by Jaymin Eve
"I'm gonna shower," I squawked, before turning and sprinting into the bathroom, slamming the door closed behind me.
I was legitimately not strong enough for this.
Stepping into the room that my parents had redone with modern conveniences similar to Earth, I took a few deep breaths to calm. Faerie bathrooms were different to what I had, but I loved that they’d incorporated my favorite things in here. A huge shower-tub combo, with three showerheads, massaging jets, and a ton of soaps and washes that smelled delicious and didn't dry my skin out.
I’d given up making my own toiletries here; they already had what worked.
Truth be told, If I had to leave, I'd miss this bathroom almost as much as I'd miss my parents. Gods, Deloria really lost it tonight, but I couldn’t point the finger. I’d lost it plenty of times in my life as well, so what was more important was how she handled it after she calmed down.
Tomorrow would be very telling.
Undressing, I stepped into the shower, and sighed as a scent of evergreen, forest spice wrapped around me. Jacob was taunting me, that was for sure. Lathering up my body with the bodywash, I hurriedly cleaned myself, washing my hair as well. When I was done, I wrapped a towel around my body, and waited a few minutes for the steam to clear so I could use the mirror.
My hair was wild if left untamed, so I quickly ran a wide-toothed comb through it, getting the worst tangles out, before using a balm to keep it smooth. Not that necessary now my fey side was released, but some habits were hard to break.
In the mirror, the face staring back at me was not the one I grew up with. In parts it was the same of course, but so much had changed. The color of my skin had always confused humans. I wasn't black or white. I wasn't Hispanic or Latino or Asian. Or any of the other many cultures represented in the human race. None of them claimed me, and for that I existed on the fringes. It wasn't until I released the bonds on my energy, met my parents, and saw the varied skin colors of my people, that I truly understood my culture. And now the ruby tones that littered my skin, hair, eyes, and soul…
I was home. I belonged here.
But I also belonged with Jacob.
A knock on the door interrupted my musing. "Everything okay in there?"
"Yep," I called back, sweeping all my hair stuff into the drawer, leaving the bench spotless again. "Be right out."
Using magic, I removed the excess water from my hair, marveling that I'd even remembered I could do that. The amount of times I'd reached for a hair dryer only to find there wasn't one here…
They did not need it.
When I finally made my way into the room, I found Jacob sitting on the edge of my bed, dressed. Nora had come through, and though the basketball style shorts hanging low on his hips didn't hide the glorious planes of his stomach, it hid what lay below, and I would take that reprieve.
"They magicked me up a few sets of clothing," Jacob said, his eyes locked on my face. I was wearing just a sports bra, panties, and a pair of soft shorts as well, but the way he was watching me, I might as well have been naked.
I felt naked.
Fuck. We were so not making it through tonight without something sexual happening. No one was that strong.
27
Jacob Compass
I couldn't even remember the female who had brought me the clothing. Normally I'd pride myself on being polite and courteous, especially to someone who was trying to help me, but Justice was all I saw. The only one filling my mind.
It was going to be a long damn night not being able to touch her the way I wanted to.
"Come to bed," I said softly, noticing the fatigue beneath her eyes. It wasn't obvious, but I'd spent enough time staring at her face to see when she'd had a long day and needed to sleep.
Shifting myself off the covers, I pulled them back and patted the bed. Her smile was soft as she stumbled closer, long legs shining in the low light, along with all the other bare skin she had on display.
As she slid in next to me, something settled in my chest. A release and then fissuring of two sides that hadn't been joined until now.
"This feels right," I murmured.
Justice shifted on her side, pulling the covers up higher, so when she faced me I could only see her face. "It does. All those nights I slept next door to you, I spent a lot of time wondering what you were doing."
"A shit ton of cold showers," I told her honestly, a laugh escaping as I thought back to the restless nights pacing my room.
Justice laughed, her white teeth flashing at me as she shook her head. "Same."
Fuck.
And now I needed another cold shower. "Let's change the subject," I rasped out, "because I'm about five seconds from repeating our little hallway interlude."
Her pupils dilated, and she parted her lips. With a puff of air, she flipped over the other way, reaching into a drawer beside the bed, and pulled out her phone. She scrolled through, and country music filled the room.
"This is a love song," I said, "Don't think that's going to kill the mood."
I was mostly joking, but she stilled, and then, without any warning, she threw herself at me. I caught her with ease, warm skin pressed against mine as I jerked her closer. I tried to be gentle, but she groaned at that movement, making me want to tighten my hold and see where her line was. I wanted to know what turned her on, the most sensitive places on her body, and how many times I could make her come in one night.
She opened her mouth and I took full advantage, tasting her.
"I've changed my mind," she moaned against my lips, her hands tearing at my shorts.
With a laugh, I wrapped my fingers around hers. "There’s no rush, Ruby. You know I'm here for the long haul. We can take it slow…"
She shook her head, cheeks flushed as she breathed heavier. "I can't. I need this tonight, Jake. I need everything. The hall was amazing, but it was a teaser—I want the full experience."
I was only so much of a good guy, and the timing had always been in her court. Justice knew what she wanted, and she could stop me at any point; that was the promise I made.
A few long, drugging kisses later, my mind was spinning, dick so fucking hard it actually hurt. When she slipped a hand down between us, under the band of my pants, and wrapped her silky fingers across my cock, I closed my eyes. I’d imagined her touching me like this so many times, and in truth, my imagination did not live up to the reality.
As she relaxed against me, her hand stroked me with confidence, I slid my fingers along the bare skin on her sides, caressing the soft flesh, trailing lower and lower. Just as I stroked across her arousal, there was a shattering roar from outside, and the house shook, throwing me off the bed. Using wind, I caught myself, and was on my feet in a heartbeat, searching for Justice.
With relief, I let out a breath to see her unharmed, half hanging off the other side of the bed.
"Do they have earthquakes here?" she burst out, her words rapid and frantic as she pulled herself to stand. She hurried to the window and I followed, both of us looking out to find unmarred darkness. Not a single sign of what had just caused that explosion of energy and sound.
“We need to get outside,” I said, over her shoulder. “It sounded like an attack, but I can’t see anything on this side of the land."
Justice’s face grew more drawn, eyes wide. "Shit, yes. My family could be in trouble… I'll get dressed."
She hurried off into her dressing room, and I made my way to the small pile of clothes and boots that had been dropped off before. Everything fit well, the material softer than what you'd find on Earth. Jeans and a simple black shirt. Socks and boots on last, and I was ready.
Justice returned dressed completely in black, form fitting and practical clothing that would be good for running and fighting.
"Let's go," I said, taking her hand. "Stay close to me."
She wrinkled her nose, lifting an eyebrow in my direction as she told me to pull my fucking head in without uttering a word. She was very good at the
silent message.
"You're mine to protect," I reminded her. "End of story."
She stepped into me, wrapping one arm around me. "You're a bossy jerk, Jacob Compass. Just remember, if I'm yours, then you are mine. And I protect what’s mine."
"We stick together," I promised her. "Together we’re strongest."
Justice nodded, before she headed out of the room, pulling me along. Her desperation to find her family despite their fight earlier told me how much she loved them. We didn’t have to go far either. Jepati and Deloria were tearing down the halls toward Justice.
“Justice!" her mom cried, wrapping her arms around her, not even seeming to care that she half pulled me into the hug as well. "I was so scared. Are you okay?”
“Fine, Mom, the blast wasn’t that close to us.”
When Deloria finally let her daughter go, Jepati hugged her as well.
"What happened, Dad?" she asked. "Was it an explosion or quake? Did the jewels tell you anything?”
His lips thinned. "The jeweled lands don’t have quakes like Earth, but we can have some minor seismic activity from magical overload on the ley lines. This, though, felt like an explosion."
"It must be magic," Deloria said softly. "It's tingling down my spine."
I felt the energy too, but wisely kept my mouth shut. I doubted they wanted to hear from me.
"We need to check it out," Justice said. "It could be dangerous to our people. We must ensure their safety."
Her parents exchanged a quick glance. "We'd prefer you stayed in the castle," Deloria said. "It's safer."
Justice shook her head. "I love you guys, I really do, but you can't protect me from everything. And it's my duty to make sure our people are safe. I'm going."
Her father tried to argue again, and I couldn't help the low laugh that escaped.
They all looked at me. "Justice is stubborn as hell," I told them honestly, "and her sense of responsibility is huge. My preference would be that she stayed where it was safe, but I know from experience it’s best to just tag along and protect her stubborn ass."
She tilted her head and gave me a sardonic stare. "You've really nailed the art of the insult sandwich. Layering a compliment in there doesn’t mean I missed the other stuff."
Her mother glared and interrupted before I could respond. “We should go, then. We’re wasting time. I expect you to keep my daughter safe if it's the last thing you do."
"I promise," I said without hesitation. “With my life.”
Deloria hmphed but didn't say anything else as we started along the hall. When we reached the front door, I insisted on stepping out first, my elemental magic swirling about my hands. I had no idea what to expect out there, but I wanted to be prepared for anything.
It was very dark, most of the city void of light, the air chilled in a way it hadn't been before. The energy I'd felt when the explosion first rocked the house was stronger out here, and I followed the essence, moving onto the street.
"It's coming from the center point between the lands," Justice said, staying close to my side.
"Could it be the shadows?" her mother asked, clutching at her mate's forearm. "We banished them for good, right?"
Jepati looked grim, the few dull lights sending shadows across his face. "Nothing is for good in this land, but there's no reason to believe they’ve been disturbed. Unlike last time, the jewels are not responding to this threat as if it was shadow driven."
Our pace picked up as we ran toward the center that connected these four worlds. It was here that the shadow prison existed, and already members from all the lands were gathering, the noise picking up as everyone searched for answers.
I felt a familiar energy a moment before I spotted him. "Ty!" I said, hurrying over to my brother. He slapped me on the back, and I gave Grace a hug. "What are you two doing here?"
Tyson smiled at Justice as she hugged Grace as well.
"After Grace dropped you off, we decided to head back over and visit her family," he said, gesturing to the icy land of the diamond meadows. "Guess our timing was right on. I’d rather you weren’t here alone to deal with whatever drama is about to unfold."
I felt better having my brother close by. Together we were stronger, and I needed all the power I could get to keep Justice and my pack safe.
"Does anyone know what happened?" Justice asked. Her parents were off chatting to some of the other royals now, hopefully gathering intel.
"It was like an earthquake," Grace said quickly, "it shook our house and woke us."
"I can feel the energy surge,” Tyson said. “Pretty sure it’s magic."
I nodded. “I feel it too.”
“It’s familiar,” Justice said, stepping forward. "I…" she shook her head. "I don't know why it feels familiar, but there's something weird about the power…"
Tyson closed his eyes, hands out. His mage strength slammed against us. I was used to it, as was Grace, but Justice jumped as it hit her.
"He's a showoff," I said, only half-joking. He was the most powerful magic user, even surpassing Louis, so it stood to reason he'd be a little cocky about it.
"It's coming from Earth," Tyson said suddenly, eyes flying open. "Fuck. Things were tense when we left, but I didn't think it could get that bad so fast."
As soon as Tyson finished that sentence, there was a cracking explosion right above our heads, everything shuddering again as the ground rocked beneath our feet.
"Jacob! Tyson!" a familiar voice boomed, from above. "Portal’s about to be blocked. Return to Earth."
"What?" Tyson bit out. "Why is Louis always so cryptic? How can they block the portals?"
"What’s happening on Earth?" Justice choked out, looking around at the milling members of all four jeweled lands. "And why is it spilling into Faerie?"
I wish I had answers for her.
"We need to get back," I said. "This has to be about the president, and while I have no idea how he’s brought this instability between the worlds, it needs to be fixed right now. Neither land can survive without the other."
Everyone was watching me closely. "What do you mean?" Tyson bit out. "Is this one of those fey things you learned and kept secret from us?"
I nodded. "Yep. It's exactly one of those things, and I'm still bound by my magical promise not to tell you, but surely there's someone else here that knows."
The fey who taught me my heritage had bound the information, magically forcing us to keep it a secret. I'd been fighting to get around it ever since. Sometimes I found a loophole, but the information about how Earth, Faerie, the demon realm, and a few other parallel lands were joined, had been a highly regarded secret.
Spell upon spell was placed on me, and we didn’t have time right now for me to figure out how to break through. The fey born in this world wouldn't have the same secrecy though. Earthside supes were the ones trying to keep everyone out of Faerie.
"Mom!" Justice shouted, waving at Deloria, who was a few yards away. "We need your help."
The queen hurried over, her face heavy with concern. "We have to return to Earth," Justice said as soon as her parents were near. "But before we go, can you tell us about the connection between Earth and Faerie. We know that energy filters between the two worlds, but we need to know more."
Deloria glanced at me. “Your fey mate doesn't have that information?"
"Mom!" Justice said, a real snap in her tone. "I don't have time for your bullshit. Jacob can't tell us because he was magically forced to keep all information about Faerie secret, and since we haven't formed the true mate bond—"
"If it even exists…" her mother cut in.
"Enough, Del," Jepati said, tiredly, having crossed over to join us. "Just help them out before they have to go."
The queen crossed her arms. "I won't assist them in taking Justice away again. I refuse. If she doesn't know, maybe she’ll stay here where it's safe. Earth is the one in turmoil now. Not us."
Her logic was flawed, but I admired her love for her dau
ghter. "You know that if Earth falls, Faerie will as well. The balance…" I choked out the last word, before the magic took hold of me and shut my mouth.
Jepati sighed. "Jacob is right. Faerie, Earth, the demon realm, Qata, Florin, and Respa are the six bound worlds. We don't explore any but Earth, but that doesn't mean the six don't exist, all bound to each other."
Tyson coughed, shaking his head. "I have literally never heard of these other worlds."
Jepati forced a smile. "You wouldn't have. They're dead planets, at least as far as we are aware. They were banished long ago from history and memory, and the demon realm is set to go the same way with how they've all but destroyed it."
"Shithole," I heard Justice mutter, and I was reminded of that gauntlet she'd run in the supernatural auctions.
"So Earth and Faerie are the last two with strong energy," Jepati continued. "Faerie flourishes with magic, and Earth is a younger world filled with power that’s harder for their average inhabitant to access. If they continue the way of Faerie, though, humans will one day have some level of magic as well. It's inevitable."
Fey scholars on Earth predicted it would be thousands of years before humans evolved enough to use magic. They weren’t supernaturals, but one day they may utilize energy in a similar way to us.
"So, what's happening now?” Justice pushed. “Why is Louis screaming that the pathways between the worlds are about to be closed?"
"The worlds are joined by a universal ley line," Jepati said quickly. "It's a sheen of rainbow colors, many that don't exist in either world, but they do exist in that line."
"Like the portal that the jeweled princesses open between the lands," Grace said softly.
"Yes,” Deloria agreed reluctantly.
"You four are closer to that great ley line than any other," Jepati said. "You’re literally tapping into it when you travel across, but it seems that if the portals are closing, that line must be in jeopardy. I don't know how that would be possible, but whatever is happening, it's happening on the Earth side of the connection."
