Beyond The Veil: A Paranormal & Magical Romance Boxed Set

by Multiple Authors

I smiled in relief, and he looked at me over her head. We still weren’t sure if she’d accept me as her mate, or if she’d reject us both. However she wanted us, we’d take her. She glanced over at me, and doubt played over her features. When Lukas nodded in encouragement and gestured in my direction, she stood.

  The fabric caught between them, and after a second of hesitation, she let it drop.

  With tense shoulders, I watched her approach. We didn't dare interrupt her actions, or ask her what she thought. Our budding relationship remained far too fragile. She must come to terms with things on her own, or we were doomed to fail before we ever began.

  When she stepped up to me and her palm touched my cheek, I closed my eyes. Her touch was warm and her skin soft. The scent of her shampoo tickled my nose. She shifted her body to meet my gaze for a moment before she kissed me. Her lips hovered over mine, teasing with its brevity.

  My hands shook as I nudged her down to deepen the caress. Shapeshifters weren’t beast-like, but we reacted on a primitive level when it came to lust, love, and defense. The same instincts that helped me adapt to new forms demanded I stake my claim. I clung to the edge of control, but refused to let it master me.

  With her ass in the air, and the sensuality of her soft moan, I hardened. When Lia turned toward Lukas again, her expression darkened with desire. She arched her eyebrow when she saw his arousal jutting from the rumpled blanket, and a mischievous smile lit up her face.

  She feathered kisses along my jaw and down my neck as she released one button at a time. I sighed as she ran her fingertips over my chest. Lukas’ cock twitched when she pulled my shirt from my arms and tossed it aside.

  She glanced at him, appearing hesitant, but smiled when she noticed how her actions affected him. With a smirk, Lukas trailed his fingers up his leg to the base of his shaft. I watched them both, hungry for more. Lia returned her focus to me, slipping her hand into the waistband of my slacks. She traced along the fabric from my hip to the clasp, and my muscles clenched under her caress. She shifted until both her knees rested on the couch outside of my legs.

  Her position opened her pussy wide as her ass tilted in the air.

  I stroked her soft flesh, trailing my palms over her curves. She shivered as she lowered the zipper on my jeans. When my arousal bobbed free, she gave it a slow stroke from tip to balls.

  Lukas and I groaned in unison, and Lia's husky laugh broke the silence. She enjoyed her torturous teasing, and we let her. He rarely relinquished control, but I knew he allowed her this opportunity to get used to us.

  I beckoned him closer, and he stood, approaching the sofa as she worked my shaft with steady twists of her delicate wrists. I saw he wanted to touch me, but he didn't wish to alarm her with his actions. Instead, he ran his hands through her hair to connect us.

  She took my erection in one fist and pumped his in another. Watching them was the most erotic vision I’d seen in my life. No other woman compared. It wasn't a matter of beauty or desire, but the tenderness she had as she smiled up at us almost undid me. There was pure love in her eyes even if she couldn’t yet say the words. My love for them both overwhelmed me.

  I’d craved this level of companionship for centuries.

  When she turned back to me, she devoured my mouth as she rocked on my lap. Ryleigh continued to stroke us as she moved, and my palms slid from her shoulders to her back. She looked at Lukas as she pulled him close enough to reach his tip with her tongue. When her lips closed around him, I held her still, afraid I’d lose control. Her breasts bobbed in front of my face and I leaned forward to nuzzle them before capturing a nipple.

  She switched to my cock and suckled me, torturing me with tiny nips of her teeth as if she sensed how near I was to the edge. When my hand strayed from her hip to her clit, she sighed and I stroked her. With a gasp, she came on my fingers and released her hold on my cock. Lukas and I exchanged a glance, pleased to bring our woman to completion, but ready for more.

  Ryleigh

  I pushed myself off Darian’s chest and looked up at Lukas, feeling shy. God, here I was, all but fucking his friend. No, his lover. I expected to see jealousy or anger or something when I met his gaze. Instead, he gave me such a look of lust and love; I sucked in a slow breath.

  Darian shifted beneath me and my pussy brushed over his engorged cock, sending a shock of sensations through my sensitive flesh. He groaned, but held himself still, letting me set the pace. I sensed he wanted nothing more than to take control, but he didn't.

  As I glanced between them, I realized this felt natural, as if I wouldn't feel complete without both men loving me.

  I sat up on Darian’s lap and tugged his slacks lower. He helped me slide them off his hips, and remained motionless again, waiting for me to decide what happened next. I looked up at Lukas, and he smiled as his eyes roamed over both our naked bodies. Longing filled his expression, and I knew what he desired most, even if he would never ask.

  I reached up and pulled his lips down to mine. When I let him go, I whispered, afraid to speak any louder. "Do you both want me? At the same time I mean?"

  I ducked my head, embarrassed to hear it out loud, but I was relieved, too.

  "Is this what you want?” Lukas lifted my chin, and I met his scrutiny. “We won’t rush you, Lia."

  He watched me with concern. I saw how much he needed this. In truth, I did too. I’d fantasized about having two lovers fuck me. I felt my thighs grow wet as my arousal increased.

  As soon as I nodded, Lukas turned to rummage through a cabinet at the side of the fireplace. He returned with a small tube of oil and crouched behind me. His hands ran down my back, over my ass, and then parted my cheeks.

  As his fingers stroked from my dripping pussy to my anus, I sighed and rested my forehead against Darian’s chest. Lukas massaged me in circles, and I wiggled as I tried to get him to go faster. He chuckled. "Have you ever had anal sex?"

  “Yes.”

  Darian gripped my hips again and slid lower on the couch. He kissed me, looking at me with lust and adoration. "Are you sure? Don't regret sharing this with us."

  In response, I found his erection and lowered myself onto him in one swift stroke. He groaned, lifted me up and pressed me down on him once more.

  "Gods, Ryleigh. You have no idea how much I’ve wanted this since I met you."

  Lukas reached between us and trailed his fingertips from where Darian merged with me to my back passage. "She’s wet enough to fuck her without the oil, but I don't want to hurt her. Hold her still."

  When Lukas shifted, I tensed in anticipation. He caressed my rosebud, working the lube into me as he waited for me to relax. His finger slipped past the ring of muscles. Another digit joined it, and Darian’s cock twitched.

  Lukas replaced his hand with the head of his arousal. For a minute, I worried he wouldn’t fit. Then the tip pushed past the tight coil of muscle and he stopped, letting me get used to the new feeling. I moaned in pleasure as he nudged his way inside, inch by inch.

  I felt so packed full between them, I was almost uncomfortable.

  We stayed motionless for a while, enjoying the myriad sensations between us. Then, as if they spoke some command, Lukas and Darian stirred. Their movements synchronized in perfect harmony and the pressure built. Their speed increased, and they adjusted their angle until the stimulation of each shaft thrusting in opposing directions overwhelmed me. Lukas massaged my ass and lower back as he stroked. Darian lifted me to nibble my lips and plucked at my nipples.

  Darian moved faster, breaking the rhythm. Lukas tried to match his pace, but it became erratic. Lukas came first, and his cock pulsed in my channel as he caught his breath. Darian groaned as his fingers slid down to my clit and he teased me until I teetered on the edge. He shifted his hips, rubbing against the sensitive nub with every thrust, and I shattered. He followed a minute later.

  We collapsed on the sofa, and Darian held me to his chest as Lukas half draped over my back. With a contented sigh, I burrowed my face
into his neck and inhaled. As I drifted off into slumber, I listened to their heartbeats, and I knew there was nowhere else I would rather be.

  ChapterTwenty-six

  Ryleigh

  The screen on my phone dimmed again, and this time I let it fade to black. I had no idea how many times I’d refreshed Professor Hineman’s contact info. All I had to do was press a single button, and it would change everything.

  It was funny, but I’d known what decision I would make the day I gave in to my lovers. The prior six weeks were so perfect I’d had to wonder if I dreamed it all up in a coma somewhere. Lukas was my strength and Darian was my solace.

  If Tobias wasn’t still missing, my happiness would’ve been complete. As Mimi predicted, the Kindred embraced our unconventional relationship without flickering an eyelash. They were all supportive.

  My parents were gone, and I’d distanced myself from my friends and acquaintances. As I’d prepared for my new career, Toby was the last person I had left to judge me and my choices. I was already sure he’d be ecstatic for me, once we rescued him.

  I realized how blindly I’d focused on my goals. Breaking into field archeology at my age as a female was difficult. There were so few opportunities for internship and competition turned cutthroat. As I made this monumental life-changing decision, the only people to notify were my soon-to-be ex-boss and my kidnapped best friend. How had I pushed them all away between high school and college?

  Why had I alienated everyone in favor of my ambitions?

  Watching my lovers with their extended family forced me to examine why I’d fought so hard for such a lonely existence in the first place. If I was honest, I hadn’t put off this call because I was throwing away my future. I sat here wondering how my list of important contacts had withered down to my employer and one solitary friend.

  I wish Toby was around so I could discuss this with him.

  With a final swipe, I opened the phone and tapped the button. My palms moistened as I listened to the first two rings. Dread filled me as the receptionist answered. I asked for Mr. Hineman without hanging up in a panic. This choice was easier made than executed.

  “Ryleigh! Are you all set for your flight?”

  “Mr. Hineman, I don’t know how to do this, so I’m just going to throw it out there. I won’t be able to make it next Tuesday.”

  There was a pause on the line, and I heard the faint squeak of his chair as he shifted. “I see. Well, we don’t leave for another week. When did you reschedule your arrival?”

  My eyes watered but I refused to let my distress bleed through. The archeology community was tiny, and no one would take a chance hiring me again. My words were career suicide, and yet saying them lightened the strain I hadn’t noticed I’d carried these last few weeks. Steeling my emotions, I cut off any hope of ever participating in a field dig for the rest of my life.

  “I’m terribly sorry, Mr. Hineman. I’ve had a family emergency come up. They need me here. I won’t be joining your team after all.”

  He went silent. Maybe he pondered the list of candidates I’d fought tooth and nail to outshine, already planning my replacement. “I can’t say I’m not disappointed, but family is important. You do realize I’ll have to fill your position. It’s doubtful there’ll be an opening on my crew for the foreseeable future.”

  I was surprised he was so nice about it. I’d half expected him to launch into a lecture about responsibilities and such, but Mark was a decent man. He would have been a wonderful boss, too. Tears rolled down my cheeks, and I had to keep from sniffling into the phone.

  “Believe me; I understand the impact this has on my career. It isn’t a decision I’ve made lightly. I’m so sorry I’ve waited so long to inform you. I’d hoped there’d be some way I could continue with my original plans to join you.”

  We exchanged a few more pleasantries, and Mark was kind enough to wish me well before we ended the call. The cell slid from my fingers but I didn’t have it in me to care. Before the expensive device hit the floor, Darian caught it and set it on the nightstand. Within seconds, I was enveloped in his arms and cradled on his lap.

  “Gods, Ryleigh. I hate seeing you hurt. It took every ounce of control I had not to touch you before you finished speaking.”

  “Thank you.” I whispered as I burrowed deeper into his embrace.

  “I thought you were excited to work on Thane’s collection?”

  The surly leader had agreed to let me catalog artifacts no human would ever see. If I left to pursue a normal career in archeology, I’d never unearth the true history of the world. With each discovery I’d wonder. My new responsibilities would grant me more knowledge than I could dream of out there.

  I wasn’t upset over the loss of my chosen path.

  No, I mourned the time I’d fought so hard to be the best in my class. Every competitive moment and the lost opportunities with the friends I’d abandoned weighed on me. All those hours spent reaching the top, wasted.

  I speculated where my childhood acquaintances had ended up in this crazy life. Were they married? How many had kids? Did they think of me?

  Six years of sacrifice, and now I walked away without a backward glance.

  “I’m eager to start, both on the inventory and with the Kindred. I just feel like I’ve let my parents down, you know?”

  “Tell me.”

  “They struggled so much with their careers; held back by our heritage and circumstances beyond their control. What they didn’t have growing up, they gave to me. Summer camp, private lessons, and every year of university, I owe to them. My momma made me promise not to ever give up or let go of my ambitions.”

  “We told you we’d make it work. The distance isn’t ideal, but…”

  I straddled him, kissing him to cut off his words.

  “When dad died, she admitted she’d never regretted changing her goals for us. Her status as a wife and mother was more important to her than any career. I’m not giving up my dreams, Darian; I’m adapting them. Now I have a new vision, one with two wonderful lovers and many years spent helping your people.”

  It was true; I didn’t have any qualms about it. Though, I’d met Lukas and Darian a few short weeks ago, I felt like I was home. I had planned to wait until life settled before I started this phase. But I was ready, and for once, I had no difficulty saying what I wanted.

  “I want to Bond with you. Both of you. I love you, Darian.”

  His lips worshiped mine in response, and as I sensed my soul wind around his, I knew I’d never regret this irrevocable life-changing decision.

  Chapter Twenty-seven

  Darian

  I had felt her emotions for weeks, but nothing compared to hearing her admit she loved me.

  “I love you so much, Lia.”

  She burrowed into my neck, inhaling. She appeared calmer now, but still overwrought by her conversation with her former employer. I’d get her down to the archives sooner, rather than later. To adjust, she needed to keep busy and immerse herself in her new life.

  My lips traced her earlobe, and she pushed me away.

  “I’m all icky. I need a shower first.”

  “Hmm, how about a compromise? I’ll draw you a nice, warm bath, and you let me have my wicked way with you?”

  “I think I could go for that.”

  She tried to wriggle off my lap, but I stood and wrapped her legs around my waist instead. The little minx wriggled against my rigid cock, and I moaned. “If you don’t stop, we won’t make it to the tub.”

  “Then you’d better hurry.”

  She nudged her mound over me again, and I pressed her against the wall near the bathroom door. Her teeth nipped along my chin until she captured my mouth. I devoured her, savoring her taste as I stroked her tongue with mine. One hand held her against me as the other fumbled for the doorknob.

  It took several minutes before we stopped to breathe, and I opened the latch. There was an extra-large indoor jacuzzi and walk-in shower, spacious enough for thre
e adults with room to spare. I didn’t want to think about how long Mimi might have known we’d need the suite.

  As I crouched down, I let Lia slide off my hips to sit on the edge of the bathtub. Once I closed the plug and the water flowed, I stripped her blouse over her head. I ensnared one of her bare nipples with my lips. As I suckled the distended peak, I fondled the remaining nub between two fingers.

  Wouldn’t want it to feel neglected, now, would I?

  Lia’s hands roamed my chest. When her palms rubbed over my own nipples, I groaned in appreciation. Impatient, she pushed me back and shoved off my shirt. The second it hit the floor, she shimmied out of her panties and tossed them on top.

  “Hey, that was my job.” I protested.

  “Too slow. Take these off.”

  She flicked the button on my jeans, turned, and slid into the bubbles, enticing me with her motions. I scrambled into the tub under her before she seated herself. She smiled at me over her shoulder and settled against me as the jets massaged the tension away. For several minutes we relaxed, exploring each other’s bodies. We cherished moments like this; most of the time our encounters were raw and passionate affairs.

  It wasn’t often I had her all to myself, either.

  Our gentle exploration soon became erotic. I palmed her breasts again, and she reached behind her to grasp my cock with slippery fingers. Dissatisfied with the position, Lia twisted in my arms and braced her legs over mine until she straddled me. Teasing her, I held her away from her goal, and captured her lips until we both gasped for breath.

  The sensual seduction continued as she undulated over my erection, brushing the head with her thighs as our tongues intertwined. Her fists tangled in my hair, tugging hard to keep my mouth against hers when I tried to chase after her nipples. She pressed herself against my chest as she moved, hovering over my aching rod.

  My hips thrust toward her and she chuckled deep in her throat. She knew how much she teased me, and we both enjoyed it. Determined, I slid my hands down her abdomen, smiling against her neck as the muscles rippled under my fingertips. Her breaths turned to moans as I found her slick slit and rubbed her in small circles.