiping away tears from my eyes, I say, “Shax and Ash need to complete their bond. Let’s walk over to the waterfall and get started. I don’t like being out here where just anyone can stumble upon us.”
Hearing the rush before I see, as it comes into view with the moonlight reflected off of the falls. The pool is clear and inviting. I can feel the temperature dip as we near the edge. If I was alone with my mates, I would have suggested a group skinny dipping party. Imagining all that hot flesh pressed against mine, in the cool water is doing all types of delicious things to my insides.
Ash goes to the water, and shifts back into her Arion form and walks into the pool. Shax comes up behind me, and gives me a quick kiss on the cheek, and goes to her. They enter the water together as Red hands Shax the ingredients for the ceremony. Red comes and stands with me as we watch the ceremony unfold. Being on the outside this time makes it all the more beautiful. I can see the energy dancing around them, forming the barrier. When they exchange the blood, the color shoots into a bright purple. Plunging into the water is quick for them, and Shax wastes no time coming to the surface.
I greet him at the water's edge and wrap him in a hug. “How do you feel?” I ask, as he shakes off some of the water. He looks absolutely edible in a wet shirt clinging to all his muscles. Cass steps up to us and uses air magic to dry Shax off.
“I’m ok. The connection that I had with her before feels so intense now. I feel like she’s an extension of me, while before it just felt like she was with me,” he explains.
“I get that. I think it’s meant for us to be better in battle, or so that’s what Red has told me. I guess time will tell,” I say, with a bit of sadness in my voice. I wish I could have met them all at a different time. I wish we didn’t have to deal with a war.
“I think it is best if we head back to the palace. Ash and I need to make sure we are hidden from the Queen, so we will be returning in horse form. Would you like to ride back?” Red asks.
“Sure, it will be quicker, and we brought horses for everyone,” I respond.
“Tomorrow, we must work on your flying and portal magic. I understand that they have Gunner teaching you swords and combat. I would like to make sure you are able to appropriately use the magic that no one else has. You need to train your wings to carry you over distances, and how to create the portals in Faerie,” Red says.
“Really? You can teach me how to fly?” I ask, in amazement.
“Yes, I know the principals, and I think your instincts will kick in once we get started,” he replies. Both him and Ash shift back into their horse forms at that moment, and we make our way back to the palace.
I’m glad that Shax was able to complete his bond. Being more in sync with Ash will be beneficial when we have to make the hard choices in battle. I just hope there aren’t too many.
Chapter 14
Preparing for the Inevitable
Sunshine streams through the curtains on the balcony. As I slowly awaken, I can
hear the birds chirping, and smell coffee coming from the other room. My eyes are still closed, but I can feel Shax next to me. His breathing is still heavy, and his soft snores are an indication that he’s still fast asleep.
They had a new bed waiting for us last night. It’s so large, that it can easily fit five adults — with wings. The comfortable down filling cradles my body. I could spend all day here. I roll over onto my side and crack an eye open. Shax is sleeping on his back with the quilt pulled up to his stomach. His bare chest is on full display, and it looks so inviting. I lift a hand to gently caress the small amount of hair there. He’s sculpted like a model, with dips and curves forming muscles. His skin is tanned and there are intricate tattoos on both of his arms. He looks sexy as sin sleeping like this. Before I can talk myself out of it, I shimmy down beneath the covers and straddle Shax’s legs. I keep the sheet over my head, as I pull down the waistband of his boxers. I flick my tongue out and run it up his already hard cock. I love that he’s ready to go even in his sleep. I get to the tip and place it in my mouth, gently sucking as I go down. He lets out a moan, and I look up to see if he’s awake. He cracks one eye and gives me a sly smile before closing them again and leaning his head back in ecstasy. His hands come up to cradle my head, threading his fingers through my hair. He gives a little tug as I suck harder and faster.
Before long I taste the saltiness of his pre-cum in my mouth. His fingers start to massage my head and his hips buck up to meet me. I increase my speed, moving my head up and down the length of him. Grabbing his balls with one hand, I brace myself on the bed with the other. I caress them and hum around his cock at the same time. His body tenses and his release is fast and loud. He comes down the back of my throat, and I rise up to meet his face. His eyes are open now, and he looks happy and satisfied.