I sighed and my tummy rumbled; we were avoiding the food in case of poison. "What do we do now? I would prefer becoming allies with Acclesh or even uniting our governments. Your royalty is my family as well. But, first, we must deal with Everett. We also need to consider King Demetrius if his beliefs as a Caden are against my lifestyle or forming a closer relationship with Acclesh."
"We are lucky in that particular scenario," Carson conceded. "When the King first learned of your unique matching and your destiny as Queen, he was beside himself with disbelief. After further study, conversations with his Advisors, and prayer, he decided it to be the best course of action. His son's corruption plays a role, but mostly it is his piety. I believe the Fates spoke directly to him. However, he only thinks you must complete your bonds and ascend to the throne. He refuses to entertain any discussion regarding being more than treaty-mates with Acclesh. He still believes Acclesh is behind the skirmishes despite the reports to the contrary.
"As for Everett, Jeff says he will be here tonight. He travels with a man we believe to be the Baldonian. If he is so bold as to travel with the Prince, he has confidence he will succeed. The Mishokians are intercepting messages between him and his home country. Mishokians and the Barbar pirates who police the waters are allies. Mishok has a vested interest in repairing the rift, as well. They have always been a superstitious lot and don't approve of the vile magic Baldony plays with. However, the pirates can't seize every message. The Baldonian is using a spell of some sort to cloak his activity."
Ian cleared his throat. "Reed overheard something in the library earlier. We weren't certain who the voices referred to, but they mentioned a 'they.'" He repeated the entire conversation.
Carson pursed his lips. "Aye. Another spy relayed the same. We are watching these rooms, the royal chambers, and I have assigned trusted men to follow Kiarra's mother and sister in light of the information Rowan shared. I believe Kiarra's mother might be staying in the palace tonight, actually. She planned a date with Joseph."
I breathed a sigh of relief that my family was secure. Reed nudged me. "My Advisor?"
"My mother's true Soul Match," I revealed. Understanding lit his bright blue eyes as he shared my pleasure. I turned back to Carson. "We were worried about poison. Is our food safe?"
Carson laughed. "Aye. I've assigned a trusted man to monitor its preparation."
"Thank the Saints," I breathed. I carefully extracted myself from the couch and approached the table. "Forgive me, but I'm starving." The men shared chuckles as I loaded up my plate. I returned to the couch, sitting between Clay and Reed this time instead of on top of them. Seb also filled a dish, but the others remained unmoved.
"So, now we wait?" I asked.
"Aye," Carson said with a nod. "We'll try to determine Everett's plan. Your men can protect you, but they must safeguard themselves as well. Your abilities will grow more slowly and more sporadically than theirs as you continue to attend to your individual bonds. But, there are disadvantages to bonding, as well. If one of your matches is injured or dies, you will suffer untold damage, especially if such disaster occurs in the early stages of the bonding process. You are vulnerable through them, so merely focusing on your protection is not enough. You must all protect yourselves and each other."
The bond with my matches solidified as we made the resolution to follow through with his suggestion. I didn't question Carson's words. I wouldn't survive if anything happened to even one of my men. It would be worse than losing a limb; it would be like shattering my soul, fracturing the reflection irreparably.
Chapter 23
Mason
The anxiety dogging Mason didn't lessen. He listened to Advisor Carson, contemplated the information they received, and strategized ways to manage Everett, but he could not fight what he did not understand. Dark magic couldn't be battled with superior strength and speed. The prospect of encountering something he couldn't defeat, especially when it threatened the woman he loved, caused fear and anger to pulse through his veins. The anger built because he had no control over the situation. The fear was because he couldn't lose Kiarra. In the short time since he'd met her, he'd fallen in love with her, and he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. His feelings weren't because of the bond or because they were a destined Soul Match. It was her. He was a man quick to loyalty, but she was everything he had ever wanted in a woman - fiery, intelligent, brave, strong-willed, passionate, beautiful... He could occupy himself all night by listing the attributes he loved about her.
As for Acclesh, he liked the idea of having an ally. Megreria was small, its army no match for a more extensive fighting force or any scale of attack, despite his father's proud boasts. If the Accleshians also possessed knowledge of magic, he would gladly welcome them into the fold. They needed full use of all the weapons at their disposal, especially those not readily available or understood in their current situation.
Advisor Carson and the man named Jeff left after a session of strategic planning. Carson would speak with the King and warn him about the imminent threat. Tension hung heavy in the air, though, long after the men departed. Mason hadn't enjoyed seeing the handsome young Mishokian near Kiarra. He felt none of those insecurities toward her other matches, but he worried any other man her age would be suspect. Their bond was still tentative, and he didn't appreciate that jealousy could weaken him. He needed to be in the right frame of mind, not influenced by primal emotions he couldn't entirely control.
The men ate while Mason reviewed the plans in his mind again. His fingers drummed against the table as he considered the threat. When a warm hand caught his own, he looked up in surprise. Kiarra smiled down at him, her stormy eyes compassionate. "Mason, are you still on edge?"
He sighed and swiped a hand down his face. "Unfortunately, yes. I can't cope with the idea of our enemies possessing weapons we don't understand. How do we fight dark magic? I can't stop the overwhelming feeling here," he made a fist against his hard abs, "that something bad will happen soon. Advisor Carson's information did not put me at ease."
He caught her hips in his large hands and leaned into her. Sitting down, he was the perfect height to rest his head on her chest. The steady sound of her heart relaxed him. She ran a hand over his shorn head, humming in pleasure.
"I've always wanted to run my hands over your head, but you're so damn tall."
He chuckled. "My youngest sister loves the feel of my short hair as well. Ever since she was old enough to sit on my lap, she has been fascinated with touching my hair."
"How are your sisters? Ian said you worried about their welfare."
"They are being protected." He sighed in relief. At least he had one less thing to worry about. "My father is not happy, but the Military Advisor is housing my mother and sisters in his wing for the time being. My mom and his wife have always been close friends. Father is with them, but he can't hurt any of them here. King Caden might turn a blind eye outside of his walls, but neither he nor the Advisor would permit any abuse inside the palace."
Her hand continued to smooth over his head, pulling more tension from him with every stroke. He tugged her closer, drawing her between his legs and wrapping his arms around her. He could clasp his opposite forearms around her narrow waist. His palms caressed her lower back in the same rhythm that her hand brushed over his head.
"It is unacceptable that such acts are permitted outside of the inner walls." Kiarra's voice held a frown. He nodded, his cheek moving against the pale flesh of her cleavage. Thankfully, he had taken the time to shave earlier so he didn't scratch her sensitive skin. Her flowery scent and the satisfying weight of her breasts caused his body to stir.
"Yes. The Military House can't spare enough patrols to police every family. When I am Advisor, I will implement firmer sanctions against men who commit violence against women."
Her pleasure bloomed within his chest, in the place where she had settled the night before when he spilled inside her. The memory caused him to harden instantly, an
d his hands moved lower, smoothing over the luscious slope of her backside. Her ass was infinitely perfect. He could almost span each cheek with one hand. He teased the juncture where her buttock met her thigh, loving that deep curve on her body. He loved every peak and valley of her body.
"Do you have any clue as to the nature of your premonitions?"
"No." His jaw tightened as the tension renewed. The woman in his arms was special. He would protect her with his life. The reality irritated him beyond measure. Sacrificing himself could destroy her almost as inevitably as her own death.
Kiarra swiped a hand over his cheek and directed his eyes to hers. She frowned as she identified the fear and lingering anger in his gaze and felt it within him through their bond. Her soft lips dropped a kiss on his forehead, and he sighed in bliss as they moved further over his temple, down his nose, and across his jaw. His hands held her hips still, his erection pressing against the fabric of her skirts. A small smile on her face, she took one of his hands and stepped away.
"Mason needs some tension relief," she announced to the room. "Does anyone protest us having some time alone?" Mason's heart beat faster in anticipation. He wanted to be alone with her, he longed to relieve his worry inside her, but he also didn't want to leave his fellow brothers hanging.
Silence filled the room as the men checked in with their feelings. "That sounds like a good idea, Lass. You need to grow your bonds with each of us individually, and if something is to happen, a little extra strength and speed will only help you. Mason's premonitions might improve as well." Ian's words decided the matter.
The men nodded in agreement, although Mason caught the lingering envy or sadness in their energies. He would feel similarly if he was on the other side, but Kiarra couldn't be with all of them every time. Her body would begin to protest, and they needed to focus on their individual bonds. After all the men received their one on one time with Kiarra, they would reassess how to better please everyone.
Kiarra nodded and kissed each of the men on their lips while Mason waited by the door to her bedchamber. She returned to him and retook his hand, leading him inside and closing the door.
The sun had fallen without Mason's notice, and he lit the lamps. He never wanted to make love to Kiarra in the dark. She was too beautiful to hide from his eyes. It wasn't only her beauty, but her passion as well. He loved seeing her cheeks flush, her eyes sparkle, and the expression on her face when she climaxed.
A soft glow filling the room and reflecting off her golden skin, he rejoined her at the edge of the bed. He caught her lips tenderly, coaxing her tongue into his mouth. She tasted of tea and the sweetbread which had arrived with their meal. He deepened the kiss, wishing he could crawl inside her completely. He couldn't get close enough. His fingers found the row of buttons on the side of her dress, and he slowly undid them one by one as he plundered her mouth. He nibbled along her jawline, and she threw her head back with a whimper. The desire roared within her as his touch fed her fire. The creamy expanse of her throat taunted him, and he trailed his tongue down the sensitive tendons, eliciting small gasps from her parted lips.
"Kiarra, you are the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. You are fiery, passionate, brave, and strong. You were made for me," he whispered against her skin. He pushed the dress down her shoulders, standing back to observe as her gorgeous body was slowly unveiled. Seb's love bite still marred her shoulder, but it didn't bother him. Her eyes blazed with the colors of a thunderstorm, her flesh sparking electricity along his.
Her breasts filled his hands and spilled over a little. She didn't wear a breast binding most days, and he loved that she was so close to nakedness with only one garment. Her panties were simple, cotton shorts, but he didn't remove those yet. She stepped out of the dress and kicked the gown aside, shivering as his eyes blazed a trail over her body. Her skin prickled with gooseflesh.
"Are you cold?" he asked.
She shook her head, her braid bouncing. That wouldn't do. Mason grasped the end of the braid and removed the tie, releasing the glory of her hair as she made quick work of the buttons on his tunic. Her tresses free and loose like a dark, multihued waterfall, he pulled off his shirt and pushed his breeches down. Leaving his own shorts on for the moment, he leaned over and captured one rosy nipple in his mouth. His tongue laved and his teeth grazed, sucking and pulling gently on her firm peak while his fingers teased her other breast. She made small mewling noises which speared directly to his groin and caused moisture to bead on the tip of his cock. Rough fabric rubbed against the sensitive head of his shaft and he stepped out of the shorts impatiently. A growl rumbled in his chest as the hunger grew within him. Her pleasure was a drug he couldn't get enough of.
His hands trailed over her soft skin, touching everywhere at once. Her nails dug into his broad shoulders. "Mason," she whimpered, and his cock jumped at the need in her voice. "I want you inside me."
Mason grinned, his dimples flashing. "Yes, ma'am." He pushed her panties down slowly, his fingers grazing every inch of her skin as they slid off. He lowered her gently to the bed and knelt between her legs. Then, he simply looked at her. He feasted on her naked body. She had a mole on the underside of her right breast and a light bruise on her hip which might have originated from last night's activities. His fingers grazed over the mark, and he leaned over, his tongue flicking out to caress the spot. The ache in his cock and chest grew as his eyes devoured her, tenderly memorizing every part of her.
Her hips wriggled on the bed as she attempted to scoot closer to him, wanting him inside her. He stopped her effortlessly, one palm holding her still. "Not yet, love," he directed.
His breath panted raggedly as he turned his attention to her beautiful sex. The dark curls were the same shade as the hair on her head, rich mahogany interspersed with red and blonde strands. Her nether lips were full and swollen, a sweet tawny rose. Eyes burning with lust, he slipped a finger into his mouth and brushed it along her tantalizing slit. She trembled delightfully, her eyes rolling back in her head.
Mason stroked her, gently caressing each of her folds with considerable patience. His throat dried as the moisture pooled on his fingers and her thighs. The aroma of her desire filled the room, and he almost climaxed pre-emptively. His head lowered and he breathed her in, delighting in the scent and sight of her. His tongue lashed out, tasting her outer lips as he flicked between her folds, not quite touching that tight bud of pleasure. She squirmed under him, her hands clutching the bedsheets in desperate fists and her soft thighs clamping his head.
His cock heavy and throbbing between his legs, he pushed his face into her mound, breathing in her scent. His tongue lashed her erect clit, enjoying the salty sweetness. Her sex was swollen with desire, and he circled slowly, feeling his groin clench and his balls ache with every swipe and stroke. Her whimpers and moans stoked his hunger. Her hips bucked against him, her cries becoming huskier. He pushed a finger inside her, groaning with satisfaction and yearning as he encountered her tight wetness. His Kiarra was so responsive, so passionate.
"Mason," she gasped. "Now."
"So impatient." He chuckled against her center, his fingers lightly stroking her shivering passage. But, he couldn't hold out much longer either. The need to be inside her was building, the urgency to have her inner walls squeeze his cock too overwhelming to ignore. He returned to his knees and brushed the head of his shaft against her dripping entrance.
His eyes captured hers. The storm built within her gaze, a maelstrom which threatened to swallow him whole and drown him in pleasure. His desire for her was all-encompassing, the connection to her soul bright and hot inside his chest. He imagined he saw a glittering cord trailing from her soul to his, a golden thread which connected them for all time.
"Mason." The longing in her voice and his name on her lips undid his fragile control. He slammed into her in one long, hard thrust. She screamed in bliss, her muscles clenching him so tightly he almost came immediately. He held her thighs around his hips and sweat
beaded on his brow as he breathed deep through the urge to drive into her again and again. When she whimpered and squirmed against him, her inner walls squeezing, he lost all control. He pounded into her, fierce and hard, releasing all his tension, his need, and his love inside her.
She gripped his forearms as her back arched. Her cheeks flushed, and she keened with pleasure. The storm in her eyes and the desire connecting them propelled him higher. He stroked as deep as possible into her, his balls slapping against her ass, his vision tunneling to nothing but her. He was always subconsciously cognizant of his greater size and strength, but the ravenous hunger to possess her drove him past all rational thought. Feeling her clench and spasm around his shaft, he pressed a finger to her clit and gently stroked. Panting heavily, her marvelous breasts bouncing and her skin glistening with sweat, she shattered around him. The expression on her face and the utter surrender of her body provoked his release. He roared his satisfaction. The power of the orgasm surprised him, heat filling him and his head exploding as stars spotted his vision.
Her body clasped him repeatedly, milking every last drop from him. His cock shuddered and jerked within her until he could no longer move. Gently withdrawing, he lay beside her and cradled her hot, sweaty body. He kissed her forehead, his chest so full of emotion, tears choked his throat. He had experienced the energy exchange the same as the night before. The heat and light flooded him with strength and power. The cord had gleamed brighter for one second, pulsing rapidly. He wondered if he had only imagined the tether or if Kiarra saw it too. Coherent thought was difficult to capture; his body was spent.
Echoes of Her Soul Page 20
