Dark Dichotomy

by Aubrey Ross

  With steady patience, Ryan pushed deeper, finally bumping the back of her mouth. He felt amazing sliding across her tongue. She wanted more!

  After only a few leisurely rotations, Ryan pulled out. “I don’t want to come like this.”

  “Fair enough.” Torral pulled away too and Kendra whimpered. She felt cold and damp without his mouth, empty and needful. He stood and said, “Get up on your hands and knees. Bring that sexy mouth over here and offer Ryan your tight pink pussy.”

  His graphic language was oddly thrilling. He hadn’t acted like this last night. He’d been gentle and patient. This was different. They didn’t have all night. They were racing his transformation.

  “But he doesn’t have a condom,” she pointed out.

  “We can’t form the link with a barrier between us,” Torral told her. “That’s why I used a condom last night.”

  “You used a condom with her?” Ryan sounded genuinely shocked.

  She didn’t understand the emotions clouding Torral’s gaze and his comment was even more confusing. “I’m trying to slow down the bonding. We both know it’s already begun, but I want to give her as much time as possible.”

  “But you’re the dominant twin. It’s your right to—”

  “I don’t care. She’s more important than tradition.” Without explaining what any of that meant, Torral looked at her and smiled. “Do we need to heat you up again?”

  With a quick shake of her head, she turned around and arranged herself on her hands and knees. The danger was real and everything Torral had told her had turned out to been true. Right now their unseen enemy was a bigger risk than an STD.

  Ryan traced her slit with his fingertips, waiting while Torral hurriedly undressed. She enjoyed Ryan’s touch as she savored each inch of firm flesh Torral revealed. One or the other of these two would have been a dream come true. Was it possible she could have them both without guilt or jealousy? Heat spread across her skin in a long, languid wave.

  Ryan positioned himself against her vaginal opening as Torral stepped up to the bed. “Ready?” She didn’t know if Torral’s question had been meant for her or Ryan. It didn’t matter. Torral brought his cock toward her mouth and she eagerly drew him inside. Ryan was half a second behind. He pushed deeper and deeper into her pussy and Kendra groaned.

  They effortlessly synchronized their movements. Kendra braced her knees and held on for dear life. They were both so damned big! It was intoxicating and thrilling and—perfect. Nothing had ever felt so right.

  Ryan reached beneath her and found her clit, pairing each drive with a gentle pinch. Tension gathered, accenting the fullness and the urgency.

  They eased into her mind, first Torral then Ryan. She felt their mental touch as tangibly as their physical possession. Torral passed the connection to Ryan and she was inundated with emotions. Lust and tenderness, determination and hope, and pleasure, unbearable pleasure.

  The sensations flowed freely through them, gaining momentum as they ricocheted from one to the others. She’d never felt anything so intense or so liberating. She opened herself completely, giving as freely as she received.

  They came together in a staggering burst of shimmering light. Kendra cried out around Torral’s cock as he released his seed down her throat. Her inner muscles contracted firmly, coaxing every last tingle from Ryan.

  Before she could catch her breath, light haloed Torral. No! I don’t want this to be over so soon. She utilized the link without conscious thought.

  “It’s not over, sweetheart. He’ll be back at dusk,” Ryan assured her as Torral disintegrated.

  She closed her eyes for a moment, trying to calm her reeling mind. When she opened them again, Torral was gone.

  Ryan pulled her up, pressing her back against his chest as he cupped both her breasts. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine, for someone who has just learned that there’s another race of beings living on Earth.” He was still semi-hard inside her body and her mouth tasted like Torral. “Oh yeah, and had her first sexual encounter with two men.”

  He chuckled. “It will take some time for all this to sink in.”

  “No doubt.” She eased away and scooted off the bed. “I’m going to take a shower.”

  “I’m coming with you.” He paused and his smile faded. “Unless you need a few minutes alone.”

  “That might be a good idea.”

  She didn’t miss the disappointment in his gaze as he said, “I’ll use the hall bathroom and meet you downstairs.”

  * * *

  Ryan found Joseph and Daniel congregated around the small table in the back of the kitchen.

  “Alone so soon?” Joseph teased. “This can’t be good.”

  “She’ll be down in a few minutes,” Ryan grumbled.

  Kendra had already made astounding progress toward becoming his mate. After she had a short break from the pressure, they would spend the rest of the day exploring their developing bond. He longed for more of the breath-stealing pleasure, yet he knew she needed reassurance and a sense of normalcy.

  Pulling out a chair, he joined his brothers at the table. Ruth set a plate in front of him and crossed to the stove. He’d sensed Kendra’s emotions as she closed the door to the bathroom. She was confused and overwhelmed, yet excited and hopeful. The conflict was to be expected. Still, he longed to pull her into his arms and reassure her.

  “Is everything all right?” Daniel asked when Ryan lapsed into silence.

  “It will be. We just need to be patient with her.”

  The doorbell rang and the brothers exchanged concerned looks. “Are either of you expecting someone?” Ryan asked. They seldom had unscheduled guests.

  “Enjoy your breakfast,” Ruth urged. “I’ll go see who it is.”

  Activity around the table halted as all three brothers strained to hear what was going on in the foyer. Ryan heard an unfamiliar female speak then Ruth responded. He couldn’t make out their words.

  “This is odd.”

  Joseph’s expression echoed Daniel’s comment.

  Preferring the direct approach, Ryan pushed back his chair and headed for the foyer. His brothers were a step behind him.

  “Is there a problem?” he asked.

  An attractive brunette stood just inside the door, her hands folded in front of her. She wore a neat, demure dress of navy blue, matching shoes the only indulgence.

  “I’m having the morning from hell,” she responded without offering her name. “I got a flat and managed to lock my keys in the car as I was getting ready to change the tire. My cell phone is in my purse and my purse is inside the car.” She shook her head and released a nervous little laugh. “As if all that weren’t enough, I’m supposed to start a new job this morning.”

  Fear stabbed into Ryan. Without explanation he turned toward the staircase and took off at a run. Kendra’s emotions had been uneven, but nothing like this. Joseph halted the woman’s attempt to flee and Daniel followed on Ryan’s heels.

  Ryan burst into his bedroom to find Kendra grappling with a man. Driving his fist into the intruder’s face, he propelled him back a step. Kendra twisted violently, freeing herself from his grasp. Daniel moved in front of her, arms extended like a shield.

  The intruder swung, but Ryan deflected the blow. Focused entirely on pulverizing the intruder, Ryan threw punch after punch. The stranger was fast and agile. He dodged more blows than he took, landing a jab here and there, despite Ryan’s blind fury.

  As if sensing his impending death, the intruder suddenly changed tactics. He hunched down and took a defensive pose. Ryan swung wide and the stranger used the momentum to pull him off balance.

  Ryan landed on his knees and the intruder rushed out through the French doors. He was over the railing and off the balcony before Ryan realized his intention.

  The angry growl of a dirt bike followed. Ryan watched in helpless rage as the bastard flew across the side yard and took off across the vineyard. They still had no idea who he was!
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  “Fuck!” He brought his fist down on the railing once, then went back inside. “Are you all right?” He pulled Kendra into his arms. “He didn’t hurt you, did he?”

  “He scared the hell out of me, but that’s all. I opened the door from the bathroom and he was just standing there.”

  “That woman is part of this.” Ryan turned his head toward Daniel. “Don’t let her leave.”

  Daniel nodded and went downstairs.

  Ryan looked Kendra over from head to foot before his heart resumed its normal rhythm. She wore his bathrobe and her hair was damp, but she was unharmed. He framed her face with his hands and kissed her long and hard.

  She smiled as his lips left hers. “I’m fine, really.”

  “I was ready to tear the house apart when I felt your fear. I’ve never been that angry in my life.”

  Kendra tightened the belt on her borrowed bathrobe, still a little breathless from her brush with danger. Ryan’s instantaneous reaction to her peril warmed and comforted her. The link had worked exactly like they said it would. Thank God, she’d allowed them to form it.

  “Let’s go see if his accomplice can shed some light on this mess,” she suggested.

  The woman sat in one of the kitchen chairs, Joseph glowering at her from one side and Daniel from the other. Kendra shooed them back and swung a chair around so she could sit facing the woman.

  “What’s your name?” Kendra asked in a calm, approachable tone.

  “H-Heather.”

  “How was this supposed to play out, Heather? What did your partner tell you to expect?”

  The woman looked at the men surrounding her, then back at Kendra. She fiddled with the fabric of her dress and shook her head. “My car just broke down. I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “We both know that’s not true.” Kendra looked at Ruth and smiled. “Could I get a cup of coffee? And why don’t you guys give us a minute?”

  The men reluctantly filed out.

  I’m going to monitor the conversation. Ryan sent the thought to her mind as he retreated through the archway. We’ll be in the library.

  “Now let’s review what just happened here.” She thanked Ruth for the coffee and paused to take a sip. “Do you want something to drink?” The stranger shook her head. “Is Heather your real name?” No response. “Your partner took off on a dirt bike. He obviously had no intention of taking you with him. Did he play you or does he have something on you?”

  “He’s not my partner.”

  “Then why did you distract the men while he tried to kidnap me?”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “You can either talk to me or to the police. I wasn’t harmed and his attempt failed, so I might be able to convince my friends to deal with this ourselves. Would you rather I just call the police?”

  Heather’s brave façade began to crumble. Tears welled behind her lashes and she averted her face. “He told me he was going to steal some records. No one was supposed to get hurt.”

  Questions rushed through Kendra’s mind, but she carefully restrained them. She needed to keep her interrogation simple and direct. “Who is he?”

  “There are two of them.”

  Kendra nodded. Torral was sure they were dealing with a Dichotomy. Apparently this woman didn’t understand what that meant. “What are their names?”

  “Connell and Aidan.”

  “Do you know their last names?”

  “It’s Aidan Nicholson. I’m not sure what Connell’s last name is.” She blew out a shaky breath and brushed her hair out of her eyes. “And to answer your earlier question, Connell played me and Aidan has a contract worth more than I am. I can’t believe I was such a fool.”

  Kendra wasn’t sure what she meant about the contract. Other details were more important at the moment. “Do you know why they wanted to kidnap me?”

  “Not really. Connell told me this wild story that I was gullible enough to believe.”

  “What wild story?”

  “He said Aidan was related to the Burtons. The Burtons had his family banished and later they were sterilized without their permission. He swore that all Aidan was going to do was steal proof of what the Burtons had done to him. Aidan is crazy. He’s completely obsessed with this family, so it made a certain sense.”

  “Sterilized? As in no longer able to father children?”

  Heather nodded and risked a glance into Kendra’s eyes. “It sounds ridiculous now, but Connell was very convincing.”

  Ask her about the contract. We need to know if these men will turn on her.

  “You mentioned a contract. What were you talking about?”

  “It doesn’t matter now. I’m screwed no matter what I do.”

  “There must be somewhere you can go, someone you can trust.”

  “We’ll take you to a safe house for a day or two,” Ryan said from the archway. “If what you told us checks out, we’ll help you disappear.”

  She just stared at him for a silent moment then asked, “Is she wired or something?”

  “Something like that.” He smiled.

  “Why would you help me?”

  “Because you’ve helped us more than you realize,” he replied.

  “They made you out to be such heartless villains.” She shook her head again. “I don’t know what to say.”

  “Everyone deserves a second chance,” Kendra added. “It’s up to you what you do with it.”

  “My name is Holly, not Heather,” she admitted with a sigh.

  Joseph and Daniel wandered back into the kitchen a few minutes later. Joseph made arrangements while Holly drank a cup of coffee. Kendra was dying to know if there was any truth in Holly’s bizarre story, but she didn’t pose the question until Holly and Joseph left for the safe house.

  “Was Connell’s story as ridiculous as Holly presumed? Something about it rang true to me.”

  Ryan and Daniel exchanged knowing glances before Ryan responded. “Three brothers immigrated to the United States from Ireland in 1893. Lucas felt that assimilating into human society was best for his children. His descendants live on the East Coast. Our grandfather Mangus was the middle brother. He moved west and encouraged separation from humans as well as strategic unions that strengthen our bloodline. He also formed the elder council, our primary ruling body.”

  “Wait a minute.” Kendra scooted to the edge of her seat “If Mangus was your grandfather, how could he have been alive in 1893?”

  “The Dichotomy live longer than humans. We’re more resistant to illness and disease and we age more slowly.”

  “How nice for you,” she muttered.

  “It’s nice for you too. As long as we’re linked, your life cycle will be extended.”

  She tucked away the knowledge in the back of her mind. “Let’s get back to Aidan and Connell.”

  “The youngest brother was Nicholas and he was banished by the elder council,” Daniel explained.

  “Why?”

  “For obvious reasons, we can’t depend on humans to punish our criminals,” Daniel told her. “Nicholas raped and murdered three women before he was apprehended and incarcerated. The council feared the mental instability was passed on to his children, so they were taken to a secure complex for observation.”

  “Nicholson,” she mused. “Sons of Nicholas. It’s a bit of a stretch, but the rest seems to fit. What about the sterilization? Does your elder council do that sort of thing?”

  It took Daniel a long time to admit, “In extreme cases. We have to think of the safety and wellbeing of all our people.”

  “Not to mention your people,” Ryan added. “A rogue Dichotomy is a far bigger threat than an insane human.”

  “Is your family still part of the elder council?”

  Daniel nodded. “Leos and I are chairman.”

  “What did he want with me?” She knew the answer and it made her sick. He’d intended to rape and torture her, likely end her life after he’d grown b
ored with her degradation. “You don’t have to say it. My imagination took care of it for you.”

  “We’ll find him,” Ryan vowed. “We know who he is and what motivates him now. It’s only a matter of time.”

  She took comfort in how easily they’d thwarted his attempt. Ryan and Torral were connected to her. She was never alone, never unprotected.

  You didn’t need protection until you met them. She ignored the pessimistic thought. Nothing worth having came without risk.

  Ryan threaded his fingers through hers and gave her hand a squeeze. “Are you okay?”

  “Never better.” She tilted her head and he kissed her lips. “I need to get started on the lake house. Want to drive into San Francisco with me?”

  “Absolutely. I’m not leaving your side.”

  Chapter Eight

  The next three weeks passed in a whirl of excitement and exploration. Kendra spent each day with Ryan. He charmed her with his wit and entertained her with his humor. She enjoyed his easy manner and tenderness.

  They’d said the hunger would ease once the bond was stabilized and the urgency had mellowed. Still, she couldn’t get enough of them and couldn’t imagine her life without them, even if they had only known each other for less than a month.

  Everyone in the area suspected that there was something different about the Burton brothers. Most just didn’t imagine how right they were.

  Torral could be moody, yet his unpredictability intrigued her. He frequently surprised her, which kept life interesting. She loved to watch him paint. Inspiration lit his face, making him even more attractive. If that were possible.

  Ryan liked to play in the shower. If she didn’t shower before he came to check on her, they inevitably ended up back in bed, or on the bathroom floor, or against the wall, or…

  Torral was no less adventurous. She’d seen hints of his dominant streak from the beginning, but he seemed reluctant to reveal too much too soon. He was concerned about how she would react, no doubt. So she took matters into her own hands.