by ERIN BEDFORD
As if reading my mind once more, Jack prodded at my entrance, only going in an inch before withdrawing. I mewled like a kitten begging for more. Thankfully, Jack wasn’t in the withholding mood, because his next thrust slid him even further inside, ripping a gasp from me.
“Maya?” he asked with concern and a breaking restraint in his voice.
I swallowed and breathed, “I’m okay. Keep going.”
That was all the encouragement Jack needed before he pulled back and then pushed into me once more, this time until his hips touched mine. Completely inside of me, the thickness of him took my breath away. I didn’t have time to catch it before he was moving again. Each movement increased in speed until I was gasping for air, the overwhelming feeling of him almost too much to handle.
My orgasm hit me all at once, making me cry out and scratch at the table beneath me. My breathing came out in rapid pants as Jack grunted and shuddered above me. His hips stilled against me as his hand stroked my back. When he slipped from me, I could feel the residue from our lovemaking on my thighs and grimaced. I’d definitely need a shower after this.
“Are you, all right?” Jack asked, helping me pull my skirt back down and stand up.
“I’m good. Great even. I just need ...” My eyes searched the area for something to clean off with and landed on a stack of towels. They were probably meant for injuries, but they would do. Seeing where my gaze pointed to, Jack retrieved a towel and even went so far as to kneel before me to clean beneath my skirt. His slow movements against my hyper-sensitive skin almost had me orgasming again, but the moment was over all too soon.
“Are you ready to return to the public?” Jack asked, offering me his arm.
I took it with a goofy grin, completely at ease. “Lead the way, my champion.”
As we exited the examination area and walked through the infirmary proper, my footsteps slowed. A feeling of dread filled me as I remembered where exactly we were and what we had just done. I dropped Jack’s arm and rushed over to where Fujin and Raijin had last been recouping. I hoped against hope that they had recovered enough to be discharged from the infirmary. When I pulled back the curtain to their beds, and my eyes met their amused ones, I knew it had been too much to hope for.
“Uh...” I couldn’t find the words to explain, but from the looks on their faces, I didn’t need to. They had heard it all.
“What is it?” Jack asked, coming to my side. When he saw the grinning twins, he cursed under his breath. “How long have you two been in here?”
Fujin placed his hands behind his head and smirked. “The whole time.”
“And what a time it was,” Raijin added with a heated expression. “Now, I know why your men are so infatuated with you, Maya Rose.”
My face flushed with embarrassment as I shifted in place. “Just don’t tell anyone okay?” I fidgeted with my hands unable to meet their gazes now or ever again.
“Who would we tell?” Fujin answered with a shrug. “Besides, such matters are private and only meant for close company. And I have to say, Maya, I feel quite close to you now.”
The twins’ combined laughter only made my face burn hotter. Without a word, I turned on my feet and headed for the door. If I hurried, I might still see the end of the race, and hopefully, it would be enough to erase my mortification.
I doubted it though.
If the twins were anything like their brother, they weren’t going to let it go just because I asked. They might keep it a secret, but they’d find a way to torture me with it. I’d just have to keep my distance from the pair for the foreseeable future, or at least until they find someone else to tease.
14
By the time I got back to the square, the race was over. People were gathered around the winners, clapping them on the back and chattering about the race.
I searched for two familiar heads or their red and black scales, but Raiden and Firestar were nowhere to be found. Who I did find was Gretchen. She stood beside two other men with similar features to hers. I could only assume they were her brothers or some other close relatives. The way they glared at me told me she had told them who I was and what I’d done.
Or rather what she thought I had done to her. It was hardly my fault her mate had accepted his uncle’s request. Though, I knew no matter how much I explained it, she would never believe me. I’d always be the woman who stole her love, which meant she was dangerous.
“Maya.” I turned away from the scorned woman to see Firestar and Raiden approaching me. Men and woman clapped them on the backs as they made their way through the crowd. It was plain that I was not the only one who had an eventful last few hours.
“So,” I started, grinning up at them, “who won?”
Raiden smirked, and Firestar scowled before the former announced a bit too gleeful, “We both did.”
My brow furrowed. “Huh?”
“We tied,” Firestar grumbled, his arms over his chest and his eyes off to the side. Out of the two, he seemed the most upset about it. That was not surprising really.
“Yep.” Raiden punctuated his affirmative with a pop as he adjusted his pants. “The others had no chance. After the first half hour, it was only Firestar and me at the front.”
“I would have won,” Firestar growled, shoving Raiden with a hand, “if you hadn’t cheated.”
Raiden placed a hand on his chest, his mouth hanging open in innocent surprise. “I did no such thing. You are just a sore loser.”
I giggled as they argued over who really won. From what they were saying, I really regretted missing the race, but an ache between my thighs reminded me of what I got in return.
“What’s that look for?” Raiden asked, quirking a brow at me. His and Firestar’s eyes swept over me before they broke into knowing grins. “You and Jack made up.”
Tucking my hair behind my ear, I ducked my head. “We might have.”
“Good.” Firestar wrapped an arm around my shoulders, bringing me into his warmth. “We have enough troubles without losing one of our best fighters.”
“And her feelings had nothing to do with it?” Raiden asked with a disbelieving shake of his head. That shake froze when his gaze caught something that made his expression turn to worry. “You need to watch your back, Maya. If I know anything, there is nothing worse than a woman with a grudge against you.”
I followed his gaze to where Gretchen stood. I’d had the same thought, but with Raiden’s warning, I knew I wasn’t being over cautious. There would be a time I would have to deal with Gretchen. I just hoped it wouldn’t end badly for either of us.
“When’s the next event?” I asked, changing the subject to something less worrying. “I still get to participate right?”
“Yes.” Firestar sighed, not at all pleased with the situation.
“But first,” Raiden said, pulling me from Firestar’s embrace to his, “we feast and celebrate my great victory.”
“You mean our,” Firestar growled in my ear as he latched himself to my other side. Shoved between their two bodies, I was almost too warm as they led me back to the house.
“Sure, sure.” Raiden laughed and rolled his eyes. “But only the real winner gets to accompany Maya tomorrow during the hunt.”
“Tomorrow?” I asked, curious to know why there was going to be a delay in the contests, then my eyes found the horizon. Pink and orange painted the skies, making me realize how late it actually was. There’d be no use in starting now unless I wanted to hunt at night, which I didn’t.
“Bright and early,” Raiden explained and then winked. “Maybe we should skip the party and go straight to bed?” He wagged his eyebrows up and down making me laugh.
“What makes you think she will be bedding you tonight, cheater?” Firestar taunted, jerking me to the other side of him. I was glad to no longer be between them - surprising I know - but knew that getting in the way of their rivalry would only end in bloodshed.
Raiden only grinned at Firestar’s words, not affected at all by
his name calling. “Well, we could always share her, as we did the race.”
The thought of those two sharing me caused a visceral reaction. Jack and Raiden had shared me before, but I never expected Firestar to, now or ever. He had too much ego to not be the main attraction. The thoughtful look on Firestar’s face said he might actually be considering it.
“Guys,” I murmured, noticing the people gathering around us. We were standing in the middle of the hallway, blocking everyone’s path. “Can we not discuss our sex life in public? I’ve had about all the exhibition I can handle for one day.”
Firestar and Raiden gave me a curious look, but I wasn’t about to admit what happened in the infirmary. There was no need to relive my humiliation.
Thankfully, I was saved from the questions because Jack came through the crowd. My face lit up until I saw Fujin and Raijin close behind him. I had wondered why he had stayed behind after I had left. I shot the twins warning looks, but they only grinned in return.
“I hear you two won,” Jack said, not noticing my uncomfortable glances toward the twins.
Raiden opened his mouth to answer, but Firestar shoved him shutting him up before he could. “I won. He cheated.”
And so, the argument started again.
By the time we made it to the dining hall where the festivities were being held, everyone else had already filed in. Firestar and Raiden still argued about who had won, while Jack stayed close to my side.
My eyes darted to the twins who seemed to take great joy in watching me squirm as I waited for them to say something. Jack took my hand in his and drew me around to him. I pulled my eyes away from the twins with a sigh.
“Something is bothering you,” Jack stated, his pale eyes filled with worry. I glanced at Fujin and Raijin and then back to Jack. “Ah, I see. You are worried they will tell someone about our ... time together.” Jack slid his hands around my waist and smiled slightly. “Do not worry. After you left, I gave them a sound threat that they would not dare to test.”
“You did?” I cocked a brow, surprised that he would be thoughtful enough to do so.
Jack tilted my chin up and pressed his lips to mine. “Do you think any of us want anyone else to hear your cries of pleasure?”
I shrugged a shoulder. “I didn’t think you really minded.”
“I don’t care about myself,” Jack explained with a soft expression. “I do care about my mate being embarrassed. So, do not worry. They will keep their mouths closed.”
“But will they keep them closed around me?” I muttered, more to myself than to Jack, but he answered anyway.
“That I cannot promise you, but with this …” He paused and withdrew the blade he had given me, the one I had tossed on the table in front of Gretchen before I knew the whole story. “You can administer a threat of your own. Perhaps something a bit closer to home?”
I laughed at his suggestion and took the blade from him. In my dress, I didn’t really have anywhere to put it. I had opted for flats rather than boots this time, but still, I felt safer with it in my grasp.
“Thank you,” I sighed into his embrace. “I am sorry I tossed it away so easily.”
Jack caressed my face with a solemn smile. “There will never be a need to again.”
“Definitely,” I agreed.
“Come, let us celebrate our men’s victory and later we can find a more pleasurable place to celebrate alone.” Jack wrapped his arm around my shoulders and led me to the tables.
“Get in line. Those two have been fighting over the honor since they won.” I laughed, pointing at Firestar and Raiden. “I can’t figure out if it’s because they actually want me or want to outdo each other.”
Jack held my chair out for me with a grin. “Probably a bit of both.”
I nodded in agreement as I took my seat. This time our table was full of familiar faces, none of which who would stab me in the back for a misunderstanding. My men, the twins, and Jack’s cousin, Tyrell, sat around me, laughing and eating as if there wasn’t a war brewing. I wished I could forget so easily.
“You know,” Tyrell said after a moment, “my cousin has never smiled so much in his life. Until he met you, that is.” His lips curved up in what could have been a smile of his own but also could have been a grimace.
“Really?” I ducked my head, my own mouth tipping up. “I would think he would have plenty to smile about here.”
“Not so.” Tyrell shook his head. “We might be a close-knit village, but we still have our share of problems. Take your father’s invitation, for example.”
I felt Jack stiffen beside me, but he didn’t stop Tyrell from continuing his story.
“It had originally been meant for me, but my father didn’t want to give your father the satisfaction of merging our kingdoms. Not that I could blame him.” Tyrell took a bite of his meat, his mouth too full to say anymore.
“Well.” I smiled tightly. “It all worked out for the best. Jack is dear to me, and I wouldn’t trade him for all the land in Waesigar.”
“Then you will be a much better ruler than your father.” Lord Fafnir appeared at the end of the table with a straight face. Silence fell over us all as every gaze fixed on the lord.
I gave a wry grin. “I cannot disagree with you there. I fear my father and many others have lost sight of what is best for the people and care only for what is best for themselves.”
Jack squeezed my hand next to me in reassurance. At least, I wasn’t the only one who thought so.
“I, for one, am glad you and our Jack have done so well for yourselves. Firestar and Raiden as well.” Lord Fafnir glanced at the others who nodded in appreciation. “It is hard enough to find love in our world let alone with so many. I hope for happiness and a healthy child for you all.”
“Thank you, my lord.” I bowed my head slightly, thrilled that at least someone wished us well. The others murmured their own thanks before Lord Fafnir announced his departure. With him gone, the table relaxed once more.
“So, about tomorrow’s hunt,” Raiden started, pointing his fork at me, “who do you wish to come with you?”
“No one.” I stared him down, daring him to argue with me. He didn’t have to though because Jack turned me to him with a worried expression.
“Maya, you cannot go on this hunt alone.”
“Why not? I can take care of myself.”
“True,” Jack agreed. The tone of his voice made me know a but was coming. “But it is a long hunt. It lasts all day, and you might get too tired to return on your own. Wouldn’t you feel better to have someone by your side to take you home if you find it is too much for you?”
“But I won’t.” I shook my head. “You guys are always with me. Protecting me. I need to be able to prove to myself that I can do something on my own.” I glanced at the three of them. “I love you, and I understand your concern, but I can’t do that with you babysitting me.”
Jack exchanged a look with the others and sighed. “Very well, if that is your wish.”
“Yes!” I practically danced in my seat.
“But,” Firestar interjected, interrupting my happy dance, “we will all be participating as well to keep an eye on you. So, if something happens ...”
“It won’t,” I assured him.
“But, if it does,” Firestar continued, ignoring my glare. “We will be close by if you need us.”
Thinking about it for a moment, I considered their conditions. They weren’t really letting me go alone, but they weren’t going to hover over me like nagging hens. I supposed it was the best I was going to get in my condition. Beggars couldn’t be choosers.
“Fine,” I sighed in defeat before holding a finger up. “You can follow me, but not too close.”
The guys nodded in agreement though none of them looked very happy about it. With the decision made, I clapped my hands together like a giddy child. “So, what are we hunting?”
15
I went to bed alone that night and woke up the next day bright
and early. I showered quickly and started for the bedroom door when a wave of sickness came over me.
“No, not today,” I groaned as I darted back to the bathroom.
My stomach heaved, but since I had nothing inside, it was only dry heaves. To me, that was even worse. Acid coated my throat and tongue, making my nausea worse. God, why did it have to happen today of all days? I groaned and sat beside the toilet, my hand on my face.
I sat there for a while, letting my stomach settle, and almost didn’t hear the knock on my door. It opened before I could ask who it was, and the sound of three sets of feet entered.
Great. Just what I needed. If the guys saw me like this, they wouldn’t let me compete today.
“Maya,” Raiden called out, his voice coming closer to the bathroom.
I jumped to my feet and regretted it instantly, my world spinning around me. Gritting my teeth, I forced myself to stand straight, my hand on the sink. I turned the water on and faced away from the door to give me time to get a hold of myself.
“Maya,” Raiden said once more with a breath of relief. “Why didn’t you answer?”
I took a handful of water into my mouth and swished it around before glancing over my shoulder. “I was using the bathroom. As much as I care for you, I would like to keep some mystery in this relationship.”
Raiden’s nose wrinkled, but he didn’t comment. “We were coming to see if you wanted to get some breakfast before the hunt. Don’t want to be out there on an empty stomach, especially with the competition so fierce today.”
“Are you worried?” I asked, following him out of the bathroom where Jack and Firestar waited. They were all dressed for the hunt already. Even Jack had opted to wear pants and a shirt rather than his usual nice suit. I didn’t blame him. Traipsing through the woods would have ruined it.
“We don’t want you to get hurt is all.” Jack approached, holding out the clothing he had picked out for me. “Are you sure you want to do this?”
I didn’t really, now that my stomach had decided it wanted to dance. But I’d made a big fuss over it. My pride wouldn’t let me back out now. “Yes, I’m sure.”