by Tara Rose
Enfield had been their enemy for over three thousand years. Wythmail was currently their ally, but that allegiance had been strained by complications that could be fixed, if only the Council members would pull their heads out of their asses. But if Wythmail and Enfield joined forces, Ashdown would literally be surrounded by enemies.
It wasn’t that Jaxon didn’t care about the politics inside their kingdom. It was the fact that Parker and Colton had warned their father time and again that Dalton and other Council members were involved in matters they had no business being involved in, but their concerns had fallen on deaf ears.
Jaxon glanced over at Abigail, a beautiful girl with dark hair and blue eyes. She was one of dozens of women who had crossed over into their world from her own, through a series of erotic portraits that had first been discovered two hundred years earlier. The magick of the portraits was still not completely known, but the one thing Ashdown had not wanted to happen had a few months ago. Enfield had found out about them, and now knew that women came to the elite class of Ashdown princes through them.
The very reason the men of Ashdown needed to entice women into their world to begin with had to do with why Ashdown and Enfield were enemies. And if the men of Ashdown weren’t careful, they’d find themselves with no allies. If that happened, it would no longer matter how the portraits worked, or if they continued to do so. Ashdown would be at war on both their eastern and western borders.
It was frustrating to be part of an elite class of princes who were descended from Reginald, and thus were the closest to a pure bloodline as Ashdown had left, but to have no real power. The Council controlled too much, in Jaxon’s opinion, and was worthless with men like Sedgewick at the helm.
“What do you think?” asked Parker.
“About what?”
“Abigail. She looks happy. Much more so than the first time we saw her.”
Jaxon snorted. The first time he and Parker had spotted Abigail was shortly after she’d crossed over, and it was obvious she’d been arguing with Jarrett and Colton. Not that he could blame the poor girl. His brother and Parker’s brother were pains in the ass, but at the same time, Jaxon would gladly place his life in their hands. They were loyal and fearsome, for all their overbearing dedication to always doing the right thing, no matter what.
“Would you choose one?”
“One what?”
Parker gave him an exasperated look. “A woman from the other world.”
“I don’t know. It’s permanent. You choose her, you’re stuck with her. What if you end up hating her?”
Parker laughed, and then he clapped him on the back. “When did you ever hate a woman?”
“Short term, no. Never. But to choose one to spend the rest of your life with? I don’t know. It’s irreversible.”
“It’s not. They can be given to other princes.”
“Right. And then you look like a fool for doing so.”
Parker nodded. “True.”
“Why? Would you do it?”
He and Parker glanced toward where Colton, Jarrett, and Abigail stood with others, talking and smiling. They certainly looked to be enjoying her company.
“I’m getting tired of seducing servant girls, if you want the truth,” said Parker.
“My brother was content with it until she came along.”
“Yeah. And he wasn’t any happier than I am right now.”
“Well, the moon is full tonight. Maybe you’ll get your wish?”
Parker’s brows shot up. “They always cross over when it’s full, don’t they?”
Jaxon nodded in his brother’s direction. “Abigail did.”
“Let’s grab some food before it’s gone.” Parker headed for the buffet tables and Jaxon followed. Their valets, Michael and Frank, sprinted ahead and made plates for each of them, and then stood close-by while Jaxon and Parker ate and made small talk with the few Council members they each could stand to speak to. They were nearly finished with their food when movement caught Jaxon’s eye at the entrance to the room. One of the guards whom Jaxon knew was good friends with Michael, his valet, strode over with an excited look on his face.
“Something’s going on,” said Jaxon, nodding toward the guard.
Parker followed his gaze, frowning, then addressed Frank. “Find out what happened.”
Frank bowed and walked toward the guard with Michael. Jaxon watched them for a few seconds, and then tapped Parker on the arm. “Let’s go.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know. Just follow me.” He couldn’t say why he suddenly felt compelled to join their valets and the guard, but anything was better than staying in this room right now, pretending that their Council was taking care of business in the right way.
The guard bowed when he saw Jaxon and Parker approach, then retreated further into the hallway. Jaxon and Parker followed. “Sire, a woman has just crossed over from the other world. Forgive me, but she has the coloring you each prefer.”
Jaxon resisted the urge to roll his eyes. It was certainly no secret when a prince decided to seduce a servant girl, but he wished Michael and the guards with whom he was friends would stop keeping track of what they looked like.
“And also, Sire, the triplets have been informed, so I thought it prudent to inform you both as soon as possible.”
Jaxon and Parker exchanged a glance. “Is anyone with her now?” asked Jaxon.
“Several guards, Sire.”
“Then we’d better go.” The poor thing was probably scared out of her wits. They usually were when they first came here because they had no idea where they were, and even after it was explained to them, most of them chose not to believe such a thing was possible.
And if the triplets claimed her first…
Why Jaxon suddenly cared about the fate of one of these women was beyond his comprehension, but he was inclined to blame his brother. Ever since he and Colton had chosen Abigail two months ago, that was all Jarrett talked about. How it had been the best decision of his life, and how wonderful life with her was now for him and Colton.
It wasn’t so much that Jaxon was jealous of his brother. It was more that he’d begun to wonder if his entire life was to be spent seducing maids and the occasional visiting peasant girl. Secretly, he longed for a woman who would love him for who he was, not merely for his title.
The girl from the other world was in a room near the hall of portraits, sitting on a sofa with her arms and legs crossed. She did indeed have the coloring he and Parker preferred, with her golden hair and blue eyes, but that wasn’t what tugged at Jaxon’s gut. It was the combination of fear and determination in those eyes. She was clearly shaken, but wasn’t about to let anyone see it.
He loved spirited girls, and one look into this woman’s eyes told him she would give him a run for his money. It was such a shock for him to have an immediate emotional reaction to a girl, that Jaxon was more than intrigued by it.
He was also relieved to see that the triplets weren’t yet here.
“Have you given her food and drink?” asked Parker.
“She refused both, Sire.”
The guards closest to her moved aside as Jaxon and Parker approached. Jaxon reached her first and stuck out his hand. “There is no need to fear us. I am Prince Jaxon and this is Prince Parker. What is your name?”
She eyed them both now with amusement and total disbelief on her face. “Princes Jaxon and Parker? Is that so? And which country do you rule, Your Highnesses?”
He and Parker exchanged a glance. Oh, this one is perfect. He must remember to thank the guard who had come to find Michael and Frank. “This isn’t a country as you know them,” said Jaxon. “This kingdom is called Ashdown, and you’re in what you would call an alternate universe. Another world, if you will. The portrait you recently acquired is the portal.”
The humor left her eyes, replaced by fear again.
“There is no reason to be afraid,” said Parker, taking a seat in a chair across from her. �
��You are quite safe.”
“And you’re insane if you think I’m going to believe a bullshit story like that.”
Parker turned toward the guards who surrounded them. “Leave us. And do not allow anyone inside this room.”
Jaxon shot him a look of gratitude. Being constantly surrounded by guards and servants had its disadvantages, especially when trying to woo a pretty girl. A very pretty girl. He took a cue from Parker and sat down in front of her once everyone else left the room. “Now we may speak freely. Tell us your name.”
She eyed them both again, then took a deep breath. “Brenna. Brenna Rutherford.”
“That’s a nice name. It has a noble ring to it.”
“Where am I?”
“What we told you is true,” said Jaxon. “You are no longer in your world.”
She eyed their clothing. “I’ve traveled through time? Is that what you’re trying to tell me?”
He shook his head. Most of them believed that, especially once they saw part of the castle. Except for the electricity. That always threw them for some reason. Apparently the clothing they wore and castles didn’t go together with electricity in their minds. “No. You traveled through a wormhole. Across a dimension. Sideways, if you will.”
“I don’t believe in any of that.”
He grinned. “And yet, here you are.” He stuck out his hand again. “Come with us. We’ll get you someplace a bit more comfortable and private. Are you hungry or thirsty?” He let his gaze travel over her lush body. “And we’ll find you something more appropriate to wear.”
“If you two think I’m going anywhere with you, you’re out of your minds.” She stood. “Where is that painting? I saw one just like it in that other hallway where I landed. If that’s a port key, or whatever you called it, take me back to it. I’m going home.”
He and Parker exchanged another glance, and then Jaxon watched the trepidation creep into her face. “What? Why the look of dread? What haven’t you told me?”
“The portraits are indeed twins with the ones in your world,” said Parker, gently, “but I’m afraid they only work one way.”
“What does that mean?”
“You can’t go back, Brenna,” said Jaxon. “This is your home now.”
“The hell it is,” she said, pushing past them. Jaxon caught her arm, and she shook him off, glaring at him. “Do not put your hands on me. Who do you think you are?”
Jaxon tried hard not to grin. “I told you who I am. I’m Prince Jaxon, son of Atheron, our king.” He excused himself for a moment, taking Parker aside to the other end of the room. Jaxon spoke low, but it hardly mattered whether she heard them. “You got your wish. Here’s your chance. What do you think? If the guard was right and the triplets are on their way, do you really want her to be claimed by them?”
Parker gave her a long look, and Brenna squared her shoulders, crossed her arms, and glared at them with no trace of fear on her face. He turned his gaze toward Jaxon again. “Honestly? I’m not sure I can handle her. But I’d sure love to give it a try.”
Jaxon nodded. “Same here. I like her. She’s feisty and very pretty.”
“It’s not only that. Every woman the triplets have claimed suffered the same fate. I don’t want to see it happen again. And especially not to this one. There’s something about her...”
Jaxon stared at Parker’s face, and then grinned. They both felt her pull. It had never happened before, and the realization excited him. “I agree. It’s done, then.”
They crossed the room and stood in front of her, where Jaxon held out his hand one more time. “Parker and I both will put our hands on you, and anything else we choose to, because you belong to us now. We’ve chosen you.”
Chapter Three
Brenna waited until the roaring noise in her head subsided, and then she plopped back down on the sofa. She must have hit her head pretty hard when she fell through that portrait, because none of this made any sense. Either that or these were two of the most arrogant men she’d ever met. Gorgeous, but way too full of themselves.
They were dressed in billowy shirts that she swore were made of silk, waistcoats with elaborate trim, and breeches that looked soft to the touch. Not that she intended to put that to the test.
Jaxon had dark hair and big hazel eyes with long lashes. Parker’s hair was a few shades lighter, and his eyes were the color of a crystal blue lake under the summer sky. They both had slight graying at their temples, but that only made them look sexier.
Despite their looks, this had gone on long enough. She tried not to panic, but her fear level rose with each passing second. All she wanted to do was return home. And then she was going to burn that fucking portrait. “This isn’t funny anymore. Please. I want to go home.”
Her entire body trembled now, and she didn’t want to believe what her senses told her was true, but it all fit. The strange compulsion she’d felt to take the painting home, the way the host of the estate sale had no idea where it had come from, the way it had moved and grew more detailed over the hours, and the image of that man, dressed as these two were, paddling that woman’s pussy…
She had to ask. “The men in the portrait…Are they you two?”
“No. They are not painted to life.” Voices in the hallway reached their ears, and Jaxon took her hand. His skin was surprisingly warm, and she wished her traitorous body hadn’t responded to his touch. She didn’t want to go anywhere with two strange men, and she didn’t want to hear anything else about princes and kingdoms. This was insane!
“Please come with us. There are princes you do not want to belong to.”
His tone had taken on an urgency. Did that have something to do with the voices in the hallway? “What does that mean? I told you I’m not going anywhere but back home.” She pulled her hand away and crossed her arms, then jumped slightly when the doors burst open. Several men dressed in the same uniform gave Jaxon and Parker apologetic looks.
Behind the men she assumed were guards, three men with ferretlike faces and sinister grins advanced toward them. Jaxon stepped in front of her. “You’re too late. We’ve chosen her.”
“You gave no one else a chance. Step aside and let us all take a look.”
Brenna shivered at the man’s oily voice. The three resembled each other, as if they might be triplets, but all three leered at her like they wanted to have her for dinner. Naked. Her skin crawled. The aura coming off them was so different than the one Jaxon and Parker projected, that Brenna stepped closer to the latter two.
“You have no business here, Carleton.” Jaxon’s voice was filled with venom.
“I have as much business here as you two do. My brothers and I want to see the girl.”
Parker moved next to Jaxon. “And we told you that you’re too late.” Brenna had to glance around them now to see the triplets. “We’ve already chosen her.”
She had no idea what they actually meant by that, but she knew she’d rather place her fate in the hands of Jaxon and Parker than in the creepy brothers.
This can’t be real!
And yet, here she was. No hallucination would be this detailed. She took a deep breath and caught the scents of vanilla, peppermint, and lavender. The bodies in front of her were real. She could feel the heat rising off them, and she’d touched Jaxon’s hand. Every sense told her she was actually here, wherever that was, yet she didn’t want to believe it.
Carleton sneered at Jaxon and Parker. “Look at her hiding. It does not appear she wants to be with you two. Are you sure you want her?”
The man licked his lips, and what should have been a sexy gesture made bile rise in her throat. Would they really make her go with these three?
“We’re sure,” said Parker. He turned around and held out his hand, his gaze full of hope and desperation. In the split second it took her to grasp his hand, she had the overwhelming feeling that it would be all right. These two wouldn’t hurt her, but the triplets most definitely would. Since it was clear she had to make a
choice now, she trusted her gut.
Parker nodded almost imperceptibly, and then he stepped next to her. Jaxon took her other hand, gave her a quick glimpse filled with gratitude, and then he addressed the brothers. “If you have any further objections to our choosing her, take them up with my father, the king.”
As the three brushed past the trio, one of them hissed, “You’ll be sorry, girl.”
Jaxon released her hand, turned, and grabbed the man’s collar, pushing him up against the nearest wall. “How dare you address a woman who has been chosen in such a way!”
“Channing meant no harm,” said Carleton.
“The hell he didn’t,” said Parker. “Both our fathers will hear about this.”
Jaxon let go of Channing, but the two faced off as if they were about to come to blows. Brenna watched all this with a detached fascination. Her head swam and now her stomach felt sick. She needed fresh air. Or a CT scan of her brain.
When Jaxon finally stepped away from Channing and took her hand again, she kept her eyes on the corridor ahead as they left the room and walked down the long expanse. Those were definitely electric lights on the walls, but the rest of it looked like something out of a movie set in the Middle Ages. Or at least, set in a glamorous interpretation of the Middle Ages. The castle was warm, smelled fresh and clean, and was more richly appointed than any museum or grand old home she’d ever toured.
They didn’t speak to her as they walked through twisting, turning hallways, and up and down several flights of stairs. Four guards as well as two men dressed in linen shirts and breeches accompanied them, sticking close to Jaxon and Parker. She tried to memorize each changing corridor or staircase, in case she had to find her way back alone. As the realization she might become lost doing so took shape, fresh panic washed over her.
Finally, they stopped before a set of double doors at the end of a short hallway, and Parker addressed one of the men. “Have our rooms prepared, and bring us something to eat and drink.”
