Her Warriors' Three Wishes (Dante's Circle)

by Ryan, Carrie Ann

  It wasn’t so much the glass, as what it represented.

  They weren’t safe.

  Not here, not at his home in the angelic realm. Not anywhere.

  Not with Pyro still alive.

  He would have taken Jamie to his home high up in the skies, but that would mean he’d have to leave Balin behind—something he would never do. He might not know his other lover as well as he did Jamie, but that would change with time. Balin was just as much his mate as Jamie was—a fact that wrapped itself around his heart like fate’s caress.

  Ambrose still hadn’t told the council he had mated a djinn and a demon. He knew they would rejoice in Jamie as they had when Shade had met his Lily, but Balin would be another issue.

  Ambrose wasn’t sure there were any matings between an angel and a demon. At least not to his recollection. Considering he’d been alive for eons, that was saying something.

  If he had to give up his sword and lose his title, he would. He’d fought for his people for thousands of years and had given and lost everything in the process. He couldn’t let the council govern his life beyond that.

  Not anymore.

  If they didn’t approve of a demon entering their world, they could block Balin from their realm. Meaning their triad would be forced to stay with the humans for eternity.

  Sadness swept over him at the thought. He loved his home, his people. He wanted to fly his mates within the clouds, watch their faces as he showed them the caverns and structures that had been erected before his time.

  He wanted to show them the history and beauty of the angels.

  He didn’t know if that was possible.

  So, for now, he would stay with the humans and with his mates.

  He couldn’t go down to hell, not again, and risk another war. Meaning he’d have to wait for Pyro to come to him. How long would that take? How many people would be injured or die in the process?

  What cause was worth his own life?

  There had to be something that could be done to prevent war and loss.

  What?

  He let out a breath as he walked back into the house. As a warrior, he’d asked himself that question thousands of times and had yet to find an answer.

  Maybe there wasn’t one.

  Maybe one just drifted from fight to fight, barely being able to hold onto the precious moments of peace and love in between.

  “What put that frown on your face?” Jamie asked as she walked up to him, her body sweaty from her work out and training session.

  This is what he’d been missing all these years—someone to come home to. Someone to love him for who he was and stay by his side. Now that he had two of them, he wasn’t going to let them go, not for any price.

  She set the book down and came to him, wrapping her arms around his waist, her soft body molding to his. With Balin at Dante’s, meeting to talk about things they’d missed over time, he and Jamie were alone for the first time.

  Something that he’d love to take advantage of.

  “Why did Balin leave?” she whispered. “And don’t tell me it’s so he can catch up with Dante. He barely even talked to us before he left. What’s going on with him?”

  Ambrose’s arms tightened at her words. He’d hoped she hadn’t noticed the distance Balin had put between them and himself, but he knew Jamie was more observant than that.

  “And don’t give me that silent act you’ve perfected. I know he’s putting up a wall, but I don’t know why.”

  He kissed her temple, letting her scent wash over him. “I think he feels responsible for the demons coming here and trying to hurt you—for actually hurting you. Even though Pyro did all of this to hurt me. ”

  Jamie pulled back, her eyes wide before they narrowed in anger. “Seriously? He’s going to blame himself for his dad’s decisions? He’s spent his whole life making sure everyone knew he wasn’t his father and now he’s taking on his father’s guilt? It doesn’t make any sense.”

  “He can still feel guilt over his father’s transgressions—even if it’s misplaced.”

  “Well, that’s just stupid. We’ll have to make sure he knows we don’t blame him.” She pulled back and paced the living room, anger and sadness radiating from her. “He doesn’t get to pull away from me like you did.”

  He winced as the shot hit home.

  She turned, regret on her face. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that.”

  “Yes, you did. I deserved it.”

  She shrugged as she wrapped her arms around herself. “I still don’t know why you left for a year. Yes, I know that you stayed for so long because of the council, but you didn’t have to cut ties completely. You didn’t have to make me feel like nothing.”

  Pain sliced at him at what an unworthy angel he was, almost sending him to his knees. He’d hurt her because he’d been a coward—nothing more, nothing less.

  He didn’t deserve her.

  Didn’t deserve Balin.

  He wouldn’t run. He’d prove he could be worthy.

  Ambrose walked the small distance between them and fell to his knees, needing to be near her but not tower over her.

  “I was a coward. Nothing. I wasn’t worthy of you,” he said as the words in his mind tumbled and thrashed. “I’m still not, but I’ll prove myself. I left because I couldn’t stand to lose another person in my life. I was scared.”

  He was an angelic warrior and would never admit to the fear coursing through his veins…but this was Jamie.

  She was his.

  She ran her hand through his hair, and he leaned into her touch.

  “You’ve said that before, Ambrose. You’re not a coward. I want to move on though. I don’t want to talk about the choices we made, just the ones we’re going to make. I want to know more about you, about Balin. I want to know what our futures will hold and how we’ll survive together. I don’t want to look back. Not anymore.”

  He leaned forward, kissing her belly, wrapping his arms around her waist. “Our future will be ripe with anything you desire, anything you need. All you have to do is ask.”

  She gave a shaky laugh, and he looked up at her torn expression. “I just want us to be happy. I want Balin to come back and not feel guilty. I want you to not feel it as well. I just want us to live our lives while I try to figure out how to live with two men.” She grinned at that last part, and Ambrose shook his head.

  “We can do that.” He stood, keeping her in his hold. “I’ve noticed we’re alone at the moment, and I don’t think I’ve had you just to myself.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “You aren’t jealous, are you? Because you don’t get to be jealous of sharing me with Balin. We’re a team.”

  He leaned down to take her lips, loving the way she moaned into him. “I’m not jealous. I’m just pointing out that I can have you alone for a moment. I want to share you with our demon, but I also want you under me, just me—and I know Balin wants the same.”

  She nodded, understanding in her gaze. “And the two of you will want to be alone.”

  He smiled. “Yes, we’re not just a triad, but three couplings.”

  “It sounds very complicated,” she teased as she ran her hands up his shirt, her skin soft, delicate.

  “I’ll make it easy for you,” he whispered as he slowly slid up her dress, his hand gripping her ass. “I’m going to love you, fill you, and make you quiver. Then later, we’ll do the same to Balin. How does that sound?”

  She nodded, and he pulled the dress over her head. She stood in her panties and bra, barefoot and perfect.

  He nibbled up her neck, her taste settling on his tongue as her hands roamed his back. He pulled away to let her take off his shirt.

  He cupped her breasts, her nipples stiffening through her bra.

  “I want you, Jamie. All of you.” He crushed his mouth to hers, their bodies moving together toward the couch.

  He pulled away and turned her around so she faced away from him, her perfect bottom ready for his hands.

&n
bsp; “Put your hands against the couch,” he ordered.

  “What is it with you two and taking me from behind?” she said as she wiggled her ass.

  He spanked her hard, and she gasped. “Balin told me you liked that, and I wanted to see. If you think we’re doing too much of the same thing, I’m sure I can change that.”

  He quickly shucked his pants and stripped her of her bra and panties, leaving them both naked and panting.

  “I’m going to let you ride me, Jamie-mine. How does that sound?”

  She smiled as he sat down and she straddled him. He held her hips steady as she tried to slide over him, not wanting to take her just yet.

  She looked like a goddess, his goddess.

  “What’s wrong?” she asked, her breasts heaving as she panted, wanting.

  He slid one hand up between her breasts and collared her throat. Her eyes darkened, and he smiled.

  “I want to make sure you’re ready for me,” he whispered, letting his hand fall back down to her pussy. He circled her clit, loving the way she rocked into him, her mound brushing up against his cock.

  He slowly traced his fingers over her, letting them tease and pet. When he slowly slid two fingers within her and twisted to rub her in that place she loved so much, her body shook.

  “Please, Ambrose, I want to come on you, not without you.”

  His cock throbbed at her words, wanted her more than ever.

  He slowly removed his fingers and brought them to his lips, tasting her sweet juices.

  “Gods, you taste amazing.”

  She blushed, her breasts going pink at his words.

  “You don’t like it when I talk dirty?” he asked, teasing.

  “I love it. It’s just different coming from you,” she whispered. “You’re usually so stoic.”

  He slowly lifted her up and then down his cock, one inch at a time. Her eyes widened as her pussy clenched around him.

  “I’m yours, Jamie.” He said, needing control. “You’re mine. I want you to know the thoughts in my head as I take you. I want you to know who is taking you.”

  He let her slide down a bit more until finally— finally—he was fully seated within her, her heat pressing around him on all sides, ready to milk him at just one thrust.

  “I know it’s you, Ambrose.” She tried to rock, and his grip on her hips tightened, stopping her. “Please,” she begged.

  Unable to deny her, he lifted her slightly so he could thrust into her, hard, fast, with everything they both needed.

  She threw her head back, pushing her breasts closer to his lips. Giving into temptation, he sucked one nipple into his mouth. She moaned and tried to move.

  “Please, Ambrose. You said I could ride you,” she said as she panted.

  He pulled back, letting her breast go with a pop. “So I did.”

  He stilled his hips and let her move. And, God, did she move. She rolled her hips, letting her body take him in deeper, then moved up and down, resting her hands on his shoulders. He rested his hands on her hips, their gazes meeting.

  His Jamie rode him hard like the goddess she was, their magic mingling, their bond flaring in a tangle of desire, lust, and promise. And, when they came together, hard, and inviting, she rested her head on his, their chests rising and falling as one.

  He’d almost missed this.

  He wouldn’t let her go again.

  She was his, and he intended to keep it that way.

  No matter the obstacle.

  Chapter 15

  Balin stepped out of the shower and dried himself off. He’d purposely waited to take one until Jamie left to go help Lily with a baby thing so he wouldn’t be tempted to bring his mate in with him.

  He closed his eyes with a groan.

  Really? This was how he was going to handle it?

  Hide from his mates and refuse to touch either of them?

  He knew it made no sense to them, and it really didn’t to him either. He didn’t have a choice.

  He’d almost lost both of them because his father wanted him dead. Not only dead, but broken and beaten from everything imaginable until he begged for death. Pyro would take away his mates and force him to watch—that was the type of sadistic bastard his father was.

  Well, there was no way Balin would let that happen.

  He knew he was cutting himself off at the neck, but there wasn’t any other choice. Ambrose and Jamie were more important than anything in his world, anything he could ever hope to have.

  He pulled on his jeans and ran a hand through his wet hair. He missed his horns, but he wasn’t about to wear them on this plane. Since he wasn’t used to hiding because he’d always been in the hell realm, he’d probably forget to pull them back and scare the poor unsuspecting neighbors. As it was, they probably thought Jamie was crazy with two men staying with her and the sound of broken glass reaching their ears every few months.

  If he stayed, they’d have to move to a home hidden in the forest or in another realm that would accept them. That way they could be themselves.

  That was a big if though.

  Balin shook his head and walked out of the bedroom. He knew the choices he was about to make would only hurt the ones he loved, but he’d rather them be hurt than dead.

  Ambrose stood in the living room, his broad back shirtless. His wings slid back into the slits where they hid in the human realm.

  Balin’s gaze trailed down his muscular lover’s body, his legs encased in jeans that were just snug enough in the thighs that Balin had to adjust himself. As Ambrose turned to him, Balin noticed that the top button was undone, showing that blond happy trail that Balin wanted to lick with his tongue.

  Hades, walking away was going to be harder than he thought. He loved the way Ambrose looked—strong and protective—compared to the way their Jamie looked. While she was soft, yet deceptively tough, Ambrose was steel-encased fragility.

  His gaze followed his lover’s thick chest, defined by an ageless amount of strength and battle. His hair was out of its band, falling to his shoulders as his head tilted to the side, confusion on his beautifully chiseled face.

  “What’s wrong?” Ambrose asked as he stood there, his hands on his hips.

  Images of just what Balin wanted to do with those hips, along with just about everything else on this man, filled his mind. He might have preferred women, but he wanted Ambrose in every way possible.

  No.

  He had to remain strong and pull back. It wouldn’t hurt as much if he didn’t touch his mates.

  Hades, who was he kidding? It was going to hurt like hell no matter what he did, but at least this way, they would be alive.

  “Balin?”

  He blinked as Ambrose took a step toward him, a frown on his face.

  “I’m fine,” he said, his voice low.

  “No, you’re not. Jamie and I have noticed it, Balin. You can’t hide from us, no matter how hard you try. Why are you pulling back?”

  Balin swallowed, not liking the way they saw right through him, even before he’d actually left.

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

  Ambrose fisted his hands and stalked toward him, danger seeping from his warrior’s pores. “Really? You don’t know what I’m talking about? Let’s see, you’ve shut yourself off from me. You don’t look at me, except right now it appears your cock likes me. I can see the way it’s pushing at your zipper, is it because I have my shirt off?”

  Balin’s cock pushed harder against his jeans at Ambrose’s words. He opened his mouth to speak, but Ambrose cut him off.

  “Let’s not forget that you’ve pulled away from Jamie as well. You don’t look at her; you don’t speak unless you’re spoken to. You purposely spend your days with Dante, even though you haven’t seen the dragon in over a hundred years. You’re hiding from us—hiding from her. Don’t you see you’re hurting our mate? She’s our true half. Don’t you get that? With each step backwards you take, it’s another slice to her heart…anot
her slice to mine.”

  “Ambrose...” His throat constricted at the pain he’d caused.

  “No, I don’t know if I want to hear it. I get that you’re scared.”

  “I’m not scared,” he lied again.

  Ambrose moved to stand right in front of him, their similar heights bringing them to eye level. “Don’t fucking lie to me. I might have been able to get over the fact that you’re killing me with each decision to pull back, but I won’t forgive you for hurting Jamie.”

  “You hurt her first,” he said, lashing out like a child, unable to take the anguish in his angel’s eyes.

  Pain crossed Ambrose’s face, and Balin immediately regretted his callous words.

  “You’re right. I did. And, no matter what I do, I will never earn the forgiveness I don’t deserve. Right now, I’m standing by her while you’re pulling back. Is it because you’re afraid of Pyro? You know that no matter what you do, Pyro won’t stop. He doesn’t want to hurt Jamie and me just because of you. You remember that I’m the one who scarred him. I’m the reason he took Jamie in the first place. This isn’t just about you, so stop being so selfish and stand by our sides. We can’t lose if we stick together.”

  Ambrose cupped Balin’s cheek and leaned in to brush his lips across his, soft, tentative.

  This man.

  This angel.

  This mate was the one to break him.

  Hades, he was fucking stupid.

  “I don’t want to lose you or Jamie,” he whispered, his breath mingling with his angel’s.

  “It’s not going to happen. By blocking yourself from us, you’re just making us all more vulnerable. Don’t you understand that? We’re stronger as a team, not as a fragment of what could have been.”

  Balin leaned forward, his forehead resting on Ambrose’s cheek. “I’m an idiot.”

  “Yes, yes you are. We’ve all been one at some point in our lives. I was one when I tried to save Jamie from a life with a warrior—when I tried to save myself from a potential heartache because it was all I knew. Now it’s your turn.”