"It is our pleasure to help," Lyra’s words returned my attention to the moment. "We cannot accompany you to Treleaven because we do not want to bring notice on our country, and we've performed a powerful spell on Ahnika to keep her hidden. If the Sorcerer becomes aware of her presence, she would be vulnerable because she hasn’t started her bonds. We will do as much as we can behind the scenes, though."
I nodded. The help would be welcome, but truthfully, I didn’t want any more responsibilities on my shoulders. I was already saving one country; I didn’t want to add another to the mix. I already felt horrible about the soldier. "I am sorry," I began hesitantly. "Sorry about the man you lost."
Lyra's eyes tightened, the barest stretch of skin near her cheekbones was her only sign of emotion. It was Ahnika who spoke. "Did you kill the soldier, Cousin?"
I reared back. "Of course not."
She waved my words away before I could continue. "Then you have no reason to be sorry. You saved countless others. You may have led the Sorcerer to this place, but we chose to come here of our own accord. There are always casualties in war."
"It was a dishonorable death," Lyra said, "but the Princess is right. It could not be avoided. If he had listened when the others went inside, he wouldn't have died. This Sorcerer is powerful, though. You must take care." She turned on her heel and marched back to Drummond. I heard them plotting their rescue of the captives. Mason, Clay, and Seb still leaned over the map, discussing logistics. Every once in a while, I felt their attention on me, but everyone was tense from the day’s events. I still needed a bath. I scratched at my gritty scalp.
"Lyra can be hard." Ahnika mistook my silence for irritation over her commanders' words.
"It seems as if you share the same stubbornness." I wanted to mention the soul bond, but I knew it wouldn’t be prudent. Forced Soul Matches were never as easy as those discovered on their own; humans were stubborn creatures. Ahnika would realize her commander's attraction when the time was right; I could do nothing about it.
Ahnika stepped closer to me, lowering her voice. "Did you see the magic with your eyes open?"
I nodded. "Yes. The Sorcerer’s magic is corrupt, black, and oily. I couldn't see it in the drops of rain, but I felt it. The flames were covered in magic though; that was how I knew the proper way to douse the fire."
"Yes. The stories of sorcerers controlling the elements are just that, stories. Magic creates the intention of the sorcerer. As a woman with pure, true, uncorrupted magic, your greatest strength is snuffing out the dark magic, not creating your own. Remember that. It will take less out of you."
I nodded again. "How was a spell placed upon you to hide you?" I asked curiously. I didn't know magic could work to hide something from view.
Ahnika glanced away. "My aunt performed the spell. It is one of her best skills because she must continually hide the fights of her bondmates from her people. She is good at hiding." She shrugged, guilt evident in her composure for the reasons her aunt used her power. I felt only sympathy. I hated that an unstable bond would cause something to be necessary.
Ian approached me. When he stretched his arm around my waist, I leaned into him. Instead of talking to me, though, he handed a sealed envelope to Ahnika. “This is for you. Carson gave it to me just before I left.”
Ahnika’s expression morphed with pain. She loved her father, even though he had spent the majority of her life in Megreria. She accepted the envelope, steeling her spine to keep the tears from falling. When Ian tried to offer her the medallion, she waved it away.
“Keep that in case you need it in the future. If something happens to me, you might. Or, if you happen to see one of my bondmates, send him to me with the broach.” She smiled as if she considered it a pleasant idea, but Ian and I shared an uncomfortable glance. If Jeff was her bondmate and she wouldn’t acknowledge Lyra, her fears of having difficult bonds were not unfounded. I wouldn’t be the one to tell her, though. Jeff might change his mind once he saw Ahnika. She was beautiful and possessed an inherent strength I was beginning to believe was common to our heritage.
She tucked the envelope into her pants and attempted a weak smile. “I hope my father will still yet come to visit me. I won’t give up on him.” I nodded in understanding. I would do the same for Rowan and Mum until no hope remained.
Ahnika clasped my hand. “Do not leave without saying goodbye, Cousin,” she directed in her commanding voice, and I could only nod. That was the difference between being raised a Queen and being raised a second tier nobody. She had no qualms about bossing others around. She told people what to do and expected them to follow her directions. It would take me years to reach a similar comfort level.
She rejoined Lyra, and I leaned further into Ian. He nuzzled my hair. I grimaced, imagining it was greasy and lanky. “I would really like that bath now.” I still felt the residue of the dark magic from the other night. Thankfully, I hadn’t been as close to the darkness earlier today to increase its stain on me.
From the window of the hall, we were able to see the south paddock. A great fire roared, a natural one, as the warriors burned the corpses of the sheep who had endured the boiling rain. I doubted there was much left of the bodies, but the flames would prevent magical residue from clinging to the ground, as it would if they were left to decompose naturally.
Ian led me upstairs, and I followed slowly. My brain wouldn’t let me be. I felt restless and unsettled. When we reached our room, he turned back to me. “Stop fretting, Lass. We are working on the preparations, and there is plenty of time to arrange everything for tomorrow.”
I nodded with a heavy sigh. He led me into a spare room where a large tub waited. I felt like it might have been placed there just for me and worried that it was too much trouble. “I could just go down to the creek,” I started.
Ian shushed me, pulling a brush through my tangled hair. “No, Lass, the creek is too cold. You will surely catch a cold. We need you healthy for our trip.” I nodded at his unflinching logic. Several men I didn’t know carried buckets of steaming water upstairs, and I didn’t question their help or how the water was heated. I was too tired and too dirty.
Finally, the tub was filled, and Ian shooed the men from the room. He returned to me, peeling the clothes from my body. His eyes heated as my skin was exposed, but I was far too focused on the impending battle and the need for cleanliness.
I sank beneath the water, releasing a sigh. Ian moved behind me and started running a washcloth over my skin. Only then did I come out of my daze. “You don’t have to help me, Ian,” I protested. The water was pleasantly hot and my skin tingled. It smelled of roses, but not so strongly that it was overwhelming.
“Shh, Lass, you would deny me the opportunity to run my hands over your body?”
I giggled at his dramatic affront. “Of course not, Shadow Spy. I just don’t need you to care for me like a servant.” He stroked the washcloth over my shoulder and towards my breast, and my breath hitched. The cloth moved upwards again before he reached my sensitive flesh.
“If a servant ever offers you this service during your bath, I will personally see to it he never breathes again.” It was half joke and half not. I had no doubt Ian would follow through with his threat.
I slipped further into the water when a knock surprised me, even though I knew who it was. Mason waited outside. I could feel his strong, steady presence. “Can you let him in? He might have something important to ask.”
Ian raised an eyebrow as he moved from behind me to the door. “Or he just might want to see you naked.”
I laughed. Ian opened the door, and I leaned back in the water, closing my eyes in bliss. For just a moment, I could forget that my family was in peril and the Kingdom I loved was in danger of being consumed by magical flames. I opened my eyes to see Mason crouching near the tub. His gaze darkened as it slid over my form under the water. Ian stood by the door, smirking. He didn’t look like he planned on leaving anytime soon.
“Hi,” I greet
ed shyly.
Mason smiled, his dimples flashing. He brought up his arm, revealing a huge sandwich. I groaned in delight. My stomach had been complaining about its emptiness for some time, but I had ignored it. He handed me a towel to dry my hand, and I wolfed down my food embarrassingly fast.
Afterwards, he claimed the washcloth Ian had abandoned and pulled my leg out of the water, running it down my calf and along the arch of my foot. His touch started a fire inside me that had only been dormant a couple hours, my body more concerned with survival than sex. Ian moved noiselessly behind me again and poured water over my hair. When his hands started massaging shampoo into my scalp, I moaned and leaned back against the rim of the tub. We didn’t speak.
Mason’s large hands made quick work of my body, foregoing the cloth when he reached my breasts and using his soapy hands instead. I groaned when his palms smoothed over my sensitive nipples. Renewed passion spiked through me. At the same time, Ian massaged my scalp, washing my hair with far more dedication than I ever had. A bucket stood to the side, and Ian used the clean water to rinse the soap from my hair, although it had chilled in the air.
“You’re clean,” Mason growled. His gaze was dark with lust and hunger. My body came alive, practically igniting the water I lay in. I stood, and beads of water dripped from me. Mason’s eyes traveled over me, ravishing and devouring. When he joined me, his pants bulged impressively.
I caressed him through his breeches, marveling at how quickly I had gained my sexual confidence in their presence. Feeling their desire contributed to my quick progression. I knew without a doubt how much they wanted me and how good I made them feel. Mason closed his eyes, groaning in pleasure as Ian wrapped a towel around me from behind, his movements certain as he dried me off. His fingers caressed my body, following the trail of the cloth.
Mason helped me step out of the bath, and Ian joined us. His heat enveloped me from behind, and the towel disappeared. His firm erection prodded my backside as Mason’s lips caught mine. I spared a thought for my other men, a little sad they weren’t being included. It wasn’t until Clay spoke in my mind that I remembered we could communicate in that fashion.
“Enjoy yourself, Indrasa. We still have time before we leave.” His reassurance was echoed by Seb and Reed, and I allowed myself to relax with my Soldier and Shadow.
Mason’s hands caressed my breasts as Ian held my hips hostage. I ground back against him, enjoying the feel of his hard length against my ass. He hardened further, his breath panting against the nape of my neck, chilling my still damp skin. I met Mason’s eyes, silently asking him if he was ok with Ian in the room. I knew I didn’t need to ask my Spy.
“We will have a lifetime together, Kiarra,” Mason responded to my wordless question. “There will be plenty of time to enjoy you separately. I don’t mind sharing you.” His words increased Ian's arousal, and he gently nipped at my neck, pushing my wet hair to the side. I leaned my head back on his shoulder; and they held me up between them, their hands and mouths roaming. I couldn’t think of a better way to take my mind off what was to come.
Chapter 21
Mason
The best way to relieve Mason’s worries about Kiarra’s safety was to be wrapped up in her arms. He worshipped her body, working in tandem with Ian to ensure that no part of her was left un-caressed or untouched. He groaned low when he finally slipped his fingers into the wet cleft between Kiarra’s legs. She was so responsive. She rubbed against his hand, further stoking his hunger.
He met Ian’s eyes over her creamy shoulder as the Spy took off his shirt and slid down his breeches. He wasn’t quite sure how to proceed, as they had taken turns the other night when they were all in the room. There also wasn’t a bed in here. There was a small couch though. Ian glanced at it and smirked at Mason.
“This way, Lass.” He led Kiarra to the couch, and she followed, dragging Mason along with them.
Ian nudged Kiarra to her knees on the small couch. Mason stripped off his clothes, releasing his erection as she knelt. She smiled back at Ian, clutched Mason’s ass, and brought him towards her mouth. She wrapped her soft lips around his cock at the same time as Ian slid into her from behind. They settled into a natural rhythm.
Mason grasped the back of the couch. Ian’s strokes made her large tits bounce, and he heard the slaps of his friend’s body against her ass. He would never have guessed such a thing would arouse him, but he loved it. He couldn’t see Ian entering her, but he saw the pleasure on Kiarra’s face and felt her moans reverberating around his member as she sucked him harder and deeper.
His hand tightened on the couch. Iron control barely prevented him from ramming his cock down her throat. He thought she wouldn’t be able to take all of him, but she impressed him as her moans grew louder in tandem with Ian’s grunts. Their passion rose together. The web snapped into place between them. It became visible during intimacy or before danger, glittering and pulsing as if it fed on their desire. The sight distracted him for a second until he felt Kiarra’s tongue caress the sensitive head of his shaft and her lips press more firmly as she swallowed as much of him as she could.
Restraining his typical orgasmic roar was difficult, but Mason remembered they were not alone in the house. Still, he grunted as he neared the pinnacle. He tried to pull out of her, not wanting to choke her with his seed, but she wouldn’t let him retreat. Her eyes and lips remained fastened on him as her body shivered with the beginnings of her own orgasm. He held her gaze as they exploded together. Spurting hotly into her mouth, he cried out despite his best intentions while Kiarra moaned around his width. Ian climaxed with them, his shout loud in the quiet room. The web connecting them shuddered and expanded to include the connection with the other three men.
The trio trembled in unison. Kiarra swallowed his seed, and his member still throbbed as he slowly withdrew from her mouth. Something snapped when Mason had reached his climax. He looked down. He had broken the beam that formed the back bar of the couch in two. Dust filtered through the worn upholstery. Kiarra followed his eyes and giggled at the horrified look on Mason’s face as Ian slid out of her. She collapsed onto the couch, her eyes bright. Ian leaned over for a lingering kiss while Mason stared at the ruined piece of furniture.
Kiarra placed her hand on his on top of the broken couch. “We’ll just add it to the money we owe them.”
Mason gaped at her in disbelief. “It isn't that. What if I had been holding on to you?” His emotions were so volatile and his fear so complete that Kiarra stood up and wrapped her body around his.
“You can’t hurt me or break me, Mason,” Kiarra soothed, her soft hands trailing over his back as he trembled with fear. “The bond won’t let you.”
Mason stared at her with wide eyes. “Intentionally,” he began, but Kiarra shook her head. Ian watched their interaction as he pulled on his clothes.
“No, not just intentionally.” Kiarra stepped back a pace from him, her glorious nakedness still on display. “Hit me.”
Mason’s jaw dropped. “What?”
“Hit me,” Kiarra repeated.
Ian approached them, now dressed. “I don’t think that will work, Lass. It will be intentional if he follows through.”
Kiarra nibbled her bottom lip as her stormy eyes swirled. “Oh, yeah. Hmm, I guess we can’t try it out. But, Mason,” she stepped closer to him and pressed a palm to his chest. His heart beat fast and strong against her hand. “You can’t hurt me, not even accidentally.” She pointed to the couch. “That wouldn’t have happened if you were holding on to me.”
“How do you know?” Mason asked. He was still scared to death, imagining Kiarra broken because of his enhanced strength. It was his worst fear.
Kiarra shrugged, but her gaze was serious when she snagged his eyes again. “Trust me, Mason. I know. The bond tells me.”
“The bond talks to you?” Surprise colored Ian’s voice.
Kiarra glanced at him. “Not exactly, not in words. But, it’s similar to how I knew to
counter the Sorcerer’s magic. It’s instinct.” Kiarra met Mason’s gaze again. “You. Can’t. Hurt. Me.” She repeated every word slowly. Mason released the tension in his shoulders. He could sense the truth in her statement. “All right?”
He nodded and cleared his throat. “All right.” He kissed her firm and fast, and they both sought their clothes. Kiarra had thought to bring clean ones, and she snagged a brush as well. Before they left the room, she stopped and faced both of them.
“Thank you, both of you. I want to please all of you, and there are five of you. If you all insisted on having me alone, I don’t know how we would manage.” Something dark flashed in her eyes. Mason attributed it to something her cousin had said.
The two men embraced her, enfolding her in their arms and hugging each other at the same time. Ian nestled his lips into her hair and Mason did the same on the other side. They could feel her satisfaction and pleasure at the gesture.
“Of course, Lass,” Ian said, but Kiarra’s eyes snagged Mason’s. He knew why. The Spy liked being with the other men. She was uncertain about him.
“I enjoyed it, Kiarra.” He didn’t offer more explanation; he didn't want to appear as if he were defending himself. She sought the truth in his words through their link and nodded. Squaring her shoulders, she stepped out of their arms.
“All right, let’s finish our preparations.”
Chapter 22
Ian
Ian was addicted to Kiarra. He couldn’t spend a minute in her presence without wanting her, either just to touch her, make her laugh, or worship her body. Luckily, she was amenable to all of the above. As they left the room, he caught Mason’s eye. The Soldier was at ease despite the problems they faced; being with Kiarra seemed to have that effect on both of them.
Harmony of Their Souls - A Reverse Harem Fantasy: Soul Tenders Book 3 Page 14