by L. A. Boruff
"Who are you calling middle aged?" Derek demanded.
She flicked her gaze between the two, wondering if she'd have to break up a fight. And how a ghost would even go about having a fight to start with.
"You can see me too?" Manfred's eyes widened. "What is going on today? Did the end of days come early or something?"
"Oh curses," Cecilia muttered to herself. "Now all I need is a cat shifter and I really have found what I needed."
"A cat shifter did you say?" Derek's attention flicked back to her. "You might just be in luck, Cecilia. I came here with a cat shifter."
"Y-you did?" she squeaked.
"Yes. Want me to get him?"
She thought about it for a moment. Did she? Or was she just fulfilling something from the insides of a fortune cookie for the sake of it?
"I'll go get him," Derek announced, disappearing back into the crowds.
"What do you want a cat shifter for?" Manfred asked.
"I'm not really sure. But I got a fortune earlier saying I needed to find a ghost, a vampire, and a cat shifter before midnight or something bad would happen."
"And here you are with a ghost, a vampire, and a cat shifter," Derek said, apparently having returned already. "So now what do we do?"
The man stood slightly behind him looked her up and down. "I can think of a few things." His voice came out with a rich purr behind his words. Definitely a cat shifter then.
She had no idea how she'd gotten here. Well, she did. They'd gotten a taxi back to hers from the club. But what she didn't quite understand was why they were so okay with this. She'd told them about the fortune and they'd decided to make it come true. A part of her was loving the idea of their bodies pressed against hers, all sweaty and intense. The other part of her was nervous. It had been a while for her and she certainly didn't have any experience of multiple men at once. How would that even work? Especially with Manfred. While he wasn't as see through as she'd have expected, he also wasn't entirely corporal and she wasn't sure how he'd be able to do the deed as it were.
"Are you okay?" Max asked, sitting down on the bed next to her and placing a comforting hand on her leg. She placed her own hand over his and could have sworn she heard him purring in response.
"Just a little nervous."
"We don't have to go through with this if you don't want."
"I do want it," she countered. "It feels right."
"It does," Max replied, looking over at Derek who was already unbuttoning his shirt.
Cecilia raised an eyebrow as he worked on his clothing.
"What? You said you wanted all of us in the bed."
"Haven't you heard of foreplay?" she teased.
Derek's eyes darkened and darted to the base of her neck. She shivered, realising what it was he must be thinking.
"If it's foreplay you want, then that's what we can give you," Derek replied.
"Undress and lie back," Max instructed. "We'll take care of the rest."
She rose to her feet, suddenly very self-conscious but still feeling like this was the right thing for her to do and not just because of the fortune she'd found. If she was feeling particularly hopeful, she might even think that the men in the room were her mates, she'd been hearing a lot of rumours from her friends about multiple mates becoming more common.
Her dress dropped to the floor, leaving her standing in front of them in just her underwear. To her relief, the men also seemed to have taken the opportunity to strip off, leaving her able to admire their sculpted chests.
Not wanting to leave anything to chance, she lifted her hands and sent bright blue sparks out into the room. They fizzled along each of their bodies, taking away any remaining clothing and leaving it neatly folded on her blanket box. Magic had its advantages and this was just one of them.
She smirked as she lay down on the bed, closing her eyes and waiting for one of them to make their move. They wouldn't wait too long. They wouldn't even be able to if the straining cocks standing proudly were anything to go by.
"Keep your eyes closed," Max purred.
She nodded, eager to find out what he'd do while she couldn't see.
He trailed his hand down her body, tracing over her skin and making her shudder at the touch. Excitement flooded through her at the thought of what was to come and she shifted so her legs fell apart, inviting them to touch her more.
Derek chuckled from across the room just as cold tingles shot through her.
Cecilia's eyes flew open as she looked down her body, unsurprised to find Manfred standing at the end of the bed with a smug expression on his face.
"I can't touch you physically but that doesn't mean there aren't other things I can do." He gave her a wicked grin which only piqued her curiosity more.
"I can live with that," she replied, her voice shaking from Max's touch. She didn't know what it was about the simple act of trailing his fingertips up and down her skin that was affecting her so much but she couldn't deny the effect it was having on her.
"Please," she begged, not sure which of them she wanted the most. She honestly wasn't sure she minded so long as someone did something to her.
Hot breath fanned against her skin, warning her of the kiss that was about to come. The moment Max's lips met hers, she was ready, kissing him back with a passion she didn't know she was capable of. The bed dipped as he climbed on to it with her, settling himself between her legs.
His cock hit against the side of her thigh, only sending her anticipation even more into overdrive. She couldn't wait to feel it inside her.
A cough pulled them out of their haze of kisses and Cecilia opened her eyes. Derek looked down at the two of them with an expectant expression on his face.
"Is Max the only one who can have your kisses?"
She shook her head and scrambled up onto her knees, bringing her face level with Derek's. She reached out and twined a hand around his neck, pulling him closer to her and crushing his lips with hers. His arm slipped around her waist, the heat of their naked skin combining.
Behind her, Max tapped on the inside of her thighs and she instinctively parted them, giving him access to her most sensitive places. His hands roamed over the soft skin there, leaving a trail of scorching heat in their wake.
Derek pulled back from their kiss, leaving her surprisingly bereft.
"Go on to your hands and knees," he instructed, drawing his thumb over her lower lip and pushing it into her mouth.
Cecilia swirled her tongue around the tip, gaining a low moan in response.
"I hope you're going to put that mouth to good use." His eyes darkened as he spoke.
She nodded eagerly, unable to properly form the words with her mouth otherwise occupied.
"Good." He pulled his thumb out of her mouth and repositioned himself so his cock was level with her mouth.
She didn't wait for his next instruction and took it into her mouth, swallowing eagerly. Derek's hands flew to the top of her head and he tangled his fingers into her hair, tugging ever so slightly.
Her eyes fluttered closed again as Max shifted positions until he was under her. She didn't need to ask what he was about to do, it was obvious from the way he was lying and where his breath was hitting her.
The combination of Derek's cock in her mouth and waiting for Max to act on his unspoken promise only had the heat flowing through her more quickly than before. All of her concerns about the evening disappeared as Max drew a long languorous lick right up to her clit, swirling his tongue around it and sending her higher.
Cold tingles pinched at her nipples, sending her eyes rolling back into her head as Manfred got involved with the intimacy. Even if he couldn't touch her physically, he could clearly add to her pleasure in ways most men wouldn't be able to.
She was dimly aware of a chuckle from his direction but thought nothing to it until the cold sensation shifted so it nudged at her entrance. The cold from Manfred's ghostly magic and the heat of Max's tongue created a contrast that drove her even crazier.
Manfred thrust the coldness into her, filling her completely. She moaned, the sound vibrating up through her throat and around Derek's cock.
Her eyes fluttered open in time to see his head tipping back in ecstasy. For a brief moment, she allowed a smugness to flow through her but it was swiftly followed by disappointment when Derek stepped back, leaving her mouth empty.
She whimpered, wanting more but not knowing how to actually ask for it without sounding too wanton for her own good.
Max's tongue stopped working its magic as he shifted away until he sat next to her on the bed, watching as Manfred continued his own ministrations. Within moments, he'd stopped too, leaving her completely empty and unbelievably needy.
"Do you have any lube?" Derek asked her.
She nodded and crawled over to the edge of the bed. Rummaging through her bedside drawer, she pulled out a still sealed tube and held it up to Derek.
"Give it to Max."
She nodded and handed it to the cat shifter who hastily unscrewed the cap and squeezed some out on to his hand.
Cecilia licked her lips as he fisted his cock in his hand, drawing it up and down and coating it with the lube. She knew what was coming next and it filled her with a dark excitement. She hadn't come across many men who were into doing it, so discovering Max was filled her with pleasure.
"Stay still," Derek commanded.
Max had sat himself up against the headboard but leaned forward with his fingers still coated in lube. He trailed his fingers against her ass, coating her completely before gently pushing his fingers inside. First one, then two. He moved them slowly at first before increasing the pace as she became slicker.
She shuddered, the pleasure of what he was doing and the knowledge of what was coming next coiling her tightly inside. She wanted this more than she dared admit.
"Sit back on me," Max whispered, withdrawing his fingers from her.
She didn't need telling twice and perched herself over Max. His cock brushed against her ass, guided by his hand. Carefully, she pushed back on to him, recognizing the burning sensation as he slipped past the tight muscles. Before she knew it, the pain had faded and turned into a fullness she'd forgotten how much she enjoyed.
Max maneuvered them slightly so he was lying down with her on top of him, leaving her open and ready to be filled by Derek as well.
The vampire's grin stretched widely across his face as he took in the sight before them.
"Are you enjoying the show?" he asked Manfred.
"Definitely," the ghost answered with a smirk. "I think I might have enough energy to touch again soon." He'd explained in the cab that he was only able to physically touch other people at certain times. With it being All Hallows Eve, he had more opportunities to take advantage of that this evening.
Cecilia was good with that but she'd need to figure out other ways to get his strength up if it was going to work between them.
The bed dipped as Derek climbed on to it. He reached out and nudged her legs apart. She complied willingly.
He kissed up the insides of her legs, grazing his fangs against the soft skin. She shivered, causing Max to groan in her ear.
Derek moved higher and closer to her centre, his kisses becoming more intense by the second. Without meaning to, Cecilia's mind strayed to thinking about how it would feel if he bit her but she dismissed the thought quickly. She didn't want to get her hopes up only to be disappointed later.
Derek's tongue darted out and swirled around her clit causing her to buck upwards before falling back down onto Max's cock. The pressure intensified and it was all she could do to hold on to rational thought.
Coldness returned at her entrance and her eyes locked on to Manfred's as he controlled the invisible cock inside her from his spot at the end of the bed. There was certainly something to be said for having a ghostly lover who could do that.
Max didn't seem able to wait any longer either and began to thrust in and out of her in time with Derek's licks.
The three of them had her coiling tighter and tighter, the pleasure almost too much to be able to bear anymore. Her thoughts lost all coherence as she gave over to the pleasure they were bringing her.
It wasn't long before the sensation became too much and the pleasure crashed through her. She was dimly aware of sparks dancing over their bodies and two sets of teeth sinking into her. Max at her neck and Derek's on her inner thigh. A coldness followed and she just knew what was happening. The three of them were sealing the mating bond she'd suspected was brewing between them.
As the two men removed their teeth, she collapsed back down onto the bed. She knew they were far from finished for the night but at that moment she was spent and didn't want to move a muscle.
Another dip in the bed had her eyes opening wide and she noticed Manfred looking almost as solid as he had in the club. He leaned in and pressed a kiss to her dazed lips before collapsing back down on the bed.
The four of them had a lot more fun to come but first she needed a rest.
She stretched, arching her back and enjoying the ache within her whole body. A smile stretched across her face as she recalled the night before and the fun they'd all had once the bond had been sealed.
The last thing she'd expected when she'd opened the fortune was for it to be right. She'd not only avoided the promised curse but she'd found so much more in the process. She'd found the people she needed in order to complete her.
"Morning," Manfred announced as he bounced into the room carrying a laden tray. "I hope you don't mind but I raided your kitchen." He set it down across her knee and the aroma of freshly cooked bacon reached her.
She breathed in deeply. "Thank you."
"You're welcome. Derek is bringing up the coffee."
A black cat jumped onto the bed and pushed his head under her hand.
Cecilia smiled to herself as she scratched behind Max's ears. She hadn't realised he'd like it so much but he'd said he quite enjoyed being in his shifted form sometimes.
Plus, it had made the sleeping arrangements easier. Her bed wasn't designed for four people. Him taking on a much smaller form meant she still managed to share it with all of them the night before.
As if knowing the direction of his thoughts, he shifted back into human form, as naked as he had been the night before.
"Hello." He kissed her swiftly before stealing a rasher of bacon off her plate and wolfing it down. "Mmm. Delicious."
"Thanks," Manfred replied, a broad smile on his face. "It's been a long time since I've had a reason to cook."
"I'm glad we can help with that," Cecilia said, taking a bite herself. It really was delicious.
"Coffee delivery," Derek sang as he brought a second tray into the room and popped it down on the bed.
"Thank you," she took her mug and blew across the top of the coffee, anxious for the shot of caffeine it would bring. "You're still corporal," she said to Manfred.
"So it seems. I'm hoping it's going to be more permanent now."
"Is that possible?"
"I assume so. Mates take on each other's characteristics but I've never heard of a ghost actually meeting theirs so have nothing to go off."
"Are ghosts common?" Derek asked.
"You tell me. How many have you ever met?"
"Just you," the vampire replied with a frown. "That is odd."
"Not really, most ghosts stay invisible. I was surprised Cecilia could see me."
"I bet you're glad she did though," Max teased, stealing another rasher of bacon.
"Oh, definitely."
"Cecilia?" Derek asked.
"Hmm?"
"Who is Reagan?"
"What?" she demanded, confusion colouring her tone. Why would Derek be asking about her best friend?
"Reagan. Who is she?"
"A friend. Another witch," she answered. "Why?"
"You have a note from her." He held out the neatly folded square with very recognisable handwriting scribbled across the front.
&n
bsp; She daren't think about what her friend must have been up to.
A laugh escaped her as she read the words on the scrap of paper. The cheeky witch had planned it all.
"What is it?" Manfred asked.
"The fortune?" she checked with them.
They all nodded.
"It was all a fake. Planted by my friend Reagan. She has the sight."
A knowing look crossed Derek's face, shortly being echoed by Max and Manfred.
"Smart," the vampire observed. "But why didn't she just tell you?"
"That isn't Reagan's way. Sometimes she doesn't even realise she's doing it." Cecilia smiled to herself as she thought about her best friend.
"I for one am grateful," Max announced.
"Me too," Cecilia replied. "Incredibly so." She'd have to remember to thank Reagan properly later but until then, she had other things she needed to attend to.
THE END
Thank you for reading Spells and Curses, if you’ve enjoyed this short story, why not try one of my other reverse harems set in the same universe: Saving Eira, Chasing Aledwen or Wolf Blessed.
About the Author
Laura is a USA Today Bestselling Author of paranormal romance, reverse harem, and contemporary romance. When she's not writing, she can be found drinking ridiculous amounts of tea, trying to resist French Macaroons, and watching the Pitch Perfect trilogy for the hundredth time (at least!)
You can check out Laura's Website here:
www.authorlauragreenwood.co.uk
Or join her Facebook Group:
www.facebook.com/groups/theparanormalcouncil
For a full book list, please see here:
www.authorlauragreenwood.co.uk/p/book-list.html
Erica Andrews: Goddess of the Ball
Acknowledgments
First Gina who knew I was in over my head and helped. Then to Riley Walker for calming me down and talking me down. And last the rest of these authors in this book, for letting such a newbie break her provincial sex scene cherry.