by Bianca D’Arc
“A wise move, but then, Bronwyn was always crafty,” Seth complimented the Lair’s healer, who he had apprenticed himself to many years before.
She was a very old woman, now, but still able to oversee the health and welfare of all those who lived in the Lair. Gowan wasn’t sure how Seth would take the news that Bronwyn now had more help than just a single apprentice. He knew Seth would find out sooner or later. Best he hear it from a friend.
“Princess Arikia procured more help for Bronwyn before she left. There are two new assistants to do the heavy work and the running around where Bronwyn can no longer go,” Gowan told them, hoping to ease the discovery for his friend, Seth, that his job was now being done by someone else.
Seth’s face drained of color, then he seemed to regroup quickly. “I’m glad Bronwyn has help. I was worried about her managing on her own without me. Especially with all that’s been going on lately.”
Gowan silently applauded Seth’s reaction. He’d been surprised, to be sure, but he had reacted well. Now that he knew about the competition for his former position as apprentice to Bronwyn, Gowan hoped Seth would be prepared when he finally returned to the Lair. There was more Seth needed to know, though…
“One of the newcomers is from Castleton. A young woman who was an apprentice healer there. She can bespeak dragons, but is unmated. I think, perhaps, the princess sent for her thinking she might be able to find her mates in our Lair, since we have a lot of the more promising younger fliers and their knights, who are about her age. She is a sweet girl and has been a great comfort to Bronwyn.”
Gowan paused to see how that news sank in. Seth seemed all right with it, so he went on with the more difficult portion of what he had to say.
“The other new assistant is a journeyman healer from the High Temple of the Lady of Light. Lady Silla vouched for her, since they were at the temple at the same time. Her name is Thalia, and she was very near the end of her journeyman travels when the Temple sent her to us. She is highly skilled and very experienced. She and Bronwyn have hit it off and are now fast friends.” Gowan knew each of his words were hitting Seth like blows from a blunt sword, but he felt that Seth must know the full extent of what had been happening at the Lair so he could be prepared.
Seth’s gaze floated downward in dismay, but he rallied. He raised his eyes and met Gowan’s with strength and compassion in his blue eyes.
“I’m glad for Bronwyn. Leaving her in the lurch was never my intention, though that was the outcome of my actions. I truly regret that, but I’m happy that she’s found such able help and companionship. Bronwyn deserves only the best, and I’m grateful that the princess realized it and provided that for her.” Seth looked away, then back again. “Thank you for telling me. I admit, it would have been difficult to go back expecting things to be as they were. I don’t know why I just assumed I could return to my former existence, but I see that’s probably impossible. Things have changed. I have changed.” Seth breathed deeply and nodded once. “I’m grateful for the news and your honestly, Gowan. I would not have appreciated being caught flatfooted on my return.”
“Do you know when that will be? Gen and I have to go back tomorrow, and you’re more than welcome to accompany us. We could use all the help we can get back at the Lair,” Gowan told him.
“I cannot leave just yet,” Seth said, sending a significant glance toward Hrardorr, who remained by the hearth, probably unable to navigate on his own in the busy hall, lest he tread on people. “I developed a training schedule to bring the healers here up to speed working with dragons. I can redistribute the sessions a bit, but there are several areas I must cover with the healers before I will feel comfortable leaving the sea dragons in their care. Especially now that the only dragon knights left on the island will be young Leo and Xanderanth.”
Gowan understood. Seth’s commitment to helping dragons was deep. He would not leave the sea dragons in untrained hands. Gowan had to respect that, even if he did want to have his friend back home.
“That makes good sense,” Gowan told him. “What about you, Livia? Do you have any idea of when you will be returning to Dragonscove?”
He tried to make the question as casual as possible, but the truth was, her answer concerned him greatly. He wanted to be wherever she was. These past days spent apart had only made him miss her more. She was a fire in his blood, a need in his soul, and he wanted to be with her…always.
Damn. He’d gone and done it. He’d fallen for her, despite his best efforts to keep his heart separate. The situation was too complicated. The dragons had to choose before he could—at least that was his understanding of how mating worked in the Lair. Genlitha’s partner would have a knight who would be part of Gowan’s future family.
He didn’t really see how it was all going to work. He’d probably end up as one of the many bachelor knights. Few actually found women compatible with their lifestyle who were willing to live in the dragon Lairs. Many knights remained single for their entire lifetimes, and that was something Gowan had come to terms with when he’d been chosen as a knight.
“I’ve been filling the hold of the boat my father left for me with trade goods. I suppose I’ll leave when I run out of room,” she quipped, laughing. “Or when Seth leaves. I’ll probably go with him.”
“Or rather, I’ll go with you, on your boat. Otherwise, I don’t see how I’m getting back. I have a feeling Hrardorr will want to stay here,” Seth said, looking wistfully at the dragon seated by the fire.
“You really think he’ll stay?” Gowan asked, surprised. He noticed that Genlitha’s gaze was on the male dragon, as well, her expression…pained…if Gowan was any judge of draconic features.
“The sea dragons are here, and he’s made friends among them. He can see under water,” Seth said quietly. “Or, at least, his eyes aren’t such a big problem under the waves. He’s been happier than I’ve ever seen him at times while he’s with the sea dragons. They’re good for him.” Seth’s voice dropped even lower. “I wouldn’t ask him to give that up. Not so soon. I only hope…he’ll come back when he’s ready.”
Livia looked at Hrardorr, too, her eyes sad. “He may never come back to Dragonscove,” she whispered. “And we’ll have to prepare ourselves for that possibility. It helps to know that he is cared for and respected here.”
“He will not stay permanently,” Genlitha chimed in on their conversation. “He swore an oath to Draconia and to King Roland. His honor will not permit him to break that oath, even though he may dally here a bit longer, away from the memories and responsibilities that hound him.”
Gowan was surprised by his partner’s words. He hadn’t thought of the situation in those terms. The idea that Hrardorr was seeking escape from his troubles made sense, of course, and Gowan had always sensed the male dragon was troubled more than any other being he’d ever met, but Genlitha’s faith in her friend was strong. Stronger than Gowan expected.
“I hope you’re right, Gen,” he said, patting her neck as she hovered beside him. “For his sake and all of ours. Draconia needs every dragon it has in light of recent events, but especially formidable fighters like Sir Hrardorr. He doesn’t fully realize his own worth.”
The trio of humans spent the rest of the night together, sharing a quiet meal and catching up with the grave news from the mainland. Genlitha stayed by the fire with Hrardorr, talking with him, as far as Gowan knew. He didn’t pry into their relationship too much. He figured they had enough obstacles to overcome between them without his meddling.
When night fell in earnest, they retired to Livia’s bedroom where, Gowan noticed, Seth had moved in. Gowan didn’t blame him. This vacation from the real world was as good an excuse as any to throw caution to the wind and live life to its fullest. Being together, away from censorious eyes, allowed Seth and Livia the freedom they would never have in Dragonscove. Not unless they were married.
The thought of marriage was a minefield where Livia, Seth, Gowan and the dragons were concerned. Thou
gh, more and more, Gowan found himself wishing that it could all work out somehow. He honestly didn’t see how, exactly, but that didn’t stop him from hoping for a miracle.
He’d been away from her for a while, but with the mellow mood he was in, he didn’t feel much like taking charge that night in the bedroom. Although he’d allowed his dominant streak to show vividly the times the three of them had been together in passion, he wanted something softer…something more tender, this night.
He was thankful when Seth stepped back and gave Gowan the privilege of undressing Livia, giving her gentle touches and rousing her passions to a slow, steady boil. She seemed just as enchanted with his mercurial mood as he was, willing and ready to try whatever he wished. Seth watched, but didn’t interfere. Gowan would have to thank Seth later for his understanding. After all, Seth had had days with Livia all to himself while Gowan had been on the mainland.
Gowan had missed her. Frankly, he’d missed them both. And, if he was being honest, he’d missed Hrardorr too. It felt like there was something missing without them around. Like he and Genlitha were incomplete.
Gowan took Livia down onto the bed, both of them bare. She lay amidst the pure white sheets like a sacrifice to his ardor, willing and so beautiful she stole his breath.
“I missed you,” he admitted, kissing her neck and moving downward. He paused at her breasts, licking and kissing the softness of her and the hard little peaks that seemed to cry out for his attention.
“I missed you too,” she whispered as he kept going, kissing his way down her body, pausing wherever he felt the need. And he needed a lot, after so long away from her.
At one point, Gowan looked up to find Seth watching them from an armchair, a glass of wine in his hand. It looked like Seth was enjoying the view as much as Gowan was enjoying touching the woman he couldn’t stop thinking about. Livia was so incredibly special to him.
Special to Seth, too, Gowan knew. If fate was kind, the three of them could make a family…somehow. But fate had been fickle of late, and Gowan feared these stolen encounters were all they’d ever have. In which case…
He would make the most of whatever time they had together.
Livia loved it when Gowan was gentle. It wasn’t a side he showed often, but she was coming to understand the subtle differences in his moods and the tender look in his eyes. He cared. She knew that deep in her heart. He really cared about her. As deeply as she cared for him.
She and Seth had been on a honeymoon of sorts, but Gowan hadn’t been there to enjoy it with them, and he’d been missed. Oh, she’d loved having Seth all to herself with no prying eyes watching their movements—and she wouldn’t have traded this time for the world—but she definitely had missed Gowan’s presence.
She didn’t know what that meant about her sexual proclivities. Most women only needed one man at a time, but there were notable exceptions. Lair wives, for example, seemed to think it quite normal to have two husbands. Of course, Livia wasn’t a Lair wife. She wasn’t a wife at all yet. But maybe the fact that she wanted both of them with her meant she was destined to be one of those rare women who lived up at the Lair with the dragons and their knights.
A little thrill went through her when she thought about it. Surely, that was it. She’d found her niche. Only…it didn’t seem right that, when she finally did settle down, it might be with totally different men. That thought made her want to rail at fate. It wasn’t right. Her men were here now. Seth and Gowan. No others would do. Fate wouldn’t—couldn’t—be so cruel as to show her what it could be like to be their mate only to rip this small taste of happiness away from her. Would it?
Regardless, all those depressing thoughts were wiped from her mind by Gowan’s actions. He was licking her in the most delicious places, sending her passions into orbit with his tender touches. He’d never been this gentle with her before, and she found she loved the change in him.
She liked anything and everything he’d done with her to date, but this felt…deeper somehow. More intense. More emotional.
When he rose up to join with her, he held her gaze as their bodies became one. Then began a dance of thrust, retreat, and thrust again, each time with a bit more intensity, a bit more energy.
She half expected Seth to join them, but when her head turned to the side to seek him out, she found him sitting across the room, in that same overstuffed armchair where he’d made love to her only yesterday. He was watching them. His hand was on his dick, and he had a hungry look on his face that made her insides light up even more than they were already. Apparently, Seth liked to watch.
She wondered how long he’d be able to hold out. But, in the next moment, all thoughts were driven from her mind as Gowan lowered his head and kissed her, thrusting his tongue into her mouth in time with his cock, pistoning into her pussy.
The dual action sent her over the edge, into the blessed oblivion only Gowan—and Seth—had ever shown her. She floated there, in the timeless space between heartbeats where only pleasure existed, her body writhing as it came hard around Gowan’s strength.
At some point, Gowan left her body, rolling to one side, but she wasn’t left empty for long. Seth took his place, entering her with haste, his cock hard and wanting…and she wanted him too. Her passions rose again as he began hard, quick thrusts into her wet core.
Seth dragged her hips to the edge of the bed, holding them as he thrust deep. She became aware of Gowan, at her side, moving to watch. He seemed somewhat recovered, and when she briefly met his eyes, he was grinning in a way that made her tummy clench in excitement. He was up to something, and she had a feeling she was going to love whatever deviltry he came up with.
Seth was raw emotion, hard and needful. Gowan had taken the edge off his own hunger, and he seemed ready to play. Sure enough, he moved closer, reaching out to cup her bouncing breasts, pinching the nipples with just the right pressure to make her moan. Then, he bent his head to kiss it better, his tongue lingering over the small peaks, his fingers rubbing just so, leaving her wanting more.
His mouth and one hand stayed at her breasts while his other hand slid down over her torso. She frowned, wondering how far he would go, but she should have known her knight would go to just about any length to bring her pleasure.
Gowan insinuated his finger into the upper folds between her thighs, finding the little button that set her off, even as Seth continued to thrust. Nothing was stopping Seth, and Gowan didn’t seem to care that his hand was so close to where they were joined. The mere thought of what they were doing to her sent her into another long, hard, amazing orgasm.
A second later, Seth cried out, locking her to him, his hands almost bruising on her hips. Gowan retracted his hand, bringing it back up to toy with her breasts. She felt her own wetness on his fingertips and met his gaze as he brought those fingers to her lips for a taste.
Daring greatly, she licked out with her tongue, sucking his fingers into her mouth. They tasted of salt and passion, desire and fulfillment. It was a heady flavor, and she held Gowan’s gaze as she laved his fingers with her tongue.
Seth left her at some point because, a moment later, Gowan was back between her thighs, his cock hard again, demanding this time, thrusting hard. He’d removed his fingers from her lips to cup her breasts. They jiggled as he rammed into her, and he seemed mesmerized by the sight.
He was wild. Passionate and demanding as he hadn’t been the first time. Her dominating lover was back in full force, and when he gave her the rather terse order to suck Seth’s cock when Seth rolled near her on the bed, she didn’t hesitate. She just turned her head and accepted the hard cock presented to her.
Seth did most of the work, jutting his hips forward and back just slightly, allowing her to take what she could in this position while Gowan pounded into her below. Gowan watched it all, issuing the occasional order that she followed without question.
“Suck him harder,” he’d say, and she’d hollow her cheeks. Gowan would reward her by pinching her clit li
ghtly as he thrust. Then, he’d pat the spot and say, “Good girl.” Somehow, the words turned her on more.
Livia didn’t think she could come again so soon. Not after two glorious orgasms. But Gowan proved her wrong. It was the little slap on her clit that sent her over this time. She hadn’t obeyed one of his directives fast enough, and he slapped her clit straight on, the little sting sending her flying her into the stratosphere.
So unexpected. So revealing about her hidden wants and needs. Livia felt raw emotionally after the brightest explosion yet. Both men, as if in agreement, pulled out and shot their come over her body, seeming to stake their claims together, and Livia reveled in it, writhing beneath the messy tribute, wanting it all…and then more.
The aftermath of that required a complete change of the sheets and a hot bath, both easily procured in this most magical of households. Seth and Gowan spoiled her, washing her body in the big tub filled with hot water in the attached bathing chamber. They carried her around, placing her on the clean sheets, then surrounding her with their hard, warm bodies until they all fell asleep in a tangle of limbs and love.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Deep in the night, in the great hall, when Genlitha had fallen into an exhausted sleep beside him, Hrardorr lay awake, contemplating the news she had brought from the mainland. His people needed help. He felt a stirring in his chest—a desire to answer the call—but then, he thought about the sea dragons and his disability.
In that order. Which surprised him.
That his disability had taken second place in his thoughts shocked him. Had he really come so far in so short a time? Had the presence of the sea dragons affected his way of thinking so drastically? And was this some sign that, someday, perhaps far in the future, he might somehow grow accustomed to the way he was now and not have it be the first thing he thought of in every situation?