Harmony of Their Souls

by Serena Lindahl

  “This is kind of strange. It feels like we have an appointment for sex.” Kiarra laughed, and Clay joined her. He leaned on his crutches and took her hands.

  “An appointment I have been looking forward to since the moment I first saw you, Indrasa. It may feel rushed or orchestrated, but it is still natural and beautiful.” Kiarra’s eyes met his, her deep oceanic gaze sending a familiar rush of fire and comfort through him. No matter how far he traveled from the ocean, he had it with her. She eased him as the sea had on so many sleepless nights.

  He held up the tub of salve. “First, let’s attend to those muscles.”

  Kiarra sighed in anticipated pleasure and sat down on the bed, pulling off her boots. Clay sat beside her, removing his own boots but leaving his socks on. He frowned, realizing this would be the first time she had seen his feet. She sensed his hesitation and a trickle of fear. Sinking to her knees before him, she pulled off his socks one by one, maintaining eye contact. She held his feet in her hands, gently caressing the scars where the bones had pushed through the skin and had to be reset. They had healed crookedly because his family couldn't afford a proper physician. His limbs still bore his weight, but they made coordination difficult. He’d had special boots made when he’d received his first paycheck from Merchant House. They were far more comfortable than the shoes he’d had to retrofit to suit the disfigurement of his feet.

  “Do they hurt?”

  Clay shook his head. “From time to time I feel a twinge, but I've become used to it. I barely notice it anymore.”

  Scooting between his legs, Kiarra looked up at him. He started to unravel her braid as she spoke. “I don’t care about your feet, Clay. I don’t care that you can’t walk or run. This is what matters to me.” She placed a hand over his heart, which beat faster with every word. Her hair came undone and spilled around her shoulders. He let out a long breath and released his fear and his insecurity with it. The truth of Kiarra’s words sang through their connection.

  Clay lifted her under her arms, easily placing her beside him on the bed. Turning sideways, he took hold of her shirt and raised it, slowly revealing every inch of her creamy skin. The skin on her belly was lighter than the skin on her arms. He liked the contrast. It spoke of sun-kissed days and time spent outside. He hoped to take her to the ocean one day; he could imagine her wonder and appreciation. He removed her breeches just as carefully, his breath catching in his throat as her skin was bared.

  Dressed only in her panties and a thin cloth across her chest, his eyes devoured her. His hands trembled as he slid them over her shoulders, down her sides, and across her thighs. Where his hands traveled, they left a blazing path of sparks. He forced down his desire, removing the binding to reveal her beautiful breasts to his eyes. She was a truly gorgeous work of art.

  “Turn over.” His voice was rough with need.

  She followed his direction, lying on her stomach. Her hair spread around her like a dark, fiery halo. His hands traveled over her; his eyes studied her like a ledger book, ferreting out her secrets and her truths. She shivered when his hands slid up and down her back, over her buttocks, down her thighs, and across her calves. He eased her panties off. His breath caught at the beauty of her ass. It was rounded, full, and perfect. With a husky groan, he adjusted his pants before opening up the jar of salve. It smelled pleasantly of comfrey and arnica.

  He rubbed the salve over her lower back, her buttocks, and her thighs, eliciting moans of pleasure which elevated his desire. He knelt next to her, but his eyes never left her body and his hands never lifted from her skin. One palm trailed along her waist and up her side, caressing the curve of her breast which peeked from beneath her. Her deep moan caused him to swallow hard. His other hand explored the cleft between her thighs and ass, slowly moving over her curves. When he gently spread her legs apart and encountered the wetness waiting for him, his eyes glazed with pleasure.

  “Kiarra,” he panted, “I want you.”

  “Yes,” she gasped. She turned over and rose to her knees. She yanked off his shirt, and her nipples grazed his. They both wrestled his pants off, and he kneeled face to face with her, his erection jutting proudly between them. Moisture glistened at the tip. With a sly look, Kiarra lowered her head to his chest. Her tongue swiped his flat nipple, sending a shot of pleasure straight to his groin. His hips thrust forward. The head of his cock brushed her curls, rubbing against her sensitive flesh. She grasped his hard length, and he almost lost control, pushing against her palm with a guttural moan.

  He fell to his butt, no longer able to hold his weight. Folding his legs carefully underneath him to ensure his feet were out of the way, he hauled Kiarra onto his lap. Her legs wrapped around his waist, her thick thighs perfectly cradling him. Her hard nipples brushed against his, and he rested his forehead on hers, looking into her eyes.

  “I can’t wait any longer,” he panted.

  “Then don't. I want you just as much. Make love to me, Clay.” His strong hands grasped her ass and lowered her onto his length. The heat and wetness of her cleft met the base of his shaft as she accepted all of him. The sweet feel of her tight muscles around his cock almost pulled an orgasm from him immediately, but he had learned from the best. He never left a lady wanting; Kiarra’s pleasure was more important than his own. She gasped and her head arched backward. Her silky hair caressed his calves and arms.

  She moved on top of him as if she had done this a million times. Each thrust ground their hips together and flattened her breasts against his chest. The sensation of her ass on his legs, her thighs clamping him tightly, and her nipples brushing against his chest conspired to rob him of any thought. He caught her lips in a heated kiss, his tongue matching the rhythm of his cock stroke for stroke. He sucked her tongue into his mouth, gently pulling on it as one hand found the tight bud begging for his attention. She had a beautiful clit - erect, hard, and wet with her desire. He caressed it as her movements became more frantic.

  Unable to breathe and kiss her at the same time as she stole more breath from his lungs, he released her lips. One strong hand helped her move up and down on his length while the other stroked that precious spot. She breathed raggedly, her eyes darkening from sea foam to storm-tossed waters.

  She gasped his name and moaned for more. Her cries unraveled him; he couldn’t hold on any longer. He thrust his cock harder into her, their bodies smacking together until she exploded around him. She bit her lip as she climaxed to muffle her screams. The sensation of her convulsing around him and the sight of her full flesh between her teeth made him groan aloud and spurt into her.

  The world faded for a moment, and he found himself in a dark place. It was just a glimmer of blackness before their souls lit the void. Their inner selves merged as he touched the deepest part of her and released his passion into her. His chest tightened with the power of her soul. The depth of her love poured into him and filled him as completely as he filled her. The sweet and fierce parts of her joined with him.

  Both breathing raggedly, the descent into reality happened slowly. Clay held her tight to him, his body shaking and sweaty. “I am such a lucky man,” he whispered into her ear, his lips grazing the tender skin of her neck.

  Her hair a curtain around them both, she shook her head against his shoulder. “No. I am the lucky one. Your love amazes me, Clay.”

  He stared into her eyes. The depth of emotion he harbored within him for this precious woman almost provoked tears. “I will endeavor to always be worthy of your love, Indrasa. You are my goddess, my queen, and my love.”

  She smiled and pressed a firm kiss to his lips. “And I will endeavor to be worthy of your love, Clay, for it knows no bounds.” She pressed a hand to his chest. “I can feel how very beautiful you are, both inside and out, and it humbles me.” Words escaping him, he clasped her tighter to his chest. It was several moments before they shifted to lie side by side on the bed.

  Clay’s arms tightened around Kiarra as the sounds of the house slowly returned to
their awareness. He never wanted to be without her arms or her beautiful eyes smiling at him. His resolve sharpened. There was much for her to do as Queen, but he would always treasure her as a woman. He wouldn’t forget what they both had been, lonely outcasts searching for love and acceptance. They had found those precious gifts in each other’s arms.

  Chapter 7

  Kiarra

  Clay’s purity amazed me. For a Merchant who had grown up in a brothel, his heart was innocent and loving. The depth of emotion he felt for me echoed deep inside me, and it was humbling. I didn’t know how or why I deserved what Fate bestowed upon me, but I wasn’t going to look a gift horse in the mouth, as the saying went. I would protect my matches from everything, even from myself if it came to that. My ignorance regarding my magic might cripple us, but I vowed the Sorcerer would not hurt my men. I would embrace my destiny for them, whether I believed I deserved the honor or not.

  My limbs still tingled pleasantly with the aftermath of our loving. Clay had been passionate and considerate. His tender words and touch had elevated the depth of emotion within me to an unknowable height. The addition of one more completed link within my chest filled me in other ways, as well. I felt the lack of my other three men like the loss of a limb, though. I didn’t have long to complete the remaining bonds without the risk of tainting their preciousness.

  I sat up on my elbow, staring down at Clay. His eyes were heavy-lidded in exhaustion. I had wanted to discuss the Commoner tenements and the changes we would have to make when we regained the city, but it could wait until he had more energy.

  I rose and helped him into his breeches, but he was already half asleep. Grinning and kissing him one last time, I cleaned myself and dressed again. Afterward, I followed the tugging of the bond toward my men. The lovemaking had invigorated me, and I’d napped on the horse.

  My men sat around the kitchen table, talking together like old friends. I was sure they felt my presence, but they let me stand in the doorway and watch them for a moment. Finally, Ian smirked and beckoned me. He pulled me onto his lap and his erection pressed into my buttocks. At my questioning glance, he chuckled.

  “Thinking of you and him together causes that reaction,” he whispered into my ear. I shivered with desire, despite feeling fully satisfied. An image of me, Clay, and Ian surfaced into my mind, causing me to squirm with sudden lust. I would love to try that option if my men were interested. I couldn’t wait until we were done traveling and fighting for our lives. I would schedule time in our lives for intimacy. Ian held my hips still, his fingers biting into me. “You better stop that wiggling, Lass, or I’ll take you back upstairs.”

  I lifted an eyebrow at him. “Is that supposed to be a threat?” I questioned with a grin. He answered me with a cocky tilt of his lips. I glanced at his shoulder. “How is your arm doing?” He rolled the joint in question.

  “Much better, actually. It healed remarkably fast.”

  “It’s part of the bond,” Reed interjected. He patted the satchel which never strayed far from his side. “I’ve been reading about the bonds in the Costinian book I found. When people are bonded, they have better health, especially if only one is hurt. Even with an incomplete connection, one member can draw on the health of the others. If we were all hurt,” he shrugged, his blue eyes darkening, “well, that wouldn’t be as easy.”

  “We’ll have to make sure that doesn’t happen,” I said simply, ignoring the dread that coursed through me at the idea.

  “Where’s the Merchant?” Seb asked. He watched me with dark eyes, the browns and greens shadowed in the dim light of the kitchen. He’d been quiet most of the day, and I hoped he wasn’t worried about what I had asked of him that morning when we awoke. I’d have to get him alone soon. I guessed he harbored feelings of abandonment. The longer the bond went unfulfilled, the more it might affect him, more than Ian or Reed who had relatively high levels of security in our relationship.

  “He passed out,” I answered with a grin.

  Mason smiled, his eyes bright as he remembered our lovemaking. “You wore him out, Kiarra.”

  I blushed and shrugged. “It has been a long day, and I napped on the horse while he attempted to keep me from falling to the road.”

  “Speaking of that,” Ian said, wrapping a dark hand around my thigh. The closeness of his palm to my core returned my body to heated anticipation. “How are your muscles feeling? Did the salve and the massage work?”

  I nodded, pushing away lusty thoughts for the moment. “Yes, I feel much better. So much better, in fact, that it adds credence to Reed’s supernatural healing theory.” I paused and took a deep breath. “Did any of you know what was going on in the countryside? Does anyone in the city?”

  Ian shook his head. “Nay, Lass, it’s kept secret. Even the Spies didn’t know, although Carson likely did. He might have helped keep it secret until the time was right.”

  I nodded. I had wondered. “I don’t think it should stay secret.”

  Ian nuzzled the back of my neck, his hand sliding up and down my arm. “The time might be right. It won’t stay secret for long, Lass. Part of the work Jeff and Carson are doing back in the city is to prepare the House citizens for our return. The stories of Queen Mellisande, magic, the origin of our country, and your rightful claim to the throne are being spread as we sit here. When we return to the city, everyone will know who you are.”

  I turned to him in surprise. “Is that a good idea? What about others like Alyson and her men? Are they in trouble if Everett learns of them?”

  “I wouldn't be surprised if Everett knows, but they are safe for now. Anders has already set out to start the network buzzing with the information. Those that need to be cautious will be warned in due time. They have an impressive way of spreading information; each point of contact has a few families that then notify other families,” Reed added. His eyes shone. All the new information was food for his Scholarly soul. I leaned forward and grasped his hand across the table.

  “I never asked. Is your family safe?” My eyes slid to include Seb as well.

  “We made certain they escaped with the others,” Mason said with a nod. “The safety of our family members was the first thing we addressed. Carson and his men helped immeasurably.”

  I smiled with relief. Seb echoed the gesture, but it didn’t match his usual carefree attitude. The bond in my chest tugged with sudden fear; it originated from him. I frowned and made a quick decision.

  “If it’s all right, I’d like to take a walk with Seb.” The Planner’s eyes rose to mine, hopeful and pleased. I glanced over my shoulder at Ian.

  “Aye, Lass, tis all right.” He shared a look over my head with Mason, and I knew instinctively that one of them would follow to make certain I was safe, but I wasn’t bothered by the knowledge. Ian leaned closer to my ear, his words for me alone. “I can wait, lovely Lass. I don’t need to be inside you again to know our bond is secure. You’re already inside me, here.” He placed my palm on his chest, his chocolate eyes meltingly smooth with admiration and confidence. I could feel his heartbeat and see the golden glow of his soul. My soul's light echoed his. My heart melted in response, and his lips quirked. “Although that doesn’t mean I don’t want to be inside you, soon.” His growling voice sent another shiver of desire down my spine.

  “Aye,” I grinned, adopting his accent as best as I could, which was pretty poorly. The attempt made him chuckle. With a last quick kiss, I rose and approached my Soldier. His sitting position offered me the opportunity to stroke his soft head. The fuzz there delighted my palms. The closer I was to him, the more the fire within my chest, the light which belonged to him, blazed. If I concentrated hard enough, I could feel the cord connecting us and the one leading upstairs to where I knew the Merchant slept.

  I kissed Mason, putting all my love into the gesture, and walked towards Reed. I stood on my tiptoes, and he wrapped his arms around me. “Soon, we’ll have time together as well,” I whispered.

  “I’ve waited m
y whole life for you, Kiarra mine. I can wait a couple more days.” His patience and faith in me strengthened as we held each other for a long minute. I left a lingering kiss on his mouth and then pulled Seb up. His hand was clammy and tight on mine.

  The night was cold, but not enough to require a jacket. I rejoiced in the slight chill after being heated by my men’s touches. The stars were bright, unpolluted by the lights of the city. I stared up in awe. Seb stood by my side. His energy relaxed the longer we watched with our faces tilted upwards. The moon was full and brightened the night into day. After my eyes adjusted, I could make out the shapes of outbuildings and the forms of our horses sleeping where they stood.

  Still holding Seb’s hand, I led him towards the back of the house. The garden was huge; the freshly turned ground lent the scent of dirt and compost to the air. I breathed it in. “It’s so peaceful out here,” I murmured.

  “Yes, the design of the farm is amazing. Edward said most farmsteads are the same. The gardens provide them with their personal food, while larger fields or animals provide the goods that they pay in taxes to the city or trade for essentials. Some of their amenities are more rustic, the outhouse for example; and they still bathe by hauling water or using the nearby stream, but they don’t lack for comfort.”

  I smiled at him, loving the way the silver moonlight glowed on his pale skin. “Is it refreshing to see how Planning differs in the country compared to the city?”

  He nodded. “I like the differences, and there are many ideas I’ll take back to the city with us. Having multiple bondmates does more than just bless the people with magic. More adults in a household means more duties can be performed. Resources aren’t as strained. I’ve seen families close to town, especially in the Commoner tenements, where the children outnumber the adults who care for them. It makes it very difficult for them to accomplish everything because so much time and effort is put towards childcare. And children need a lot but can’t contribute much.”