Tempted by Darkness

by Avery Gale

  “But right now all I want to think about is how amazing your mouth feels as I slide my cock in and out of its warmth. I’m going to lose my mind again because your tongue will wrap itself around me, hugging my dick and pressing my length tightly against the ridges lining the roof of your mouth. And I want to watch your body accept the most intimate gift a man can give his mate as my brother shoots his seed deep into your womb.” Kit groaned as both men set a thundering pace that sent her body into a freefall over the edge of mindless pleasure. The lightning strike of bliss scorched her very soul and Kit couldn’t have held back her mind-bending need release even if her life had depended on it. She felt the blindfold being pulled away and then her mind barely registered Jameson’s command to let go before her entire body shuddered as everything around her exploded in a wash of brilliant white light. So bright she saw it through her closed eyes and the entire room was still shimmering when she finally managed to open her eyes long seconds later.

  When had they moved her to the bed? Moving her arm slowly between the soft sheets, Kit enjoyed the feel of the cool fabric as it slid unimpeded over her bare skin. She’d never experienced a release as soul shattering as the one Jameson and Trev had just given her, and Kit felt an unfamiliar unease move through her. Being a submissive and magical had often caused her to feel pulled in two directions. But this time the entire experience had been much more intense because of the power issues involved and her internal conflict was exponentially worse as a result.

  Kit wasn’t fooled, she knew her mates had been re-staking their claim during the scene—she also understood that it had been more about reassuring themselves than reminding her. Her unease stemmed from the fact she’d been so lost in the moment she had so completely surrendered to them that she’d actually blanked out the last few minutes. As a magical, she had an inherent responsibility to maintain control of her emotions and reactions at all times. Losing control was dangerous for anyone with magical abilities, but it was particularly dangerous for someone with the level of natural ability Kit had shown herself to possess.

  Granny Good Witch had been lecturing her for months about how critical it was to consistently maintain her self-control. Juggling these two very different aspects of her life was taking a toll on her—she just didn’t know what to do about it. Clearly she hadn’t done a very good job this evening because they’d released her from her restraints and moved her to the bed without her being aware of it, and that wasn’t even mentioning all the candles she could see flickering all around the room. How was she ever going to make this work? How was she every going to juggle two such divergent aspects of her life forever? The struggle would just get harder as her skills increased. At times like this she really missed her old life—it had been so much less complicated. Her only real goal had been avoiding mating. She’d gone to great lengths to steer clear of any place she thought there was even a remote chance she’d encounter her future mate. Damn Libby and her sweet little elfin face and persuasive nature. If I hadn’t gone with her dancing that night…

  When her brain finally came fully back on-line, Kit looked up to see both of her mates standing beside the bed. Damn, they were so fucking hot, loose jersey pants riding low over taunt lower abs had replaced their jeans, the soft fabric exposing matching happy trails that she knew for a fact lead straight to heaven. But as her eyes made their way north muscular arms crossed over broad chests led to stern expressions let her know they’d been listening in and were not exactly pleased with what they’d been hearing. Fuck me, they really don’t understand how my mind processes information. Just because I miss something doesn’t mean I’d like to go back there…well, at least not most of the time. Right now, returning to her simpler life sounded like a very good idea.

  Trev could feel Jameson’s frustration pulsing all around them—the fact it was overriding his own meant his brother was nearing his breaking point. The negative emotion wasn’t going to help their situation and the truth was Trev wasn’t sure he could mask his own frustration and keep his brother calm. And unless they kept their heads on straight, they wouldn’t be able to discuss this rationally with their reluctant mate.

  This had been an ongoing struggle with Kit and he wasn’t quite sure how to end the challenge once and for all. ‘Let me deal with her. You are too angry and none of us wanted this sort of end to our evening. Remember, she is still coming down from the scene and we don’t want to take this too seriously—yet.’

  ‘Fine, but handle it. I am tired of always worrying that she is going to decide we are more trouble than we’re worth.’ Trev knew the core of Jameson’s anger was his fear of losing Kit, but he also knew she’d never leave them or their children. ‘Remember, there is more than one way to leave.’ When Trev didn’t respond, Jameson continued. ‘She could lock away her heart and I think that might actually be worse. If she regrets being mated, eventually she’ll grow bitter and resent us. There are a lot of ways to lose her, brother.’

  Both he and Jameson had wasted far too much time drifting after their parents had been killed. Trev had often thought back on that time and wondered how they’d managed to finally emerge from the fog of grief that had surrounded them. They’d lost months that should have been devoted to building the pack rather than mentally reviewing every move they’d made that night and endlessly sorting through “what ifs”. But as much as they wanted to spare Kit from making the same mistakes they’d made, the bottom line was she was an intelligent woman who was more than capable of making her own decisions. ‘Well, good fucking luck. I didn’t miss that look. When she raises her chin like that there is a battle ahead. I’m going upstairs to the office and vent some of my frustration on the list of slackers I got from the manager at the club.’

  When Jameson turned on his heel and stomped out of the dungeon, Trev tried to hold back his chuckle. Kit’s expression softened and he saw some of the starch leave her spine. They could easily block their conversation from her, and she didn’t know several of the new-hires at their downtown club were not working out well. What on earth was wrong with people these days? They wanted the income, but didn’t want to do any more than the barest minimum? Trev didn’t doubt for a minute that the upcoming phone conference with their operations manager was going to leave the man with little doubt about how Jameson felt on the subject.

  Trev let several seconds of silence pass before speaking, “Want to explain or would you rather I just started?” He saw Kit wince at his harsh words, but he wasn’t going to coddle her this time. She needed to get past this and he was determined to help her even if it meant a departure from the way he usually dealt with her. He hated seeing a cloud of self-doubt pass through her eyes, he didn’t want her to doubt herself; he just wanted her to know that her destiny was about her choices, not about circumstances beyond her control.

  “I’m sorry. I know my mind wanders and I wish I was better at shielding you from that. I don’t want to hurt you…” Trev could hear the sorrow in her voice and nearly folded, but instead he just pulled up a chair and sat down alongside the bed. Folding his arms over his chest he sat back, watching her thoughtfully and simply waited. She’d scooted up so her back was against the carved headboard and he knew it wasn’t comfortable, but he planned to leave it alone for the moment. When she started to pull the sheet up to cover herself from his view, Trev simply shook his head. She didn’t argue, but since he knew she wasn’t cold covering her body from his view was her way of putting distance between them, and that was something he wasn’t going to allow.

  “I’m just worried…”

  When she didn’t continue, he inquired, “About?” Her eyes were glassy with unshed tears, and he could feel how unsettled her emotions were. “Talk to me, Kit. I can’t help if I don’t understand the problem.” His words must have struck some cord because he was shocked when she launched herself into his arms. Trev wasn’t entirely sure how she had managed to move so effortlessly, hell, it had been impressive even for a shifter.

  S
he didn’t cry, but her entire body was shuddering and that was cause enough for concern. Pulling a soft throw from the end of the bed, he wrapped it around her back tucking it all around her and moved silently up the back stairs until he reached their private suite. He’d grabbed the remote control for the fireplace and turned it up before settling on the large leather sofa facing the fire. She curled against him and finally spoke, “I’m scared, Trev. There is so much at stake—so many people’s safety and future depend on my ability to be able to separate fact and fiction, and then I have to be able to do whatever needs to be done. I’m not sure I can do any of those things.” He didn’t respond because he knew her well enough to know she wasn’t finished.

  Kit processed information at the speed of light, but she didn’t work through her emotions nearly as quickly. He’d always suspected she’d learned to distance her mind from her heart as a way to protect herself from the judgment she’d felt as a child, but he would never say that to anyone but Jameson. Everything they’d learned about their mate indicated Kit’s mother had been quite harsh, and even though it now appeared as though she’d been trying to protect her daughter, the damage had still been done.

  “We all know that I have no idea how I was able to send Damian behind the seal. And if I don’t know how I did it there is little chance I’ll be able to do it again. And I’m not sure I’m really capable of hurting someone on purpose.” She shuddered in his arms and he simply tightened his hold around her shoulders. “It was one thing to react—you know, I didn’t even have to think that night. I knew he was going to hurt you and Jameson, and I just acted. But what if I can’t really pull that off again if I’m not protecting someone I love?”

  “Baby, I think the thing you are forgetting is that the only reason you would need to hurt anyone was to protect those you love. There isn’t another reason, is there?” He watched as her eyes widened in surprise, the understanding that moved through her expression was comforting, but he wasn’t foolish enough to think those simple words were enough. “I don’t think you understand that magic is based on the power of the Universe and that it’s been granted to you because your heart will always filter it toward the side of light rather than darkness. It’s simply a matter of who you are at your core. You are a good person.” He threaded his fingers into her hair at the base of her skull and tightened his grip, tiling her face back so he could look into her eyes. “Your heart knows this, you just need to get your head out of the way. I wish more than anything you could see yourself through the eyes of others—because, oh how different your view would be.”

  Trev wasn’t sure he’d ever meant anything more. And feeling her relax in his embrace, watching as the tension seemed to drain from her facial features, fulfilled a part of him as her mate. Now if he could just help her through the coming weeks when he knew her every move was going to be sliced and diced by far too many people. The scrutiny would probably cause her to question herself, but he hoped they’d made enough progress tonight she’d be stronger the next time she felt vulnerable. “What I want you to remember is that even the strongest person is vulnerable at times. And that vulnerability isn’t the same as weakness. Vulnerability keeps you grounded, it means your soul is capable of being open and empathetic, and those are amazing gifts and rock solid strengths.”

  The single tear that breached her lower lid to slide silently down her cheek reminded Trev of the wax he’d seen his dads use to seal important documents. That tear sealed this moment in a way nothing else could. Slowly lowering his lips to hers, Trev pressed a kiss of promise silently against her warm sweetness. He’d only intended to reassure her that all was well between them, but when she shifted her weight to grind her lush ass against his erection, Trev felt as if fire had exploded in his blood. He got to his feet without breaking their kiss and didn’t release her lips until he’d turned and bent to lay her on the sofa where he’d been sitting. He was far too impatient to walk all the way to their bedroom and he loved watching the various shades of golden light from the fire dance over her ivory skin.

  Opening the blanket, he simply stared down at her as he shed his pants. When he lowered himself over her, Kit opened her body to him and he smiled against her lips. “I thank the Universe each and every day for you, baby. We’d looked for you for so long, but you were well worth the wait.” He emphasized his last words by thrusting deep into her waiting heat. It didn’t matter that shifters lived far longer than humans—an eon wouldn’t be enough time with her.

  Chapter Seven

  Jameson stood in front of the windows of his office staring out into the large open space behind the estate’s main house. It had been almost a week since he and Trev had taken Kit to the dungeon and things had gone south so quickly. He was grateful Trev had left their connection open during his conversation with Kit, because it had allowed him to hear for himself what she’d been thinking. Her insecurity had surprised him, and he was grateful he’d let Trev handle the situation. Heaven only knew how badly he would have fucked it up. He’d felt helpless and frustrated and neither of those would have helped.

  The fact he absolutely adored his spirited mate didn’t mean she didn’t drive him to distraction—often. Why she didn’t see how perfect they were for her and how much they could help her was a puzzle he didn’t seem to be able to fit together. She was much too hard on herself in his opinion, but as Trev had pointed out when the two of them had talked earlier, that wasn’t something she was going to overcome overnight. It had taken years for the damage to her self-confidence to take its toll and healing wouldn’t come nearly as quickly as he’d like.

  He’d sat last night and watched her play with their children, grinning like a fool as the two small magicals practiced their rapidly expanding repertoire of skills. The toddlers were already moving small objects and even though Adana had been the first to show a natural affinity for magic, Ryan was catching up fast. Just a few days ago, Ruby had noted Ryan would be able to match his sister in just a few weeks. Kit had been working with them on shielding themselves from moving objects. She’d explained that her hope was to protect them from one another, but Jameson suspected she was already planning for their future. As he and this brother looked on, they’d wondered if they had ever been that competitive. Ruby’s snort of laughter from his side had been all the answer they’d needed.

  “You two were the most competitive children I’d ever met. Your mother thanked the Great Goddess above that you weren’t magical. I’m not sure either of you would have survived if you’d had magic to use against one another.” They’d both laughed because she was right. But even though they’d been fiercely competitive, they’d also been each other’s best friend. Jameson didn’t know if all twins shared the intense connection they felt, he only knew that his brother was his other half. He remembered talking to his dads late one night after returning from a run. A few of their older friends in the pack were mating and Jameson had been worried about how a third person would change his relationship with his brother.

  Both of his dads had listened intently to his concerns and then patiently explained why he needn’t worry. That night had been one of the most important lessons they’d ever taught him and he was ashamed he’d forgotten it the other night with Kit. Both of his dads could have easily become frustrated with him for questioning himself and his brother. But they’d calmly listened to his insecurities and validated his concerns while allaying them. Don’t you wish you had followed their example the other night with Kit? You should have opened your heart to the woman who has made you and your brother even stronger as Alphas rather than merely thinking about how her thoughts affected you.

  Taking a deep breath, Jameson turned away from the window and took a mental inventory of their office. He wanted to be sure everything was in place, because today was Kit’s first scheduled training session with Devin. Several members of the Supreme Council were due to arrive at any time, and Kit’s parents had made an appearance late last night. Jameson and Trev both were finally
starting to understand Carla Harris a little better, and while Kit’s mother might not ever be one of their favorite people, she seemed to be mellowing as time passed. There was no question that she was a powerful witch, and the fact she’d almost died helping their parents defend them had also played heavily in her favor. But her continual sniping at her daughter was almost more than Jameson could overlook at times.

  Moving back behind his desk, he was surprised to see Marcus Hines leaning against the wall by the door. Waving him toward one of the chairs facing his desk, Jameson watched as he sauntered across the wooden floor. The man could move as silently as a soft breeze, something Jameson had always admired, but today it just seemed creepy. His longtime friend and mentor hadn’t been back to the estate since the night his role in the drama unfolding around them had been revealed. How Marcus had deceived him for so long was something Jameson had spent a lot of time thinking about—it had been a humbling realization. Why the man hadn’t told them about his friendship with Kit’s grandfather had been frustrating enough, but the fact he was Damian and Devin’s half-brother had nearly been a deal breaker in their friendship.

  “To what do I owe this unexpected pleasure?” Jameson didn’t even try to keep the sarcasm from his voice. They’d seen Marcus a few times since that night, but things were still decidedly strained between them. Kit had dragged them along when she’d gone to visit after the birth of Marcus and Reagan’s son, but they hadn’t stayed long enough for any of them to feel comfortable together again.

  “You know full well why I am here. I won’t let Kit face this alone. I promised her grandfather I’d look after her, and I intend to fulfill that promise—no matter who it annoys.” Typical Marcus. He wasn’t willing to admit he felt guilty for misleading everyone he’d called a friend. And he had a remarkable way of making this all about him. Fucking narcissist.