by Kelex
“I have told him no from time to time. Like I said… I choose my battles.”
Noah eyed Eilam. “What does your bear say? Because mine is screaming in my mind, demanding we truly claim him.”
“We have claimed him.”
“Not truly. And you know it.”
The old ways had begun to fade some, shifting into more equanimity in matings. Bear shifters of old would virtually kidnap their human mates, dragging them off like cavemen. The humans would be bound and claimed, forced to yield. As time passed, and more human DNA passed into their bloodlines, the mating ceremonies calmed. The animal within softened some, and gave them more reason. More control.
But there were parts to a mating that lingered.
Not all, but many still used BDSM in their claimings. Bondage played a strong role in their lovemaking. Noah himself loved being tied up. He loved when Eilam was aggressive, allowing his hunger to be on full view.
But they’d struggled so much to bring Adriel closer, he’d almost feared letting that side of him out. If he’d been too aggressive, the king might’ve ran in the opposite direction. He’d gone against his nature and toed the line.
Did he now bring that side of him out or did they ease Adriel into it?
Either way he chose, he could upset one of his lovers.
Eilam met Noah’s stare. He felt caught in the middle. They were both such strong personalities, bound and determined to have their way. Why did he have to choose sides? “You’re just like him.”
Noah frowned. “How so?”
“Demanding we do things your way. Telling me I’m too lenient on him when I tell you no. So if I give in, am I being too lenient with you?”
“I’m not the one who needs to learn how to yield.” Noah lifted a brow. “I yielded to you long ago, even when it was against our laws.”
Brother bears were once told they could not come together intimately. Many broke those laws before they were ultimately changed with the advent of their new alpha’s reign.
Eilam eyed Noah. “Adriel has the weight of an entire kingdom resting on his shoulders. Yes, he’s given liberties, but to a point, he deserves them. How much is taken from him because of the crown he wears?”
“He has everything.”
“There are many things he will never have. Freedom. Privacy. A future of his own, to do with his life as he chooses.” Eilam leveled his gaze at Noah. “Yes… he was born into privilege, but that privilege has a cost, too. In time, you might see just what he gives up.”
Noah grew quiet. “Then I suppose we give up and go to bed. Accept that this world is his and we’re mere pawns living in it.”
Eilam sighed, feeling even wearier. Noah’s need to control was growing out of hand. Perhaps Adriel wasn’t the only one who needed a lesson in surrender. “We’re no pawns.”
“He tells us to jump and we’re expected to. Did you see him stamp his foot like a petulant child when we told him no?”
“I did,” Eilam said, looking back at the plans before him. Noah had a point, he knew the male did. Adriel needed to learn they wouldn’t jump at his every whim. “We have work to finish.”
Noah didn’t immediately come closer. Eilam silently appraised the map once more, waiting for his brother bear to join him. It took a full minute before Noah meandered over and stood at his side.
Eilam pointed to the left rise of the rear gardens. “I believe this is another weak spot in the defenses for the castle.” He lifted his stare and met Noah’s. “We should consider a protection ward and a set of guards placed.”
Noah avoided his gaze, but nodded silently.
Eilam moved his hand to rest on top of Noah’s. Noah stiffened, his jaw tightening.
He slid his hand away, shaking his head.
Eilam had two mule-headed males in his care. If he wasn’t careful, they would explode. He didn’t know where the pieces would fall when it was over.
* * * *
Adriel was slow to rise. The bedroom was darker than usual, and he had a sense of dread falling over him. Reaching to the right, the bed was empty beside him. To the left, it was empty, as well. It was then that he realized his mates hadn’t come to bed.
I shouldn’t have locked the door if I hadn’t wanted to awaken alone.
Sliding from the silk sheets, he rose and pulled on his robe. He made his way over to the door and saw that it hadn’t moved. The spell he’d cast over the knob would’ve shown attempts to open. They hadn’t even attempted to come to bed.
Adriel felt his lips form a pout. He did his best to stop himself, but no matter how hard he tried, he felt as if one look would tell the world how he felt.
With the wave of his hand, he unlocked the door and wiped away the spell. Opening it a bit, he peeked out through the gap. Noah slept on the settee, his big, muscled body too large for it. Papers were strewn around him on the coffee table and floor.
Eilam’s head rested on his arms at the desk covered with more papers.
Was he truly asking for too much? He’d had parties on his whim for years now, never realizing just what went into the planning behind the scenes. They’d always come together…
They need help. Eilam refuses to ask his brother, but I have no qualms about asking anything. With a wave of his hand, Adriel was dressed. He crept through the office and out into the parlor before slipping into the hall.
Two of his guards stood at attention.
“I need to see Eilam’s brother, Maxmillan. Immediately.”
“It’s early,” Johann said.
“I did not ask the time. I asked to speak to Maxmillan.”
“Yes, sire,” Johann answered before leaving them.
“I’ll breakfast in the throne room,” Adriel said to Therrick.
“Aye, Your Majesty.”
Adriel gave one last glance at the double doors going back into his rooms. He felt off-kilter not having had them next to him in the night. Leaving without a couple of kisses felt wrong, too. They already have me acting like a lovesick pup.
He forced himself to walk away.
There was much work to be done in the kingdom.
Chapter Four
Hours later, Noah startled awake. He nearly fell from the settee, papers floating onto the floor from his lap. He lifted a hand, wiping sleep from his eyes before grabbing his cell and checking the time. Seven. How long did I sleep?
Turning to Eilam, he saw his brother bear’s head resting on strong forearms. The male snored lightly—thought he would argue that he didn’t snore—his tousled hair making him look even more handsome in slumber.
It was almost enough to forget that I’m angry with him.
Noah stared at his sleeping brother bear. He and Eilam rarely argued. They’d been together so long that they were almost always of one mind. The argument last night had stunned him to his very core. Already they were split when it came to their mate. Would this wedge soon become a gulf, driving them farther apart?
Am I seeing this all wrong?
The bear within told him no. He cared for both Eilam and Adriel… and knew they needed to find a way to be on a level playing field. If Adriel held all the power outside the bedroom, they needed more behind closed doors. He wasn’t just doing this for himself… it was for all of them.
“Eilam?” His brother bear didn’t rouse. “Eilam!”
Eilam came awake with a jerk. Noah smiled smugly, feeling a bit better at seeing his brother bear out of sorts. Eilam scrubbed his face once, twice, and then eyed Noah. “What time is it?”
“Seven.”
Eilam growled. “You shouldn’t have let me sleep.”
“I apparently fell asleep, as well. Just woke up moments ago.” Noah picked up the papers from the floor. During the night, they’d gotten much accomplished. They had devised a guard schedule, checked and rechecked the schematics for the event, and worked on a preliminary logistical plan for transporting everyone into the city.
But they still needed the revised guest list tha
t the king had yet to hand over. Noah rose, stretched, and walked to the bedroom door. Peeking in, he saw the bed was empty. He stepped in and realized Adriel was gone.
“He’s not in there,” Noah said to Eilam.
Eilam frowned. “Check with his guards outside.”
Noah headed to the main doors. Upon opening them, he saw there were no guards. “None there.” But then there was someone walking up the hallway. Max. Noah sighed, knowing Eilam wouldn’t be pleased.
“Morning, Noah,” Max said, a grim smile on his lips.
He forced a smile to his lips. “And what do we owe the pleasure of your visit this fine morning?”
“The king doesn’t think Eilam can handle the task ahead of him and has asked me to take over,” Max said, looking all too happy with himself.
“We’re fine. We don’t need your help.”
Max lifted his chin arrogantly. “I’ve made a vow to our king that I would take over. And take over, I will.”
Max began walking, intending to pass inside the rooms. Noah moved over, blocking the way. “Eilam will not like this.” Noah didn’t like it much, either.
“We all serve at the king’s pleasure. He doesn’t have to like it.”
“Who’s there?” Eilam called from inside the office.
“Hello, brother dear,” Max called out.
Silence met Max’s words. Seconds later, Eilam stood in the doorway of the parlor, glaring. “Why are you here?”
“I was awoken at an ungodly hour, told the king demanded my presence. When I arrived, I was told I had a job to do—one you and Noah apparently cannot handle yourself.”
“We can handle it just fine,” Eilam spat. “Go home, Max.”
“Like I told Noah. No can do. The king commanded me to run security on this event.”
Eilam didn’t say a word. He simply stormed out of the room, breezing past them both. Noah gave Max a wicked smile, knowing Eilam was beyond pissed. He raced after Eilam, ready to see the fireworks go off.
* * * *
Eilam marched into the throne room, anger roiling in his gut. He and Max had never seen eye to eye, and having his big brother called in to do his job only chaffed even more. Pushing through the small band of courtiers already forming within the room, he headed straight for the dais and his mate.
Adriel lifted his head, a smug little smile on his lips. “Sleeping Beauty has awoken, I see.”
Eilam only stopped when he was inches from Adriel. He lowered to look the man eye to eye, his movements so quick that even the king’s guard moved in close to protect their sovereign.
“My brother!” Eilam shouted. “After I told you he wasn’t needed?”
Adriel rose to his feet and glared at Eilam. “No. You said he was too busy. You never said you didn’t want him here.”
“I don’t!” Eilam cried. “You can’t be blind to the fact that he and I do not get along! Or are you so self-centered you choose to ignore it?”
Adriel gasped before he looked around the room. Eilam was past caring if anyone heard what he had to say.
“Again, you forget yourself,” Adriel spat.
The king waved his hand, and a portal opened up.
Eilam grasped Adriel’s arm, yanking back. “You’re not running from this argument.”
Several of the king’s guardsmen walked closer, hands on their weapons. Eilam glared at them, and then realized how things might look. He scanned the room, noting everyone staring at them—including Noah.
Adriel pulled his arm away and headed through the portal, but paused within the swirling circle and looked over one shoulder. The look seemed to urge him on.
Eilam marched over to the portal and followed Adriel to the other side.
* * * *
Adriel stood on the sandy beach of his private realm, waiting for his mates to exit the portal. He crossed his arms over his chest, angry at the way Eilam had dared speak to him before members of the court. As soon as he saw both his mates step onto the beach, his anger only intensified.
“How dare you?” he cried as the portal closed behind them.
“I could ask the same question,” Eilam roared. “We told you we would protect you. We… your mates. The men you’ve given charge to protect all of Midnight.”
“And as I said, this ball is in your honor. I can’t expect you to work long hours to make it happen.” Plus, he wanted his mates at his side, not focused on party planning. “Max ran the castle’s security before you were brought in, and he did a fine job. I trust him to make things right.”
“We’re your mates. Your protectors,” Noah said. “Not Max.”
“For this one moment, you need to let someone else run things,” Adriel said.
“I defended you to Noah. I said we needed to allow you some space… that we needed to grow accustomed to you and your rule, but I’m starting to see he has a point. You do as you damned well please and don’t consider anyone else.”
“I’m having this ball for you. I found someone to do the work you feel compelled to do. It’s all for you,” Adriel cried.
“But when we told you to delay your plans, you ignored our concerns,” Noah said. “You wanted it, so we were expected to follow your lead.”
“I am the ruler of this world. You will follow my lead time and time again. It’s best for you both to get used to it.”
Eilam stepped closer. “We are your mates. I know we’ll have to give you more latitude in this relationship, but mates are supposed to be equal. We’re nowhere near equal.”
Adriel didn’t know what to say to that. He was who he was. He was their sovereign, and would always hold more power. He understood they were strong, proud men… but they would need to learn to yield, too.
Just as he had in accepting them as his mates.
“Can’t you step back for once and let Maxmillian do this one last job?” Adriel asked.
“Not him,” Eilam said, shaking his head. He paced a few steps, turned, and paced back. “You went too far, Adriel.”
Adriel sighed. “I had no idea you and he were so at odds. You’ve never told me.”
“My brother and I agree on very little in this world,” Eilam said. “His first love is gold. Everything else is secondary, even his mates and his family. He’s just like my father.” He sighed. “My instincts put you and Noah first. You both are my everything—which is why I don’t think the time is right for this event, Adriel.”
Frowning, Adriel shook his head. He disagreed, wholeheartedly. The ball—and his acknowledging his mates publically—was everything to him. “The invitations have already been sent out. Plans are in motion.” Adriel shook his head. “It’s too late to stop things now.”
“You could postpone,” Noah said.
“No,” Adriel said. He would have no one second-guessing his relationship with his males.
Both Eilam and Noah were silent.
The waves crashing onto the beach were the only sound he heard for too long.
Eilam spoke up. “Fine. You wish to have a ball. We’ll agree if you give us something in return.”
“I’m already giving you the ball,” Adriel spat. “What more do you want?”
Noah rolled his eyes and looked away.
“Immediately after the ball, we come here, alone for two days. A full forty-eight hours. During that time, you won’t be allowed to use your powers, not until it’s time to return. And you’ll do whatever we say,” Eilam said. “Without question.”
Adriel felt a shiver race up his spine.
It wasn’t one of fear…
But longing.
What is it they’d make him do? “Whatever you say? I’m expected to go along with this, why?”
“Because you want peace in your home and us back in your bed,” Eilam said.
Adriel did. But he hated how transparent he apparently was. “What gives you that idea?”
“You were lonely last night. Lonely enough to go over my head and seek out my brother’s help without speaking to me
,” Eilam said.
Adriel stared at Eilam, hating that the man seemed to see inside him so easily.
A slight smile formed over Eilam’s lips. “So what say you?”
“Forty-eight hours is too long. I have too many duties. One day. Twenty-hour hours,” Adriel said.
Eilam eyed Noah a moment before turning back and nodding. “Fine. One day. With the agreement we’ll have another day soon with the same terms.”
Adriel considered Eilam’s request. Desire filled him at the thought of the day to come with them alone on the island once more. Whatever we say… without question. “Agreed.”
The smile grew on Eilam’s lips and seemed to affect Noah, as well.
What are the two of them up to?
He reopened the portal, ready to return home…
Where he would count the seconds until the ball was over.
* * * *
Eilam sat across the desk from Max, going over his notes for the security during the event. Max looked over the sheets, but didn’t say much. His brother was rarely so quiet. It unnerved him. Midway through, he paused. “Are you even listening to me?”
Max lifted his head, slapping a weak smile over his lips. “Of course.”
Eilam eyed Noah a moment before turning his attention back to his brother. “What did I just say?”
Max lowered the notes to the desk. “Look, I understand that you’re on a power trip now that you’ve been made king’s consort, but I’ve been doing this type of work for a long, long time.”
“A power trip?” Eilam asked, stunned.
“I know what I’m doing, little brother.”
Eilam rose from the desk. “My mate and my brother bear’s safety come first. This is no power trip. This is me not wanting them hurt. You have no idea what we’ve been through in the last few weeks.”
“I’ve read the papers,” Max said. “And like I said, I’ve done this job once before. The king wasn’t attacked on my watch.”
