Lilly's Torment [Beyond the Veil 2] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour)

by Honor James

  “I will in a minute, I was just reading what little Briar was able to figure out so far.” He held up his pocket data pad as he slid off the bed. “Looks like about eighty percent of the tattoo is just regular inks. But the part she thinks might be making you do things you don’t want to do…” He stopped next to her and held out the little pad. “The ink contains trace amounts of the same material you found out compromised that shard. Odd little coincidence, don’t you think?”

  “Hurm, very interesting indeed,” Lilly said with a frown. “I don’t like it. Do we have any idea where this material comes from? How we can trace it back to its source so we can ensure that these asshats are caught, hopefully sooner rather than later?”

  “Briar sent it off to the lab,” he said as he headed into the closet. “She’s hoping she has a full breakdown of the metals makeup sometime tomorrow. Once we know how many parts of this and that are in it, we can figure out if someone has a patent out on that particular mix. If there is someone, then we can go and knock on doors. Hopefully, someone there has some answers on just where they sent their metal, and we will have more doors upon which to knock.” He walked out, bare chested and barefoot. All he had on was a pair of loose drawstring pants in what looked to be linen. Nice and light. “But now we need to sleep. Or rather, we need to remain conscious long enough to ensure Gav hasn’t drowned, and then get some sleep.”

  She looked toward the bathroom again. “Should we check on him? And by we I mean you of course. I’m worried about him. He looked ready to fall down at an instant. I don’t think that I can handle him taking this much on very often. I think next time I will go with him to ensure that he does actually sleep. I don’t want him burning out before we have all had a very, very long life together.”

  “No, he’s okay. He’s washing something, I’m trying not to listen too intently though. As long as he’s still moving around that’s a good sign.” Artaxias’s chin went up a bit. “Water’s off, he’s getting out now. We’ll give him a few more minutes before we go rescue him if he needs it.”

  “I’m a wreck seeing him like this, how can you stand it?” she asked quietly. “You care for him, he’s been in your life a very long time so how do you handle it?” She wanted, needed to know. She knew that they shared a deep friendship, a kinship in knowing that they would one day share a mate and she wanted to know how Ax was able to handle Gav when he was in this state because it was breaking her heart.

  “You can only do so much and you need to know your limits,” he said. “I get away with a lot with him since I’ve known him most of his life. Hell, even his mother practically adopted me. Which was very weird, I have to say. But I also know that some things I can’t fix. I can be there, support him, offer a stiff drink or a shoulder, but there are limits. I’ve learned to accept the limits as you will, too. It’s not easy but if you do all you can and it’s still not enough, then at least know you’ve done all you could for him and let him take the next steps. He’s done,” he told her quietly, pushing on her back gently. “He’ll be out in a minute, get into bed so he can curl up with you, Lil.”

  “Sounds good. Will you be coming to bed soon as well?” she asked hopefully as she climbed up into the massive bed, her gaze shifting from the bathroom door to Artaxias. “I would like to be able to sleep between both of my men, please?”

  “I’ll climb in once I know he’s not going to face-plant,” Ax assured her as the door opened. He stood to one side and they both watched as Gavriel made his way, slowly, to the bed. Only when Gav was in and under the blankets did Ax move to the other side of the bed.

  Lilly didn’t hesitate. She wrapped her arms around Gav even as he wrapped his around her. The light was shortly off, and Artaxias wrapped his arms round her as well and she felt home. She felt safe. Letting out a sigh, she closed her eyes and allowed sleep to take her.

  Chapter Eight

  “Morning.” Gavriel’s sleep-roughened voice was right there as she opened her eyes. “Did you sleep well?” he asked. Turning his head, he yawned wide, stretched taut, and then relaxed. He was looking at her again as he scratched at his chin. “What? My hair standing on end again?”

  “Just a smidge,” Lilly murmured sleepily and then yawned. She moved in closer to him, though, and sighed. “Shh, I’m not ready to wake up, so you are just going to have to lay here with me for a few more minutes, Einstein hair and all.”

  “Einstein was a genius. He was allowed to have a lifetime of bad hair days.” He chuckled. He didn’t protest about staying where they were. In fact, he just slipped his arms around her and pulled her in closer to him. “Sleep a little longer if you want, darling.”

  “I want to be here in your arms a little longer. Sleep is a ruse,” she admitted without moving from where she was. “I’m rather happy to have you holding me like you are.” She didn’t feel Artaxias, and asked, “Do you think Ax is making us breakfast again?”

  “It’s likely he’s downstairs feeding. He won’t cook anything until he has his blood. And since it’s feeding day, that’s my guess anyway,” he murmured. “But I’m betting he’s got coffee started at the very least, likely what woke me up.” He slid a hand down her back to her ass and pulled her in closer. “You are so wonderfully warm and snuggly.”

  “And you are not so bad yourself.” Her hands moved over him slowly, gently, lovingly. “Have I mentioned just how well I slept last night? No dreams, no nightmares, just the heat of the two of you holding me close. I think that I’m addicted already and I refuse to let it go. Period. Just making sure you know,” she added when he pulled back to give her that oh really look.

  “Uh-huh, we may have to discuss that a little. I don’t normally like wrapping around someone. Though, I will admit, you are perfectly proportioned to wrap around. I’m normally like a fish on land when I’m sleeping, flopping and flipping about. If I don’t end up pushing all my pillows and blankets off the bed, it’s a miracle.”

  “Well you didn’t move a muscle, so I don’t know if it was because I was wrapped around you and you me, or if you were just that exhausted.” Reaching up, she touched her fingers to his cheek. “You okay?” she asked with a smile.

  “I think so. I fucking slept like the dead, not a single dream or blip on the radar. I didn’t even notice Artaxias moving around, which is unusual. I’m usually hyperaware of him because he moves so easily and silently.”

  “Well then, it’s a good thing you slept so well.” Lilly pulled back slightly and grinned. “Now, why don’t you go down and get some coffee? I’m going to take advantage of the shower and hopefully when I get down, there will be food. Today we need to figure out if we will be able to use Artaxias’s blood to help me with my diabetes.”

  “Wait, what?” Gavriel stared at her. “What? What?” he stuttered. “Okay, I’m missing something here, what the hell did you two get up to last night, exactly? And while that’s ingenious, really, I still have to go with what?”

  “He brought it up last night as we were talking. I want to have forever with you. I need to have forever with you both. It would be much, much better if I weren’t constantly afflicted with this disease, don’t you think?”

  “Uh.” He just blinked at her. But she could see the wheels turning and he finally nodded. “No, you’re absolutely right, darling. You deserve to have the very best in life. And that means having a life that isn’t regulated by your disease. I’m actually impressed he brought it up. He’s usually so closed mouthed about what the blood of his race can do.”

  “Well, I am a part of the two of you. He wants me to be as healthy as possible so that we have a very long, very happy life together. It will be very, very good, don’t you think? To be able to have a life with you and not have to worry about testing my blood sugar, taking insulin and so on?”

  “Anything that gives you more time with us is very good. And having you healthy will make me feel better, too, darling. I do worry about you, even though we’ve only just met. I worry about you quite a bit
, darling.”

  “That’s a very good thing, because I worry for you as well. You are mine. Just as I am yours. I will always worry for you just as you will worry for me. It’s how we are as mates. From my understanding, that’s the way that it should be, right?” she asked curiously.

  “You would be correct.” He nodded slowly. “Mates worry about one another. We only get one shot at this, after all, and we want it to be the best it can be. We are blessed to have you as our mate, Lilly. A better mate we could never be given.”

  “Glad you think so,” she said with a grin. “Because I happen to think that the two of you are pretty amazing as well. I am blessed by the mates that I have been given. I’m happy. Very happy,” Lilly assured him. “Now, go and make sure there is food. I want to shower,” she teased.

  “I will drag him kicking and screaming into the kitchen.” Smiling, Gavriel gave her a kiss before he untangled from her hold. “Don’t be too long, little one.” Rolling from the bed, he padded toward the door and then disappeared from sight.

  Chapter Nine

  “Are you sure that this is where I should be? I mean, it feels a little weird to just be standing here in the middle of the floor like this.” Lilly was feeling nervous because today was the day that he was going to “scan” her to tell her if Artaxias would cure her or not.

  “Lilly, when have I ever lied to you?” Gav frowned at her fiercely. “Just stand there, take slow breaths, and relax. I need you to be quiet, too, I know, hard for you to shut up for ten minutes.” He grinned at her. He was teasing, of course. “But I am serious, stand still, be calm, and stay zipped up. I need to concentrate on this, and since I haven’t done it since training it’s going to take me a few moments.”

  She stuck her tongue out at him and grinned. Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and did what he asked of her, quit talking, and did as instructed. It was hard for her to not talk, he was right about that. It was something that truly sucked, but she did tend to go on and on.

  “Yes, you do at that,” Artaxias said from somewhere behind her. His tone was rather dry. Little bugger had read her thoughts. “But we rather like your mouth, and when it’s put to other entertaining uses, it is very enjoyable. Don’t move,” he said. Obviously he’d caught her intent to turn and say, well, something she was sure would have been either amusing or possibly scathing.

  In her mind she thought. Yeah, keep it up, big boy. You are only poking and prodding me because I can’t talk right now. Wait till I’m able to move and talk. And as for my mouth, you haven’t let me put it into any other entertaining positions, remember?

  “That’s only because we can’t complete the bonding yet. But trust me, I’ve been imagining many things for you to do with that part of you.” Artaxias sent her a few images, relatively tame. Obviously he was trying not to jolt her. “Gavriel is about to start, Lilly, so remain still. You may feel a small tingle like a jolt of a shock, much like scuffing your feet over carpet and then touching something metallic.”

  You cannot tell me to be still after putting images like that in my mind. You are a very, very naughty boy. And she loved it, he knew she did. All right, let’s get this show on the road, shall we, please? I want to get this over and done with as soon as possible so that I can either hug you or kiss you or hell, something.

  “He’s starting,” Ax warned. And she felt the tingling around her, like an electrical storm in the air, the hair on her body standing on end. “Just take a slow breath and let it out. It should take about ten minutes top to bottom, and then we’ll know at least part of the answers.”

  Lilly did just that. She breathed in and out slowly, trusting Gavriel completely and fully. Taking in-and-out breaths, she kept that link open with Artaxias. I hope that this works. I really do.

  “Have a little faith, little mate,” Artaxias said. “It will work, Lilly. What it tells us is another thing. But he’ll know soon, and then we can decide what we’re going to do. Just a few minutes more, and then you can move again.”

  She took another breath and in her mind nodded to Artaxias while keeping her body perfectly still. I really hate sitting still. Standing still is even worse. Please can we hurry? Will I have to stand still like this often?

  “No, not often. Just now and then, once more after the injections are completed, if we can do them. He’ll need to confirm that what we do worked,” Artaxias said. In the next moment, the tingling stopped. “You can move around and talk now, Lilly. He’s done and we should have an answer from him in the next few minutes.”

  Lilly moved around, tilting her head from side to side and wiggling her arms and then legs. “I hate just standing still. And when you ask me to not talk as well…” She rolled her eyes. “Hate it,” she muttered and walked toward Artaxias. “Are you sure that didn’t take too much from him?”

  He shook his head, but his eyes were on Gavriel. “It’s good for him to stretch those muscles now and again. He so rarely does it anymore and he really needs to keep all his skill sets practiced. He’ll be just fine, likely a little tired and probably thirsty, but fine. I’ll make some lemonade to help with his sugar levels if you want to wiggle around a little more. That was most entertaining.” He smiled, looking at her finally.

  “You just liked seeing all my girl parts moving about like they were. It’s okay, though. When we are able to fully do this bonding, I will make sure to wiggle around for you often, Ax. That’s a promise that I fully intend to keep, as well.” She looked to Gavriel and sighed. “How long?” She was anxious more than anything.

  “Dunno, depends on what information he has to process.” Artaxias moved to the counter and grabbed a bag of lemons. “Come on over here and help me squeeze out these damned things. Hopefully he’ll come up for air and we’ll get some answers. Then we can all sit and have lunch.”

  “You just want me to help you so that you can feel me up, admit it.” Not that she minded in the least. She happened to really, really love when he touched her in any way possible. She took out the lemon squeezer and held her hand out. “Start slicing and get me something to squeeze into.”

  He bent and, after rooting around in a cupboard, stood up with a jug in hand. He set it before her and began to start slicing the lemons in half. “I happen to like feeling you up, darling. You are very nice and soft, curvy in all the right places, makes it much better for a good feel.”

  “That’s a very good thing.” She bumped her hip to his and grinned happily up at him. “I like it when you touch me. Your hands are so large, hard, and feel so very good against my body. In fact, I can’t wait for what comes next. I know that I’m going to become even more addicted than I already am.” Just as she was with Gavriel. She couldn’t get enough of either of them.

  “Soon enough, little mate. Though”—he made a face—“likely not soon enough for all of us. I fear that first time will be rather explosive in nature when we finally come together. Not that I mind terribly, but just keep in mind, all this waiting won’t do much for our first performance. Be kind in your reviews, Lilly.”

  “I have no fear at all that the reviews will be outstanding, because you are both such remarkable men. Just ensure that the same goes for the two of you, that you remember I’ve been waiting for the two of you for a very long time. I still say that we need to practice on ensuring that we all fit together, somehow,” she teased.

  “We’ll fit,” he said, handing her more lemon halves. “You’re our fated mate, Lilly, everything’s been taken into consideration by the universe. While we may need to take a bit of care initially, it will all work marvelously. Especially if we get you nicely loosened up ahead of time.”

  “I have no doubt at all in my mind that you will do that. Both of you will ensure that there is no pain involved at all, only pleasure, for all three of us. I look forward to that pleasure as well. I look forward to being able to make love with both of my men.”

  “Well, hold that thought for a little longer.” Gavriel popped into the conversation. He
came toward them and fell into one of the stools lining the other side of the island. “I’ll need to do a blood test and petri dish thing, but from what I can do, she’s a perfect candidate. Her organs are in good condition, very little wear and tear, so to speak. Her heart is strong, so she won’t have any issues there. And since Ax is universal, there wouldn’t be any need for concern about rejection. The only thing I’m not a hundred percent sure about is your medication. So I’ll need a sample of that, too, for when I’m mucking about figuring out the doses. You’ll have to keep taking it until likely mid-way through. But we’ll be regulating it just as we will his blood.” Gav pointed to Artaxias.

  “Any idea on a timeframe?” Ax asked him, moving to the sink with his cutting board and knife.

  “I’ll need to do my smears and the chemistry bit to see how everything reacts, and the math for the doses of everything. But, if I had to hazard a guess—” He frowned. His eyes glazed over a little as his lips moved. Then he was focused on her again. “Roughly seven to nine days after we start. Could be a little quicker, could be a little longer. And by little, I mean about a day.”

  Lilly nodded, took in a breath, and sighed. “All right. As long as you are very certain, then this is what we will do. I trust the both of you completely, utterly, and without a doubt. I know, in no uncertain terms, that you will always be there for me and you will both always ensure that I have what I need at all times. I just hope that I will be able to do the same for you when the time comes,” she admitted.

  “If you’ll finish the lemonade, I’ll pull lunch from the stove. Then we can eat and, once we know your sugar levels, have Gavriel draw your blood,” Ax told her.

  “And yours, too, big guy,” Gav said with a smirk. No other word for the grin on his face. “I know just how much you love needles. I promise I’ll only use three or four. Five, tops.” He was seriously grinning now. “Cross my heart and hope to live a long life.”