by Brenda Trim
“I am one of those females now, Raq. I can’t stop thinking of them, naked and at my mercy. The way Cael dominates and Cade gently loves me is an irresistible combination,” Brianne admitted.
She was still shocked at the turn of events in their relationship. Brianne never expected Cade or Cael to react to her announcement by asking her to mate them. She was resolved to let them go. She meant what she said. If she couldn’t have them both, she wanted neither. It was impossible to choose between them when images of the three of them making love assaulted her mind every time the vampires were near.
So, when Cade suggested they share, Brianne thought she was imagining things. She almost choked on her licorice. And when he said they loved her, not because of their need, but because of her, the answer was unequivocally and instantaneous.
Yes. Brianne wanted them with everything she had to offer.
They realized the importance of their brotherly bond and set aside their feuding. The connection she shared with them told Brianne the depth of their feelings and willingness to make it work. She was the luckiest female alive.
“I’d call you pathetic, but I’m not so sure I would be able to stay on task if those males kept looking at me like that,” Raquel muttered and bit one corner of her lip.
Cade stalked to Brianne’s side and cupped her cheek. “Be careful, love. It’s going to be impossible for us to concentrate, knowing you’re in danger.”
“We have two dozen on our side, thanks to the Rowan sisters. We’ve got this,” she replied and kissed him quickly. She pulled away before she gave into the desire to strip her mates right then and there.
Brianne reached into her bag and retrieved the remaining stones. “Here’s your crystal,” she said, giving one to Cade and the other to Cael who was standing next to his brother. “Remember, we’ve got the east section, Raq. Cade, you’re to the north and Cael to the south. Try not to hurt Aurora if you can avoid it.”
“Why don’t you place three of the stones now, and set the final one when she comes out?” Jade asked.
“Once they contact with the earth, they release energy, and she will know we have a trap. Goddess only knows how the demon will react to that,” Cael explained. “We need you to take up your position to the west. Remember, if shit hits the fan, head toward Brianne and Raquel, and guard each other’s backs.”
The instructions were a poignant reminder that they faced significant danger. The demon could open a portal and let demons through. They one positive aspect was that Satan was still bound to the Underworld, or they’d be in shit up to their eyeballs.
“Got it. And, thank you for helping. I know the Dark Warriors have your own battles with the demons, but we couldn’t save Aurora without you,” Jade replied.
A whistle caught their attention. Anna was waving from the other side of the area. Aurora was meeting with her warrioresses in a building across the street, and Anna had the best view of the entrance.
“Get into position,” Cael ordered. Brianne gave him a quick kiss, and watched him and Cade scurry away.
Brianne crouched in the bushes and watched her sister get into position across from her. Her heart galloped, and sweat poured down her back. She scanned the area, searching for Cade and Cael when a buzz filled the air. In the next blink, a burst of energy stung her skin. It felt like her finger was trapped in a light socket and Brianne fought the Dark power trying to fill her.
A second later, a black light flashed behind her and chaos erupted. Brianne turned and watched the light swirl like a tornado for several seconds before it turned black and still. And then, demons poured from the blackness.
A massive, green, slimy monster headed for her. She tucked the stone in her pocket and kicked the demon’s stomach. Bile rose in her throat when it sank in its flesh to mid-calf. Brianne let out a loud shriek and plunged her blade into the monster’s head.
“Throw the bottle into the portal,” Cael yelled from her left.
Brianne had forgotten about the potions Suvi gave her and quickly fished one out of her bag. She didn’t hesitate and pulled her hand back, throwing it at a demon charging through the darkness.
The vial hit the force field with a blue explosion, and the portal popped like a balloon then suddenly closed. A hellhound was mid-leap, and the severed body fell in a black, bloody heap on the ground.
A hard hit made Brianne fall forward. She was unable to catch herself and landed on top of the carcass as her weapon flew from her hand. Cade rushed to her side and lifted her off the dead demon before she could gather her wits.
“Thanks. Where’s Aurora?” she asked, glancing around the area. Seven demons managed to get through before she destroyed the portal.
Reaching into her bag, Brianne grabbed another bottle and smiled at Cade before tossing it at another green monster. “Those smelly fuckers make me want to vomit,” she shouted.
The small vial hit the demon and disappeared in its flesh. The laugh that escaped the monster sounded like it was underwater. Brianne watched in horror as it grabbed her potion. Cade reacted faster than she could process and his foot hit the beast’s hand. The sound of breaking glass reverberated through the air.
Pink dripped from the demon’s fist before it started screaming and running in circles. Cade ignored that one and charged toward a rage demon. Brianne watched as Cade brandished his broadsword, and swung with all his might.
They had migrated into a clearing surrounded by trees. Black blood splattered, killing trees and shrubs where it hit. The sound of fighting was deafening but wasn’t as bloody as the battle against the Tengu.
Brianne stayed close to Cade and searched the area for Aurora. Spotting her several yards away, she jumped into the air and flew across the way. As she got closer, she saw Aurora’s tattered wings. The red-tipped feathers fell to the ground, and Brianne could see the rotting flesh beneath.
She picked up speed and went right for the demon. The impact jostled Brianne and sent them flying across the ground. Aurora growled and punched Brianne in the face. The demon-possessed harpy had more strength than Brianne expected, and her head snapped to the left. Brianne cried out when teeth sank into her shoulder a second later.
“Aurora, fight the demon. We can help you,” Brianne yelled and grabbed fistfuls of the harpy’s hair.
When Brianne yanked, her hand came away with a chunk of hair. She noticed scalp was attached and tossed it away in disgust. Aurora bent her knees, and Brianne felt talons at her abdomen.
“Get off my mate,” Cael snarled right before Brianne was lifted off Aurora. Aurora took advantage of the moment and scrambled away.
“Place your crystal,” Cade ordered them both as he hurried by.
Brianne noticed the harpies were fighting the few remaining demons while the warrioresses stood by watching. From their repulsed expressions, it seemed Aurora’s followers had caught on and refused to fight against them.
Brianne took in the scene and winced at the destruction of her home. They were close to the center of Brushy Keep, and it would never be the same after this was over. It would take time for the plant life to recover, and without Aurora, that task would be nearly impossible.
Cael caught up with Aurora and tossed her back toward Brianne. The sound of sticks breaking filled the area when Aurora landed. The female groaned, and red blood dripped from the side of her mouth. The demon possession wasn’t complete yet.
They needed to act in unison, Brianne surmised. She saw Cade and held up her crystal. He nodded back, and Brianne was caught in his gaze for several seconds. His eyes told her of his worry, and she blew him a reassuring kiss. She continued searching, then locked eyes with her sister. Brianne waved the stone and shouted, “Now!”
Seeing Cael place his stone on the dirt, Brianne quickly bent down and did the same. By the time she stood, white light arced from each of the crystals, forcing her to shield her eyes. Blinking through the spots, she watched as Aurora writhed and screamed. Black smoke filtered from her pores and ros
e in the air.
A shadowy form shot toward the sky but stopped when it hit the barrier of light. Sparks flew, and black blood dripped onto the ground below. The light pulsed and the screeching got louder. Brianne watched in disbelief as the demon was pulled into the largest crystal set to the north. Another blinding flash filled the sky and blurred her vision.
When the spots cleared, the white light was gone, and the stone near Cael was black as coal. At once, everyone rushed toward Cael. Brianne grabbed his hand and had to fight the urge to recoil and run away at the malicious energy coming off the prism. A moment later, Aurora appeared and approached their small group.
She walked slower than usual and seemed a bit dazed, but otherwise, was unmarred. Brianne released a sigh thankful her leader was alive.
“Thank you,” Aurora rasped to Raquel, Brianne, and her mates. “I will never be able to repay you. Tell me how to destroy that thing. I don’t want to be near it for another second.”
Brianne looked at Cade and Cael who shrugged and shook their heads. Cade spoke before she could. “That wasn’t part of the information Suvi shared with us, but we know some Warrior Angels that should know what to do. If they’re on Earth, I can get ahold of them quickly,” Cade offered and pulled his cell from his pocket then typed out a message.
“Angels have cell phones?” Brianne asked incredulously.
“Yes, we do,” said a masculine voice behind her.
Brianne turned and gulped when she saw three imperious angels standing off to the side. Their massive red wings were the grandest she’d ever seen, not to mention their brawny frames. Brianne almost dropped to her knees as their domineering power washed over her.
“Oh. That’s cool. And, why wouldn’t you? Texting is the way everyone communicates these days. I’m Brianne, mate to Cade and Cael,” she mumbled.
“Congratulations,” the angel said to Cade and Cael. “I am Ayil, and our sister, Illianna, is mated to Rhys. And, yes, we are up to date with today’s technology. In fact, I’m going to wring Rhys’s neck when I see him. He keeps sending me selfies,” the angel barked, and the other two angels chuckled.
“Fucking Rhys,” Cael blurted and Cade, and the three angels roared with laughter.
“Did I miss something?” Brianne asked.
“Don’t worry. You’ll learn soon enough,” Cade said and wrapped an arm around her waist.
“I assume the demon presence I sense is the reason you called?” Ayil inquired.
“Yes. A demon possessed Aurora, and the Rowan sisters gave us crystals to force it out and trap it here,” Cael stated and held up the black prism. “We don’t know how to kill it though.”
“We will take the skin-jumper off your hands,” Ayil replied. “And, we expect an invite to the mating ceremony.”
“Definitely. As soon as we have a date, we’ll let you know. And, could you check on your sister and the others at Zeum? Crocell attacked the compound,” Cade replied.
At hearing their sister was in danger, the angels disappeared without another word.
“I think it’s time for us to return to Zeum, as well,” Cade said. “We have a mating to plan and family that needs us.”
Now that the immediate danger had passed, Brianne allowed the excitement over her mating to build. And, more importantly, their impending ménage à trois.
18
Lorne blinked his eyes as they adjusted to the change in lighting from the bright fluorescent bulbs in the hall and the rest of the castle when he entered the throne room. Over the centuries Tatenen became his second home as first maáhes to Legette. He watched the castle transform from outhouses and candles to indoor plumbing and electricity. Khoth has a computer system that operated similar to the World Wide Web on Earth, and every room save the one he was entering was connected in the castle, even the bathrooms.
Lorne wanted to hang his head in shame as he approached the gathered group. Cambree’s angry voice was justified. He never took his assignment to her seriously, and she suffered because of his negligence.
The image of her tear stained face and frantic pleas as the male hovered over her ready to take her body by force would never leave his mind. It would spotlight in his nightmares for decades to come. There was no worse offense in his mind than raping a female.
As one of the head enforcers in the Cuelebre’s home realm of Khoth, Lorne dealt with all manner of crimes. Maáhes dealt mostly with the Unseelie Fae bastards and their destruction of the planet, but crimes were committed by the rest of the population, as well, and crimes against females were the worst.
They’d gone centuries without the Civappu ceremony, so there was
no Tuya to worry about. Forcing a female into mating and producing an heir seemed unlikely until he failed Cambree.
Angus stood on the dais looking more potent than ever, and Lorne worried he’d unleash his power on him as punishment. When Angus had returned after his long absence, the male was reduced in size and stature from his millennia-long absence from Khoth. As the king of the Cuelebre, Angus was tied intricately to Gaia and the power she offered their kind. No one realized how much being away affected him until he regained his musculature and grew four inches.
His towering bulk softened when he bent to pick up his son, Blaze. The green haired toddler was the perfect mix of his mother and father, and there was no doubting the mark of the mantle on his soul. Even perched on his father’s hip, he looked regal and ready to take on the issues in his father’s place.
Lorne stopped outside the circle that included Cambree and her parents, as well as Legette. Cambree’s eyes landed on him a second later. The dark circles looked like bruises on her soul. Her head snapped away as if she’d been slapped.
Lorne winced and regretted his inaction more than three seconds ago when it was eating a hole in his gut. “Sire. You summoned me,” Lorne murmured with a bow.
“I want a full report on what happened. I assigned you to Cambree, so this shite wouldna occur. What does it say aboot, my knights, if no one fears them? This male took a female right oot from under your nose,” Angus said in a low voice. His tone was worse than if he’d roared at Lorne and brought Lorne back to his childhood when his father would express his disappointment in some behavior or other.
“She was in the dressing room, Sire. There is nothing I can say to excuse my failure. I am sorry, Cambree,” Lorne replied.
“I don’t want your apologies. I don’t ever want to see you again. I want a new guard,” Cambree said as she clasped her hands in front of her and twisted her fingers together.
An aroma tickled Lorne’s nostrils and made his eyes roll back in his head. Next to him, Legette inhaled sharply. Angus said something, but Lorne didn’t catch it as he tried to locate the source of the heavenly scent.
His groin jumped on the train and went stiff as a board in his pants in the next second. It was a struggle to pay attention to the discussion at hand. Cambree’s parents were complaining about their daughter’s safety and the ineptitude of his maáhes.
Lorne shook his head and addressed the couple. “It is no one’s fault but my own,” Lorne admitted.
“You’ve got that right. If you could be bothered to actually pay attention to our daughter wouldn’t be terrified to step outside right now,” Cambree’s father interrupted.
“I was respecting her privacy. A female changing room is not the place for a maáhes to hang out,” Lorne justified, his mind still spinning from the delicious scent filling the room.
“You weren’t asked to respect her privacy,” her mother countered as she thrust her finger into his chest. “Our daughter could have been ruined by that male if he succeeded. I want his head on a pike for this.”
Her mother’s impassioned demand set Keira into motion, and the queen descended the dais and wrapped her arm around the distraught mother. “We don’t put heads on pikes anymore, as my mate reminded me,” Keira said and shared a look with Angus. Lorne knew the queen wanted Cyril’s head on a pike more than
anything else not for the time she suffered in his spell for a thousand years but for the risk he posed to her son and the planet that was tied to his blood. “But, he will not get away with this. That I promise you.”
“What will happen to him?” Cambree asked. Her soft voice and the way her body shook as she spoke made Lorne want to wrap her in his arms and comfort her. He owed her more than he could ever give her. Her vulnerability struck him at that moment.
“Oh, Gods!” Keira blurted suddenly pulling Cambree closer to her side. It was then that Lorne realized he and Legette had taken steps closer to the pair. Lorne was close enough to pick up flowery notes in Cambree’s scent.
Flushing, Lorne lowered his head. From the corner of his eye he noticed that the male staff members had started gathering closer to Cambree, as well. “What’s going on?” Lorne asked. His skin prickled and the hair on his arms stood on end. Something was going on, but Lorne had no idea what it was. He didn’t sense magic in play but sensed it was something significant.
“She’s in heat,” Keira blurted. Angus was at his mate’s side in a heartbeat, his son still set down by Keira and Cambree. Confusion struck Lorne as Angus stood in front of Cambree and not his mate.
“She’s in what?” Godrick, her father asked while her mother gasped. Trina shook her head sending her blonde curls bouncing around her shoulders. Cambree was nearly the exact opposite of her mother with straight black hair and brown eyes.
“I should have known,” Trina muttered. “This is so much worse than we thought. What do we do?”
“What are you talking about? Does it have something to do with these hot flashes?” Cambree inquired. Her cheeks were tinged pink, and her skin glowed with life and vibrancy. It called to him and made him forget who he was, as well as, the audience that surrounded them. His baser urges rose to the surface and took the wheel of his higher functioning.
Angus growled loud enough to shake the walls, but Lorne barely registered his King’s warning. The steps separating him from Cambree were too vast. He needed to get closer to her.