by Liv Brywood
All of this is a moot point until all this witch-versus-shifter conflict is resolved. The threat to shifter-kind really worries me. Iris also has a lot to deal with since her evil stepmother is the root of all the trouble. We don’t have time for drama in our personal lives until we neutralize these witches.
If they succeed and take away our ability to shift, they might as well kill us. A shifter without their animal aspect is incomplete, a shell of their former self. I don’t know what I would do without my wolf inside me.
I can’t imagine losing the bond I feel when I’m around other shifters. I can’t fathom losing my ability to hunt with my pack. How would I defend myself if I lost the instinct that raises the hair on the back of my neck when something is off?
I will never allow that to happen.
Shifters and witches must unite to burn the Academy to ashes. We’ll tear it down brick by magical brick, if necessary, and shred all who stand in our way. And when Iris’ stepmother and her lackeys lie in pools of their own blood, we’ll howl at the night sky in triumph and run free through the forest as we were born to do.
And then, with that settled, maybe Iris and I can figure out where we stand. I’m scared to redefine our relationship. I know we’ll always be close friends, and I’d never do anything to jeopardize that, but maybe we can be more than just friends. Maybe I can finally show her how much I really love her.
12
Iris
My head is in the clouds. Ordinarily, that’s not a problem. However, today, I’ve already shattered a mug and upended a little side table in my carelessness. Maybe I’d be safer outside at this point.
I go into the woods behind the house and walk toward Remus’ beehives. They’re the kind that allow him to collect honey without hurting the hive. It’s a job he has to do every few days, so I’m hoping he’ll be happy to have the extra help. He’s been so sweet to me; I want to find ways to give back to him too.
He hasn’t been able to give his store his complete attention because of me. The least I can do is help him restock his honey supply.
I plan on collecting a little extra so I can make honey cakes later this evening. The Bear Clan loves honey for obvious reasons, but my wolves will appreciate a sweet treat too.
My wolves. Listen to me. I sound like a crazy person.
Who am I kidding? I am a crazy person.
I’ve kissed all three of them. I’ve never been ashamed of the fact that I’m a sexual being with sexual urges, but I’m still a virgin, for heaven’s sake. I’ve never done anything like this before, and I seriously doubt there’s a how-to book for this situation.
I should write one.
The thought makes me laugh.
Aside from the sweet, golden treat of honey, this walk also provides me with an opportunity to figure out what to do about the guys. I need to stop thinking about it, but I can’t. They’re on my mind all the time.
This obsession with them isn’t like me. I pride myself on my level-headed nature. I couldn’t have coexisted with someone like Lexus without having a stable head on my shoulders. She watches me like a hawk. She’s been that way from the moment she entered my life. To learn to be sneaky required careful thought, and I’m a master at it.
Well, maybe not.
A master at careful thought doesn’t kiss her three male friends who she happens to be in exile with. This situation is a ticking time bomb. If I’m not careful, it could end in disaster.
Lost in thought, I miss the turn to the hidden deer trail that leads toward the beehives. My mishap isn’t a total waste of time because I find a small patch of belladonna.
With a snort, I recall the day I’d considered squeezing the toxic juice of the berries into Lexus’ tea. At the time, I believed myself incapable of it. Now, I’m not so sure.
I carefully pluck some berries, wrap them in a strip of cloth I brought along to wipe honey from my fingers, and double back on the forest path.
The deer trail is overgrown and looks like it hasn’t been used in a while. The deer had likely found somewhere else to live after it discovered that a wolf shifter had moved onto the land.
I follow the faint trail, ducking under low-hanging branches and carefully stepping over roots. The buzzing of bees is audible long before I see the hives. Fuzzy balls of black and yellow curiously dart around me. Right now, they mean me no harm. However, I’m certain that’ll change the moment they realize I’m after their treasure.
I set the basket down and breathe. Bees are so little. It doesn’t take much magic to affect them.
With an incantation and a wave of my fingers, all of the bees gently settle down for a nap. So long as I don’t accidentally squish one, they won’t be harmed while I collect honey.
I grab several jars from my basket and approach the hives. A few stragglers buzz toward me in alarm. I quickly put them under the sleeping spell.
I’ve never harvested honey from this type of hive before. It’s basically a box with several vertical trays that can be lifted out. It allows the hive to stay intact while I collect honey.
It takes me a few tries to figure out the best way to do it, but before long, I have one jar filled to the brim with golden honey. I cap it and begin again with the next jar.
Once I figure out a system, I let my mind wander once more.
My thoughts first drift to Remus and his kind eyes. I know he wants to be with me.
What would it be like if it was just us in the house?
He’d probably swoop me up in a tender embrace the moment I walked through the door. He’d kiss me until I was dizzy. We’d make dinner together, laugh over a glass of wine, and then fall into bed tangled up in each other. And there’d be candles. Lots and lots of beeswax candles.
Remus seems like the candle type.
He’ll be gentle, patient, and overgenerous in bed, just like he is in his daily life.
Nyx, on the other hand, will be wild. I’ll be putty in his hands, completely at his mercy, and I’ll give myself over to him willingly. He’s an expert, after all. I can practically hear myself scream his name while I grasp the bedsheets.
The honey jar slips through my fingers. I tighten my grip before it drops completely.
Where Remus is familiar and safe, Nyx is adventurous and dangerous. Not that he’ll ever do anything to put me in harm’s way. To be with him would be like dancing with fire.
And Torak. Just the thought of him elicits a wistful sigh from my lips. I’ve never met a more talented musician. He should be on a world tour, adored by all.
Though, if he was, I’d be terribly jealous. It breaks my heart that he doesn’t believe in himself the way I do.
I struggle to find the best way to describe what I imagine him to be like in bed. I finally settle on transcendent. He’d take me to otherworldly places I can only dream about.
A relationship with any of them will be incredible. I can see myself happy with each of them. I ought to be relieved I have three perfect options, but it only makes things more of a challenge.
How can I ever pick one?
I can’t.
They’re all so perfect, I can’t possibly make a choice, even if it makes me a terrible person. Don’t they deserve more than that?
I start to think I shouldn’t pick any of them out of fairness and respect, but the thought of it pains my heart to the point where it physically aches. Why can’t I just have them all?
My body goes rigid as a realization strikes me.
Maybe there’s a chance I can have them all. All four of us have known each other forever. We get along so well, and I have strong feelings for each of them. We could make it work, couldn’t we?
As I pack up the last of the honey jars, I resolve to ask each of them about it. I have to get them alone first. It could work. Maybe. I won’t know until I ask them.
I try not to let myself get too excited or hopeful. What I’m about to ask is crazy. I doubt they’ll agree to share me. Even the thought sounds ridiculous. But I have t
o try. I can chalk my crazy idea up to stress if they get upset with me.
As I walk back to the house, my plan seems less and less outrageous. By the time I’m out of the woods, I’ve convinced myself it’s possible to have all three.
“I’m home with honey.”
“The phrase is ‘Honey, I’m home,’” Torak shouts back from the garage. I follow his voice and find all three of my guys in the garage. Remus had it converted into a workshop and he makes all of the items for his shop in here.
“Very funny.” I place the basket filled with honey jars on the wooden table in the center of the garage and remove one jar for myself.
“What do you plan to do with that?” Remus asks.
“It’s a surprise.” I grin.
“I hope you’re thinking what I think you’re thinking.” Nyx gives me a wicked smile.
“If it involves honey anywhere other than a cooking dish, you’re wrong.” I roll my eyes and head back into the house. I store the spare jar of honey in one of the kitchen cupboards.
When I return, the guys have started an assembly line to purify, refine, and infuse the honey for Remus’ store.
“What’s in the pouch?” Torak jerks his chin toward the basket.
“I found belladonna in the woods, so I took some. It might come in handy.”
“Good idea.” Nyx turns to me. “Torak and I heard some witches are on the lookout for you.”
“What?” I almost upend the basket in my surprise.
“Don’t worry.” Torak glares at Nyx. “From what we can tell, no one knows you’re here.”
“Are you sure? Lexus sent ravens after me. How do we know she doesn’t know?”
“She would’ve done something by now, don’t you think?” Remus finishes with a jar and moves to the next.
“Maybe. Or she’ll bide her time.” I pace the short length of the garage. My heart beats frantically under my ribs. “I hate this. I hate not to know what goes on in the world around me.”
“I know.” Remus’ words are quiet.
Torak suggests I move somewhere else. Remus stops his work and slowly turns to face Torak.
“Why?”
Torak explains how people are always in and out of the store.
“She’s never in the store,” Remus says.
“I know, but she’s outside around the house. Someone could see her.” Torak makes a good point, though I’m always careful not to get too near the store. When I first moved here, I thought it was safe, so I helped out in the store. But after a few days, I reconsidered it, and I’ve stayed hidden ever since.
“She’s safe here.” Remus growls and moves closer to me.
I’m not sure if he realizes he’s put himself between me and Torak, as if Torak’s a threat to me. I place a hand on his shoulder. His muscles are tense but relax under my touch.
“Is that what’s actually true or are you trying to just keep her to yourself?” Torak doesn’t back down.
“I can keep her safe and you know it.”
“What if there’s a better way?” Torak asks.
“She can’t move now. It’s too risky.” Nyx agrees with Remus.
“Exactly. She stays here.” Remus gives a nod of finality.
I’m happy at Remus’ home, but I don’t want my guys to fight over me. Tempers are about to flare, and I don’t want to make it worse. I especially don’t want Torak to feel like we’re ganging up on him. I don’t want him to be annoyed with me when I ask him if he’ll share me with Remus and Nyx.
The thought makes me blush. I turn away so none of them will notice. Now is definitely not the time to bring something like that up.
Torak finally yields. “If someone in the store spots her and trouble comes to your doorstep, it’s on you.”
“I won’t let that happen.” Remus squares his shoulders and goes back to the honey, which effectively ends the conversation.
“I went to see Argus.” Nyx speaks up out of the blue.
“What?” Both Torak and Remus turn to look at Nyx. Looks like the conversation’s not over after all.
“Before you both flip, I have good news.” Nyx raises his hands in mock self-defense. “Argus has made progress in rounding up witches and shifters to help us shut the Academy down.”
“That’s great.” I smile. The corner of Nyx’s perfect mouth curves up into a smirk that makes my breath catch in my throat.
“Argus also wants you to join us when the time comes, but I told him no.” Nyx gives his head a little shake.
“What?” My brow furrows. “Shouldn’t I be involved in that decision?” I expect both Remus and Torak to say something, but they’re silent.
“Given your relationship with Lexus, I figured it might be too difficult. That doesn’t mean I believe you aren’t capable in the witchcraft sense. I know you’re a powerful, talented witch. But a fight against family is something no one can prepare you for.”
My expression softens as Nyx explains his reasons.
“I’ve never truly considered Lexus family. But you’re right. I hadn’t given much thought to what it would be like to take her down. She was supposed to be a mother to me. She turned out to be the opposite, but she’s still my father’s wife.”
“That might make things awkward at the family reunion,” Nyx says wryly.
“Tell me about it.” I chuckle. “Still, it feels like it’s something I have to do. I appreciate your concern, though.”
“Your well-being is my top priority,” Nyx says. It’s not a line. He’s being genuine and sweet.
Remus chimes in. “Her well-being is top priority for all of us.”
“Thank you.” I blush. “But if that’s true, I need all three of you to play nice.”
“Wolves never play nice.” Torak smirks. “But I see your point. We aren’t much help to you if we can’t agree on anything.”
“Glad you see the brilliance of my logic.” I preen.
“How about you use your brilliance to heat this honey?” Remus hands me a jar. “It’ll take the infusions better when it’s warm.”
“You got it.” I walk to the stove and gently stir the honey until it’s not gloopy. Remus is right. When I sprinkle in crushed anise seed, it doesn’t clump up at all.
“As much as I enjoy Easy Bake Honey Shop, I have to dip out for a few hours.” Nyx leaves his chair.
“Where to?” Torak glances up from his task.
“I haven’t been home in a few days. I want to get the mail and check on a few things.”
“How mysterious.” I can’t help but tease Nyx.
“My air of mystery keeps people guessing.” Nyx’s sly smile sends heat rushing to my core. If we were alone right now, I’d kiss him again.
I return my attention to the honey until a thought occurs to me.
“Hey, Nyx?”
“Yes?”
“Do you mind if I tag along?”
All three heads turn to look at me with equally confused expressions.
“What? As much as I love Remus’ house, I’ll go stir crazy if I don’t leave for a while.” There’s some truth in my statement, but it’s not the whole truth. I want to be alone with him, and this is my best shot at making it happen.
“We just spent an hour concerned about your safety.” Torak laughs. “Now you want to go walk around town?”
Remus agrees with Torak and insists it’s not a good idea.
Nyx refuses to let me tag along. He echoes Remus’ and Torak’s concerns.
“Please.” I give Nyx a pouty lip.
“Don’t make that face. You know it’s not fair.”
“Which is why I use it. To go out for a little bit, even just an hour, will be good for me. I can’t be at the top of my magic game if I stay cooped up here all the time.”
Torak considers my reason. “We all get antsy when we can’t run wild as wolves every so often.”
“What if we go at night?” Nyx offers an alternative. “Nothing I have to do needs to be done in daylight. If
we go late enough, we probably won’t run into anyone.”
“That’s fine with me.” I turn to Remus and Torak for confirmation.
“It’s up to you.” Remus shrugs.
“I know, but I don’t want to do anything you won’t like,” I say.
My words make Remus smile.
“If time away from the shop will make you feel better, then I want you to go,” Remus says.
“I’m good with it as long as you’re careful you’re not followed,” Torak says.
Once again, I’m struck by how lucky I am to have these three incredible men in my life. They’ve been my dearest friends for longer than I can remember, and, if I do this right, they might become more than friends. It’s going to be a long afternoon, but I’m excited to finally be able to spend time alone with Nyx.
13
Nyx
The incessant throbbing between my legs has nothing to do with my Harley as I ride down the twisted road toward my house. Rather, the catalyst is an extremely hot, sexy young witch who has her arms wrapped so tightly about my midsection that I can barely breathe. As if her lithe, warm body pressed up against me wasn’t bad enough, I can feel her supple breasts through the thin fabric of our shirts.
I don’t know if Iris is aware of how much I want her right now, but I certainly am. It’s all I can do to pilot these seven hundred pounds of steel and not send us to Road Rash city.
I take the turns with a little less speed than I would if I didn’t have a passenger. Regardless of my views about the maneuver, Iris seems to find excitement in it. She shifts position and leans in close. Her helmet brushes against my shoulder.
I’m damn glad I have that extra helmet because I’d never let her ride without one. I’m not stupid, and I wouldn’t her risk her life like that. I’d rein in my lust and wait until I had a second helmet with me.
