Fractured Spirit (Alpha World Book 5)

by Daniel Schinhofen

  Eyeing them keenly, Stewart nodded slowly, “Please keep me in the loop.”

  Tabitha sat there quietly, her hand resting on Stewart’s. Her eyes shifted from person to person, clearly quite happy to just observe for a time. The conversation fell into a natural lull and she spoke up. “Fluffball, I’ve heard that you are a talented artist. Would it be possible that I might trouble you to do a picture for me? Or even perhaps two?”

  Fluff gave the demure Infernal a nod. “I’m happy to do so. What did you have in mind?”

  “One of me for Stewart, and one of him for me,” Tabitha replied.

  Stewart glanced at Tabitha, his lips forming a small smile of his own. “I would like that,” Stewart added, kissing Tabitha’s cheek.

  “I don’t mind,” Fluff said. “I can draw them right now.”

  “Can we borrow her for a few minutes?” Tabitha asked Alburet.

  “It’s her choice,” Alburet said.

  “Would I be okay to come with?” Karen asked.

  “I don’t mind,” Tabitha said readily enough as she got to her feet.

  Stewart stood as the other two women did as well, “We’ll be back as quickly as we can.”

  Alburet raised his mug, “She does good work. I’ll be waiting here.”

  Alburet watched them go, shifting to take Stewart’s normal seat so his back was to the wall. He did some people watching as he waited for Stacia and the others to return. He noticed as DrBone came through the inn heading for the basement, though the other Two-souled didn’t notice him. As he watched the laughing, shouting enjoyment of the patrons, Alburet chuckled.

  Ivonna came back to the table, her hips swaying provocatively as she moved through the crowd. “All alone?” Ivonna asked as she leaned against the table. “What a shame. Are you sure you don’t want to have some company after all?” Her eyes glowed, teeth catching her bottom lip as she openly flirted.

  Alburet chuckled, “If I wasn’t married to the trio of women I am, I would probably take you up on the offer. However, I’m quite content with the three wives I have.”

  Ivonna gathered up the empty cups from the table and sighed, “Can’t blame a girl for trying.”

  “I don’t,” Alburet reassured her. “Why have you stopped adventuring?”

  “Hard to find a group,” Ivonna’s voice and face grew hard and cold for an instant before she went back to smiling. “It happens for people like us.”

  “Alpha Company would take you in,” Alburet told her. “We don’t discriminate based on blood. Keep it in mind if you get bored with playing the ale wench.”

  Ivonna eyed him with calculating eyes, “You’re him, aren’t you?”

  “Who?” Alburet asked.

  “Alburet Two-souled, the founder of Alpha Company. Everyone here knows who you are. I’ve heard plenty of stories over the last few days.” Ivonna pulled back, sudden realization dawning on her face. “Oh, shit. That means I just hit on my boss’s son-in-law.”

  A deep belly laugh from Alburet caused those nearby to glance their way. “Ha, it’s fine, calm down. I’ve seen the issues people of our blood have to deal with. The offer is still open, but take your time to consider it. Alistern will be upset that I’m poaching another of his barmaids, but if you still want to adventure, you can do so in our guild.”

  Ivonna looked at him with sparkling eyes, “They were right, you are generous.” She rubbed her hands for a second, “Can I give Alistern proper notice first?”

  “As long as you’d like,” Alburet created a guild invitation scroll and handed it to her. “Whenever you’re ready.”

  “When she be ready for wha’?” Stacia asked from behind Ivonna, having closed without either of them seeing her.

  “Joining the guild if she wants,” Alburet told his wife as she took the seat next to his. “She’s had a hard time finding people to adventure with.”

  “Tha’ be me husband, always willin’ to help out the sexy women. Er, I be meanin’, those who need help,” Stacia smirked as she winked at Ivonna. “Off with ya, we’ll be seein’ ya later I do nay doubt.”

  As Ivonna hurried off Alburet turned to refute Stacia’s claim but he could feel her amusement. “You’re poking fun at me deliberately, aren’t you?”

  Stacia put a hand to her chest as if shocked, “Would I be doin’ tha’?”

  Chuckling, he leaned over and kissed her, “Bratty little fire kitten.”

  When they separated from the kiss, Karen chuckled at them, “Didn’t even notice us come back, did you?”

  Fluff was behind Karen, a smile on her face as well. “They were occupied.”

  “Well, it seems we all be ready to go. Shall we?” Stacia said while getting to her feet.

  “Probably a good idea,” Alburet said as he followed the women towards the door. At the door, he glanced back to find Alistern glaring at him. Ivonna was standing beside Alistern with a scroll in her hands. Alburet waved at his grumpy father-in-law as he exited the inn.

  “Our ride isn’t here yet,” Karen said.

  A jingle of harness caught their attention as a carriage came around the corner of the building. “Oy, now this is good timing,” the coachman said as he stopped it before the group.

  “It is indeed,” Alburet agreed, helping all the women into the carriage as he usually did. “Take us home please, driver.”

  “Right you are, sir,” the driver replied as the door shut.

  “How did Marysue handle her memory?” Karen asked as the carriage carried them home.

  “She had a difficult moment,” Stacia said, her face full of sadness. “It was heartbreakin’ to see her cry like tha’. It was good tha’ Gerald was with her. He be the pillar she be needin’, so it be good tha’ they have gotten over tha’ hurdle.”

  “It almost seems as if everyone finds a person to love here,” Fluff commented after a moment of silence.

  “A number of us seem to have connected,” Alburet agreed. “Outside of us for instance, Ironhand and Leggylass have also seemed to form a bond.”

  “Many more haven’t, though,” Karen added. “DrBone, Lambert, Greenbeard...”

  “Fair enough,” Alburet nodded. “Then there’s Grimgar and Almira, finally doing what they’ve wanted to do for how long?”

  “Aye,” Stacia said her eyes full of merriment. “They been dancin’ around each other since before I be even a babe. Ma’ told me stories of them and their antics from when they went out adventuring together. It be nice to see Unca Stew finally movin’ on as well. He pined for Flora for so long, and Tabitha has been so patient, waitin’ for him all this time. Mayhap love just be in the air?”

  “We might want to stuff it into a bottle. We could make a fortune off of it,” Karen laughed.

  Their shared laughter floated in the night air as the carriage rolled on. They traded outlandish ideas about selling bottled love until the carriage came to a halt outside their home. Alburet helped all the women down, then tipped the driver. He watched as the vehicle drove away, then followed his wives into the house. He smiled as he was taken by the hand and led off to shower, then to bed. Later that night as he started to drift off he realized that he hadn’t talked to Victoria yet. He tried to open his eyes to send a message, but was asleep before he could do more than think about it.

  Chapter Nineteen

  The next morning Alburet woke in one of the most pleasant ways imaginable. Getting his eyes open, he discovered Karen asleep on his left arm and Fluff asleep on his right arm, effectively pinning him in place. His eyes rolled into the back of his head as the guilty party continued to pleasure him. He struggled to stay as quiet and as still as he could while he was tormented with pleasure. He finally twitched enough to wake Karen when his whole body locked up at the end of his ordeal.

  “Morning, Al. Is Stacia getting things ready?” Karen asked as she yawned.

  “Nay, I be done,” came Stacia’s muffled voice from under the blanket. She came sliding up Alburet’s body to poke her head out. “H
ope I did nay wake ya?”

  Karen sniggered, “You didn’t, but I think his orgasm did even though he tried to stifle it.”

  “Aye, he fought long and hard to resist me,” Stacia giggled.

  “I didn’t want to wake Fluff,” Alburet told them.

  “Hmm? Is it time to wake up?” Fluff murmured as she sat up. Her eyes went to Stacia on top of Al and her lips creased into a smile. “First thing this morning?”

  “Aye. I just be glad he did nay wake ya, even when he was all but vibratin’ in place tryin’ to stay quiet for ya,” Stacia grinned at her before she sat up, uncovering all of them. “Well, I be sated. I’ll go attend breakfast while ya all take ya time.”

  “Can I help? I haven’t been able to make the stew yet.” Fluff asked as she got out of bed when Stacia did.

  “Aye tha’ mayhap be a good idea,” Stacia led Fluff from the room, both of them naked and seemingly uncaring about it.

  Karen and Alburet watched them go with appreciative looks. “They’re both just too perfect,” Karen murmured as she watched them. “I would have been happy with just one or the other, but to have both? Wow.”

  “I agree, plus I get to add a rather fetching cherry on top of mine,” Alburet opined as he rolled over so he was on top of Karen. “Speaking of breakfast, maybe I should nibble on something before they finish cooking.”

  Karen grinned as she squirmed under him, “I will allow it. Bon Appetit.” She brushed his hair back with her hands as she guided him south.

  Twenty minutes later Stacia came to get them just as Karen shuddered a final time above Alburet. “It seems ya also be wantin’ a little somethin’ before the day begins,” her suppressed laughter clear to the panting duo.

  “I was the victim of a sex demon and a fucking mynx,” Alburet said as he took a few deep breaths. He stayed where he was, not willing to dislodge Karen until she was ready to move.

  “Victim? More like willing accomplice,” Karen scoffed as she got off of Al and out of bed. “I’ll go touch up and be right out.”

  “Ya should be joinin’ her in tha’,” Stacia said to Alburet as he rolled out of bed. “I’ll get ya coffee ready for ya.”

  “Life was never this good, until I met a certain redhead,” Alburet winked at Stacia.

  “Enough of ya sweet talk, go clean up. Fluff has worked hard to make ya breakfast,” she turned away, shutting the door behind her.

  Alburet followed Karen into the bathroom to clean up as quickly as he could. The tardy twosome made it out to the kitchen a few minutes later, still naked as were Stacia and Fluff, save for the apron Fluff had on. Alburet paused as he caught sight of Fluff. “Naked apron, breakfast waiting, and me sleeping late. Reminds me of our talks about anime, Fluff.” Alburet said as he finally stepped over to her, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek.

  Fluff gave him a brilliant smile as she pulled the chair out for him. He wanted to object to him sitting first, but gave in to her wishes. As he sat, Stacia put a cup of coffee beside him with just a splash of cream in it. Karen took the seat across from him as Stacia took the seat next to Karen. Once they were all seated Fluff brought over a large platter. It was piled high with pancakes and bacon stacked around the edges of the platter.

  She took the seat next to Alburet, “It did remind me of that, too. I made my favorite breakfast meal. I hope you like it.”

  Alburet put a stack of cakes on his plate, along with several pieces of bacon. “I’m sure I will,” he replied with a smile as he doused them with syrup.

  The others all loaded up their plates as well, with Fluff getting hers last. She was chewing her bottom lip as she waited for the others to all take a bite. When they started eating and no one said anything, her anxiety spiked. Alburet touched her hand, shaking his head as he quickly swallowed his third bite.

  Coughing, he cleared his throat so he could speak. “It’s delicious, Fluff. Sorry about not saying so right away, but I just wanted to eat them so much that I forgot to say anything. These are the best, fluffiest pancakes I’ve ever had. I didn’t know they could be this good before now.”

  “Definitely the fluffiest,” Karen agreed as she took another bite, winking at Fluff.

  Fluff’s anxiety melted away at his words and Karen’s wink. “You really like them?”

  “They be better than any I’ve had before,” Stacia added, finally pausing herself. “Truly Fluff, iffin ya wanted to make these every day I do nay think any of us would object.”

  Nodding her head, Fluff took a bite to avoid having to answer. Her sheer joy, though, was clearly felt by two at the table. Alburet let one of his hands slip from the table to squeeze Fluff’s knee. She tensed slightly, but when he didn’t do anything else she relaxed again. She began to purr without realizing it, much to the amusement of the others. He reclaimed his hand after a bit and a minute later her purring stopped, confirming the reason that she’d been purring.

  After breakfast, they got dressed and headed out to pick up their clothes for later that night. When they all returned home, they set the outfits aside until later. The four of them lounged around the house, playing cards, telling stories and cuddling.

  As everyone got settled after lunch, Fluff took Alburet’s lap. Stacia smiled, giving Alburet a wink, as she began a tale about one of the few times she had seen her father and Stewart drunk in the main tap room. Karen was beside Al, with Fluff’s back to her. As Stacia paced around the room telling her story, Karen caressed Fluff’s back. Alburet put his arms around Fluff as she snuggled in, softly kissing the tip of one of her ears as she rested her head against his chest. Fluff listened to the tale as she began to purr in contentment, happy to be where she was.

  When the story came to an end the silence stretched on for a minute. Alburet finally spoke up, “I have the comfiest lap blanket in the world.”

  Fluff frowned, pulling back to find his grin an inch from her face. When Alburet started to snort over her expression, she leaned forward and licked his cheek. Alburet spluttered in indignation, sparking laughter from the three women at his expression. Fluff eyed him for a second, her eyes turning mischievous, then leaned in and licked his neck.

  “Wait, Fluff, wait…” Alburet stammered.

  Fluff paused, her breath warm against his neck, “Yes?”

  “Err... that will cause, um, reactions,” Alburet told her.

  “Aye, his neck be a bit sensitive to kisses. It makes him grow bold,” Stacia agreed as she moved over to sit beside them. “The side of his neck, below his ear be the right spot for tha’.” She placed a fingertip lightly on the area indicated.

  “Stacia,” the betrayal in Alburet’s tone was plain.

  “Shh. Iffin she wishes to explore ya, ya need to let her. Iffin things get too hard for ya I’ll handle it, or Karen will. Now hush and let her do as she wishes. It be good for her,” Stacia admonished him gently.

  Gulping, Alburet took a ragged breath, “Okay. Fluff, you may have your way with me. As little or as much as you want.”

  Fluff had paused during the back and forth, uncertain whether she should continue or not. She wanted to quite badly, but she also didn’t want to be a tease. “Maybe I should-”

  “Fluff,” Karen interrupted her gently. She reached out to stroke Fluff’s ear, “It’s okay. You want to, I know you do from our talks. This is a good time for it, he wants you to do it. Ask him. You know he won’t lie to you. If you’re worried about teasing him, don’t. Either Stacia or I will take care of him.”

  “As little or as much as you want, Fluff,” Alburet said again, trying to project his love and understanding to her. “I will only enjoy what you give and won’t be upset when you’ve had enough.”

  Fluff tilted her head so her breath tickled right under his ear. She could clearly hear his breathing increase and his heart rate pick up. She planted a kiss, soft and tentative, on the spot Stacia had indicated. Alburet’s sharp inhalation and a twitch he couldn’t completely suppress let her know that he was indeed sensitive
there. She paused before repeating the kiss, this time lapping at his skin with her tongue as well.

  Alburet groaned as his body responded to her attention. “Oh, Dark Lord, give me the strength to be the man she needs me to be,” Alburet muttered, just barely audible as he tried to resist his urges to return the attention.

  Fluff’s sharp Lunari hearing let her hear him easily. She looked up at his words, kissing his ear with a smile. Her words were just as soft as she whispered to him, “You’ll never hurt me. I know that, Al. If you want to touch me some, you can.”

  He swallowed as his hands, which had barely been holding her, pulled her in closer. “As you wish,” he replied.

  The next five minutes were delicious agony for Alburet as he concentrated on massaging Fluff’s back while she continued to play with his neck. He eventually pulled his hands away from her, his body all but vibrating. “Fluff, I can’t take any more.”