by Jana LaPelle
In one swift movement, he pulls me in into his embrace as he hoists me up cupping my ass, instinctively my legs wrap around his waist as he carries me out of the shower, grabbing a fluffy towel he deposits me back on the floor while he dries every inch of me. He even towel dries my hair before swinging me back up into his arms as he makes his way back into the bedroom before laying me on the bed. His eyes have a feral look about them, and my panther submits to her mate as he takes stock of me and my slight baby bump. His hands running over us lingering on my belly that continues to expand a sure sign that the twins are thriving. I want nothing more than to snuggle up in this bed to be loved by Alaric. His touch alone has the ability to calm, soothe, energize, and ignite feelings and desires within me that I crave to have satisfied. The constant hum of energy that we have begun to share is something that I have begun to realize is not going away, and I’m in constant need of his touch. Soon I’m lost to my kindred’s caresses as he reverently runs his hands from my belly, waist, and up to my breasts as he cups me in his hands. His amazing hands are calloused from years of training, and I love the feel of them on me, my breast tightens, drawing Alaric’s attention. His left thumb circles one taut tip while he draws the other into his mouth slowly circling it with his tongue. Desire floods me as I feel that beautiful coiling sensation taking up in the pit of my stomach. A moan escapes me when he playfully nips my breast and rolls the tip between his teeth. His loving exploration of me and my more than lustful body is abruptly interrupted.
We both swing our gaze to the door as we hear unwanted knocking. I sigh and say, “Well snap, by the goddess, now I’m all hot and bothered before the day even begins.”
Alaric chuckles, “I plan on taking care of that.”
From the other side of the door, I hear Jasmine and Lexie’s muffled laughter, “Ashlinn? We know you’re in there. Stop making out with your sexy Elf-Man and get yourself dressed and out here.” I hear the two snicker as a muffled conversation takes place. Rolling my eyes, I look up to see Alaric’s smirking face before nuzzling into my neck, he begins to suck and lick the spot just under my earlobe. There is something seriously arousing knowing that someone is on the other side of the door while we are attempting to be intimate. I shiver as I feel his canines graze my shifter mate mark. I tense waiting for his love bite, before hearing the two again as the pounding on the door continues, “Ash, we’re not going away. Get your horny, pregnant, naked ass away from Alaric, right now. That’s right. We know you’re both as naked as the day you were born. You know that’s what put those two buns in the oven in the first place, right? Seriously, girlfriend is that all you think about? Getting your rocks off?”
Alaric and I just look at one another as laughter bubbles up and escapes both of us as I call out, “Go away! You’re interrupting our morning nooky.” As the words leave my lips the two of us crack up and I hear the two of them laughing on the other side of the door.
“Ashlinn, you have ten minutes to get yourself together and get out here. We’re taking you to breakfast before we leave. Just us girls, no guys allowed.” Jaz calls through the door.
“Make it fifteen minutes, and you have a deal,” I call out as I lean up to kiss Alaric quickly, but he’s having none of that as he pins me to the bed deepening the kiss.
Through the door, I hear, “Fifteen minutes, Ash, and for the love of Pete, drag your naked butt away from your kindred.” Lexie says, as the two giggle.
Shaking my head, I try to wiggle free from my Alaric’s grasp so I can get “my horny, pregnant, naked ass” dressed and ready for the day and our trip, but I’m held in his grasp as he whispers in my ear, “I think we have time for a quickie.” I can feel the smile on his face as he presses another kiss just below my ear, eliciting another shudder from me.
I pull back and swat him on his arm before whispering, “Alaric! Seriously, they’re waiting right outside that door. The both of us are just going to have to remain horny until later. It’s still dark out. I thought we weren’t heading out first thing. We may have time after I have breakfast with the girls. I would prefer to take our time, without an audience.”
“Mo grá, I seriously doubt we’ll have time for “nooky” a little later. Come on, let’s get you up from there and ready for the day.” He says as he leans down to whisper to my belly and plants two kisses on me there. Whatever he said wakes the two as I feel their fluttering movement. I’ve come to love the sensation of feeling the movement of them within me.
“What did you say to them?”
“I just told them that you were about to go get breakfast, which meant they were about to get fed, so it was time to wake up, and that I love you all very much and I can’t wait to meet them.”
Smiling, I kiss him gently before he sweeps me up and carries me to the other room to change into my travel gear. The clothing designer was a genius when she made my new leathers. Every time I don either outfit, it seems to fit. I don’t know if maybe majic was weaved into the seams of the outfit, but even after the twins recent growth spurt the pants fit comfortably. I pull on a black long sleeve v-neck tee shirt that hugs my curves and pull on my long sleeve leather jacket that fastens just under my breast and hangs in an A-line to mid hip, open over my belly allowing for the growth to come, before strapping on my weapons. From here on out, I will never leave home without them. We have even taken to sleeping with daggers or throwing knives under our pillows.
Alaric comes up behind me and says, “I think you may be running late. Your hair is a tousled mess. I love this mane of yours especially when it looks this mussed up.”
Shaking my head, I say, “You just like everyone knowing that you have your way with me daily.” I grin while pulling the brush through my hair untangling the mess as I make my way to the door. My hair is quickly tamed, and I leave it to hang in loose waves down my back, I haven’t cut it in months, and now it hangs well past my waist. I call over my shoulder, “No crashing the girls only breakfast.” I swing the door open brush in hand and ask, “So, girls, where’s breakfast? I’m famished.”
Laughing, Jaz and Lexie link arms with me, and say at the same time, “Private dining room, downstairs.”
Alaric is in front of us before I can blink and is about to pick me up yet again. I catch myself growling at him in warning, “Don’t even think about it, Elf-Man. I have indulged you and Morgwais these last couple of days, but now I want and need to stretch my legs, so back off papa bear.”
“Ashlinn, I think that…”
I put my index finger up to his lips, shushing him, “Alaric I’m walking down those steps, I may even skip. If I feel like it, I will ride the banister down.” Alaric’s growl does not deter me as I continue, “Shhh, what I’m trying to say is that I’m fine and it’s time for me to get back to a normal daily routine. I’m going to breakfast with my girls, and you need to go hang with your men before we embark on our quest to find The Stone of Fál. It’s time. Now you’re going to let me walk, skip, jump, fly down those stairs so we can get to it.”
For a moment, from Alaric’s reaction, I’m unsure how he will take my outright defiance to his instinctual response to protect us. I stand my ground as I wait to see how he will react. I breathe a sigh of relief when he steps back allowing us to pass.
Over my shoulder I hear from my kindred, “You will not, under any circumstances “ride the banister down”, Ashlinn.”
Laughing, I call out over my shoulder, “Of course not, silly Elf-Man.” Looking back over my shoulder, I blow my mate a kiss as we make for the stairs and make our way to the breakfast that is awaiting us. I’m beyond excited to have this time alone with these amazing females that I think of as sisters.
As we walk into the private dining room that has been sat for us, my senses are assaulted with the beautiful aroma of food. I know that Jasmine and Lexie will eat next to nothing compared to me and that the large buffet that has been sat against the wall is to satisfy that black hole that has become my stomach. As if on cue my stomach g
rumbles loudly but is now accompanied by noticeable movement. The two are now more active than they have been all morning. Wanting to share the moment with the women beside me, I reach over and take a hand from each of them and place their hands on my belly so they can feel the babies’ movement. Smiling I look up to see their reactions, and I watch as each of their faces are transformed into awe. I gently press each of their fingers into my tight belly at different spots to see how the babes will react. Both become more active, and I can’t wait until I can feel more defined movement from them both as I look up to see the priceless looks on each of their faces.
Lexie looks at me and says in wonder, “I had no idea they were so active at this point, it seems so early. But I have to say you are beginning to pop out there, almost overnight, it would seem. Don’t get me wrong, you are still barely showing and you are more beautiful than I have ever seen you. You’ve always had such a flat stomach, you still don’t look far enough along to have them so aware at this point.”
Jaz pipes in, “Lex, I think that these two are going to be very special.” She says as she places her other hand on my belly. “Very special indeed, these two are a gift from The Tree of Life. We must protect them and keep them safe. We must surround them with love and nurture them. They are going to play a very significant role in what is to come. As will your children Lexie. You two have not only been bound together in sisterly love but by destiny itself so that you can bring change to The Realms. You are both destined to grow your families and tie them together in brotherly and sisterly connections and love. Your families will be bound together from this day forward and will be raised together and will continue your lines for many years and centuries to come.”
“Jaz, what do you know, that we don’t?” I ask.
She smiles up at me, her delicate little pixie face is utterly beautiful in her awe of the life I carry, “Only that you have yet to fulfill your destiny Ashlinn. I believe that you are meant to become something more in order to save The Tree of Life, and you have been given all of us as your support team to make that happen. I trust in the Creator to follow his plan and be here for you Ash, you and Lexie, and your children. I trust that you both met your kindred at such a tender young age because you are meant to have large, abundant families. Now let’s get you fed.” She takes both of our hands and pulls us to the food.
They make me go first, and I fill a plate with bacon, sausage, some scrambled eggs, and biscuits and gravy. I sit the full plate on the table and go back to fill a plate with some French toast and grab the syrup container. I’m the last to be seated, and we go about pouring our orange juice and milk. Normally, I don’t like the two together, but I find that I’m craving both. It’s so good just to hang out with these two as we dig into breakfast. All is quiet for several minutes as we eat to satisfy our hunger.
“Jasmine, I know it’s been several days since Darius left and you probably don’t want to talk about it, but I’ve been worried about you. How are you doing?” I ask around a mouthful of eggs and sausage.
She considers my question for a moment before saying, “Now that he’s gone, I’m left to wonder how strong our connection really was or is. I’m conflicted because after I met him and while he was here, and near, I was pulled to him, but now that he’s gone I find that I’m drawn to Camoryn. He has not left my side and has been so considerate and thoughtful. Before I met Darius, I was completely and utterly smitten with Camoryn, and I find that I think I may be falling for the satyr. I’m not sure what to do with that.”
Lexie and I consider her words, and before I can say anything, Lexie says, “Jasmine you deserve to be happy, and if Camoryn makes you happy you should go for it. Who cares what anyone else thinks? The big guy is so in love with you that anyone can see it plainly written on his face. I don’t believe that if you and Darius were meant to be that he could have so easily walked away from you. Stop thinking about what your head is saying and start thinking with your heart. I believe when you do that, you will realize what your feelings for Camoryn really are.”
“Jaz, I have watched you and Camoryn together for a while now, even before I knew you could grow into your faerie size, I knew you two were smitten with one another. You two are kind of perfect for each other. I’m not so sure that all of us are perfectly matched to our kindred and for those that aren’t then you are able to follow your heart to your chosen mate. If you and Camoryn choose to be together, I think that you two could be more than happy together. I think your union could be an epic love.” I say as I pull her hand into mine before continuing, “Don’t let anything stand in your way of happiness, Jasmine.”
Her smile lights up her face as she looks at both of us taking Lexie’s hand in her other before saying, “I’m so very thankful to have you both in my life. Thank you so much for supporting me in this. I was so worried that you would think me fickle if I chose Camoryn after just being rejected by Darius. When I think of my kindred all I feel for him is disappointment but I’m not completely devastated by his rejection. Yes, I was hurt and upset and even angry, but through it all Camoryn has been there. When I think of Cam, my heart feels lighter, and a goofy grin lights up my face. When I know that he is about to clomp into the room on those sexy masculine goat legs, I’m giddy with excitement. It’s been like that since I met him. I have never been so turned on by a male with horns in all my life. Have you seen the size of those things? My heart just seems so much lighter, and I find that I want to do somersaults in the air. I have never felt like that before, not even when I met Darius.”
“Then I think you have your answer, my bestest, pixie friend,” I say with a smile and a wink as I dig into the French toast and moan over the taste of the sweet maple goodness and I down a glass of icy cold milk before sitting back to pat my belly. “Mmmm, mmm, that was good. I’m going to take a break before getting another helping.”
Lexie and Jasmine both shake their heads in laughter at my obvious enjoyment of my breakfast. Lexie is the first to ask, “So Jaz, what are you going to do about Cam?”
Jasmine considers for a few moments, looking at both of us before saying, “I’m going to take it to the next level. He has been patient with me and so thoughtful, but he has also let me know under no uncertain circumstances what his intentions are for us. His protective instincts have made him rather boorish since the whole Darius incident. I don’t know why I refused to see it before. He wants me as his mate. He told me he would wait for me until I was ready to move on from Darius. But why should I wait? I knew Darius all of like a half second before he dropped the bomb on me that he was already mated. To be quite honest, he didn’t say anything to me about his mate back home until the night before I met with you two to share the news. I was still reeling from that bombshell that morning. So I’m not going to let that non-relationship get in my way of happiness. Who cares that Camoryn’s a satyr and I’m a sprite? There have been other more unlikely matches in Faerie. I’m going to take Camoryn as my chosen mate if he still wants me. I can’t wait to tell him.” Jasmine is utterly beaming now that her decision is made and my heart sings for her. Lexie and I are overly excited for her over her announcement, and we express our happiness and good wishes for her and Camoryn’s future together. They are both so engaging, and I think utterly perfect for one another. I can’t wait to get back to Faerie to plan a binding ceremony for them both.
Deciding it’s time to graze again, I grab another plate of eggs, bacon, and sausage and throw on one more slice of French toast and cover it with syrup before asking the big question that has been plaguing me, “What do you think about The Morrígna? I have a theory on Macha and why she was not engaged in Daria’s meeting.”
“I have my own theory in regards to that meeting. I’m curious to see if our theories are in alignment.” Lexie says while playing with a strand of her long curly auburn hair. It’s grown even longer since we’ve embarked on our new life. Almost as if she has also experienced the benefits of the majic she is now able to work. Her hair no
w almost reaches her waist. I notice other little things about her that I had not noticed since our time in the Otherworld and now back in the Mortal Realm. I suddenly realize that I’m openly staring at my exceptionally beautiful sister, for all intents and purposes, and realize that we have both grown since this journey began. She bears the weight of being the Mother Druid with a certain grace. Her beauty has taken on a regal quality. If my intuition is correct, she will live many centuries in her new role for the Druids. I’m blown away by how much she has matured in such a short period of time. I jerk my attention back to her face as I hear her snapping her fingers in front of my face, “Earth to Ashlinn. Are you okay? You really spaced out there for a moment.”
“Yeah, Ash, where were you just now?” Jaz chimes in. Her entire demeanor has changed since her little epiphany. She looks happier than she has in days.
Looking at both of them, I smile and say, “Thank you both for this. I really needed you kidnapping me away from all the other stuff that I have been worrying over. Even if it is only for a short period of time, this was exactly what I needed. I was just thinking about how all of us have changed since embarking on this journey together. Physically, mentally, and spiritually, we have all grown into our new roles. I just kind of got caught up in the moment. But, enough of that, getting back to my thoughts on Macha, we all believe that the three sisters are bound together, which makes them incredibly strong, but that may also be their Achilles heel. It may be why The Morrígan is unable to leave The Realm. I’m thinking that the three, being bound together has its drawbacks, one of which would be that they must remain within a certain proximity to one another. The further they venture away from the other the weaker they may become, and it may even break their bond. I think they have chosen to remain bound to one another because they have become drunk on the power that they share together. Now as far as Macha is concerned, I believe that she is the one of the three that has agreed to play a more silent role in their twisted little trio. The Morrígan likes to be the puppeteer but needed to remain connected to The Tree of Life after the curse was placed to siphon energy away from The Tree. The Morrígan knew she was not powerful enough to do this of her own accord, so she talked her sisters into binding to one another evoking the power of three, promising that together they could accomplish much and rule The Realms. I believe that Macha is now in a constant struggle to maintain a link to The Tree of Life as she siphons energy from her and pulling it to the three sisters for The Morrígan to exploit. It’s all just a theory but kind of makes sense to me.” I finish.
