by Jarica James
Emrick is clearly done with not getting my full attention and gently, but firmly turns me to face him again. He lowers me back to the ground and kisses me hard, not caring that I just had Bowen’s dick in my mouth. It finally sinks in that these four are fine with sharing me, not a hint of jealousy in sight.
He braces his arms on either side of me and he positions his hips in front of mine. Hesitating, I touch his arms gently to stop him.
“Do you need to stop?” he asks as concern crosses his face.
“What about pregnancy?” I ask, the thought bringing me out of my lust filled haze. The last thing we need is to bring a baby into an unsteady, toxic land.
“Fae aren’t humans, darling. You won’t get pregnant that easily, it has to be desired by both parties before it’s even an issue," Bowen reassures me before lowering his mouth to my breasts.
“Are you sure, sweetheart?” Emrick whispers one last time, as he leans around Bowen to lower his mouth to mine. I kiss him back as I nod, thrusting my hips into his, begging for him to start. I’m way past ready for this.
He kisses me once more before leaning back and slowly sliding into me. His movements are controlled, giving my body time to take him and adjust. Thankfully I’m more than wet at this point. Pain has me wincing, but he keeps pushing. Bowen lowers his mouth to my nipple to distract me and it definitely works. His amazing tongue teases me, my body relaxing even more. Emrick’s movements are still slow and the pain quickly turns to pleasure, my body finally adjusting to him.
After a few minutes I can’t take the slow torture and I meet his hips with my own movements, encouraging him to go faster.
“I promise I won’t break," I say, giving him permission and praying he’ll actually listen. He meets my gaze, apparently finding all the reassurance he needs. He visibly relaxes before he picks up the pace, pulling back and slamming his hips into mine. The feeling of him stretching me is fucking bliss and I want even more. Wrapping my legs around him, I moan louder as the position lets him thrust in even deeper. The pressure begins to build yet again with each slam of his hips.
He wars between control and pleasure, his movements strong and forceful, but not letting himself go further. One day I hope he’ll let go with me completely.
Bowen slides his hand between us, teasing over my clit as he kisses my neck. Another orgasm builds, slower this time. It’s almost painful when I come, but it pulls Emrick along with me. He groans, low and rumbling as he comes, hands gripping me as he holds me still, pumping his cum into me with slow, purposeful movements.
When he relaxes again, he leans down and kisses me before rolling off of me. He takes me with him, tucking me against his chest so he can hold me as Bowen lays in front of me. I try to calm my breathing as my body recovers from being thoroughly fucked.
Bowen kisses me once before Emrick turns me and I’m staring into his mesmerizing eyes.
“You still alright, sweetheart?” he whispers, kissing my forehead.
“I’m perfect.” My answer causes a dazzling smile to stretch across his face and I lean forward and kiss him on the nose. “You are perfect," I say as I roll back over to face Bowen again. “So are you," I add as I lean in and kiss him. Snuggling back into the blankets, I fall asleep sandwiched between two of my amazing men, happy and content.
As we walk up to the others, guilt starts to bubble up in my chest. Would they know? Would they care? It’s one thing to agree to it, and another to actually have it happen. But when we approach them, everything is different. Almost like they know what happened and are finally relaxing now that it’s in motion.
Gerwyn isn’t as shy and reserved, and Maddox openly pouted. I guess he thought he should have been my first. At least it held a playfulness about it showing he isn’t actually hurt.
And in the end, I have no regrets. They were both amazing and gentle, but passionate. I honestly can’t believe my first time was with two fae, but it felt so right and our connection feels even stronger now. Just wait until Jacob finds out… because he will. That man just knows when I’ve got gossip.
My sights are set on Wyn standing near the new well. I want to see if he has any idea where to start searching for the next stone. With a lead, at least we won’t be wandering around aimlessly. Definitely not a good idea in snow.
“Ah, there you are beautiful," Gerwyn greets me. I blush at the complement and give him a shy smile. “Ah, I see you have your little friend back?” He gives Dormy a little pet. I’d stopped on the way to pick him up from Gareth, who’d kept him busy while I’ve been traveling and now getting things underway.
“Poor guy has been with Gareth most of the time since coming here. Thankfully he was willing to step in while we searched Spring," I smile as I pat the mouse sitting in my pocket.
“Well, I’m glad you came to see me," he says with a smile as he steps forward and presses his lips lightly to mine. I return the kiss a little more aggressively than I meant to. He groans into my mouth and I can’t help the smile that takes over. Then he shocks me by walking me backwards until I’m pressed against the well. His hands slide down until they are cupping the curves of my ass. He gives a gentle squeeze and moves his kisses to my neck.
“You are so tempting, beautiful. I better stop before I bend you over and fuck you right here,” he murmurs as he gives one last kiss to the swell of my breasts that are just visible in my tunic. I’m breathless as he straightens up to meet my eyes, and more than a little shocked. “Were you looking for me?”
“I was, but now I can’t think,” I say, breathlessly.
“I’d apologize, but clearly it would be a lie. I’m more sorry we aren’t somewhere private.” He gives me a sultry smile and I fight back a shiver of anticipation.
“I thought you were sweet and quiet. Was it all an act, Wyn?” I laugh at the sudden change in him. Apparently fucking Emrick and Bo had proven to them that I meant I wanted them all.
“I like things orderly but that doesn’t mean I’m always quiet. I like to sit back and learn about people before speaking much. I like to be in control, and I like it a little rougher,” he reveals as he leans forward and grips me by the hip, pulling me in for another kiss. He lightly clamps his teeth on my bottom lip and tugs before backing away. His words have me curious and more than a little excited. But we have business to handle first.
“I came to see if you had any ideas on stone locations… and you can hold off until bedtime tonight for more of me,” I say, shaking my head at him in mock annoyance. He grins, but then his face turns serious as he thinks about my question.
“There are actually a few places I want to look. We got extremely lucky with the first stone, I don’t see us getting so lucky again. You found it by chance. But the Winter King was very arrogant and as icy as his lands. He also liked his treasure near him, his greed knew no bounds, so I think the castle is our best bet. If not there, then we can discuss a few more areas,” he said before turning a bit more serious. “I want you to be prepared though, beautiful. Remember I said I can see and speak with the dead? Once we are bonded, you will be able to as well, if you can’t already. The souls of the dead tend to travel to Winter since no other courts can see them. It will be a startling sight for you,” he explains. The thought sends a shiver down my spine and I’m not sure how to process it. I’m intrigued, yes, but also a little freaked out.
“I’m part Winter too, so I think it will come naturally to me. It may already be a gift. We’ll have to see once we’re there. I’ve been shot, healed a land, seen a goddess, and bonded with four men - I think I can handle it," I joke. He laughs at my nonchalance, likely seeing right through the bravado.
“That you have, beautiful. Let’s make a plan, shall we? We can go grab the other kings and discuss what we should bring,” he suggests, leading me away from the well.
As we walk toward the guard training grounds, loud screams rip through the quiet air. At the raw agony in the tone, I take off at a run, Gerwyn right next to me. As soon as I reach
the arena, I spot a body lying on the ground in a pool of blood. My heart stops and a wave of cold pulses through me.
“Jacob!” His name rips from my throat, my tone filled with the anguish and fear. I can’t lose him, not here and not now. He was the only family I had. “Oh gods.”
“Hold her back, she doesn’t need to see this!” Maddox’s voice commands. I ignore his command and growl at the only guard brave enough to try and grab their queen. He puts his hands up and backs away.
“Jacob, sweetie, stay with me.” Falling to the ground next to him, I put pressure around the dagger sticking out of his abdomen. I can see the color draining from his face, he’s clearly lost too much blood already.
“I love you… stay strong… you loved me when nobody else would. Thank you,” he chokes out, blood flowing out of his mouth.
“Don’t speak. I’m going to fix this," I sob, determination the only thing keeping me from a full breakdown. “Get Bowen here, now! Whoever is responsible for this will die, by my hand!” I vow, vehemently, yelling into the crowd. My mind is racing, trying to grasp at any idea that could save him.
His breathing is shallow and I know I don’t have time to think. Instead, I close my eyes and draw my magic forward. Instead of a slow, steady draw, I yank it forward, forcing every last drop of it to obey. Thanks to the bonding with Bowen, I have extra magic now and I intend to use it. Trying to focus on mending and healing, just like I did the land, I begin pushing every ounce of magic I have into Jacob. The pressure of hands on my shoulders barely register, but when an extra jolt of magic hits me I know it’s Bowen adding his power to mine.
“Pull the knife out. Now. Don’t lose contact with my skin either. Help me save him, he’s my family," I command, my tone sharp and angry but he doesn’t take offense. Bowen’s hand reaches forward and grips the dagger, before he gives one hard yank. The dagger wrenches free with a wet, squelching sound, before blood starts to pour from the wound. I put more pressure on it than before and Jacob spasms under me, the pain likely unbearable.
Tuning out the world around me, I continue to cover the wound with my hand. My magic never wavers, flowing like an extension of myself. Internally I beg the Spirits of Faerie to help me heal him. I’m so focused, I barely register as Emrick joins me, adding his magic to mine.
His wound isn’t healing, the blood still flowing freely, so I switch tactics. This time I envision his skin and tissue knitting closed and his internal damage mending, going layer by layer. My magic obeys, but my supply is nearly exhausted. Blackness dances in my vision and my body sways, but still I refuse to back down. Giving up means losing him and that’s not an option.
“Bowen, Maddox, Gerwyn, push your magic into me," I beg desperately, sobs following my pleas. Jacob’s breathing is now so shallow I can hardly see it and I’m afraid the battle is almost over. Blood starts to drip from his ears and a fresh surge of panic wells up in me, yanking me out of the grief pulling me under its wing. As I watch in fascinated horror, I push my healing magic into him with renewed vigor.
Soon my knights’ magic supply is also waning, so Bo yells out to the crowd. “Find more healers, now. We need more magic. Your queen needs your help. Go!” I hear the pounding of footsteps as I start shaking, my magic on its final leg. My eyes drift close as my body starts to shut down, but I fight the darkness with everything I have. The sight of my blood covered, pale best friend enough to keep me fighting until I absolutely can’t go on.
I open my eyes to check his breathing. It’s still extremely shallow, but steadier than before and hope starts to bloom, chasing away the darkness.
“Stay with me, Jacob. You can’t leave me, you can’t leave me," I continue to push what little essence I have, into him, but I’m dangerously close to passing out. My voice is raspy with tears and desperation.
An unfamiliar voice breaks my concentration. “Our healing hands are yours, my queen.” I look up to find two fae women. I nod my thanks, unable to muster more words and from the worried look in their eyes they knew how far I’d pushed myself.
“Send your magic into me, and I’ll continue to heal him," I command. I feel the wave of healing magic, the extra jolt giving me a bit of energy. Perking up, I continue working on knitting the angry wound since it had yielded the best results.
My eyes drifted over his face, the skin a sickly shade of blue now and the blood surrounding him in an angry pool. He’d always been my rock, my strength, and seeing him like this was tearing my soul to pieces. Tears slide down my face as I continued to beg him to fight.
“Jacob!” I hear Andras’ distressed voice and cry even harder. He loves Jacob so much already. He collapses next to me, pulling Jacob’s head into his lap. He brushed the hair out of Jacobs eyes and strokes his face, not caring that he’ll be covered in blood too. “I love you, my Jacob. Please don’t leave me. I’ve never met anyone quite like you. The realm would be a sad place without you and I’m not sure I could go on. Please keep fighting, love. Please,” he continues to whisper to Jacob in a calming voice, our melancholy chants the only sound in the entire land.
With one final surge, I feel the last of the magic leave me, and I feel oddly empty without its presence.
“I’m sorry if I failed you Jacob, I have nothing left," I murmur as I fall face first into him and the world goes black.
Epilogue
Exhaustion. Pain. Emptiness. My entire being feels hollow and cold as I regain consciousness. The feeling is a testament to how much magic I’d used in an attempt to keep my best friend alive. I’m awake enough now to open my eyes, but I mentally can’t just yet. The idea of facing a world without Jacob in it, is something I’m not sure I can do.
“Bella baby. Are you awake? Please open your eyes. I need to know you’re going to be alright," Maddox’s voice sounds desperate. My face twitches, but opening my eyes is nearly impossible. My eyelids feel so heavy that it takes everything I have to peel them open.
“Jacob?” I ask in a wavering, quiet voice. Depleting my magic was even harder on my body than I anticipated. My entire body is sore, but it’s nothing compared to the hole forming in my chest. Maddox lets out a choked sob at my words and leans forward to hold me. My panic surges at his reaction, knowing it can only mean one thing.
“You’re awake, we were so worried you wouldn’t wake up after that. You’ve been out for days. Thank the Spirits, Bella," he chokes out, actual tears rolling down his cheeks.
“Jacob?” I repeat in a slightly stronger voice, desperately needing to know.
“I can’t say that he’s fine, but he will live.” My eyes grow wide at his admission. Is my Jacob paralyzed? A vegetable? What did I do?
Maddox must have noticed my horror and shakes his head before I can spiral too far down a pit of despair. “He’s going to be more than okay. Promise." I sigh heavily in relief, but now I need to see him for myself to really believe it. The last image I had of him was lying on the floor in a pool of blood, the light slowly draining from his eyes.
“I heard you talking, is she awake?” Emrick’s low voice is like music to my ears. He bursts into the tent and sees for himself that I’m awake. Before I can even process what is happening, I’m cradled in his arms.
“Sweetheart, don’t scare me like that again," he scolds before crushing his lips into mine in a desperate kiss. I can practically feel the anguish my poor protector felt, though I don’t know how. He isn’t even bonded to me yet.
“Share, Emrick!” Bowen yells, gently yet firmly plucking me from his massive arms.
Bowen kisses my forehead and I see a tear trail down his cheek. Reaching up, I wipe it away, giving him a small smile.
“Darling, did you know that completely draining your magic could kill you? Do you know how dangerous that was?” he asks in a pained voice.
“Would it matter? I could feel myself weakening, but Jacob is my world, I can’t lose him. And I’d do it again, for any of you. I’m not sorry I did it, but I am sorry I worried you. And no, I didn’t
know I could die," I answer, quietly. My words are honest, but I’m sure that doesn’t make them sting any less.
“Darling, I love you," he says firmly. My eyes widen at his admission. He gently brushes his lips against mine. “I knew the moment I saw you drop. I was so scared I would lose you, and I regretted not telling you that, more than anything else.”
“I love you too, my king.”
Soft footsteps have me looking behind Bo to see Gerwyn approaching. He doesn’t demand to take me like the others. Instead he waits for Bowen to hand me over on his own. Once I’m in his arms he stares into my eyes. His gaze shows all of his emotions: hurt, desperation, love, fear and sadness. All warring with each other in those beautiful, violet depths.
“I’m so sorry I scared you. I’m okay, Wyn," I remind him, caressing his cheek. He closes his eyes and nuzzles into my neck. He stays that way for several minutes, before nipping my neck. He chuckles at my surprised yelp, the tension falling away.
“Don’t do that again, or I promise you there will be consequences," he murmurs, giving me a wink to show he is mostly joking. I feel a jolt of desire at his threat and I can’t help but wonder what he has in store for me.
“Alright, enough loving on the queen, take me to see Jacob. No arguing," I say, leveling each of them with a sharp look.
“If you can stand, I will take you sweetheart," Emrick promises, challenge in his eyes. That’s enough to get me to slowly stand. My movements are slow, trying to keep the dizziness at bay. Absently I rub at my chest, hating how weird I feel with no magic resting inside. Finally, I stand tall and waver for a few seconds before gaining my full balance.