by Betty Legend
Cyrus grins. “I enjoyed it too.”
“It’s been nice that you’re all respecting each other’s time alone with me.”
“We had a talk about it.”
“I figured.”
“I imagine you want to spend some time with Phoenix today.”
“I do. I was thinking of taking a shower and getting a workout in, then joining him downstairs in his apartment. That’s what I should call it, right? An apartment? Basement sounds like he’s been banished to the basement.”
“I agree, apartment.” When Cyrus tosses the comforter off, my gaze falls to his cock, and he smiles. “I need to go into work for a while. I’ll be home after I deliver the mirrors.”
“I hope the time off request has been approved. It worries me every time you leave.” Coming back to the bed, he lifts my chin and kisses me.
“I’m doing everything I can to keep myself safe. It’s all I can do until the time off is approved.”
“I know. I’ll just be relieved when you’re home with me. Maybe Emeric could tag along with you and be extra security. He’s good at it.”
Cyrus peeks out of his closet door and frowns. “I love how much you care, but Emeric won’t want to shadow me any more than I want him to.”
“Ugh. You two.”
“Hey, we’re a lot better than we used to me. We get along now.”
“That’s true.”
Cyrus tosses the stylish clothing he picked out on the bed.
“I’m getting in the shower. Have a good workout. I’ll see you after.”
Leaving me with a sweet kiss, he enters his adjoining bathroom. Wait until I bring Rachel and my mom to visit. They’re going to be surprised at how big our home is—six bedrooms and bathrooms, its own magic room, and a rooftop bedroom with a sitting area. Speaking of, I wonder if the guys will be working on the partial roof today.
Grabbing my clothes in a bundle, I walk down the hall to my room, toss them in the laundry bin, then shower. I don’t see any of my guys downstairs or in the workout room, so I assume they’re working on the rooftop. Enjoying the time to myself, I take a walk on the beach. Outside the house, I look up at the rooftop. As if they sense me, my guys wave and blow kisses, warming my heart.
With the sunshine casting rays between the clouds, I walk along the water, letting its cool waves touch my feet. It’s peaceful on Mordeeves Island, very different from New York and its busyness. New York isn’t where I would choose to live, but I knew it was where I would be able to have a career. Now that my career has blossomed, I believe I could live here at Killian’s and use my apartment at times when I need to be in the city. I no longer feel I need to be tied to the city that never sleeps.
A sparkly shell catches my eye, and I lean down to gather it in my hands. With the sand on my fingers, I wiggle it off, then smooth them over the colorful rings along the shell. At this moment, I’m happy, truly happy. I’ve begun my own family, falling for five gorgeous supernatural men who make me feel special every day. However, there is still one being who would destroy it all for his own selfish reasons. The devil turned on his own kind to break down the veil between his world and ours. If or when it becomes time, I have to believe we’ll succeed against him because I can’t bring myself to imagine a world without the men I love or a world without magic.
Putting the shell back, I continue walking. Farther down the beach, I see a very special Fae sitting with his legs crossed, meditating. Long white hair lifts in the breeze, and his bright orange Hawaiian shirt stands out with his white shorts. Quietly approaching, I smile as he looks at me and pats the sand next to him.
“Fairy painter, it’s a pleasure to see you.”
“It’s good to see you too.”
Black eyes take me in, reading me as he usually does.
“You feel content, strong, loved, and angry.”
Sitting back on my hands, I nod.
“That’s all true.”
“Why are you angry?”
“I’m angry at the devil for betraying supernaturals, for hurting my ancestor, and for sending Holy Accolades and demons after us.”
“Hmm, yes, I see.” Ancor gathers sand in his hand, lets it fall in the breeze, then mutters under his breath. “The devil fears your power.”
“Mine?”
“Yes. Druid witches have always been the most sacred and powerful of all supernaturals. You’re connected to all.”
“What about angels?”
“Very powerful indeed. Can you imagine a druid witch and an angel having a child? What a glorious creature it would be.”
Ancor is a brilliant man, but he speaks in riddles sometimes.
“I suppose that would be a powerful supernatural. Do you know of any?”
“Someday, I will.”
Sitting up, I cross my arms over my knees.
“Is that from a vision? Have you seen an angel and druid witch in the future? Does that mean we beat the devil?”
“Always so curious, fairy painter. What will be, will be.”
“Is that why you’re always so content? What will be, will be,” I repeat.
“Seeing is accepting.”
“What do you see?”
Ancor looks dreamily at the ocean. “So much.”
“Sometimes, I’m scared. I don’t want the devil to find any of us before we’ve been able to bond and break the curse.”
Ancor reaches over and places his hand on mine.
“The devil fears you for good reason, fairy painter. Trust in your journey.” He puts his other hand on his chest. “Trust in your magic.”
Magic stirs between our hands, my water magic coming to life.
“I will. I promise.”
“I know you will not disappoint me. You are a gift to us all.”
Tears water in my eyes. I miss my father.
Ancor tilts his head. “Of course. I had forgotten.” Reaching into his pocket, he pulls out a leather bracelet with a tiny, thick glass bulb dangling from it. Inside the bulb is sparkling and colorful flower dust. “It contains your father’s essence.”
Taking it from him, I stare at it as a tear escapes. “Thank you, Ancor. I appreciate this very much.”
“I know. You’re sharing it with me now.”
Laughing, I lean forward and kiss him on his wrinkled cheek.
“You’ve been incredible to me. Like a father-figure. Thank you.”
“Dane would be proud of his fairy painter, as am I.”
“Do you think I’ve reached my full potential with my magic?”
Ancor chuckles. “Like this ocean, you have depths which have never been seen.”
“I’ll take that as a no. I have a lot to learn still, don’t I?”
“Mmm.” He nods. “We live a lifetime and never come close to learning enough.”
“If I still have skills and magic to tap into, should I be worried? I’m not dangerous to others or myself, am I?”
With his hands resting on his knees, he smiles, baring his tea-stained teeth.
“A benevolent soul does not hurt others. Only evil should fear you.”
“But my ancestor hurt supernaturals for decades with her spell, and I don’t believe she had an evil soul.”
“Are you alive?”
“Hm?” My brows wrinkle. “I am unless you tell me this is all some kind of Matrix dream state.” I chuckle, but the reference passes over Ancor. “Never mind, yes, I’m alive.”
Black eyes stare into mine, and I sense feelings of hope and affection as if he’s directing those emotions toward me—at least, I think it’s him directing it.
“Cataleya protected her child and every child after. Your bloodline and magic live on from her instinct to protect. She created a spell that slowed the loss of magic rather than destroying it all until druid magic could find you.”
“Well, when you put it that way...”
“You have an understanding now.”
“Yes, I do.” It’s much easier to have a conversation w
ith someone when they can read your emotions. “My ancestor was wise and protected her child and supernaturals the best way she could imagine.”
Ancor lifts off the sand, slowly bringing himself to his feet, and dips his chin at me as I stand.
“We shall do this again.” Placing his hand on my shoulder, he gives it a fatherly squeeze. “I would like to meet Phoenix and Killian. Bring them to visit soon.”
“I’ll do that. Thank you for letting the Fae know we’re not a danger to them.”
“Of course, there is no need to fear what shouldn’t be feared.”
Walking up the beach, he disappears into the trees as I turn back toward the house. Jogging the rest of the way, I get a light exercise in. When I return, I feel rejuvenated. The guys are in the kitchen getting drinks, their eyes brightening when I join them. They take turns kissing me, then settle against the counters while I get water.
“Would you like to see our progress?” Killian asks, a smile of pride on his face.
“Of course!”
Carrying my cup of water, I follow them up the stairs to the rooftop. I’m shocked when I open the door. The partial roof is finished. From the wall where the door exits, there is now a wooden arch covering our bed. As you continue forward and step out from under the arch, they have placed the chaise lounge chair, firepit, and the small table with four seats.
Looking above me, I admire the arch inside of the flat top and sides. I have no doubt this structure was Killian’s idea. They even carved designs into the wood that look like vines and flowers.
“Wow! This is stunning.”
Setting my water on the nightstand, I sit on the bed, then lie back, looking up at the arch and its intricate details. There’s not a sliver of light coming through, and that shows how much care they put into it.
“There’s more.” Moving to the side of one of the walls, Griffin pulls a curtain from its tie, releases it, then pulls it across a bar. By doing that, he’s created another protective barrier from the sun. With it closed, no light can get into the space. Emeric steps up to the nightstand on the opposite side of the bed and uses his magic to light it. Going to the standing candle lamp along the wall, he lights that candle. It gives the space a romantic ambiance.
“I love it. You’ve all done an incredible job. You made it completely safe for Phoenix, which means so much to me.” I look at Killian. “The arch was a great idea. I love the vines and flower details.” I look at Emeric. “I love the candle lamps.” Lastly, I look at Griffin. “I love the pull-back curtain. How did you finish this so quickly?”
The three of them grin.
“We used magic,” Griffin shares. “I used magic to raise the boards, Emeric used his wings to stay elevated so he could hammer in nails, and Killian did the woodcarving.”
I tilt my head at them and frown. “The curtain and candle lamps are from the states. Which one of you snuck off to buy them?”
Griffin chuckles. “Don’t get upset, my love. I went to the resort to get them. There are always extra furnishings in storage.”
The three of them join me on the bed, sweat glistening off their sun-kissed skin.
“That makes me feel better. I adore what you’ve done. I can’t express it enough in words.”
Emeric leans toward me and lifts my chin to kiss me. “I’m sure you’ll show us in other ways.”
Caressing his wings, I lean forward and kiss him this time. “You can count on that.”
Desire flashes in their eyes, and I know what they’re all thinking. I plan on showering first, so they’ll have to wait. When I’m about to say just that, Phoenix comes through the rooftop door, wearing nothing but gray lounge pants. With the way his cock is pressing against his sweats, I’m certain he’s not wearing boxers or briefs. These men are torturing me right now.
Taking in the bedroom setup, he gives a nod of approval. “Thank you for ensuring no light gets in.”
“You’re welcome,” Emeric replies. None of them move from their spots on the bed around me. Phoenix doesn’t seem to mind. He comes forward through the only open space on the bed and lies on his chest, his striking, pale-blue eyes looking up at me, the desire in them elevating my arousal.
“I’ve decided to accept threesomes and all the other ‘somes’ that come after it.”
Emeric’s mouth quirks. “Good timing.”
“I definitely want all of you right now, but I’m showering first, and I’d like for Cyrus to join in, too.”
“Are you requesting a date night with all of us tonight?” Killian asks.
“I am.” I grin. “I’d love some wining, dining, then after, all of us in this bed.”
Emeric strokes my thigh, teasing my center. “We can make that happen.”
“Good.” Sliding off the bed, I head toward the door. “Now, I’m taking a shower before you all convince me to stay.”
Four sets of wanton gazes follow me toward the door. Damn, this is hard. I’m walking away from four horny, sexy men all laid out on our bed. Quickly, I hurry out of the bedroom for the shower.
With fresh clothes and my hair blow-dried, I step out of my room and smell dinner. Whatever they’re cooking, it smells delicious. Entering the kitchen, I’m thrilled to find all of them there, including Cyrus, all relaxed and chatting with drinks in their hands. I’m pretty sure Phoenix is holding a glass with blood in it. I don’t even want to know how that came to be, but it’s nice he’s able to drink with them.
“I love this.” With Killian the closest, I curl into his welcoming arms. “I love seeing all of you here hanging out.”
“We’re a pack,” Killian says. “It’s what we should be doing.”
Griffin opens the refrigerator with his magic and removes a bottle of beer. With the door open, I see a container with thick red liquid. Glancing at Phoenix, the corner of his mouth lifts.
“It’ll stay fresh for twenty-four hours. It’s not as good as warm, fresh blood, but it’ll do at times.”
I give an understanding nod. “Oh.”
Killian kisses my head. “It’s from a wild boar,” he explains.
“I think it’s great you two are hunting together.”
Phoenix shrugs his shoulder. “He’s a little slow but good with the takedown.”
Killian slugs his shoulder, and Phoenix laughs.
“Bullshit. I’m not slow. We’ll have a race to prove it.”
“I’ll watch that,” Emeric chimes in.
I love every moment of this. Killian laughs and takes a drink of beer, then sets it aside on the counter, so he can hold me in both arms. Lifting my t-shirt, he caresses his fingers along the waistband of my lounge pants, and I melt into his chest as our mate bond vibrates through me.
“What did you make?”
“Baked chicken and roasted vegetables,” Griffin tells me as he opens the oven. Pulling the two large baking sheets out, he sets them on the stove. “Grab some plates,” he tells everyone.
The guys let me fill my plate first, then they all do, except Phoenix. He pours another glass of blood, and I make sure not to react even though it’s making me cringe on the inside. I’ll have to get used to that. Leaving the kitchen, we take seats around the table in the dining room, and I take a moment to appreciate what’s happening. All of my guys are here, and they’re all getting along.
“Cyrus, how did my mom and Rachel like the mirrors?”
After his bite, he smiles from his spot at the end of the table. “They were excited. They loved the mirrors and that they’ll get to communicate with you through them.”
“I knew they would be. Did you get your time off approved?”
“I did. I’ll be able to take my time off, the beginning of next week. They want me to finish out this week and prepare my teaching assistant to fill in for me.”
I frown, but I’m sure that’s as good as it’s going to get.
“I’m relieved you’ll be home soon.”
“Me too,” Griffin adds.
Cyrus nods in ag
reement. “I will be as well. It’s stressful constantly having to be cautious about my surroundings.”
I glance at Emeric directly across from me, then at Cyrus. Cyrus shakes his head at me, and I huff.
“What’s wrong?” Phoenix asks from diagonally across the table, his inquisitive gaze on me.
“I think it would be helpful if Emeric stayed with Cyrus while he’s at work. He’s really good at security.”
Emeric looks at Cyrus to gauge his reaction.
“Not necessary,” Cyrus tells him.
“All right.” Emeric shrugs.
“But…” Killian places his hand on my thigh and caresses, stopping me from pushing the issue. “Fine.”
“Where is your resort?” Phoenix asks Griffin.
“Florida.”
“We should talk. The Artino family has resorts in Vermont and Massachusetts.”
“Let’s do that.”
“What does Andrea do for the Artino family?” I ask Phoenix.
“Real estate. She has a way with seduction and negotiating deals.”
“I believe that.”
Phoenix and the other guys laugh.
“Has she ever had a vampire partner?”
He shakes his head no. “Kristo feels no vampire will ever be good enough for his daughter.”
“What does she think?”
“She wants her father’s approval.”
“Why does he spoil her yet shows her zero affection or even a kind word?”
Phoenix tilts his head as he lowers his nearly empty glass. “Andrea is his favorite child because of how loyal she is to him and how much she looks like her human mother, but Kristo is not an affectionate man.”
“What happened to their mother?”
“She died of age and illness.”
“Did Kristo love her?”
“Very much. He hasn’t taken a companion since her death.”
My curiosity comes to an end when my stomach grows nauseous. Setting down my fork, I rub my stomach.
Killian caresses my leg. “Are you all right?”
“I’m not sure. My stomach’s upset.”
Concern fills all of their expressions. My stomach churns again and knowing the feeling, I push back the chair and rush to the closest bathroom.
Killian comes into the bathroom door with a glass of cold water. When he sees me bent over the toilet, he sets it on the sink counter and squats down next to me.