by Jarica James
Of course, my home is no exception. More than anything I want to be able to see out into the land. Then I move onto more aesthetic things, like a large wrap around balcony to the upper floor. Satisfied with all of my additions, I slide the paper back toward him to see what he thinks.
“Impressive. I believe Gareth even found a glass maker so windows won’t be a challenge. He can find an apprentice, I’m sure.” He nods his approval as he eyes the changes to the blueprints. Then he moves onto the next, starting fresh and giving it his full attention.
Now that I’m done here, I step away and simply take a moment to look around. It’s amazing to see all of the fae, from all different courts, and even a few humans, all working together. We now have a fully functioning camp and the beginning of a leading council. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished in such a short time, and I can’t wait to see what happens as magic pours back into the land. And beyond that, I have faith in our people.
Now if I can just get these magical stones figured out.
Chapter 18
Several weeks have passed since the Spirits gave us clean food and water. The stones are still a high priority, but establishing a way of life here has to be at the top of our list. I need to know they can survive while we journey to the courts, and now after weeks of planning and functioning, we’re finally there.
Gareth and the council distributed jobs to everyone. And in the end there were very few protests. Those who did were sent back to Gareth and he found a better fit, something that seemed to shock them. I have my suspicions that a lot of it was just a test for us and not a real issue.
Brynn and Adara created a school of sorts to teach magic and fae history. Despite my age and status, I sit in on the history lessons, hoping to learn all I can about our land. Brynn also gives me private lessons in the evenings. It leaves me exhausted half of the time, but I fight through it. The more I know, the better our chances are.
Despite how smooth everything is going, I still have my guardian shadows, and we have grown impossibly close. They helped Tegan train a new batch of guards, who patrol the land on a rotation schedule so we will always be protected. They even roped off an arena of sorts for guards to spar against one another. Emrick seems to get more use out of it than the guards, but I'm not complaining. Watching him spar and train is like watching a Greek God in action. He’s all muscle and grace.
Allwyn was exiled, after a unanimous vote that was backed by the people. I used my magic to bind his, and locked him out of the portal. It drained me for a day, but I felt it was worth it. He made his choices and this was his punishment, I refused to let myself feel even a glimmer of guilt. Though we’re still unsure who his accomplice and lover is, meaning we may not be truly done with him. I also fear for future Earth travels and new fae coming in, I hope he doesn’t try to harm anyone out of spite.
I’m currently walking to another council meeting with Gerwyn, after my morning rounds to ensure everyone has everything they need. We’ve had very few issues, conflicts, or attacks, so I count that as a big win.
“Welcome, council!” I greet the other members as I join them in our usual meeting spot atop the plateau. Though now we share it with building materials and supplies. Tristan was a hard worker and it was definitely showing in his progress.
Smiles and waves are given by almost everyone as I approach, though of course Tegan just gives a quick nod of his head. For him that’s downright snuggly.
“I have an idea," Andras announces as soon as I’m seated. I raised my eyebrows and gesture for him to continue. He rarely speaks up to begin the meeting, so he must have found something good in his studies.
“I believe we can begin building the Royal Manor soon! I was looking through my old spell book and I found a spell that can create building materials out of metals, stone, and wood. It would speed along the process," he explains with an excited smile. Thank God for magic, these tents are getting old, fast.
“That would be perfect! However, the manor is last. I want homes for the people, a few trade workshops, kitchen and mess hall, and a bath house. Those are more important than my comfort, the people come first. You can move my tent, along with a few others, section by section, up here. That will create enough room to start building. Any available nature affinities and people willing to help can be reassigned to the building efforts.” I want to see more progress. Especially since our numbers keep steadily growing as more fae come through the portal every day. We definitely keep the gatekeeper busy.
“We need to find the next stone. I would like to suggest that we go to the Court of Winter next," Gerwyn says, trying to hide his hopeful smile. When I give him a smirk his smile breaks free. The last thing I’m going to tell him is no, especially after all he’s done for me. And maybe it will pull my shy knight out of his shell a bit too.
“I was actually thinking the same thing. We can leave as soon as building starts here. I’m glad the town will be protected when we go.”
“I want to go the whole way this time," Jacob announces, giving me a determined glare. I can’t blame him. He stayed behind once and Allwyn turned on me and I found four new boyfriends.
“We’ll need warmer clothes if we want to survive. Maybe a trip back into Spring to retrieve more clothing would be best? Or we can ask River what she has left. I’m not traipsing through snow in these, though," Maddox says the word snow like it was the worst thing in the world, though coming from a Summer fae, it might be.
“Calm down, Mad, we have a few days to prepare," Bowen laughs. Clearly I’m not the only one who finds him amusing. Maddox glares playfully at us both and crosses his arms. Somehow he makes it look like resignation and not a pout, though I can see right through it.
Out of all my knights, I can tell he struggles with letting me lead the most. He’s been the unofficial leader of their small group for so long that he doesn’t know how to react to me making the final decisions and deferring to a council. Some days it’s like dealing with a moody teenager.
“Do we have any maps of Winter?” Jacob asks Andras, since he’s our scholar of the group.
“We have a smaller one, but I need to visit my library," he huffs, clearly not happy with our lack of research materials. He’d chosen to stay behind before, knowing he’d be of more use here, but now I can see how badly he wants to get back to his library and check it out. I make a mental note to make that happen as soon as I can.
“A small one will do, don’t be so dramatic babe,” Jacob playfully rolls his eyes at his new boyfriend. Andras and Jacob are adorable together, and more than that, Andras genuinely looks at Jacob like an equal. That’s something I never realized that Sam failed to do.
“Bella and I'll take down her tent and put it up here. She should be up here anyway," Emrick announces, helping me stand and then leading me away. I’m not even annoyed at being dragged around, he’s more of a physical guy than a vocal one.
Emrick is probably the most protective out of the brothers. Though the others have their moments. It’s nice that they’re all so different though, it makes our group a bit more cohesive. Emrick is my strong and protective knight, Gerwyn is smart and sweet, Maddox is my safe place and always seems to know what I need before I do, and Bowen is my partner in crime and troublemaker. We make a good team and they don’t seem to mind sharing me. We haven’t made any vows out loud as a group, but it’s obvious that they’ve chosen me as their own.
“You know I don’t know how to take down that tent, right?” Giving his hand a tug, I slow down to make sure he isn’t getting ahead of himself. He’s definitely a doer, but I’m not the best partner for this project.
“I know, I just wanted alone time. You have people for that.” He winks at me and I blush. Moments later he pulls me into our tent and stalks forward, backing me up against one of the supporting poles. My lips part in a gasp and my body leans into his.
Emrick slowly leans forward and presses his lips to mine. The kiss is soft and unexpectedly gentle. He pulls back a
nd leans his forehead on mine. Part of me is disappointed he doesn’t take it further, but it was so unexpectedly sweet I can’t be too upset.
“Bella. Tell me that you feel this. Tell me I’m not misreading us. I can’t stop thinking about you, and I’ve been wanting to kiss you for days,” he murmurs against my neck, his warm breath fanning across it, setting my nerves on fire. A warmth spreads through my chest at his words. What I thought I felt for Allwyn, was nothing compared to the intensity of falling for my knights. They came into my life unexpectedly and effectively stole my heart. I want this, and I’ve wanted this for a while.
Instead of words, I crush my lips into his. He doesn’t need any more prompting before he meets me with equal intensity, matching me kiss for kiss. His lips trial down my jawline and he stops to look at me before continuing. I give him a slight nod of approval, the consent he’s asking for. I trust him to become my king and one of my partners, so it made sense to trust him with my heart and my body as well. The nod of approval is all he needs before he groans and slams his mouth into mine, giving me an intense, toe-curling kiss. It’s the roughness I expected from him and I let out a moan as my body reacts.
“You are gorgeous, and I intend to spend the rest of my life making you feel loved, worshipped, and safe, Bella,” he vows as he kisses a heated trail along my jawline to a sensitive spot behind my ear. I shiver as he swirls his tongue over it as his hands dance along the hem of my shirt. I’m already wet and ready, but Emrick is nowhere near finished with me yet.
He slowly lowers our bodies to the ground and reaches for my tunic, pulling it over my head. I can feel the heat in his gaze as he trails his eyes torturously slow over my curves. The way he looks at me, makes me feel like I’m beautiful and sexy. The press of his hard cock into my stomach lets me know he feels just as out of control as I do around him.
Done wasting time, he moves down to my exposed breasts, teeth and tongue swirling around each one, giving them both equal attention. His hands tease along my skin, the feeling sending a shiver down my spine. His kisses move lower, between my breasts and down my stomach, like he wants to bless each inch of my body with his mouth. I’m definitely not opposed.
My body is wound so tight already, desperate to feel him inside of me. Unable to sit still, I pull him away from my nipple and bring his mouth to mine, nibbling on his full lower lip and down his neck. Lost in the moment, he throws his head back and groans as my teeth tease along his ear.
Taking advantage of his distraction, I pull his shirt over his head so I can trail my fingers over the rippling muscles of his chest. The coarse hair makes him look even more rugged and dangerous, the feel of it against my soft skin is delicious.
I’ve seen Emrick without his shirt, but this is the first time I actually get to stare and appreciate his chiseled body, while touching it however I want. He’s a work of art and I want to taste every fucking inch of him.
“If you keep staring at me like that, I won’t be able to be gentle,” he growls, nipping at my breast. I yelp in surprise, but it quickly turns into a heated moan as he sucks hard on the swell of my breast, the sting of pain and pleasure unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. Though being a virgin, my experience so far has been limited to kisses.
He finishes removing my clothes in a swift movement, startling me. His expression is feral as he stands back for a moment, admiring my exposed body. I’m not used to the attention and I can’t help but squirm under his gaze, but something in his expression makes me feel like the most beautiful girl in the world. He’s the perfect mix of strong protector and sweet lover, and I can’t get enough.
As if on cue, he meets my eyes and gives me a look that says he can’t believe he found me and is amazed I’m his. My chest tightens at the thought of finally finding someone to share my life with. I just happen to be lucky and get four amazing men instead of one.
“Are you sure about this, Bella? I want you to be positive. You need to feel this as much as I do. No regrets. I know it’s your first time and I want to make you feel special,” he whispers in a low deep tone that sets my body on fire. I’m his, and I want this more than I’ve ever wanted anything.
Actions speak louder than words, so I reach down for the leather belt holding his pants up. I pull it loose and he finishes removing them for me. I slowly slide my eyes down his body, appreciating every exposed inch of him. My eyes go wide as I take in his erection. He’s rock hard and huge, though I shouldn’t be surprised. Everything about this man is huge. Pushing aside my nervousness, I reach forward and run my hand along his hard length, lightly rubbing my thumb over the slit. He fists his hands in my hair and gives an animalistic groan at the contact. A small chuckle escapes me as I watch him struggle with control, loving that I can do this to him.
My eyes lock onto his face, watching as I pump my hand over him, using his precum as lube. I’ve never realized that it could be this big of a turn on to watch someone fall apart, but every groan that falls from his lips has me squeezing my thighs together for relief. His arousal is all for me and I’m so close to taking what I want from him. In fact, I want him more than I’ve ever wanted anyone. No… it’s beyond want, now it’s need.
“I won’t last much longer if you keep that up, sweetheart,” he says as he gently takes my hand away. “Plus, I’m not quite done here.” He flashes me a sexy smile as he slides down the length of my body.
He gently pulls my legs apart and his mouth meets my center. My back arches at the contact, a jolt of pleasure hitting me harder than I anticipated. His tongue slides through my juices, tasting me like a man starved. He listens to me moan, flicking his tongue over my clit then fucking my core. My mind blanks as I relax into his delicious torture, writhing underneath his expertise. With each stroke of his tongue he has my orgasm building, the pleasure coiling in my stomach then pulsing through me until I don’t think I can take it anymore. As if he can read me already, he sucks hard on my clit, a cry escaping me as he pushes me over the edge. Wave after wave of pleasure roll through me, leaving me breathless and shaking.
“Just relax,” he whispers and turns his attention back to making me moan. His tongue continues to circle my clit as he inserts a finger into my core. My hips thrust into his hand, unable to control my own body. I’m like an instrument that only he knows how to play. Though I doubt sex with the others will be any less perfect.
He slowly adds another finger, stretching me slowly so I’m ready to take his cock next. The thought of him fucking me finally, has me grinding into his hand. I feel needy and desperate for him, but I don’t give a single fuck.
He circles his tongue around my throbbing clit as he picks up the pace, fucking me relentlessly with his hand until another orgasm hits me. This release is more subtle, my legs shaking and a whimper falling from my lips as I ride out the sensations.
Movement in the doorway has us looking up. “You two haven’t gotten very far with the takedown," Bowen says as he walks into the tent, clearly oblivious to what’s going on. Emrick looks up from his position between my legs and grunts at him, though not in annoyance. I don’t bother to hide my body from Bo, he’s technically the one I’m bonded to and I want him to see me. “Oh, my. Emrick you fiend," he playfully glares at him, before running his eyes over my body slowly. His dick jerks in his pants and he doesn’t hesitate to run his hand over himself.
“Either join or get lost," Emrick yells and I gasp in shock. Did he really just ask Bo to join us? Am I okay with that? Of course, I am.
To his credit, Bo doesn’t hesitate to rush forward and rips off his tunic. He grins down at me, promise clear in his eyes. My eyes rake over his body and I turn over and sit up on my knees so I can take his belt off myself. I want to free him from his pants myself and get the first view of his cock. What fun is having four boyfriends if I can’t compare and contrast their bodies?
His breathing picks up as I unwrap the leather and lower his pants, cock hard already. He’s also every bit as impressive as Emrick, though he
isn’t as thick which might be a good thing. Unsure where my boldness is coming from, I give him a shy smile and run my tongue along his length. Being with them this way feels right and I don’t let myself second guess anything. He groans and whispers my name reverently.
Not wanting to be left out, Emrick leans against me from behind, kissing a trail down my spine and running his palms over the curve of my ass.
Opening my mouth, I suppress my moans by taking Bowen’s length into my mouth. He tangles his hands in my hair and helps me set a good rhythm. Tears run down my cheeks as he hits the back of my throat, but when he tries to pull away I don’t let him. Hearing his grunts of pleasure almost has me over the edge again, and I don’t want him to stop. I’m so fucking wet I can feel it, and I’m more than ready for Emrick to fuck me.
Clearly sensing my need, Emrick slides his hands over my hips before forcing me to spread my knees. I gasped around Bo as his fingers slide over my slick folds. The action has me moving faster over Bowen, fucking him with my mouth as Emrick fucks me with his fingers.
“Darling, you may want to stop soon.” Bowen’s voice is strained with pleasure. I ignore his comment and take him in deeper. I resist the gag as I manage to take his entire length. My core clenches around Emrick’s fingers, a third orgasm hitting me without warning. Instead of stopping, I use it to fuel me as I swallow Bowen down. He grips my hair harder as he reaches his orgasm, spilling his seed into my throat. Swiping my tongue around him to clean off every last drop, I pull away. Now that I’m done, I look up at him, unsure.
“Don’t get shy on me now darling, that was exquisite. You are breathtaking. Seeing that hot little mouth around my cock is the sexiest sight I’ve ever seen.” His husky voice is low as he reassures me. He lowers himself to his knees and kisses me hard, crashing his tongue into my mouth, not caring that he can taste himself on my tongue.