by Rowan Thalia
The battle rages around us, the light spirits growing brighter, until they sear through the shadow spirits. Each one vying to overpower the other. When the fire dims, only ashes remain. I crawl to the smoldering ashes, not caring that they were hot, as I cover my hand with my sleeve and swipe them away quickly, patting out the sparks starting to burn on my clothing. The blood is completely gone now, the flame blackened the floor in its place.
"Why isn't it over?" I cry out, Dexter looking just as stricken as I am.
"You bled upstairs," he says, perking up at the thought. He scoops me up again, before pausing at the edge of the white spirits, unsure if it’s safe to pass or not. With a deep breath, he starts running, a spirit joining him to keep the shadows back as we make it upstairs.
Shadows are pounding on the invisible barrier around Asher. Thanks to the salt and sage, they are unable to get through. His eyes are closed, but the rise and fall of his chest calms me. As we get closer, the shadows screech, the light slicing through them easily.
The scene upstairs is even more morbid than downstairs, shadows spilling into the main lobby from every vantage point possible. They are clearly giving strength to the demon, who is no longer wailing, but laughing. Alex's curses are accompanied by Sterling’s as they fight him, throwing everything they have at him to keep the flames roaring. He looks even more sinister with the flames rolling along his black form, his red eyes full of rage.
"Can you move around on your own?" Dexter asks, his eyes roving over me and wincing at every gash he can see. The jacket he tied around me is still there, soaking my up blood and not letting it drop to the ground to add to the chaos.
"I'm fine, let’s end this," I growl, using adrenaline like a shield to keep me moving. Dexter nods firmly, before heading for a nearby pool of blood. The flames the guys threw handled most of it as they corral him away from any sprinkler systems. Thankfully, the area is big enough and the fire is contained, so smoke isn't an issue. Yay for cinderblock walls and concrete floors.
Dexter and I move from small spot to small spot, getting every single speck we can find. Each time the blood erupts in flames, the demon’s angry cries grow louder. When the last spot is burning, his wails turn to moans, his voice weak as he wobbles to the ground, his source of power gone.
The moment the flames die out, the light spirits come in, closing in on him until there is nothing left. As he disappears, so do they, leaving so abruptly the room falls into silence, every ounce of supernatural activity gone.
"Is it over?" I asked, a sob escaping as relief floods me. It feels like someone has lifted a huge weight off of my shoulders, letting me finally breathe again.
"It feels lighter in here," Dexter whispers, collapsing onto the floor.
"Asher, hallway," I point, wavering on my feet now that the adrenaline is gone, "someone get me out of here, before we start this whole thing back up again."
"She's got a point," Alex calls, as he rushes out to get his brother, his cry of relief almost breaks me, knowing how hard the past few hours had to be.
"I've got her," Sterling says, scooping me up carefully and carrying me out of the hall, followed by Asher being held up between Dexter and Alex. We look like we’ve just ended a war, and in a way we have. The past year has been the most intense and terrifying year of my life, and that's saying something for a girl who grew up seeing spirits and being plagued by nightmares.
"Where to now?" Asher asks weakly, though he looks stronger than he did earlier.
"Anywhere but here, we're living off campus next year," I deadpan, looking back at the building that started it all. The dorm looks so modern and unassuming, but we all know what lurks underneath it.
"The cabin?" Alex asks, getting unanimous reactions from us. "Without him, it should be ghost free."
"That's the shit they don't tell you, how much power a demon has. He pulled ghosts from our pasts to come haunt us. I'm not sorry to see him go. That whole building needs to be burnt down," I mumble, turning back around.
"It's over, lets go enjoy some free time before school starts. Senior year is supposed to be tough, and we have a future to plan.”
A future with my guys? Hell yeah.
26
Jun
“It’s been weeks since the demon took you away from the guys and tried to make you his plaything. I know the memory of his scorched body on top of you is something you’re fighting to erase, but it will take time,” My voice is gravelly as my eyes search my reflection. Despite the time we’ve had to recuperate, I still look like I’m haunted daily. My cheeks are gaunt, my hair limp and stringy, and my eyes hollow. Fuck, I need to get it together.
My wrist that I hurt in the final battle healed fairly well, the brace coming off only a few days ago.Thankfully, it was just an awful sprain. Asher wasn’t as lucky, his leg was broken and needed a cast, so he’s been hobbling around on crutches.
Asher’s muffled voice calls me from my pep-talk, the worry in his voice making me flinch. “Jun? Are you okay in there?”
“Yeah, just washing my face,” I lie, trying to sound positive.
I hear his head touch the door, and my heart clenches. I’ve been distant, and it’s time to get back in touch with my men. Why they still want me after the hell I put them through is a damned mystery, but I’m not about to look a gift horse in the mouth. Looking at my image one last time, I pull my purple hair behind my shoulders and let out a long breath. Here goes nothing.
“Hey you,” I search Ash’s eyes as I walk out of the door.
His face lights up, and he opens his arms for me. Without a thought, I melt into them and tuck my hands down the back of his pockets. His familiar scent grounds me, and I realize I’ve been avoiding the one thing that makes me whole, my love with my men.
“The guys went to get groceries. I think they figured we needed some time,” his voice tickles my ear.
“I’m sorry I’ve been weird,” my voice is muffled in his chest, though the confession alone makes it feel like a weight lifted from me. The demon’s taken so much from our lives, and here I am letting him keep me down, even when he’s gone.
“Juniper, look at me,” Ash holds onto my shoulders. “I understand. I was there. I’m sorry I couldn’t help you when you needed me. I’m sorry he touched you like that.”
“Let’s not talk about it. Neither of us are to blame. I’m glad it’s over,” I sniff.
Asher nods and takes my hand. He leads me to the bed, pulls back the covers, and flicks on the TV. I snuggle into the blanket and wait for him to lay down next to me. He scans through the stations and pauses for a moment on the news. The headline sends a shiver down my spine.
‘Local dorm burns down, abandoned boiler room thought to be the cause.’
“I can’t believe we really did that and didn’t get caught,” Ash breathes.
“Yeah. I’m glad Dex and Alex went back in after we cleared the place and set it on fire. There’s no way that fucker survived,” I grit my teeth.
“Nope. We’re free, love,” he turns and brings his lips close to mine.
My chest tightens, and I close the last inch between us. Our bodies mold together in the bed as if it’s our first time. Asher’s hands run through my hair, and I slide onto his lap. The ache inside of me turns into need, and suddenly my skin is on fire. Everything in me wants him to touch me and erase the memories seared in my head of that day.
“Asher, I need you,” I husk through our kiss.
Asher moans into my mouth, leans over, and clicks the light out. The blue flicker coming from the television is just enough for me to see him, and I’m grateful for that. His eyes dance in the way only his do. His tongue traces the outline of my lips, and his hands shape the curve of my ass. When his tongue enters my mouth, the last spear of fear leaves me, and heat pools at my core.
“I love you, Juniper,” he pulls back and searches my eyes.
“I love you too, Asher,” I whisper.
Taking the lead, I grab a hold o
f his shirt and pull it over his head. I can see the flicker of relief and wonder in his eyes when I lift it off his head. His crooked smile makes me purr, and I rock my hips forward. I want to feel again. I need to have Asher kiss every part of me and make me whole again.
With a growl I scoot down his legs and part them with my knees. Our eyes are locked as I grab the waistband of his sweats and tug. Asher bites his lip, lifts his hips, and allows me to undress him. As soon as the material lowers, his cock springs forth and taps his abdomen. The faint purple of the crown makes me lick my lips and hurry to finish my task. Once his pants are off, I slip mine down and kick both pairs off the bed, before crawling up his body. I lick the inner part of his leg as I move back toward the sweet spot. There’s a hunger deep inside of me. I want to bite and nip every part of him, claiming him as my own. Heat flares in my veins, and I reach for his shaft with both hands. Asher’s moan fills the room when my mouth closes over the tip, and I suck all the way to the root. His hands tangle in the hair at the nape of my neck and wetness runs down my thigh. After a few long strokes with my mouth, I can’t wait anymore.
Asher must sense the tension building inside of me, because he scoops me up and torques us so that he’s on top. Our mouths meet with a gnashing of teeth, and he enters me with one long thrust. Ripples of pleasure zing through my veins, and I arch my hips to meet his. I thought I would want to make love, but all I can think about is him slamming his cock into me hard and fast.
“Asher, please fuck me harder,” I grunt.
My guy takes orders like a champ. He rises up on his knees, lifts my hips with both hands, and goes to fucking town. My hands clench in the sheets, and my eyes roll back, as waves of pleasure wash through my body. I like this new rough side of Asher, and I want more. Asher winks at me wickedly and moves one hand to my clit. The Earth shatters around me, as a huge orgasm rips through my core. Moans are ripped from my lips, and I arch my body, squeezing him and hoping to ride this one out until I am weak.
“Juniper, you are so fucking hot,” he growls as he pounds into me.
My body sinks into the bed, as the tides of my climax settle. Asher licks his lips and covers me with his body once more. His thrusts turn into long, slow grinds where he sinks deeper and deeper inside of me. It’s all I can do to hold onto his ass as another wave of pleasure overtakes me. Throwing my head back, I guide his face to my neck. Asher hums against my flesh, then bites down, and fucks me harder and deeper. His cock throbs and swells inside of me. Knowing he’s close, I clench my muscles and milk his shaft, wanting to feel his explosion.
“Fuck!” he shouts as his body jerks. His teeth sink in once more, and he grinds deeper.
Asher’s body collapses next to me, and he pulls me in tight. Our lips brush together, and I cup his jaw. He’s mine and I’m his. Nothing can take that away. Emotions push to the surface, and tears wet my eyes. I love him so much, and I almost fucking lost him. I never want to let Asher out of my sight again, which is dumb because I am the one who put him in danger.
“Hey!” Asher soothes. “No crying, Jun. I’m here, and you’re here, and that’s all that matters.”
“Ash, you could have DIED because of me!” I finally lose it.
“But I didn’t,” he smiles and kisses my temple.
“Didn’t what,” Alex stomps into the room. “I know what you DID, ‘cause it smells like sex in here. I’m hurt Purple,” he teases with his hand over his heart.
Alex crawls into the bed behind me and scoots his body against my ass. The warmth of his body against mine soothes me and makes me purr. Ever since my first twin sandwich with these two, I can’t get enough - clothed or not.
“We bought your favorite coffee, aaaannnnd …. Coffee flavored ice cream!” He whispers in my ear, taunting me with my favorite flavor.
“No fucking way,” I hum, “yours tastes better.”
“Yes fucking way. Get some clothes on and come have some with us. Don’t shower, ‘cause I want to get you dirty again before you do,” he nips my ear and rolls off the bed.
“You realize that’s gross, right?” I snark over my shoulder. He shrugs and grabs his crotch before swaggering out of the room.
“You just made him want it more,” Asher chuckles.
I sneak another quick kiss with the less gross twin, before tumbling out of bed and stealing his tee. With nothing more than Asher’s shirt on, I shimmy into the kitchen. Dexter and Sterling are sitting at the bar of our newly rented home, shoveling ice cream into their mouths. With an arched eyebrow, I press my body against Dexter, lean in, and steal his bowl.
“Juniper! Get your own!” He laughs.
“I have my own,” I fake pout as I pull the spoon down my lip. I know I’m being bratty, but they love it.
“Well brother, as much as I hate to admit it … looks like your Purple jumpstart did the trick. Our girl is back,” Alex teases Asher as he steps through the doorway.
Indeed. I am back. With a flicker of the power that comes with being the object of four guys’ desire, I eyeball each one. Cheeks flush and throats are cleared. Juniper is on the prowl, and I intend to make up for the lost time. After I feel my point has been made, I grab a stool and take a seat to dive into my stolen treat.
“Mmm, this is so good. Thank you for the ice cream,” I mumble with my mouth full.
“Damn, maybe we need to put the genie back in the bottle,” Alex chides as he bumps shoulders with me.
“Are you sure about that?” I bat my eyelashes.
“Not in the least, Purple. It’s good to see you interacting with us again. We missed you,” he wraps his arms around my waist.
“I missed you guys too,” I say, my throat getting tight.
“Good. Don’t leave us again,” Sterling’s eyes harden when he looks my way. I can see a mixture of relief and frustration in his eyes, the brown depths showing me just how much the separation bothered him. I give him a reassuring smile and let out the breath I didn’t realize I was holding, as he relaxes his shoulders at my reassurance.
I thumb the ring they gave me that day in the forest and nod. I don’t trust my voice right now. Whatever comes our way in the future, we are stronger for the last year and a half we have spent together. We’ve been to hell and back together, and that changes you, no matter how hard you fight. Beautifully broken and put back together, we fit in ways that most people wouldn’t understand. But fuck them, I don’t need anyone’s approval besides these four amazing men.
Afterword
Thank you for reading Juniper’s series! It was our first cowrite and while there were a few bumps along the way, we had the best time writing it! Join us for our n1ext series, Academies of the Realms. You guys are amazing
Also By Rowan Thalia
Keepers of the Talisman:
Binding Rayne
Keeping Rayne
Saving Rayne
Soldiers of Blood and Ruin:
Rox’s Renegades
Renegades at War
Renegades in Space
Juniper’s Sight:
Into the Shadows
Also by Jarica James
The Fae Knights series (Completed)
-Fae Bound
-Fae Sight
-Fae Strength
-Fae Eternal
-Fae Knights Box Set
Master Reapers Series
-City of Souls
-Realm of Shadows
-Novella-Christmas in the City
The Spirit Vlog Series
-Haunts and Hotels
Broken Silence
(YA standalone)
Obsidian Cover Supernatural Academy
-Call of the Siren
Cowrites with Chloe Gunter
-A Pinch of Sass
Cowrites with Rowan Thalia
-Into the Shadows
-Through the Woods
-Monster: Academies of the Realms
Cowrites with AJ Macey
-Witch, Please.
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Rowan Thalia, Through the Woods