If anything, the extent of his talents proved the existence of the gods and Fates to Ian. If these powers or skills could be stolen forcefully, nothing would stop evil men from imprisoning and using every woman for their own gain. That the gods didn't permit such imbalance provoked humility and suggested divine intervention.
The Advisor occupied his apartments, a darker portion of the palace which gathered the shadows more than other parts. His mentor had no difficulty sensing his arrival, however. His eyes found Ian's form in the darkness instantly and his lips curved upwards. The smile surprised Ian. Carson generally hid his emotions. He didn't let his impassive mask slip often.
Neither of them spoke until they were locked in the Advisor's study. The room was specially protected from eavesdroppers. Ian hadn't concluded whether paranoia was a byproduct of his mentor's personality or a necessity of his position as the ultimate Spymaster in Megreria.
Carson's inner circle only contained a few people, and Ian was privileged to be counted among its number. He was privy to secrets few others were. Carson had found him in the marketplace one day, living hand to mouth and bedding down in the alleyways of the Commoner's district after he'd fled Abilon. He'd taught a younger Ian many things his own family hadn't. Carson respected him as a colleague and fellow spy, despite his shady beginnings.
"You've started the bond with your match," Carson stated definitively once they were seated at the spacious walnut desk. He grinned smugly as he sipped from a glass of wine. He always nursed a drink, but it never affected his clarity in the slightest.
Ian stared at his mentor. "How do you know?"
Carson shrugged, but knowledge shone behind his eyes. "Your skills have increased."
Ian had difficulty restraining himself from mentioning the journal. He suspected Carson was privy to the real history of their country. But, he had promised the others he would wait. He began with something more comfortable. "Can you arrange a meeting with Kiarra's brother, Rowan?"
Carson pursed his lips, evaluating Ian carefully. "Without the King's knowledge?" He’d earned the title of Spymaster for a reason, reminding Ian on multiple occasions. The Advisor uncovered information no one else could. Ian did not believe he merely overheard things no one else did. Perhaps Carson possessed a hidden Soul Match who enhanced his abilities. The older man's private life remained a mystery, despite having quarters in the palace. He left the city often, sometimes for a week or longer. No one but the King and his fellow Advisors knew where he went. Ian wouldn't be surprised if they weren't told the real reasons he traveled.
Ian shrugged, not wanting to commit treason. "We wouldn't want to bother the King with such a trivial request," he hedged.
"Indeed," Carson responded slowly. "I'll see what I can arrange."
Ian sighed in relief. Not only might Rowan offer valuable information, but they could trust him, and Kiarra would be overjoyed to see her brother. The last fact held more weight after the previous night. "Have you heard from Jeff? How far is Everett from the palace?"
The Spymaster again deliberated, sipping his wine. Ian had quickly grown accustomed to his many pauses during a conversation. Carson always considered his words and their every implication before speaking. "Only a day out. Jeff hasn't checked in yet. But I wouldn't expect him to arrive until Everett moves closer." He paused again, and his eyes fell to his desk. "You are taking precautions to protect your Soul Match, correct?"
Ian nodded, slightly offended that Carson asked. "Of course we are."
"Has the bond been initiated with all her matches?"
Ian wouldn't reveal the information to anyone else, but Carson had been like a father to him after he'd killed his birth father and uncle. The man took him under his wing and taught him everything his own family hadn't, including the more critical lessons like compassion and understanding. If Carson hadn't found him, he might have turned as dark as the other males of his bloodline.
"It has," Ian replied.
Carson sighed, sounding suspiciously relieved. The sigh and the earlier smile reinforced his trust in his Advisor. Again, he almost broke his promise not to release the secrets of the diary. His intuition whispered Carson possessed more knowledge about Kiarra's ancestors than the book had revealed.
Ian glanced around the office. He'd visited a million times, but he eyed his surroundings with new understanding. Books and novelties Ian assumed originated from overseas decorated the walls and shelves. Ritual masks and strange weapons not native to Megreria were locked in a glass cabinet.
"What do you know of the Accleshians?" Ian asked. Carson stilled in a shift so minute Ian only caught it because of his enhanced abilities.
"What do you mean?"
Ian trapped a breath in his chest. His next statement would not reveal their secrets, but it would suggest to Carson that they questioned more than just the soul bonds. "Do you believe the attacks are real?"
Carson tipped back his head and laughed. Ian was so surprised; he almost fell off his chair. He'd only seen the man laugh once or twice in the eight years or so since they'd become acquainted. "Kiarra Walton and her Soul Matches impress me, Ian." He stood, crossed to the door, and opened it. Left with no other course of action, Ian rose as well. He was being dismissed.
"Send word when you are prepared to hold the entire conversation," Carson whispered as he passed through the door. Ian heard the lock snick closed behind him and walked back to Kiarra's room in puzzled interest. They could trust Carson, but their interaction made him wonder if his mentor trusted him. How long had he possessed knowledge valuable to the kingdom? How much did he know? He shook his head and increased his pace when he felt a tug in the middle of his chest. Kiarra was waking up.
Chapter 18
Kiarra
Heat surrounded me before I opened my eyes, on and around my body. Fingers tangled in my hair, and I moaned softly with the pleasure tingling from those gentle touches. Stretching backward, I encountered warmth and a firm body. I kept my eyes shut, testing my senses. Seb and Clay lay in bed with me. Reed and Mason were in the common room. Ian was too far away. I frowned. Now, he was returning at a faster pace. My frown morphed into a smile.
An arm clenched around my waist, and I sighed in happiness. My body felt terrific despite the workout I received before I passed into darkness. Had I only captured a typical night's rest? I felt far too refreshed for an average span of sleep. My body hummed with energy. The five lights surrounding and merging with my soul filled me with contentment and strength. My cheeks flushed as images of the night before chased through my mind and desire followed closely behind. My butt wiggled against Seb, and he pulled me closer to his body. His erection prodded my ass, and I realized I was still naked. It didn't bother me anymore. They had all seen me without clothes and would again.
"Good afternoon, Indrasa," Clay's buttery smooth voice whispered in my ear.
I smiled wider, finally opening my eyes. Clay had stayed with me the entire time. A book lay on his lap, forgotten for the moment. His jade eyes glittered. Strands of hair escaped from his braid and surrounded his face. He wasn't wearing a shirt, and I admired his broad chest and thick biceps. I lifted my head and kissed him, allowing my lips to linger. The light inside me that I associated with him glowed brighter the closer I got to him and the more intimate we became. His pleasure, his desire, and his contentment poured into me. Purring like a cat, I licked his bottom lip once and pulled away.
Seb was awake now, his palm flexing on my bare hip. His breathing was already slightly ragged. Still grinning at Clay, I twisted around and met my redhead with a similarly happy smile. His light filled me as I kissed him with the same deliberation as I had Clay. His arms curled more tightly around me and his erection hardened further against my abdomen. He nipped at my bottom lip, and I pulled away with a giggle.
"Not yet," I protested. "I need a bath." He pouted, his golden-greenish-brown eyes lighting with laughter.
I felt like a new woman. The indecision which had haunted my
entire life was absent; the vacillation between thoughts and the immensity of the changes which colored my abilities wasn't assaulting me. I felt whole, safe, loved, and protected. I swung my leg over Seb, the blankets sliding from my body. Straddling him, I teased him as I rubbed my sensitive clit over his hardness for the barest moment before slipping from the bed. I had to escape swiftly to sidestep Seb’s grasping hands.
Mason's huge form filled the doorway, his pale eyes on me. Over his shoulder, Reed watched with the same fervor. Their gazes followed me like they were concerned I might fall or collapse. I suppose they had reason to worry. I should be walking bowlegged or sore, but I didn't perceive the slightest ache from my awakened libido, not pain anyway. Desire filled me as certainly as the sun rose in the morning, stimulating an insatiable hunger in me.
A smile still stretching my cheeks, I approached them. Seb groaned behind me. Both his and Clay's energy blazed with lust as their hot eyes fastened on the sway of my ass as I sauntered across the room. Right. I was still naked. If morning afterglows were always this euphoric, I could quickly become addicted. I felt invincible. As I approached the doorway, Ian entered the chamber behind Mason and Reed. Although I didn't understand how I knew, my matches and I were the only ones occupying the rooms.
I stopped in front of Mason, rising on my tiptoes, and trailed my hand up his chest. He wasn't wearing his full uniform, and the heat of his coiled muscles tingled beneath my palm as it slid across the thin fabric of his shirt. His arms wound around me, pressing my body against his, and I kissed him. My lips danced familiarly across his, my breath stealing his away. The hunger escalated again, in all of us, but that hadn't been my intention. With a last reassuring grin, I pulled back from him. He stepped aside, and Reed moved forward.
I studied his indigo gaze, already darkened by desire. Was he okay with last night? I hadn't checked in with him before I passed out. "I am more than well," he whispered against my neck as he nuzzled into me and molded me to his body. Had I spoken aloud? Our lips met in a tender kiss, his soul light reuniting with his essence as it had with the others. Every touch brought us closer together. His tongue engaged mine in a dance, his thickness prodding my tummy and making my sex clench repeatedly. The bond should settle soon, I hoped. I couldn't spend my life in a perpetual state of arousal. I would always have someone willing to sate my hunger, but it did make doing anything else tricky.
Reed released me reluctantly, and I met Ian with similar passion. The momentary trickle of panic which had occurred on awakening and not finding him near had dissipated with his presence. His arms embraced and lifted me. I wrapped my legs around his waist, his hands on my ass holding me up as he plundered my mouth. He seemed to be convincing himself I was alive and well, or perhaps he reached within me for the energy I had stolen from him.
I ground my hips against him as the desire peaked and wondered if I was going to come at that moment, in the doorway of my bedroom. Each of the men's touches, reassuring me as I woke from the deep sleep of the nearly dead, roused my passion. The warmth within the center of my chest pooled between my legs.
Ian sensed my desire. Whether our bond informed him or the way my wetness soaked his pants over his erection didn't matter. He kissed me harder, sucking on my tongue when it dipped into his mouth. Hands approached behind me, strong capable hands which belonged to Mason. Ian turned me gently, propping me up against Mason's bulk and a hand slunk between my thighs, into the gap created between our bodies. A knowing thumb circled my clit, once, twice, and then pressed. I couldn't stop the wave which crashed over me. I spiraled over the edge yet again, for the sixth time in a day. My body shook and trembled as I came; Mason and Ian prevented me from falling to the floor.
My eyes grew heavy lidded with requited passion and my lips felt swollen. Both men breathed hard, their gazes burning with desire. The other three had enjoyed the entire display, and the expressions on their faces were equally intense.
"I'm sorry," I murmured. "I can't um..." For the first time since waking, I experienced a moment of indecision.
Ian pressed his lips against mine again, stopping my protests. "We're fine, Lass. Go bathe. We have business to discuss. If we stayed in the bedroom, we'd never leave." Murmurs of assent and a chuckle from Seb implied they agreed with Ian's words.
My cheeks still pink and my body still flushed, I slid to the floor. Ian smacked my ass as I walked away but not hard enough to hurt, and Reed trailed his hand across my back as I passed him. I escaped into the bathroom, twisting the tap to fill the tub.
I could no longer see them, but I could feel them. I sensed each of them, a vague impression of what they thought or felt, but I avoided delving deeper. We might have a connection, but I wouldn't invade their privacy by always being privy to their emotions. Their nearby presence soothed and comforted me, sending more prickles of pleasure through me. I wanted more of them, even after my explosive climax, but I could wait.
Chapter 19
Seb
Watching Kiarra fall apart in Mason's and Ian's capable hands gave Seb an erection he couldn't ignore. He shared the satisfaction of her climax along the bond, and her contentment eased him slightly until Ian smacked her butt. The light red mark on the soft globes of her ass nearly provoked an orgasm.
The night before had pleased him beyond belief. He remembered her tightness squeezing him as he pounded into her, her glorious hair wrapped around his fist as he pulled gently. He eagerly longed for more time with her to test her limits, with her permission of course. The newly formed bond wouldn't let him consider anything which might hurt her in any way. When thoughts crossed his mind, though, he intuitively guessed which she would like and which she wouldn't. The possibilities forced him to seek a cold shower before they met with Ian to hear the outcome of his meeting.
When Seb emerged from his room, Kiarra was still occupied in the bathroom. He walked through her room to the common room where the rest of the men waited. The idea of leaving his bedroom and going around via the outer hallway didn't appeal to him.
He met the others in the sitting room, pouncing on the table of food. He had ignored his hunger pains as he dozed off and on, not wanting to leave Kiarra while she slept. Clay must have done similarly as he opted for sustenance before a shower. His hair was still a mess, although he managed to remain attractive despite the disordered strands.
"We need to remind Kiarra to take her herbs," Seb remembered, looking at Ian since the spy had revealed Kiarra's mother supplied her with them.
Ian held up the small pouch with a smirk and Seb smiled. He felt closer to the men after last night. They were still strangers in some ways. He hadn't learned the details of their childhoods, their favorite foods, or whether they had ever visited the ocean. He knew the most important things, though. He trusted them, they adored and wanted Kiarra as profoundly as he, and they would form a cohesive, capable team. The Fates had chosen wisely.
Silence cloaked the room as they either ate or read. Reed perused an unfamiliar text. Seb leaned over his brother on the couch, his brows drawing together as he shoved a thick heel of raisin bread in his mouth. "What in the Saints are you reading, Reed?"
Reed frowned at Seb, brushing the crumbs Seb spit on him off his tunic. His momentary irritation didn’t lessen his excitement, though. "The text is written in Mishokian. I don't understand how the book appeared in my room, but it’s a primer on their customs and a history of their gods."
"But you don't read Mishokian," Seb garbled around a mouthful of food.
Reed grinned, satisfaction evident on his face. Seb plopped down on the couch next to him, screwing his eyes up at the strange characters on the page. They didn't even share the same alphabet. His brother was brilliant, but he didn't know any foreign languages. Linguistics wasn't considered a necessary Scholarly pursuit because the countries they traded with spoke the common tongue.
"I do now," Reed bragged.
Seb's brows rose. He glanced from face to face. None of them appeared surpris
ed. "Are we all, um, enhanced?"
"Aye, seems to be the case. I crept around the palace this morning without anyone the wiser, except my Advisor, but he possesses uncanny senses."
"I feel stronger, but I haven't tested my strength yet. Lifting Kiarra had been easy, though, easier than yesterday." Mason's dimples flashed, and Seb pushed aside another image of a very naked Kiarra shuddering with a climax in her matches' arms. He couldn't walk around with a permanent erection.
Seb glanced at Clay, and the Merchant shrugged. "I've been able to evaluate Balta's theory of space and time without my brain melting. And I can factor the speed at which an object will move..."
Seb held up a hand, grimacing. "All right, enough of that or you'll make my brain melt. How do I test my abilities? I can't exactly build something, can I?" He bounced in his seat excitedly, causing Reed to punch him in the arm until he settled. He possessed more energy than usual, but he had slept amazingly well wrapped up in Kiarra's softness. The extraordinary orgasm had helped guide him into oblivion as well.
Ian evaluated him thoughtfully, considering his question seriously. "How many chambers are in the palace?"
Seb scrunched his nose. "I have no idea. The palace has been remodeled countless times and some rooms are, wait…” he closed his eyes briefly. "Two hundred and twenty-seven with five dungeon cells." He paused. "Hmmm, I thought there would be more dungeon cells." Several seconds passed before the realization of what he'd said sunk in. His face bloomed in a huge smile. "Woah, amazing! If I close my eyes, I can picture the complete floorplan as a three-dimensional blueprint."
"Can you do the same of the city?" Mason asked curiously.
Seb closed his eyes again. He placed the request into his mind and the three-dimensional image formed. He manipulated it to evaluate different aspects. If he focused on a particular area, he could zoom in like a microscope. The streets and houses weren't the only objects he saw. He could envision complicated images of the infrastructure as well, systems like the water and field drainage. He directed his focus farther from the city. When he opened his eyes again, they twinkled with a golden hue. "Yes, and the kingdom. I can't see the entire world, only the parts depicted on our maps."
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