Ivan let out a low whistle. “You can travel through time? No wonder you need to keep secrets. Knights and pirates. Geez, we’re only a couple of construction workers.”
She lifted their clasped hands to her cheek and cupped Liam’s jaw with her other hand. “Your occupation isn’t important. Love and lust don’t care about those things. Fate brought us together for a reason, and that we’re still alive is a miracle.”
Turning his head to kiss her palm, Liam had to agree. “Kazmer meant to kill us, didn’t he? He wanted to stop us from discovering we’re mated. Why else would he make a house fall down on us?”
The hope in Jolán’s eyes made him determined to convince her he was right. Any other alternative was unacceptable.
Chapter 11
Squeezing toothpaste on his toothbrush, Ivan tried to focus on the present, but the complications of his relationship with Jolán wouldn’t rest in his mind. His brother seemed to accept the oddities and dangers of living as a Macska life-mate without hesitation. Witches, warlocks, time travelers, Protectors, and shifters. What other surprises would jump out at them?
Liam had experience being in love, even if the bimbo in question had taken him for a nasty ride. Ivan had nothing but his mother’s failed marriages to look to for examples of commitment. He hadn’t expected to be told he had less than a week to fall in love, become a daddy-to-be, and get hitched. Without a doubt, Jolán had captured his interest and affection. The sex was phenomenal, plus or minus the kinky factor. But do I have it in me to give up my heart that fast?
Time wouldn’t wait for him to take things slow, though. He had to jump in the deep end or get out. No middle ground. Common sense told him that if he chose to get out, he’d never see Liam or Jolán again. He had a lot more to lose than gain by leaving. I said I wasn’t letting anybody screw with my memories, and as rash as that statement was, I’m sticking to it.
He rinsed the sink then returned to the bedroom, where Jolán already lay in the huge bed and Liam stood waiting for his turn in the bathroom. As his brother closed the door, Ivan stripped off the clothes a couple of the men in the household had retrieved from the mangled camper.
“You’ve been quiet since I explained about my family.” Jolán’s eyes seemed to follow his every movement. “I promise we don’t use our craft very often. Most days, the only ones casting spells and incantations are the novices. They practice with their mentors starting at sixteen years old. We have to learn, in case something happens, like when Kazmer attacked.”
Slipping under the sheet, he adjusted the pillow behind his back to lean against the headboard. “Your being a witch doesn’t bother me. I’m worried—well, not actually worried, more like...concerned—about length of time we have to get to know each other before the joining ceremony. I figured we’d have a couple months at least.”
She paled, her fists clutching the covers. “I thought you...I don’t want you to leave.”
Letting his instincts lead him, he gathered her in his arms. “I’m not leaving. I don’t know if I can fall in love in less than week, though. Hell, I’ve never been in love before. How does everybody in your family make it happen so fast?”
“I don’t know.” He almost missed her whispered words. “It isn’t as easy as I thought it would be. My hormones are confusing me. I’m afraid I won’t be able to tell the difference between desire and love.”
That she shared some of his uncertainties soothed his anxiety a little bit. “I guess we’ll deal with it together. The three of us.”
Her warm lips on his bare chest sent a shiver to his balls. “Yes, the three of us.”
Trailing his fingertips along the silky skin of her upper arm, he savored the throbbing pulse in his hardening cock. “No more making love to your gorgeous ass until tomorrow. I don’t want to make you sore. How about if Liam and I take turns in your pussy tonight?”
She rubbed her foot up his calf and pressed her damp cunt against his thigh. “What if I want to give Liam a blow job while you fuck me?”
A low moan came from behind Ivan. “I don’t have a problem with that.” Liam rounded the end of the bed, smiling as he slid in the other side. “No such thing as too much of that sexy mouth.”
His infatuated expression ate at Ivan’s gut. His brother was obviously crazier about Jolán than he’d ever been about Apryl. Why did emotion come so much easier for him? I don’t need a shrink to answer that question. Vivian Janokov-King-Pattison-Longwood-Fuller-Standish had taught Ivan to be cautious with his heart. Open and willing didn’t necessarily equal head over heels with every woman he was attracted to.
Jolán was right about true love being for life, and rushing into a relationship usually meant making mistakes. They had no time for missteps. Their one shot had to occur practically overnight.
Ignoring the doubts, Ivan put his mind to celebrating still being alive after having part of a house collapse on him. He lifted her chin and bent forward to meet her sweet lips. Her teasing tongue had him opening to spar with her. First, he dove in with a quick, forceful swipe, followed by a slow glide and a thorough taste of her cool, minty mouth.
He traced the graceful curve of her lower lip before kissing a path along her jaw and down her neck. Pausing at her collarbone, he breathed in the subtle flowery scent of her skin, closing his eyes to let the summery fragrance draw him into the dream world of infinite pleasure. Each kiss took him to new territory. Smooth, silky skin led the way to the fullness of her tits. A puckered nipple tightened even more as he traced circles around and around the tip.
She arched upward, pressing the taut berry against his cheek. “Lick and suck me, Ivan.”
Not wanting to deny her anything, he obeyed her instructions, savoring the bumpy texture and her feminine moans. Sweeping his hand over her flat stomach, he dipped between her thighs. Heat radiated from her pussy, and slick moisture eased his entrance into her snug tunnel. Her muscles gripped his finger, squeezing in fitful pulses.
He withdrew and glided between her folds to find her clit. Her abdominals contracted as he slid through the wetness to her neatly trimmed bush.
She groaned again. “I want your cock, Liam. I need you in my mouth. Don’t stop, Ivan.”
Were her hormones behind all the passion? Did it matter?
Glancing up at her as Liam leaned forward to kiss, Ivan pushed aside every thought but pleasing her. He flicked his tongue across her nipple and caressed the swollen bud between her thighs. Each circular motion spread more of her juices over the bundle of nerves. When she came and he slid inside her, she’d be so damn wet that he’d probably shoot his load in seconds.
Liam gasped, telling Ivan that Jolán had wasted no time going down on his brother. Her muscles shuddered as she arched and let out a muffled cry. A couple more flutters and strokes drew another longer cry.
Unable to resist the call of her body, Ivan shifted to settle in the vee of her legs, lifting her hips to position himself at her entrance. With a single thrust, he buried his cock in her still-quivering pussy. His lungs seized for several moments. “God, honey, you feel amazing.”
Grabbing for the headboard, Liam leaned his head back to roll on his shoulders. “Where did you learn that thing you’re doing with your tongue, sweetheart? Skip the finesse and make her come again, Ivan. I’m about to explode.”
More than ready to give her more pleasure, Ivan set a beat that had his heart pounding in his chest and his eyes seeing spots. Every advance took him balls-deep. Her sweet cunt clutched at his dick, building pressure in his nuts, and he grasped her ass tighter to steady himself.
Liam’s labored breathing changed to a roar, and he stiffened as Jolán trembled and jerked upward. Her scream sent Ivan tumbling over the edge. He plunged into her one last time before letting out a throaty yell and surrendering to the blast of euphoria. His panting echoed in his ears. He struggled to keep from falling on the one woman who could make him try to love.
Lying beside her, he waited for slow, even inhales and e
xhales before he finally relaxed.
Did she love him and Liam? Liam certainly seemed to have dived in heart first.
She’d engaged Ivan’s mind and body, but could he give her the rest of him?
* * * *
Easing from between her lovers, Jolán shrugged into her robe as she slipped out of the bedroom to stand at the sitting room window. She couldn’t see the illuminated section of the moon from her vantage point, but she didn’t need a reminder that only one more day remained.
Five amazing days had passed since she and her men had barely escaped the collapse of the new wing, and love had blossomed in her heart to blend with nearly unappeasable desire. Every night and day she’d spent getting to know them had reinforced her instinct that they were her true mates. Her greatest concern—her men accepting that she was a witch—had been a nonissue.
Tomorrow marked the end of her fertility cycle. Her third-quarter moon ceremony would take place in the evening, and she had no idea whether she would be allowed to join with both Liam and Ivan. The lighter brother, her first lover, had spoken the words she’d needed to hear. Although she’d told her men that she loved them last night, only Liam had responded. Ivan had given her a gentle smile, but he’d tensed and stayed silent. Didn’t he share her feelings?
She wiped away a tear that tried to trail down her cheek, and her stomach cramped at the thought of not spending the rest of her life with him. Doubts crowded around the certainty that both brothers were her life-mates. Only one method of determining the truth came to mind.
Tightening the tie at her waist, she quietly opened the door to the main corridor of the wing. She turned the knob to keep it from clicking as she pulled the door closed behind her. The short trek to the stairway and the second floor took less than a minute. At Lujza’s apartment, she raised her hand to knock.
The door swung open before her knuckles made contact, revealing Amalric. He smiled down at her. “Good morning, Jolán.”
“Morning. Is Lu awake? I need to talk to her about something kind of important.”
He gestured for her to come in. “She’s nursing Aliz, but I’m sure she’ll be pleased to have your company. I’m going to the kitchen for a pitcher of tea. Lu’s thirst has been unquenchable since the babes have started suckling. Would you like some as well?”
She shook her head. “Thanks for the offer, but I won’t be staying long.”
Ranulf walked into the sitting room from the bedroom. “Come to see our beautiful children, Jolán?”
His failed attempt to hide a grin made her laugh. “And their lovely mother. Mind if I have a private conversation with her for a few minutes?”
“Not at all.” He sat on the couch as Amalric left.
Jolán strode into her cousin’s room before nervousness talked her out of seeking advice. Seeing the light-haired baby girl at her mother’s breast triggered an unexpected longing. “I hope I’m not interrupting.”
Lu gave her a maternal half smile. “I hear you found your mates. Congratulations.”
Plopping on the edge of the bed, Jolán leaned in to hug her cousin. “Thanks.”
Lu sucked in a breath as soon as they made contact. “Um, what brings you here?”
“Tell me.” The reaction told Jolán more than she wanted to accept. “I’m not pregnant, am I?”
“Well, yes, but...”
A wave of lightheadedness stole Jolán’s breath. Tears stung her eyes, and she bit her lip to stop a sob from escaping. “It’s only one, isn’t it? Ivan doesn’t love me, does he? How can I possibly let him go? I love him, Lu—every bit as much as I love Liam!”
An arm snaked around her shoulder, holding her close. “Don’t give up, cousin. I thought I was going to lose Amalric and Ranulf, but Fate ensured we found a way to be together. Maybe he needs more time. Keep telling him how much you care for him.”
“But...but what if...” Jolán couldn’t force the negative words from her mouth. They cut too deeply.
“You know what Great Grandmother says. No what-ifs. What is meant to be will happen. You have to believe.” Aliz began to fuss when Lu gave Jolán a squeeze. “Do you believe Ivan is your true mate?”
Blinking to clear her vision, Jolán nodded, whispering past the lump in her throat. “I know he is.”
“Have you asked him if he loves you?”
Jolán blanched at the suggestion. What if he said no? No what-ifs. “I told him I love him. He didn’t say anything. Why wouldn’t he tell me if he does?”
“Ah, cousin. Actions mean more than words. Sometimes people say things they don’t mean, just as some have a difficult time verbally expressing their feelings.” Lu adjusted the baby in the cradle of her arm. “The words are pointless without the feeling behind them, but the feelings still exist without the words.”
“But if he loves me, even without telling me, why am I not pregnant by him?” Logic only made the pain worse.
“I don’t know.” Aliz latched on once more, and Lu sighed, obviously scrambling for some other plausible explanation. “This could be a test of your faith in him.”
Jolán rose from the bed, unconvinced but not willing to let her cousin see the disbelief. “I better get back before they wake up.”
“You’re welcome anytime you want to talk.”
With a nod, Jolán aimed for the exit. “Thanks.”
The visit had been a mistake. She should’ve waited to see if Great Grandmother even asked about Ivan and Liam proving to be true mates at the joining ceremony. Then, and only then, should Jolán have sought out the answer to her question. Showing confidence in both men might’ve allowed the joining to happen without verification of conception. She wouldn’t have had to fake loving them both. Now, with this knowledge, the truth would have to be told. Ivan would be required to leave the estate, his mind wiped clean, and she and Liam would never have contact with him again. Could she make Liam choose her over his brother?
He shouldn’t have to give up his family. Only one alternative remained. If she couldn’t have them both, then neither was her sole option in the matter. Could she make the sacrifice so they wouldn’t have to?
Chapter 12
Stretching his arms over his head, Liam yawned and quashed the sleepiness trying to pull him back under its spell. His stomach rumbled. He reached for Jolán, hoping for a prebreakfast appetizer. His hand met with an empty, cool sheet.
“She snuck out of bed about a half an hour ago.” Ivan’s serious tone had Liam turning to look at his brother.
“What do you mean snuck?” He sat up and scratched at the stubble on his jaw.
“She was very careful not to wiggle or bump either of us. I think she’s having second thoughts. She seemed tense.” Clasping his hands together over his chest, Ivan’s knuckles went from flesh-colored to white.
“Second thoughts? About what?” The click of a door in the outer room of the suite caught Liam’s attention. “She was probably hungry or thirsty.”
When he looked toward the doorway, Jolán’s troubled expression seemed to suggest his brother could be right. “You’re awake.”
Her slow entrance set off an alarm in his brain. He patted the mattress beside him. “Come here, sweetheart. What’s wrong?”
Instead of moving closer, she stopped near the dresser and crossed her arms in front of her chest. “I need to tell you something important. I went to see my cousin Lujza, and I’m...pregnant.”
A surge of relief raced through Liam’s veins. Validation of his and Ivan’s connection with Jolán. Why would she be upset if she had proof of their relationship as true mates?
“By only one of you.” Her qualification sliced a gash down the wide swath of joy spreading through him.
Ivan rolled out the other side of the bed, walking toward the bathroom. “Give me a few minutes to get dressed and pack up my clothes.”
“I love you, Ivan. I swear I do. Don’t you love me?” The utter pain in her voice tugged Liam’s heart in different directions.
&nb
sp; He ached for his brother and for Jolán, but without Ivan in the picture, Liam alone could have the woman he adored. She needs both of us. She told us that. How could he consider such a selfish act as to keep her to himself? He believed her when she said she loved Ivan, and her happiness meant everything to him.
Pausing by the bathroom door, Ivan shrugged.
The implied lie stole Liam’s hold on his emotions. He scrambled across the tangle of sheets to stand behind his brother. “You son of a bitch! Tell her. I know damn well you love her as much as I do. The feeling that’s eating at your soul—it has words to describe it. Just say the fucking words!”
“What does it matter? She isn’t carrying my child. Rules are rules.” The door to the bathroom clunked closed with Ivan on the other side.
The lock snicked as it caught, and a moment later, running water drowned out whatever Liam could’ve said to dissuade Ivan from leaving. Movement out of the corner of his eye had him pivoting in time to see Jolán dropped to knees with her whole body shaking. Her quiet sobs ripped at his gut.
He hurried to kneel beside her. “I won’t let him leave. He loves you, Jolán. I know he does.”
She looked up, her face streaked with wet trails from her tears. “Then why...”
Wrapping his arm around her, he wracked his brain for an explanation. “I don’t know. Maybe...maybe...He got a concussion from the fall. What if it caused some other medical issues?”
Her frown seemed to say she believed that possibility about as much as he did, but a long shot was the only shot they had.
“We aren’t giving up. The joining ceremony isn’t until tomorrow evening.” Helping her stand, he guided her to the bed. He smoothed a few strands of hair off her forehead and leaned in to kiss her damp cheek. “I love you, sweetheart. Ivan and I are a package deal, and I’m going to find a way for him to stay, because I’m sure as hell not letting you go. Rest while I deal with my brother.”
She reached out to grasp his hand and give it a squeeze. “I love you too, no matter what happens.”
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