Their Shadow Queen

by Kim Loraine

  She nods, brow furrowing as she toys with the sash of her robe. “I know that.”

  “And you can’t tell me you love him.”

  I brush my knuckles across her cheek, but she doesn’t answer.

  “But you’ll do your duty?”

  Again, she nods but doesn’t speak.

  “I don’t want you to give him your body. Your first time shouldn’t be out of obligation. You should be cherished.” My skin is on fire at the thought of being the one to show her what making love should be.

  “And you think you should be the one to do that?”

  I swallow past the lump in my throat. “I think you should choose the man who makes you feel that way.” My hand slides into her hair, cupping the back of her head. “And if I’m that man, then yes. I should be the one.”

  She pulls back, her eyes going hard. “So this is just about sex. You want to be the first to get in my pants.”

  “No,” I tell her. Not allowing her accusation to get to me. “This is about love.” I run the fingers of my free hand over the necklace I’d given her. “Friendship, loyalty, and love.”

  “Love?”

  “I tried so hard not to fall for you, Maeve. But it was inevitable. You stole my heart the first day I met you. I know we said we have feelings for each other, but mine are so much more than that. I am in love with you.” I hate the way my voice breaks on the words, but I have to tell her. “And I think you love me too. You said you thought the same until you found out the truth. But something like that just doesn’t go away.”

  Her eyes search mine, confusion swirling in their depths. “I…I feel so much for you. But I have to be honest. I feel the same for Jensen, and I think, given time, I’d feel it for Christian too. How can I love you if I feel this way for them?”

  24

  Maeve

  I stare at this beautiful man and wish I had the right answer for him. I know every time I choose not to tell Finn I love him, I hurt him. But I can’t lie either.

  “It’s possible. I’ve seen it.” Christian’s voice startles us apart and a hot flush creeps up my cheeks.

  “Christian!” I’m mortified. I’d told him there was nothing between me and Finn or Jensen. But here I am, in Finn’s arms, declaring my feelings.

  “It’s okay, Maeve,” he says. “I know you lied. I knew it the moment I saw the three of you together.”

  My heart hurts for the fact that I broke his trust.

  “No,” Finn says, standing in front of me. “She didn’t lie. She told us nothing could happen because you deserved for her to be true to you.”

  Christian runs a hand through his tousled hair and sighs. “Her heart already belongs to the two of you. Even if she stopped being with you, she’d still love you. But, maybe there’s room in your heart for me as well, Maeve.”

  What? I step away from Finn’s strong frame. “Christian, you can’t be serious.”

  His striking eyes lock onto mine and I feel it, the connection we have. “I’ve never wanted to share my woman. It’s not something I said I’d ever do. But I know it’s possible. I know you can love more than one person and make a life together.”

  “How?” That doesn’t sound anything like the harem situation Finn told me about.

  “My mother isn’t just married to my father. She’s got three other princes. They’ve been happy and in love for over twenty years.”

  “You’re serious?”

  He chuckles and casually strides to the French press before pouring himself a mug of coffee. “It isn’t commonly done, but there’s no denying they were meant for each other.”

  My gaze darts from Christian to Finn and I’m not certain what to feel. Finn’s expression is impassive, as though he’s trying to contain any glimmer of persuasion in order to let me come to my own decision. “But…that’s cheating. It—“

  “It’s not if all parties involved understand and agree. My mother loves them all, and they love her. Though, I’m sure it isn’t without challenges.”

  “So, are you suggesting Maeve doesn’t have to choose between us?” Finn asks.

  “That’s exactly what I’m suggesting. I’m meant for her. The white lady told my parents when I was small. I’ve known this day would come, and I’m not walking away because she’s in love with two others.” Christian takes my hands in his and pulls them to his lips before tugging me into his arms. “I’ll devote myself to you, Queen Maeve, because it’s the only thing my heart will allow. But I need to know you’ll be open to letting me into your heart as well. I need to have equal footing to the two warriors who’ve already been blessed with a year of your love.”

  My mind swims with possibility. Can I really be considering loving them all? “I don’t know. It’s so strange. I’m not ready to make that kind of choice.” The smell of burning catches my attention and I spin around to find my pancakes have turned to charred discs better used as Frisbees. “Damn it,” I grumble. “You can’t start declaring your love and devotion while I’m cooking.”

  Finn grabs the skillet and tosses it aside. “I don’t give two shits about breakfast. Christian is right. You shouldn’t have to choose. When Jensen saved you, took you from your dying mother’s arms and we made the journey to the white lady, she told us there would be three. That we were yours. I didn’t realize she meant we would love you, but that’s exactly what happened. I’m in love with you. I want your love in return and if that means you love all three of us, I’ll take it.”

  Tears burn in my eyes and panic clutches at my chest. These two gorgeous men have me between them, both expecting me to make a choice. I do want them all, but I’m not convinced that will work. Besides that, Jensen hasn’t been part of this discussion and I think he should be here if we’re making decisions that involve him. What if he isn’t willing to share?

  “Maeve?” Finn asks.

  He wants me to say I’ll be with them all. I can see it in his earnest expression. But I’m not sure. I can’t get past the fear that jealousy will ruin us. Taking a long breath, I close my eyes and wait for the pounding of my heart to lessen. “I need some time. I need to think.” Finn’s warm fingers thread with mine and he pulls my knuckles to his lips, but I don’t give in. I tug free and offer an apologetic glance. “Time, Finn. I’m not saying no, but I need to process this idea. It might be normal for our world, but I wasn’t raised to think this way.”

  I leave my breakfast, coffee, and men all in the kitchen and head upstairs to do what I do best. Hide. I can’t handle them both staring and waiting for my decision. As soon as my door is shut, I lean against the wood and take a few deep breaths. I just need some silence and a moment to think.

  My stomach aches with hunger and there’s a headache building behind my eyes. Striding across the soft carpet, I pull my robe tighter and stop when I reach the window seat. The view reminds me of a picture I would have seen in a fairytale storybook. The sun beams in gold lines through the leaves of wide trees, casting everything in a gentle glow.

  I sit on the thick cushioned seat and close my eyes, calling up a plate with a fresh croissant and cup of rich coffee. I should have just done this in the first place. Then I wouldn’t be trying to decide if I can truly love more than one man at a time.

  “Well, haven’t you grown to be quite the beauty?” A smooth, melodic voice from behind me nearly makes me drop my coffee in my lap.

  I scramble to my feet, ready to scream for help, and hoping desperately to have time to defend myself with my power. The woman standing in my sitting room is eerily beautiful with her long, white hair and skin as dark as night. “Who the hell are you and how did you get in here?”

  She smiles and steps toward me. I’m not willing to let her get anywhere near me. Calling the power of the air, I send a burst of wind into her, but it doesn’t phase her. She continues forward without even a rustle of her gown from my attack.

  “Be at ease, child. I’m not here to hurt you. In fact, I’m not truly here at all.”

  “Wh
at?”

  She reaches out and tries to grab me, but her hand passes through my arm, leaving nothing but a cold tingle in its wake. “I am the white lady. But you may call me Tovah.” She offers a slight nod of her head. “I was well acquainted with your mother.”

  “You’re the one who sent me away.”

  “Protected you,” she corrects.

  “And my mother wanted this?”

  She nods. “She knew you would be in terrible danger until you had your powers and claimed your fated loves.”

  My heart lurches. “Fated loves?”

  “Yes. The men destined to help you take your crown.”

  “That’s different from being fated loves.”

  Low throaty laughter falls from her. “No. How else are they supposed to help you? Their love will be the key to unlocking the power inside you. Don’t deny them your heart. It’s written in the stars that our Shadow Queen will unite all fae realms. Without them, it will be much harder.”

  “I thought I had to marry a prince.”

  She shakes her head. “It’s you who will give them their titles. Princes of Sea, Stone, Ember, and Shadow.”

  That doesn’t sound right. Finn is an earth fae, so that makes him Stone. Jensen holds the power of air, but Christian is already titled as the Shadow Prince. Fear grips me at the idea of losing Jensen to some prophecy. “If Christian’s the Prince of the Shadow Court, where does that leave Jensen?” Are these men even the ones meant for me? What if she’s wrong and I’ve fallen for three men I can’t keep?

  A sharp knock on the door has me turning away from her, fear in my heart. Any of my men will be on the defensive if they see a strange woman in my room. “Just a minute!” I call, but when I turn back to Tovah, she’s gone.

  “My queen,” Jensen says as he bursts through the doorway, his large frame imposing and gorgeous. “I heard voices. Is someone here?”

  Shaking my head, I walk to him. “Not anymore. I just had a visit from the white lady.”

  His eyes widen. “She came here?”

  Glancing at him, ready to protect me to the death, I understand what Tovah meant about not denying them my heart. Jensen has to be one of mine. My chest aches at the idea of life without him. “She told me you three are my fated loves. That we were written in the stars. All four of us.”

  Jensen swallows hard and takes a shuddering breath. “You want us all?”

  “I do. I’ve been in love with you and Finn for months. Our connection is undeniable. And I think I’ve been trying to rationalize this instead of embracing the truth. The four of us as a unit is the only way anything feels right. Please be patient with me as I navigate this. I’ve never loved anyone up until now, and certainly not with more than one man.”

  Jensen kneels at my feet and takes my hands. “You have my love and devotion for the rest of my days, Maeve.”

  “I don’t know how this is going to work, but I can’t ignore what my heart wants any longer.” My voice trembles, but not from the threat of tears. I’m scared and excited, butterflies dancing in my belly and heart racing.

  He rises and takes me into his arms, claiming my mouth with a searing kiss before pulling away. “Allow me to give your heart what it wants.”

  25

  Maeve

  Jensen’s lips take my breath away with every pass over my skin as he trails kisses down my neck and collar. He pulls the tie out of my hair and I let my head fall back, my long tresses trailing down past my shoulders. For a moment, I just let myself feel him. His fingers slide inside the opening of my robe before he pulls the fabric off my body and leaves me standing in only a thin silk nightie that barely brushes the tops of my thighs.

  “Maeve, you’re so beautiful. You should always be in silk,” he groans before palming my breast over the gown.

  Skin burning with desire, I let out a soft gasp as my nightie turns to ash in a flash of bright light. Jensen jumps back with alarm in his eyes and he glances at his hand, which had been on my clothing as it went up in flames. Fear shoots through me, dulling the arousal that weakened my control.

  “Oh my God, Jensen. Are you all right? I’m so sorry. I just wanted my clothes to be gone.”

  He frowns at his palm before locking gazes with me. “I’m fine. It just got a little warm, but there’s not a mark on me.”

  “But I burned Finn. Last time, his shirt, his back. How did you get away unscathed?”

  “You’re coming into your power. Perhaps you were able to control the effects.” His gaze travels over my naked body and desire blazes in his eyes. “You said you wanted to get rid of your clothes. You succeeded.”

  “But you’re still dressed. Do you want me to try my power on you?”

  He laughs and shakes his head. “No. I’ll take care of that. But first, lie back on the bed. I need to taste you.”

  Everything south of my waist clenches at the rough tone and his demanding words. I don’t argue, though. I want him. I’m hyperaware of the feel of the soft fabric of my quilt as it brushes over my bare skin of my back. My entire being is focused on this moment with Jensen.

  “Close your eyes,” he says. “Can you feel the power in this room?”

  I do. The air is heavy with magic. “Yes.”

  “That’s you. Your power is calling to me. No doubt everyone in this house can feel it right now. Thank you for letting me be the one to love you like this.” Long fingers slide up my inner thighs and over my bare pussy, the feel of them making me squirm. Jensen chuckles. “No running away, my little queen.” He presses a palm over my lower belly, stilling my hips. “I don’t want your first time to hurt, and the only way to ensure that is to get you ready.”

  He runs his fingers across my swollen clitoris before running them back down and into the slick arousal between my legs. I cry out and buck at the overwhelming sensations, but I don’t open my eyes. Then his lips press along my hip and move closer and closer to the place I want him to kiss me most. I hold my moans until I feel his breath against my clit. Then I can’t stop myself.

  “Fuck, Jensen,” I cry.

  He has to hold me down as he licks and sucks before delving his fingers deep inside me. My fierce protector brings me over the edge twice before backing away.

  “Open your eyes, Maeve,” he orders, tone rough and heavy with need.

  I do as he says and gasp at the sight of him. He’s shirtless, his firmly muscled chest heaving with the force of his breaths, but it’s the flames of lust in his eyes that catch me. Instead of his usual hazel, they glow like embers.

  “The magic is so strong.” He runs a hand over his hair and down his torso until reaching his belt. “I can feel it in my veins. God, I need to take you now.”

  I nod. I can’t speak because I’m in such awe of this magnificent man before me. Holding my hands out to him, I bite my lower lip and watch as he shucks his pants and crawls across the bed to cover me with his warmth.

  “Slowly,” I say, trying not to tense at the feel of his erection pressing against my thigh. I know he said he didn’t want to hurt me, and I believe him, but there’s no way I’m getting out of this without a little pain. He’s too big.

  “Wrap your arms around me.”

  I slide both hands over his wide shoulders and cling to him, bracing for him to take my virginity. Instead, he grips my hips and rolls us until I’m sitting astride him. “What are you doing?” I ask.

  “This is how a queen takes her lover. Guide me inside you, give yourself pleasure.”

  Oh God, this man. For all his stoicism, I’m quickly realizing he’s the most romantic of all three. His palms encircle my waist, the heat from them causing my nerves to ease my slight trembling. Then, I take his heavy cock into my hands and stroke once, twice, a third time, paying special attention to the sensitive tip.

  “Fuck,” he hisses, hips bucking under me.

  Rising up on my knees, I position him at my entrance and brace my hands on his chest, ready to give him my virtue. A pained moan escapes him as I beg
in to slowly take him into my body. It doesn’t hurt, which surprises me, until I feel him pressing against my barrier.

  “It will hurt more if you go slow.” His voice is tight and laced with need. “Let me help you break your maidenhead.”

  I nod and he grips my hips forcefully, pulling me down onto him as he thrusts up. A sharp pinch and incredible feeling of fullness takes me by surprise, but then he moves just enough and pleasure takes the place of discomfort. Threading our fingers together, he pulls me down to rest on his chest as I rock over him. Everything around us takes on an ethereal glow as we move. Then, he releases my hands and tangles his fingers in my hair while I kiss him. Something beautiful is building between us, powerful and ancient.

  “Maeve, you’re bringing me to the edge.”

  I know he’s saying he’s about to climax, but so am I. I need this release more than my next breath. Sitting up, I throw my head back and grab my breasts as I ride him. Eyes open, I stare at the ceiling and marvel at the gorgeous vines with blossoms of lush white flowers covering them. When did those get here? I only have a moment for that fleeting thought before Jensen cries my name and stiffens under me. His release fills me, triggering my own and stars burst in my vision.

  The bed is on fire around us as we come down from our joined orgasms. I laugh to myself until I realize…our bed is on fire. “Shit!” I cry, calling forward a rainstorm in the room and dousing the flames.

  “What the fuck was that?” Jensen asks.

  “I’m so sorry. I guess I really don’t have any control.”

  He shakes his head. “No. I don’t think that was you. I could feel the fire in my palms.”

  Glancing down at his hands, which had been gripping the sheets, I realize there’s nothing left but charred remains. The white lady’s words echo in my mind and elation builds in my heart. “Jensen, you hold fire.”